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.