Dec. 2008: Kayaking Remedy

This day was like a gift . . . it was Dec. 27th and it was 69F degrees. It was unseasonal and so incredibly perfect. I had to take a double take when I read the forecast just days earlier but as soon as I saw that it was going to be nearing 70F, I had a plan!

The plan was to GET ON THE WATER :) So, I packed the kayak and all the necessary gear and hit the lake. That was that ;)

It was the most unusual feeling. The sun was shining, there was a breeze and even the breeze was warm. I did not want the day to end. Once on the lake, I quickly noticed that the water level was down about 15-20 ft. That was weird but it allowed me to see so many things that otherwise go unseen.

Beech Fork Lake is located in Lavalette, WV and it is man-made so of course, there are trees. When the water is at normal level, the trees are completely submerged but today, they were tipping out of the water surface. I describe it as a "graveyard." It was cool to paddle in and around the trees. It was spooky but also, super neat. The day was just perfect and I am pretty sure that I officially have SPRING FEVER after today :)

All in all, it was a day that I did not want to end and being on the water was exactly the remedy that I needed :)

Cambridge and Boston, MA

This was a whirlwind of a trip. It happened over the course of a weekend. We caught a flight to Boston on Friday, experienced Harvard and downtown Boston on Saturday and at dawn, we were catching a cab to the airport. It was jammed but that is the only way to organize a weekend trip. My motto is "Do all that you can do in the time that you are given."

The main purpose of the trip was to escort selected high school students to an orientation seminar at Harvard followed by a campus tour. Sounded simply enough but from the start, he had its trials. First, our flight was delayed which made us miss our connecting flight. This was crucial because if we did not make the connecting flight then that could have potentially crushed the purpose of the trip (to attend the early AM seminar at Harvard). However, by some magic and good will, US Airways was able to find 11 seats to accommodate my traveling group on the last flight to Boston out of Charlotte.

We stayed at an interesting hotel/house that reminded me of "nice" hostile. It was owned by Harvard and was in business to provide housing for prospective students and their families while visiting the campus. The next morning, I was "in charge." I managed to get us lost in Cambridge just by making a left instead of a right. Finally, a man walking along the street was able to steer us in the right direction. All the while, I was very upset because the students were clearly going to be LATE for the seminar because of my silly mistake. Turned out, that we booked it and we were only about 7 minutes late for the hour long presentation. Still, I was disappointed that I was not able to get them there in a timely manner. Then, I grounded myself by realizing that in the scheme of things: "We made it to Boston safely, we attended the seminar and now, it was time to enjoy the city of Boston."

As a way to culminate the trip, we had dinner on the wharf (which is the bay area). It was a perfect way to end the trip. Most of us ordered seafood just because that is what you do on the wharf ;) In summary, it was terrific traveling experience with unusually warm temperatures and rainy weather (Rain and Boston are married, that is just the way it is).


I have created a slideshow to bring the trip to you.

April 2008: Ireland!

This trip was incredible. It was the second leg of the April European Trip. It was the one that I was completely stoked about from the first time that I learned that there was a possibility that I would be taken the trip in November of 2007. Ireland is such an unique country-side. I have always had this drive in me to make it to the shores of Ireland and I did it, I really did it! I can remember a distinct moment as I walked the path to the Cliffs of Moher and even as I walked the shores of Lahinch . . . I felt like everything was right in the world and I was exactly where I wanted to be :) I have really never felt like that at any other time in my life but I was keenly aware that Ireland brought so much solace to me.

I would like to share some information about the place that visited while in Ireland. It was a quick trip. We stayed for 3 days but that included 2 nights in a castle in the country and one night in the heart of Dublin in a hostile. It was a phenomenal trip that I will always hold close to my heart.

FACTS:

Ballyseede Castle: Take a step back in time with a hotel steeped in history that offers luxurious surroundings within 30 acres of private gardens and woodland. I have fond memories of playing chess in the drawing room and relaxing to the sounds of the piano in the sitting room. It was also the big joke that a ghost of one who lived there many years ago still roamed the halls of the castle. It was enough for me to not sleep a wink and for my roommate to have a good laugh at my expense.

Blarney Castle: The castile is a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork, Ireland. It is near the River Martin. The castle originally dates from before AD 1200. At the top of the castle lies the Stone of Eloquence, better known as the Blarney Stone. Tourists visiting Blarney Castle may hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone, which is said to give the gift of eloquence. Photographs are taken of the "magic moment". There are many legends as to the origin of the stone, but some say that it was the Lia Fáil—a magical stone upon which Irish kings were crowned. According to legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of gab (great eloquence or skill at flattery). The stone was set into a tower of the castle in 1446. Surrounding the castle are beautiful and quite extensive gardens.

The Cliffs of Moher are located in County Clare, Ireland. The cliffs rise 394 ft above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head, and reach their maximum height of 702 ft just north of O'Brien's Tower. The cliffs boast one of Ireland's most spectacular views. The Cliffs of Moher were filmed as the "Cliffs of Insanity" in the 1987 movie, The Princess Bride.

Bunratty Castle: (Castle at the Mouth of the Ratty) is a large tower house in County Clare, Ireland. In Irish, means the 'bottom' or end of the 'Ratty' river. The first dwellings to occupy the site, in 970 were part of a Viking trading camp.

Killarney National Park (Irish: Páirc Náisiúnta Chill Airne) is located beside the town of Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland. It was the first national park established in Ireland, created when Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish state in 1932. I think the most impressive park of this area was the “Land of Lakes.” The lakes (many lakes) were situated on the tops of mountains.

Lahinch : The beautiful beach sweeps past the town and creates waves for surfing. The beaches were a miz between large and small boulders with a sandy beach that seemed to miles and miles away. I just sat there watching the waves crash into the rocks and feeling the cool Irish breeze in April. It was chilling but at the same time, I knew this was something that I had never experienced before in my life. While others shopped, I chose to have fish and chips at a local restaurant on the seaside and then, watched the beach for the remainder of the time.

Dublin: This is the site of my very first hostile stay. Actually, I am happy to report that survived. Truly, hostiles have a bad wrap. They are basic living, which many can compare to camping or even dorm life. While in Dublin, I kept a keen eye out for my favorite band, “The Cranberries” but was not able to find them L I experienced my first Irish Cab Driver chat (talked US politics which was different). I visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral and went to Ireland’s oldest pub to eat and drink! It was a great last night traveling abroad.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, formally known as The National Cathedral and Collegiate Church of Saint Patrick, Dublin or in the Irish language as Árd Eaglais Naomh Pádraig, founded in 1191, is one of the two largest cathedrals in Ireland. It was one of only churches that I visited that allowed photography and I took advantage.

Torc Waterfall is a notable tourist attraction at the base of Torc Mountain, about 5 miles from Killarney in County Kerry Ireland. We could only see the base of it but it is awesome to think that I have had the chance to see a waterfall in Ireland. The watershed was beautiful and the cool breeze of the April was undeniably chilly. I loved every second of it. I don’t think that I took my eye off the waterfall until I heard that it was last call for transportation.

Oktoberfest 2008

As many of you know, I totally get into Oktoberfest! This year marked the 4th Annual Oktoberfest in Huntington, WV! It was a chance for my Omi and I to hang out and have some fun. This year was the greatest for so many reasons!

In years previous, Omi's display was either inside Empire Books or just outside Empire Books. However, this year, things changed . . . for the better :) My Omi's tent had perfect placement. Her German display table was right in the square of Pullman Square. That was good because we could man the table and still enjoy the music and activities of the festival.

Just before going downtown to setup the tent and table for the day's event, Omi made pretzels. Then, we geared up by putting on our DIRNDLS :) My Omi wore a more contemporary style dirndl while I wore the traditional design. We had a blast.

Highlights of My Day:

1. Some of best friends stopped by to see me and support the event making the day even better.
2. Hogan and I entered the Beer Stein Relay! We lost but it is about the FUN not the WIN :)
3. Bands all day, including a really great band called City Heat (local to Huntington). I enjoy their cover tunes.
4. The weather was perfectly mild with sunshine and easy breeze. Best weather in all the years of Oktoberfest.

April 2008: England

Always, always . . . I am excited when I hear of a travel opportunity. During the Spring, I had the chance to travel to England!! The trip to England lasted four days and I made the most out of each day. I actually fell asleep in my suitcase one night after pushing myself to the limit to experience all that London had to offer. This trip was also coupled with a short stay in Ireland but I will tell you all about that in my next blog posting :)

Our first stop was the great city of London. My first impression was, "Whoa! This is worst than NYC and does it ever stop raining?!" The crowded streets, the tube . . . all a little much for the first day but I soon find myself enjoying the fast pace. We had dinner at the London Hard Rock and then, hit the ground running to catch "Wicked." The production, the talent and the creativity that went into creating the story-line was incredible. It is by far the best musical that I have ever seen! I def. recommend it!

I think the neatest thing about our trip was that we really got to settle into the city life. Instead of hotel accommodations, I stayed in a flat which is the equivalent to an apartment equipped with a very cozy bed, large bathroom and kitchenette. It was located not too far from a tube station and that made it convenient for inner city travel. All in all, London was terrific. I want to be sure to tell you one of the greatest highlights of London. It was the tour of the Tower of London. I believe that it was the Tower's tour that sparked my deep interest in Queen Elizabeth I and the Reformation of England. I believe it is travel that opens a person's mind and it is a true chance to experience the history rather than just reading about it as if it is an abstract "thing."

Really, it is hard to sum up the amazing trip in a blog. The pics speak from themselves. Now that I think about it, it is hard to capture the grand beautiful of living history in a photograph but I did try ;) I have included some travel details just below followed by a picture slideshow. Enjoy!

Travel Details:

Buckingham Palace- It is the official London residence of the British monarch. Unfortunately, on the day that I was there to visit, the did not hold the changing of the guard ceremony.

Westminster Abbey-It is a large, mainly Gothic church, in Westminster, London. This is the site of Queen Elizabeth I's burial. At her funeral on 28 April, the coffin was taken to Westminster Abbey on a hearse drawn by four horses hung with black velvet. I must add that many brilliant leaders of science and literature, monarchs and queens alike. It really something to see!

Warwick Castle-It is a medieval castle in Warwick, the county town of Warwickshire, England. It sits on a cliff overlooking a bend in the River Avon.

Wicked-A musical based on the best-selling novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. Their friendship struggles through their opposing personalities and viewpoints, rivalry over the same love-interest, their reactions to the Wizard's corrupt government, and, ultimately, Elphaba's public fall from grace.

London Eye- Known as the "Millennium Wheel," is the tallest (the diameter of the wheel, or its height, is 135 metres (443 ft) Ferris wheel in Europe. Its height is measures 443 ft.

Tower of London-It is called "Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress," more commonly known as the Tower of London. It is a historic monument in central London, England, on the north bank of the River Thames. This was also the place of imprisonment for Queen Elizabeth I just before she took the throne for her 45 years of reign.

Oxford University is located in the city of Oxford, Oxfordshire, England. It is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is also regarded as one of the world's leading academic institutions.

Stratford upon Avon - he town is a popular tourist destination owing to its status as birthplace of the playwright and poet William Shakespeare.

Lake Robertson, VA

Today, I spent the afternoon at Lake Robertson. During my first months of living here, nearly 3 years ago, I visited this lake. Of course, at the time, I was not able to truly take it in because I was so overwhelmed with just moving and starting a job and certainly, I was preoccupied with trying to find my "place." Today's trip was different. It was like I was coming back to the lake to really take a moment to experience it. The weather was perfect. A gentle breeze, sunshine and it was not too hot. The reason behind coming was to attend a BBQ that was hosted by a co-workers' family. It was a nice get together and after the eating, we played several sets of volleyball. It was a great time.

FACTS ABOUT THE LAKE
31-acre fishing and boating lake
Crystal clear lake with an average depth of 18 feet
Great for taking a quick paddle on flat water (canoe or kayak)

Carter Caves, KY

The trip to Carter Caves has been a "long-time running spare of the moment getaway" for many locals to the Tri-State area (WV, OH and KY) for years. Today, it served that very purpose. My family and I hopped in the car with snacks and a cooler full of water, Sprite and Diet Coke. We were off to the caves :) Really, we did not have an agenda but only to take it easy and stop wherever we wanted when we wanted. Our first landing was the Natural Bridge Trail. Personally, it was the highlight of the trip for me. The other stops included the main lodge/resturaunt and gift shop. However, I don't want to forget the picnic by the water (Tygarts Creek). We had snack time and then, we jumped back in the car for the short 45 minute drive back to my grandparents' home. It was a short trip but it was fun to doing something with my whole family :)
FUN FACTS: The half-mile Natural Bridge Trail passes beneath a third natural bridge, the only one in Kentucky that is paved and supports traffic.

Trip to Massachusetts

This trip started with a very, very long drive that lasted about 14 hours that happened overnight. The drive was obviously uncomfortable but worth it . . . I had the opportunity to see HISTORY coupled with lots of fun. The average day in Boston was rainy and gusty. My very first purchase was a jacket to keep warm and lucky for me, a friend was able to share his poncho with me or otherwise, I would have been doused. During the trip, I had a very yummy piece of Boston Cream Pie and I had the Boston bake beans experience.

Here is a breakdown of the trip:

Salem: Location of the 1692 Witch Trials where many lost their lives over untruth and hysteria. Seriously, the museum gave me the creeps. I really haven't slept a whole night through since I learned the "ins and outs" of the witch trials. I have had nightmares that feature the "black man." That is what the people in that day called the devil. I toured the House of Seven Gables. It was featured as an American novel and it is historically, the oldest mansion in all of New England.

Downtown Boston: I had dinner two times at Quincy Market. This was central for shopping, dining and performance entertainment. I really enjoyed Boston's waterfront. I made it a point to visit it each time that I made it downtown. I can't forget the unforgettable concert . . . The BLUE MAN GROUP! It was totally amazing and unlike anything that I have ever experienced. If I had to compare it to something, it reminded me of some type of dance rave with comical breaks of non-verbal theatrical acts. Oh and I can't go with mentioning the fact that I visited the Science Museum. They had a baseball exhibit on display that was incredible. At first, I had no interest in browsing the exhibit but then, I had some extra time to kill. It was totally worth it! They had an actual Women's Baseball League uniform on display and beside it was the Peaches uniform that was worn my Betty Davis in the film called "A League of their Own." This is one of my favorite movies and to see an actually uniform worn . . . it was a real treat.

Cambridge: Location of the historical event in American history. It is reported that this is the location where the Revolutionary War started.

All in all, it was an awesome trip. I am already trying to find ways to see the BLUE MAN GROUP again :)

Here is a slideshow to take you there . . .

Panama City Beach, FL

I just returned from one of my greatest beach vacations in history :) We had a total of 10 wonderful days on the beach, soaking up the rays of the FL sunshine! As you can see, I had a large chunk of beach time and if you know me at all, you know that I adore the beach in all its beauty.

I arrived to find that our accommodations were more way more than what we expected. We entered a beautiful condo that was recently constructed. You could almost smell the newness and then, we stepped out on the balcony and there it was . . . the GULF! The sand was white and fluffy and the ocean was just as clear as I had imagined. I don't want to mislead you in any way so I will tell you about the Gulf's current state . . .

The Gulf is experiencing kick-up from the recent storms so much of the seaweed and some algae is loose. This did affect the clarity of the water but for someone who had never been to the Gulf Coast, it was still amazing to experience. I was swimming in ocean water that was well over 4ft. and I could see my feet and all the other creatures swimming about ;) I also rode a banana boat. The best way for me to describe the boat is that it is 2 large floats that were shaped like bananas pulled by a jet ski. The boat took us off the shoreline about 50 yards and gave us a ride of our lives! I spent the entire time laughing my head off and nearly falling off the boat. If it were not for the other passengers, I would have fallen off several times :)

Besides the beauty of the ocean, I had the chance to experience the 4th of July beachfront! That was amazing. A local business put on a fireworks display that was unlike anything that I have ever seen. The fireworks seemed liked they went on forever! Really, I think it was like a hour! The finale was incredible and I got to watch it all off the balcony as the fireworks exploded over the ocean.

I can't forget to tell you about the oyster bar called Shuckums! Their motto was: We Shuck'em, You suck'em! There I met a couple from Georgia and they randomly offered me oysters. We "shot" them together! Even though, I did not necessarily enjoy the oysters, I loved that bar. We went there of the evenings and even for a quick lunch treat. I say, if you are ever at Panama City Beach, stop by Shuckums . . . it is a must :)

I think the trip was so special because I had some of the greatest things in one trip and all at the same time . . . it was a very memorable and sentimental trip that I will always remember.

Lost on the Blue Ridge Parkway, VA

Wow! Where do I begin on this blog? I guess it all starts with my passion for waterfalls and how I am always itching to see as much as I can. On Friday night, I get my "Waterfalls" book out and start looking for a NEW ONE. I got my heart set on a waterfall called, "White Rock Falls." I followed the directions to a "T" and then, I try to follow the hiking instructions but something about them was not easily understood and quite confusing. Regardless, I followed them to the best of my ability. Long story short, I ended up hiking 3 miles through the forest only to end up on the Blue Ridge Parkway (national scenic road that runs for 469 miles through VA to NC). At no point did I see "White Rock Falls." I was very disappointed but I attempted to make the best of it. I decided not to go back through the forest to return to the vehicle but instead, I walked the Parkway about 2.5 miles. The hiking trip (round trip from car back to car) was about 7-8 miles!!!!! I think the best thing out of it was photographing 2 beautiful flowers and finding a terrific view on a cliff that the locals call "20-Minute Cliff."

Fun Facts:

20-Minute Cliff gets its name from the locals. Long ago, the local farmers knew that when the sunset on this cliff that the farmers in the valley had 20 minutes of daylight remaining.

I have taken several photographs to document this insane hiking trip that ended with no sightings of a the waterfall :(

Wigwam Falls, VA

Now that Spring is here . . . I am making every attempt to venture out on the Blue Ridge to find new and exciting falls to photograph. I really and truly stumbled upon this one. I was driving home from my favorite waterfall hike in VA (Crabtree Falls) and I looked up and noticed this waterfall from the road. I just had to make it a stop but on that particular day, I was just too tired but I was determined to make it a future hike . . . and I did! On this day, the weather was perfect. It was not too hot and even had the chance to stick my feet in the cool spring ;)

Facts:

30 ft. Waterfall

It is located on the Yankee Horse Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The trail gets its name because Stonewall Jackson's troops during the Civil War. During that time, a Union soldier's horse fell here and had to be shot.

The waterfall gets its name due to the nearby Wigwam Mountain is said to be an ancient Indian hunting grounds.

Gala/German FUN!

As many of you know, I am completely into my heritage. I have not always been that way but as you age, you tend to be more appreciative of diversity and your family roots. My Omi, that is German for Grandmother, has taken time throughout my life and taught me the language, customs and even shared a delicious recipe here and there! I cherish those moments and one day, I hope to pass it along to my children.
It not often but sometimes, Omi gets the opportunity to be an honorary guest at a local Oktoberfest and even parties with a German theme. My Omi and I take advantage of every chance to educate and enjoy the German Culture. Recently, she was invited to a German Festival that also doubled as a fundraiser for a local library in my hometown. Of course, there was imported beer and wine, delicious food and DANCING!

Staton's Falls, VA

Some of you might be taking a double-take, thinking . . . Court is looking exactly like she did in the Panther Falls pics! That is right, I actually hiked two waterfalls in one day. I felt so lucky!! This waterfall was surprising to me. The head of the waterfall was roadside. I do have to admit that it was quite scary to hike the trail that took me to the base because it had just rained that morning and everything was very slippery but it did not stop me. I think that the most interesting aspect of Staton's Falls is that it zig-zagged down the mountainside in a very noticeable pattern. All together, the waterfall descends about 140 ft. For a waterfall that is right off the road, it is pretty amazing and you can enjoy it from the top or can venture down to see the great descent . . . I believe it is worth it to make the hike down to the base to see the power in the falls.

Panther Falls, VA

This trip was quite spontaneous but def. worth it. The weather was unseasonably warm; however, the chill off the water was noticeable. This waterfall is made possible by the Pedlar River. it is said that is waterfall got its name because panthers were known to roam the area. The hike to the waterfall was very simple and quick . . . I was shocked how short the distance was from the parking area to the actual falls. This spot is very popular during the warmer months. It is the hot spot for locals to enjoy the high diving from the large boulders surrounding the falls. In certain points of the pool, it is recorded to be 20 ft. deep. Overall, the waterfall was beautiful and it only made me want to plan my next trip for the first thing in Spring :)