Wild Island Adventure

Ferry to Cumberland Island

After arriving and setting up camp at Crooked River State Park, I visited the ticket for Cumberland Island to inquire as to the possibility of camping on the island, but missed the reservation people by five minutes.  The lady that was still there told me to come back early the next morning with my gear ready to go in hopes that there would be a spot for my tent on the island.  I got up early the next morning and got my backpack packed full of gear that would last me for two nights on the island.  I got to the ticket office and the same lady greeted me.  As soon as she heard that I wanted to go backpacking up into the wilderness area on the island she assured me that there was plenty of room for me.   I was able to book a three day, two night backpacking adventure on Cumberland Island!

Taking a break on the beach

I retrieved my gear and , after fielding a lot of questions about if I was running away (yes. . .on a much grander scale than they were thinking!) and how much stuff I really need for a day at the beach (well. . .when it’s three days, a lot.), boarded the ferry.  After a most relaxing and enjoyable forty-five minute boat ride and a very thorough camping orientation, I hit the trail!  I enjoyed the palm tree lined trails and the many small lizard creatures along the trail, but I was ready to see the beach, so I found a dune crossing and started hiking with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and beautiful, rolling sand dunes on the other!  I got back on the trail when I got to the first remote campsite.  I continued hiking until I tragically realized that I had just hiked 2.2 miles the wrong way!  I had just done the same hike I had done on the beach and was back (practically) at the beginning!  I plopped down on the trail, drank some water, had a snack, then got back up and did the (all too familiar by this time) 2.2 miles again! 

A most welcomed sight!

Since this was clearly taking much longer than I had anticipated, I planned on getting more water when I got back to the first remote campsite, but somehow I missed the water (clearly my navigation skills weren’t too keen on this particular day).  Luckily, I had my marathon runner determination to draw upon.  I was able to make it another three and a half miles to the next spot with water. After quickly filtering and drinking some of the glorious (although funny tasting) water, I completed the last half a mile of the hike to Yankee Paradise.  I set up my tent, hung my backpack (barely) out of the reach of the critters, and collapsed for a well-deserved nap.   

Plum Orchard

When I was well rested and reasonably well hydrated, I wandered down the trail to see Plum Orchard, a huge mansion that was a wedding present for one of the Carnegie children and his wife.  On my stroll over, I saw a whole heard of wild hogs (adults and babies)!  When I got to Plum Orchard, there were a few wild horses grazing and an armadillo searching for food.  As for the house . . . that’s some kind of wedding gift!  It is huge and very impressive!  I enjoyed wandering around the grounds and looking out over the water as the sun set! 

Hiking over the dunes to
the beach.

The next day, I hiked back to the funny tasting water (to ensure not to have a repeat of the day before) then took a trail that led the beach.  It was so lovely to be the only human in such glorious wilderness!  There was such a variety of vegetation from the middle of the island, where it was forest with pines, live oaks, and spanish moss to the dunes with sea oats, delicate flowers, and palm trees, to the vast and beautiful ocean!  I even found some sharks teeth on the beach during a water break! 

My view from my
skylight at
Stafford Campground

I set up camp at Stafford Campground, did a more respectable job tying my gear up in a tree this time, then I went to the beach. . .my own, private, wild beach!  I headed back to my private campground after a most relaxing and rejuvenating afternoon for my last night in the wilderness. 

The ruins

The next morning, the plan was to head to the beach first, then hike back to the dock, but when I got halfway down the path to the beach, there was a wild horse grazing.  I waited for a while, but he seemed pretty hungry and not in much of a hurry to move on, so I headed back to camp and traded my sandals for hiking boots.  I made it down the trail and back to Sea Dock without incident.  After quickly changing and ditching my gear on the porch of the ranger station, I walked to the south portion of the island.  I went to the Ice House museum and learned a bit more about the history of the island (it involves a lot of really rich people), then headed to the Dungeness ruins (another huge  house, only this one isn't in such good shape).  I was even able to catch the trail end of the tour!  I wandered around the ruins, then over to the beach.  I again, had the beach (almost) to myself as I ambled north towards Sea Camp.  When I got closer to the trail that lead back to the dock, I laid claim to a small section of sand and enjoyed my last few hours on the island!  I even saw some dolphins near the shrimp boats while I was swimming! 

The beach where the dolphin siting occurred! 

See. . .I told you it was wild!

After getting back to the mainland, I went back to Crooked River State Park.  I got the same camp site with the same palm tree nook!  I took the most glorious cold shower ever, then after reaching a level of hygiene that made it appropriate to be around civilized humans, I headed back to town and ate two plates of the most delicious shrimp ever!  If you ever want to get your money’s worth on an all you can each situation, go after you’ve been hiking in the woods for several days!!!  With my belly delightfully full of shrimp, my body wonderfully clean, feeling just the right amount of worn out, I drove back to Crooked River with the windows down and fantastic songs playing on my ipod.  It was a perfect moment topped off my falling asleep after gazing at the many stars through my skylight!   

           

Sunsets, Cities, and Beaches

Sunset at Hunting Island
in South Carolina

It’s funny how when you live inside and have your plate full of responsibilities and social engagements, you rarely take or have the time to see, let alone really appreciate, the beauty of the sun setting each day.  Since I’ve started my journey, I’ve had both the opportunity and time to see and savor the sunset almost every day!  Every day, it takes my breath away and for a few moments, and I am still and awestruck by the magnificent beauty of such a seemingly simple event.  Now, back to the stories of exploring and adventure!   

A church in Charleston, SC

After spending the night in at Buck Hall Rec Area in Francis Marion National Forest, I headed into Charleston, South Carolina.  I roamed around the streets vaguely following a self-guiding tour from the AAA book, but mostly just gazing at the beautiful, fancy houses and churches and soaking up the very southern feel of the city.   I especially enjoyed exploring the cemeteries of the numerous churches!  It eventually got too hot (and that’s saying something considering people call me ice heart and coldylocks) to continue to walk around, so I headed for the ocean.

Dead tree forest on Hunting Island
in South Carolina

I ended up on Hunting Island State Park in South Carolina.  My campsite was a lovely little nook surrounded by palm trees.  After setting up, I headed for the beach.  I had a grand time diving into the waves and floating in the ocean!  It was such a refreshing and relaxing end to the afternoon.  I dried off, then went back to explore.  After walking quite a ways down the shore, I discovered a forest of dead trees on the beach.  It was so strange and other-worldly in such a beautiful way!  As I walked the other way, I had the pleasure of seeing the sun set over the island.  Palm trees, sand, ocean, and a sunset!  Not too shabby, huh?

My nook on Hunting Island

I settled into my tent to read for a while, when someone came and knocked on my tent (one might wonder if that is even possible . . . while it wasn’t a knock knock with his fist on my door, he somehow did manage to knock in some manner).  He announced that his camping party had cooked way too much food for dinner and asked if I wanted some.  He did warn me that it was, “kinda good, but kinda gross.”  I took him up on his offer and found out he was right, it was kinda good and kinda gross.  I also found out that he was from Germany, but living in Michigan while he was working on his doctorate at Michigan State, and that his sister and her friend had come to visit him for a few weeks.  During those weeks they were taking a major road trip so the sister and friend could see as much of America as possible.  After taking a nighttime stroll on the beach with my new German Friends, I headed back to my palm tree nook. 

Best breakfast ever from Huey's in
Savannah, Georgia!

I woke up to the very first drops of a rainstorm.  In an effort to keep my tent as dry as possible, I quickly packed up my stuff and took down my tent.  Clearly, the morning had begun, so I went about the rest of my morning routine, at the end of which I realized that I could be in Savannah for breakfast!  That is exactly what I did.  I had heard talk about the best beignets in the world from a place in Savannah for quite a while before my trip, so I knew where I was headed and what I would be eating.  I got a table right by the window overlooking the Savannah River at Hueys.  I must agree, they are the best little pieces of fried dough ever!  They’re little fluffy pockets of air covered with more powdered sugar than you can imagine!  Then, as if it were decadent enough, they come with a praline sauce to dip them in!  Oh my heavens. . .it Is worth the type two diabetes that I’m sure I will soon be developing!

Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia

After stuffing myself with beignets, I wandered around Savannah.  Savannah was designed to have several wards, each with a central square.  All the buildings around each square face the square.  The squares all have lovely landscaping and several have fountains and/or monuments too.  There were also many signs pointing out significant places and facts, so I was able to have my own private tour at my own pace!  It is amazing to be able to see houses and churches that have been around for hundreds of years!  All the houses (historic and otherwise) had so much character!   It was fun to look at all the beauty of the houses and gardens and imagine the stories of the people who have lived there.  I would have to say my two favorite parts of Savannah were Forsyth Park, (a large park, with many walkways, a large fountain, beautiful vegetation, and a fragrance garden) and Colonial Park Cemetery (apparently I have an affinity for old graveyards in scenic settings).

At this point, after walking through a majority of the historic part of Savanna, my sugar high from breakfast had worn off and I was in need of more food.  I had another good tip to check out.  I had lunch at the Olde Pink House.  I ate a delectable shrimp wrap (with delightfully  seasoned shrimp, mango, greens, and a totally delicious sauce) all made all the better with the addition of sweet potato fries!  While, this all would have been enjoyable given normal circumstances, it was very more fantastic due to the fact I’ve been eating (almost exclusively) fruit (mostly apples), pasta, trail mix, and salami sandwiches for about a week.  It was also nice to get out of the rain (did I mention that it hadn’t stopped raining since those first drops that woke me up. . .not hard, just a steady drizzle) and enjoy the ambiance in the historic house! 

The Olde Pink House

Ft. McAllister Sate Park

After a bit more strolling around the street of Savannah, I headed back into the woods.  I got a site right by the water and hiking trails in Ft. McAllister State Park in Richmond Hill, Georgia.  Apparently Ft. McAllister is the “Alamo of Georgia.”  It took seven attacks before the Union could capture this fort.    In the morning, I explored the trails along the marsh and saw many small, yet very quick moving crabs!  Then I packed up my soggy tent and started driving south.

Jekyll Island in Georgia

I impulsively exited the highway when I saw a sign for Jekyll Island State Park.  I don’t know how state park-ish it is.  It seemed to me that entire island was either developed or under construction.  However, I did find the beach access and spent quite a lovely afternoon swimming and soaking up the sun that had finally reappeared! 

My armadillo friend at Crooked River
State Park near St. Marys, Georgia

After satisfying my appetite for sun, sand, and ocean, I continued to head south.  I got a campsite in Crooked River State Park near St. Marys, Georgia.  I got another nook with palm trees and lots of spanish moss!  Luckily, I also have lots of trees that are perfectly suited for hanging all my wet stuff to dry!  I even got to see an armadillo searching for bugs right in my campsite!  It seems as if my streak of interesting neighbors has continued! 

Embracing Spontaneity

My view from my campsite
at Douthat State Park in
Virginia

The camping gods were smiling down on me when I reached Douthat State Park in Virginia.  I got the last campsite available (which was only available because someone had called and canceled an hour before)!  It turns out that those people have good taste in campsites because I got a spot right on the lake!  After a quiet night of making spaghetti and plotting potential adventures for the next day, I got to sleep early, which facilitated my ability to get an early start the next day.  I was up and going about my business when a most inquisitive and personable neighbor came over.  She wanted to know about everything I owned and did and why my car was so messy!  I let that last part slide since she helped me take down my tent (and the due to the fact she was three years old).  After a while, her grandpa came over and struck up a conversation that ended with him insisting that I eat some of his cherries and asking if I’d like to go canoeing with them.  Heck yes, I wanted to go canoeing with them!  We paddled all around the perimeter of the lake while I got filled in on interesting facts about the park and general travel tips for the area.  We also had time for a quick walk on the dock and a rather lengthy game of chase at the park.  It was a most enjoyable and unexpected adventure!

A creek on the trail in
Douthat State Park in VA

       

After leaving Natalie and Ned at the campground, I went for a quick hike that led to a dip in the lake.  The beach at Douthat was smallish, but very fun!  In the middle of the deep water swimming area, there was a floating dock with a diving board and a slide that let you drop a few feet above the water!  Let me tell you, the 8 to 12 year old boys and I had a ton of fun on that thing! 

View of the Smoky
Mountains from the
Blue Ridge Parkway

After quickly drying off after my fifteenth time down the middle-of-the-water slide, I got in the car and headed towards North Carolina.  I took the interstate until I got within a few miles of North Carolina.  At that point, I got on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Each outlook was more breathtakingly beautiful than the last!  You could easily spend several days exploring this road!  Luckily, due to not having a terribly detailed map of the area and not looking into the directions too carefully, I did not make it to the campground I had planned on going to (or my backup for that matter).  Instead, I ended up at the top of Mount Mitchell (the highest point in North Carolina) at sunset!  The combination of being at such a spectacular vantage point, the stunning sunset, and the magnificent smoky mountains (smoking to perfection) made for quite an extraordinary moment! 

Sunset on the
Blue Ridge Parkway

Funny sign in Asheville, NC

I made it down the mountain and off the parkway, which is remarkably less enjoyable and more fraught with terror in the dark (but then, aren’t most roads) and to Asheville for the night.  I got up early-ish the next morning.  I’ve heard many good things about Asheville and was excited to explore it for myself.  I drove and walked around downtown for a while, however I wasn’t able to do much more than that since apparently Asheville does not wake up until sometime after ten on Saturdays. 

Carl Sandburg's house
in Flat Rock, NC

After leaving Asheville, I headed for towards South Carolina.  I stopped at Carl Sandburg’s house in Flat Rock, North Carolina.  Carl sure had a nice set up in his old age!  The grounds were beautiful as was the house!  There was even a gazebo nestled in the corner of the garden overlooking the pond! 

Mt. Carmel Campground in SC
(a little piece of heaven)

I continued to drive towards the South Carolina and Georgia border.  I stopped and looked at the Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake that helps control the flooding along the Savannah River.  I was looking for Calhoun Falls State Park, but wasn’t able to find it.  I kept driving down 81 and stumbled across Mount Carmel Campground on J. Strom Thurmond Lake in Mount Carmel, SC.  After the park rangers got over the shock that I wanted a site without electricity on such a hot day, they set me up with the best primitive site in the campground!  The site was right on the lake and very private (especially considering that apparently I was the only one in the area that thought that a primitive sight was a good idea).  As the park rangers had pointed out, it was a very hot day, but there was a brisk, refreshing, yet delightfully warm breeze coming off the lake, and I had my own private beach!  I proceeded to spend the  a most relaxing and tranquil afternoon paddling out into the lake a ways, then climbing onto my thermarest and floating back to shore!  I also walked up the beach to check out the site of Fort Charlotte (well, kind of, the fort is now under the lake somewhere). After witnessing yet another breathtaking sunset while I ate dinner on the beach, I set up my tent and gazed at the stars until driving off to sleep. 

On the trail at
Buck Hall Rec Area

I had a leisurely morning of floating on the lake and soaking up the glorious South Carolina sun and heat on my private beach before getting motivated to hit the road.  I drove to Buck Hall Rec Area in Francis Marion National Forest (just north of Charleston, SC).  I got a campsite right in front of the Intercostal Waterway!  I was able to go for a quick hike before dinner.  I had a grand time taking in all the beautiful vegetation that is quite new to me!  It all looked so prehistoric!  I wouldn’t have been shocked if a dinosaur of some kind had come crashing through the brush!  After hiking, I enjoyed my dinner while watching the sunset over the ocean!  Not a bad way to end a day!              

View of the Intercostal Waterway
at Buck Hall Rec Area in SC

This whole not having a plan situation is working out wonderfully for me!  Not having anything specific in mind really frees me up to be aware of all the opportunities that surround me at any given moment!  It’s also quite liberating to let the circumstances of any given moment point me in the right direction instead of trying to impose my own master plan onto a situation!  Plus, often, the best moments, just can’t be planned!  

Sweet Somewhere Bound

Bruises and boots that had to
be disinfected after
the "wild cave" tour!

The solo portion of my trip got off to fantastic start at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky!  I signed up for the “wild cave” tour hoping for a little adventure.  Well, I got huge, major adventure!  The tour began by getting taken to the dorm to get suited up with coveralls, knee pads, gloves, and helmets with headlamps!  Then, after a short walk through a part of the cave that is prepared for the average visitor, we crawled through a long passage way.  At that point we got to a nook where we introduced ourselves and learned the rules, and then the real adventure began!  We slithered our way through tiny passageways (bare spot, birth canal, and poop chute to name a few), climbed up ledges, straddled canyons, and crawled through Dave’s lake!  It was by far the most incredible experience I’ve ever had!  The cave was breathtakingly beautiful!  I feel so privileged to have been able to see some of the more remote treasure hidden within the cave!  While, I wasn’t able to take any pictures due to the fact I was busy squeezing myself through tiny passageways and crawling through water, I know that I will never forget Mammoth Cave!!!! 

Funny ferry crossing the
Green River in
Mammoth Cave National Park

After my day of spelunking, I drove down to Barren River Lake State Park for the evening with the idea of heading to the eastern portion of Kentucky in the morning.  However, when I got in the car in the morning, Mammoth Cave National Park was calling my name, so I went back.  I asked a ranger for hiking recommendations, and he just looked at me and said, “It’s hot.  Why would you want to hike?”  I took that as a sign to find another ranger.  I had better luck with my next encounter and headed out into the woods.  First I went to see a spot where one of the underground rivers comes above ground for just a little while.  It may have been the river I had to be careful not to step in the day before!  Then, I headed over the Green River on the funniest ferry ever!  I wouldn’t call it a ferry as much as a tiny piece of road that they drive across the river!  Then I got to see a ton of rural Kentucky countryside as a result of not being able to read a map and drive at the same time!  It was very scenic and good practice for driving on country roads!  I eventually made it to the First Creek Trail and was able to hike for a couple hours.  

Camp site in Grove Rec Area
in Daniel Boone
National Forest

After my adventures in Mammoth Cave (and taking another ride on the funny ferry) I headed east across the southern part of the state.  Kentucky is so green and rolling and beautiful!!!  I especially enjoyed driving through Daniel Boone National Forest!  Eventually, I thought to myself, I bet driving on these roads will be less fun in the dark, so I started to make my way to the campground I had selected for the evening.  Well, it turns out that driving on those roads in the dark during a torrential thunderstorm is TERRIFYING!  I made it though, and thank goodness that I only had the nerve to drive five miles per hour in the rain because by the time I set up my tent it was only drizzling! 

Driving on 64E from
Kentucky to West Virginia

The next morning I headed to Natural Bridge State Park via the tiniest county roads ever!  The sights were spectacular, and I was impressed with how well I handled the driving conditions, but I think a few Kentucky residents were less than thrilled with my decision to take the scenic route!  I got within a few miles of Natural Bridge State Park, but never made it there because the road was blocked a mile from the entrance and there was not a clear detour.  I took it as a sign that I should head to West Virginia.  The drive on 64E was stunning!  Coming from the totally flat land of Lincoln really makes you appreciate mountains!!!!  I got a good tip from the West Virginia welcome center lady and spent the night in Watoga State Park.    

Eating cherry cobbler
 in the park of the
coolest small town
in America!

Today has been slightly more mundane.  It started by heading to check out the laundry facilities.  Some ladies had beaten me there, so I took a mile long hike to a scenic outlook.  When West Virginian literature tells you it’s a very steep climb, believe it!!!  I made it though, and it was well worth the climb!  I had a chance to see several of the farms and houses I had driven past the day before and many misty mountains in the background!  After a much quicker trip down the trail, I got the aforementioned laundry done and headed to Lewisburg, WV, where I am now.  Lewisburg was voted the coolest small town in the USA this year, so I felt like it was worth checking out.  Well, after wandering around for a while and eating some homemade cherry cobbler with ice cream in the park, I must agree.  It is pretty cool!  It has a play fountain, that you are encouraged to play in (as long as you follow a rather lengthy list of rules), the oldest church in continuous use west of the Alleghenies, and a very cute downtown full of character (and characters)!  

I’m not quite sure where I’m headed from here, but it’s rather thrilling to sit down with the atlas in the evening after a day of adventuring and plot potential adventures for the days to come!  What I know is, “I’m standing right where I belong”(~Sweet Somewhere Bound by Jackie Greene). . .and that my life at this moment is pretty well summed up by this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE65-cQytTE   

The Trip Has Begun!!!

What I first believed to be a mini trip while I waited until I was able to start the real one has turned into the beginning of the real one!  As has been the theme of my life as of late, things are not going how I planned them to, or how I expected them to.  While I expected to start my trip by heading west, it turns out that apparently, I was meant to head east first.  It’s been so wonderful to visit with friends and see sights that I would have missed if things had gone according to my original plan!

Todd and Rosie by the fire

I started my adventure with a trip to McHenry, IL to visit Todd and Rosie (college friends).  Again, things didn’t go according to the original plan because the power was out.  Luckily there were branches that needed to be burned and marshmallows that needed roasting! 

somehow the amount of blue in
 this sign is ruining the integrity
of Aaron and Beth’s neighborhood

The next leg of the journey took me through Indiana, where I saw a huge billboard that informed me that “hell is real” (but failed to give me any follow up information . . . how do I avoid it, how do I know if I’m going, what is it like, etc.) and a man driving his car while he had his entire head out of his window (much like a dog) . . . WHILE DRIVING!!!!  After I made it through the strange land that is Indiana, I arrived in Columbus, Ohio.  It was lovely to spend time with Beth (my college roommate) and Aaron (friend since first day of college) and see their Ohio home (which is totally beautiful)!  Eating ice cream sold by weight, touring THE Ohio State University, and eating Peruvian chicken and French fries with hot dogs and tons of sauce on them was fantastic too!

My view during dinner

My beautiful new tent!
(Thanks Mom and Dad!)

After leaving Columbus, I drove down to Shawnee State Park in West Portsmouth, OH.  I found a delightful campsite that was situated up in the woods, and slightly away from the road.  I set up my tent for the first time and ate dinner by the river.  I woke up early the next morning and went for a hike.  It was so nice to have the woods to myself.  It also saved me the embarrassment of having anyone else see how winded I got on the rather steep inclines! (I’ve clearly spend too much time in Chicago, where the only change in elevation is a bridge!)  There were also many flowers, birds, streams, and even mushrooms that looked like pancakes! 

Crossing the Ohio River into Kentucky

  After leaving Shawnee State Park, and ensuring Devin that I had not been eaten by a wild animal, I drove along the Ohio River.  While I did not stick my whole head out the window (as they apparently do in Indiana) I did steal many a glance at the gorgeous farms along the river!  I crossed into Kentucky at Maysville to visit the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center.  I have very talented relatives that have many miniature pieces displayed there!  The miniature collection was very impressive!  It’s amazing that people can make such tiny and detailed replicas of things that are impressive in full scale!  It’s certainly worth checking out (especially those Ashby Jedd models). 

The couch

Devin cutting meat and
cheese for lunch in
Hoosier National Forest

Next I arrived in Louisville to visit Devin (friend I met at PACTT) in his fancy new apartment.  It was quickly revealed that before we went to Lebowski fest, we would first be moving a couch . . . not just any couch. . . a sleeper sofa.  Luckily it was a love seat, not a full sized couch, so we were able to get it upstairs by ourselves!  We were rewarded for our manual labor by learning about a fabulous band called the Seedy Seeds at the fest.  The next day we went for a hike in Hooshier National Forest just over the river in Indiana.  After we made it up the “steep grade” we had fun climbing in cave like structures and eating lunch on the edge of a cliff like structure.   Devin was kind enough to let my Louisville visit extend another night when I found out that all the campsites at Mammoth Cave National Park were accounted for.  Another unexpected twist of fate that worked out perfectly!  It turns out that I will be able to extend this leg of the trip for a few more weeks, so it was wonderful to have access to the internet to help me plan the next few days of adventures!  Plus, it was fun to listen to the Seedy Seeds and hangout with “The Dog”!

The Perfect Space

I have the most incredible friends and family!  The past few months have helped me realize just how fantastic they are!  They have listened to me talk for countless hours, cooked me meals, given me perfectly timed hugs, bought me beer, expressed concern, given me a place to stay, shared helpful insights, thrown me parties, and sent me packages and emails just to remind me that they are thinking about me. The most comforting part of the overwhelming outpouring of support, is, the realization that so many people love me fiercely and unconditionally!  I am so blessed to have such outstanding, loving, kind, supportive people in my life!  The Avett Brothers summed up what I’m trying to express much better than I ever will:

“I wanna have friends that I can trust,
that love me for the man I’ve become not the man I was.
I wanna have friends that will let me be
all alone when being alone is all that I need.”

~The Perfect Space by The Avett Brothers 

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLUWYVJzEOg)

Well, I do and it’s fantastic!  Now, it’s time to take the strength and courage that I have cultivated over the past several months and go adventuring!  I am confident that I will find many perfect spaces and moments during my travels!    

My New Third Favorite Holiday!

It's official!  My third favorite holiday is the Fourth of July!  While nothing will ever be better than a day devoted to being grateful for the blessings in your life, being with family, and eating as much of the greatest meal of the year as you can stomach, or a day devoted to a rodent predicting the weather, the Fourth of July is pretty great!

I've come to this realization all thanks to friend Beth and company!  I had a most enjoyable (and much needed) visit to Alton, Illinois to celebrate what I’ve come to realize is the third best day of the year (and of course to visit two of the most delightful people I know)!  It was a weekend full of swimming, eating, drinking, chatting, and gunpowder!

Here are my top 5 memories from Four of July 2011:

1. Jumping into the pool off the deck steps while Vince worried about us breaking our ankles!

2. Shooting off fireworks (especially happiness . . . thanks Beth)!

3. Jumping out of the tree and swinging into the creek!

4. Floating in various types of water while chatting and sipping large adult beverages! 

5. Target practice in the backyard!

Also, I very much enjoyed listening (almost exclusively) to this concert while I worked on the tan on my left arm on the way down to and back from Alton!  Listen to it!  You won’t regret it!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128723033

(Actually, this isn’t the exact one I listened to.  This one is most delightful too, but I highly recommend downloading the 2009 version from NPR: Live Concerts from All Songs Considered on iTunes.)