Turtle Island, VA

Originally, the plan was to visit a waterfall. I wanted to do that before the holiday season b/c it has been my experience (very dangerous experience) that the waterfalls and the trials tend to freeze due to the very frigid winter temperatures in the Blue Ridge Mtns. Sadly, most of the waterfalls are merely a drizzle due to lack of rainfall in recent months. Instead, my friends Summer, Aaron and I hiked a trail called, "Turtle Island." It sits right on Smith Mountain Lake about an hour and half from my VA home. I think the neatest thing about this hike was that the Fall foliage was peaking in mid November due to the recent drought. It was an unexpected beauty. The weather was very fall-like . . . cool, mid 50s with gentle rays of sun and the leaves so vivid with color. Of course, I captured the fun through the lens of a camera. Enjoy!

MU Alumni Day 2007

Last month, I particpated in Alumni Day just like I have for the last 2 years. I graduated from Marshall University in 2006 (a year and half ago) with my M.A.
Each day, I am reminded of how much I miss the college experience. I miss the learning, people and "randomness" that a`typcial day would bring into focus. During my undergraduate studies, my best friend talked me into joining the band. At first, I was not that enthused about the idea but I did it anyway because of my true love for music. It turned out to be one of the more memorable times during my four years of undergraduate study. We went on plenty of trips (away games) and we met some pretty interesting people.

This year marked my 3rd year to play in the MU Alumni Band. We have the priviledge to march in the Homecoming parade and play the opening tunes during the pre-game show. All in all . . . it is a good time. I have some pics from the parade and game to share with you ;)