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."

Bavarian Inn: Shepherdstown, WV

Last weekend, I made a trip to see my dear friend, Anne. It was a nice trip to northern VA and just over the WV stateline (Eastern Panhandle). While I was there, we spent a day in Shepherdstown. I loved the feel of the town and def. main street. There small shops that were full of earthy goods and art of all kinds. It was great. Our day started out by having a delicious lunch at the Bavarian Inn. The Bavarian Inn was built in 1930. The famous Greystone Mansion in 1962. The Bavarian Inn has a "Bavarian Alpine Motif." All balconies overlook the Potomac River Bend. I loved it there and all I could keep thinking was, "I wish that my Omi could see this." I took plenty of pics of the Bavarian Inn and the Greystone Mansion (where we had lunch). I hope that you can enjoy the slideshow of my mini-trip to Germany just two and half hours from my VA home ;)

Camping on the New River, VA

For many who know me . . . know that I appreciate nature and love photographing its beauty. However, when it comes to "camping," I am not a big fan. I think it has alot to do with the idea of going without a shower. I could wake up at dawn and spend the entire day outside but that enjoyment can exist because I know that I will able to take a shower at the end of an active day ;)

Recently, I had the chance to camp on the New River in VA. I agreed to this experience because it entailed running (kayaking) the New River on the second day! The New River is so unique. It is the second oldest river in the world and one of the few flowing north. It was a trade-off that I was willing to do so my friend, Hogan and I packed the FJ, strapped the kayak to the roof and headed toward the great state of VA . . . Regardless of the fact that I did not have a shower for about a day and a half, I had a great time. I wish that I could explain the sound that you could hear from our campsite. Our tent was set right at a point in the river called "Foster Falls" so we would fall asleep to the sound of the waterfalls. Here is the only way that I can describe the falls . . .

The New River goes through a series of shallow (1 to 3 feet) water falls over approximately a mile distance.

The shallowness of the river around the falls made is a great spot for wading!