Coincidental, Parallel and Super FUN!

Honestly, before I get into the content of this blog, I must preface it with this idea . . . this experience was completely coincidental and a bit of a risk. However, I have in my head that a person should not let life happen to them but should make life happen. So, I just went with it.

At the start of the week, I was contacted by a complete stranger named Nicole (someone just in the area for consultant work at the local university for the week). I have been here long enough to know that when someone of intrigue comes along, you don’t say, “Wait, let me know think about it.” Instead, you take time for a get-together. So, that is just what I did. In the beginning of our first conversation, we each named our personal interests/hobbies and just like that, hiking came up. That was just the beginning of our parallel interest and thinking. Our conversations were loaded with fun and it was bizarre to have such a random run-in with someone who did not seem like a stranger at all. We share some of the same thinking, interests and beliefs. One of the highlights of our time together was when she spoke of the concept of “Geocaching.” This was something that I had never heard of before that evening.

In my own words, Geocaching is like a serious game of Hide-and-Go Seek. It is a world-wide quest where outdoor enthusiasts plant objects to be found with logs to document finds and Geocachers. From the moment that the concept became of topic, I was “in.”

A day or so later, we reconnected to GEOCACHE! We, well really, I chose the Chessie Trail Geocache which included the potential of walking among large free-to-roam livestock. YIKES! This find had a difficulty rating of 2 out of 5. We used her “handy dandy” GPS Easy Tracker device (which I totally need to get one) and even with all the stops, we were unsuccessful. I can’t wrap up this account of the Chessie without telling what I saw and heard. We had to walk along the river and it was just at dusk (NOTE: The trail signage reads loud and clear . . . No trespassing between dusk and dawn!). The sky was so clear and the stars were out. It was one of the clearest nights of the week. The moonlight was bright which gave us a little more light than our crank flashlights were putting out. Unfortunately, what I saw and heard was very different. After we spent about 30-40 minutes following the guide of the GPS compass readings and digging under rocks (just like the trail notes told us to), we walked back through the cow pasture to return to the car. Just then, I heard this awful cry. It was so spooky. I was panicked so much that Nicole was keenly aware that I was on “edge.” She reacted accordingly and quickly established the ground rule, which was oh so very simple: No one goes anywhere without the other! I think she was just as scared as I was but was trying to keep it together for me. Darkness, large livestock and a crazy spooky animal howling were just enough to FREAK me out! We never really determined what the howling truly was nor did we see any animals . . . all that mattered was making it to the car safely and with a sigh of relief, we did.

She was about seven steps ahead of me in thinking and had anticipated this reality of possible failure. She then challenged me to another Geocache. She had programmed about 3 or 4 “maybe” Geocache coordinates in her GPS (all of which were nearby). My mouth dropped. I was thinking that I had been living and hiking in this area for almost 3 years and probably have walked right by Geocaches many times over. Honestly, I probably have picked up a Geocaches and placed them in my litter bag thinking that someone was an irresponsible hiker and littered on the trial :-0

So, we tried one other Geocache at a local park in the downtown area. The clue was “it is magnetic, look under.” We had our crank flashlights going and we were wandering around the park area looking under each and every bench searching for the “find.” I kept thinking that a local police officer was going to be highly suspicious of our peculiar behavior and question us but we were able to skirt that run-in. Sadly, we were unsuccessful at the two dedicated attempts to locate a Geocache. We settled on having a drink or two at the one and only pub in my hometown called the “Grey Stone Pub.”

We closed down the place but not before the bartender took our picture to mark the end of a totally and completely random week. I might not have found a geocache but I am thinking that I might have found a new friend :)

Below, you can find some pictures of the trail so you can put a visual to the totally and completely FUN madness!

Margot, My Buddy

In October, I spent some time at the local SPCA shelter in VA. I visited two days in row and found myself very interested in a puppy that the shelter workers called "Connie." She was so cute and spunky that I could hardly stop thinking about her. There was a 48 hour waiting period where the Shelter Manager would check into your application and my references so when I got the call of approval . . . I was enthusiastic. Since that day, we have had an incredibly smooth adjustment. Of course, there have been bumps but it is normal puppy stuff.

I have chosen to name her Margot but recently two of my friends have been on me to re-name her Marla Hooch for my favorite character in one of the greatest movies ever (League of Their Own). In a compromise, Margot wears a dog tag that reads, "Margot AKA Marla Hooch." Usually, if anyone takes the time to read her tag and has a frame of reference to the film, it typically makes them smile and laugh :)

I have been told by every person that inquires about her this similar remark pops up. In so many words, they say that there is a special bond between the owner and an adopted SPCA animal because there is a loyalty and thankfulness that the animal has to and for her owner who rescued her.

I am not sure about that but I am not discounting it. I just know that I am giving her a home that she otherwise would not have. For the last couple months, we enjoy walks along the Maury River in VA and laps in Ritter Park in WV (when we visit). Really, I can't wait for Spring when we can hit the Blue Ridge Mountains for true hiking :) Also, for Christmas, Margot got a life jacket and I am particularly excited to take her on the lake for canoe rides :)

I have taken some pics of our time in VA and WV.

I would like you to meet Margot.

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.