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 :)

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 ;)

Oktoberfest - Family Tradition

As a little girl, my Omi told me stories of Munich's Oktoberfest and every year, my family and I would travel to Cinncinnati, OH to attend the closest replication of Munich's Oktoberfest . . . For the weekend, Cinncinnati would turn into Zinnzinnati! Ohio does a great a job of hosting the Oktoberfest as a two day event! There is plenty of music, authentic food and imported beer! Of course, that combination leads to DANCING! I have fond memories but in recent years our Oktoberfest plans have changed. In 2004, my Omi was asked to host Huntington's first Oktoberfest. As hostess, her job was to lead the town's people in the "Enten Tanz" (Chicken Dance) as well as display literature and memorabilia that serves as way to educate those who attend the Oktoberfest about Germany and its rich culture. This year marked her third consecutive year as hostess and we both agreed that this year was the best so far :)

I would like to thank all my friends who made these great pictures possible . . . each of you grabbed the camera and started snapping away. You know how much that means to me and truly, I am thankful.

So many fun-filled moments captured . . . enjoy the slideshow!

FUN FACTS
Traditionaly, the Oktoberfest is a 16 day festival held each year in Munich, Bavaria, Germany during late September and early October. It is one of the most famous event in the city and the world's largest fair, with some six million people attending every year.

I acted as my Omi's sidekick. Together, we dressed traditional German apparrel called “dirndls.” We lead the “Enten Tanz” also known in the American culture as the “Chicken Dance" every hour on the hour!

My friend Ritter and I entered the BEER STEIN RELAY! We nearly took the title of CHAMPIONS :) We were named runners-up which I still very stoked about!

Women dress traditionally in dresses called "Dirndls."

Men wear traditional outfits called "Lederhosen."