Crabtree Falls (Lower Falls), VA

I was taken back by Crabtree Falls. It was amazing. One thing that made it so special was that I went during a time that many would rather just stay in their homes where the warm and cozy fire is burning bright . . . not me, I was hiking upside the largest waterfall in VA. Some argue that it is the largest fall east of the Mississippi!

FUN FACT:
In about a 1/2 mile, the creek drops 1,200 ft. and there is one vertical drop of 500 ft. The death toll on the falls is marked at 23.

I went during the month of February and it was FREEZING and most of the trail was under ice. Needless to say, I spent most of the time falling on my bottom but that made the trip that much more fun :)

Scenic Views (VA)

Many times, I found myself driving and a view just captivates me. I am forced to pull over and of course, I have my camera with me to grab the shot! These pictures are a product of times like those . . . Some of these pictures were taken at a roadside scenic overlook and a couple of them were random shots where I pulled my car off-road to capture the countryside.

Natural Bridge & Lace Waterfalls, VA

This was a neat experience . . . I don't believe that I have encountered something so massive in nature. I was overwhelmed when I actually stood at the foot of this formation (natural bridge).
FUN FACT:
The natural bridge forming an arch 215 ft. and spans 90 ft. across.

Then, as I walked the hiking trail past the formation . . . I found that I could walk the trail to the end and find a WATERFALL called, "Lace Waterfall!"
FUN FACT:
50 ft. waterfall

Goshen Pass, VA

Goshen Pass . . . this is where most outdoor extremist get a thrill! In the spring time, the water rises and many paddlers get out there and do their thing. Quite frankly, I am not that brave but those who dare to take on the waters are skilled and def. seeking an adventure. The PASS will def. give them what they are looking for! I often go here to hear the water rush over the rocks and watch some crazies get in the water. There is one portion of the run called, "Devil's Kitchen" and only the experienced take this on . . . I have sat on the creekside watching these enthusiasts brave the rapids. It is blast to see their excitement when them finally make it through the run!

Roaring Run Falls, VA

This trip was the trip that started it all . . . I have always had a thing for water but I limited my interest to the obvious: streams, rivers, lakes and the ocean. Then, I hiked "Roaring Run" and found something that took my breath away. It was two weeks before peak season (Fall) but still, the leaves were stunning and it really made it a beautiful hike. Truly, what made the trip worth it was the sight of the falls . . .

FUN FACT:
30-foot waterfall, Roaring Run Creek races down the mountain in a series of small cascades and all this is leading to the James River.

Florida: Disney Trip!

My trip to Disney was in the HOT month of July 2006. Wow! It was a heat wave but that did not stop us from going to every park nearly everyday! My favorite things about the trip were:

*Fantasmic
Let me start by saying: If you brush this off in past years, make it a point to see the show next time it is well-worth it. During this July vacation, when I saw the show, I had a delicious dinner right before the showing and then, watched the production from the dining area in the outdoor theater. It was super!

*The FIREWORKS at the Magic Kingdom
This is unusual for me to name fireworks as a favorite thing (anyone who has ever been with me to a fireworks display knows what I am talking about) but the truth is these fireworks are like nothing that you have every experienced in your life (at least for me). The way the music and fireworks play off of each other . . . it truly is a magical experience.

*Mary Poppins
I save the last for the VERY BEST :)
I think this one speaks for itself but just in case, I have three words for you:
I HEART MARY POPPINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New York City

In May of 2006, I was asked by my traveling buddy to go to New York City! It was something that many might call a RED-EYE adventure. We boarded a bus early one morning and returned after two full days in the city. It was incredible! I was able to join many "parrotheads" in Rockefeller Plaza to enjoy a live concert from Jimmy Buffett (Today Show). I think the three things that I found to be most enjoyable were:

*The midday stroll in Central Park
*The MET (Art Museum)
*Spending the lunch hour w/ true residents of NYC

Italia

n April of 2006, I had the chance to travel to Italy. I visited five cities/villages in 10 days:

*Rome
*Florence
*Assisi
*Spaletto
*Venice

I feel like it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I loved every moment. I tried to capture it through the lens of my camera but really, my photos cannot capture the true sense of tradition and beauty of Italia.