tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11687686554630773482024-03-13T23:28:27.223-07:00Twinfeather Travelshooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-33484176292835294742015-09-19T10:52:00.000-07:002015-09-19T10:52:00.561-07:00Back to basics. <br />
<br />
It's been a while since I last touched base with you guys. And by "you guys" I mean my three readers who aren't friends or family.<br />
<br />
Hi. How's things?<br />
<br />
I've been doing a lot of thinking. Dangerous, I know. The next year is going to be filled with employment for me; I'm downsizing to a much smaller living space and I'm getting at least one extra job so I can save a lot of money - fast.<br />
<br />
Why? I want to pay cash for a travel trailer and get outta dodge. Third time's the charm, as they say.<br />
<br />
I'm also going to get a lot more serious with this blog and other social media platforms. I'll end up with a dot-com soon enough. My ultimate goal is to support myself via several different streams of income and get out of this suburban lint trap that my life has become.<br />
<br />
So this is my proclamation. I'm giving myself a year to pay for the RV, and then I will go from there.<br />
<br />
I apologize for the lack of photos in this post-- I'm submitting this from my phone and it doesn't like Blogger.<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon.hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-49793743071868330862015-05-15T16:07:00.001-07:002015-05-15T16:10:48.590-07:00St Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park<span style="font-size: large;">I'm riddled with cooties this weekend (I've got an upper respiratory infection), so I'm taking this time to update the blog instead of feeling sorry for myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ok, I'm feeling sorry for myself, too.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OOh-WGHURzE/VVZuLyR7NJI/AAAAAAAACRc/SKPioShkZno/s1600/IMG_1070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OOh-WGHURzE/VVZuLyR7NJI/AAAAAAAACRc/SKPioShkZno/s320/IMG_1070.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have one of those Florida State Park passes (thanks, sis!) that allows me free entry to all Florida State Parks, so I took my dog kayaking around St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park in April. I wanted to see the sunrise, so I got up extra early, packed up the van, woke up the dog, and hit the road. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The park is only accessible by boat, which means it's hardly ever crowded. There's a convenient kayak/canoe launch directly across from the park's main docking area. I got there at 6:15 AM -- and saw the sign that said the launch site wasn't open to the public until 7:00. Seriously?! If it weren't for the other people waiting in the lot, I would have cheerfully flouted the rules with a swish of my ponytail.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Once the launch was "officially" open, I lugged the kayak down to the bank, got Duchess settled inside, and we began our journey.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46jjO1K5ORs/VVZuWCsI3fI/AAAAAAAACRk/LpLOtFqlNyU/s1600/IMG_1053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46jjO1K5ORs/VVZuWCsI3fI/AAAAAAAACRk/LpLOtFqlNyU/s320/IMG_1053.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The sun was still shimmying above the horizon when we took off; I'm glad for that. I paddled across the often-choppy waters of the Intracoastal Waterway without incident -- though I did hear the distinctive sound of a marine mammal surfacing to breathe behind me one time. I didn't catch a look at the culprit.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xmWqsQQ38Fk/VVZvK1mAMmI/AAAAAAAACS0/x5YkAsFlwV8/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xmWqsQQ38Fk/VVZvK1mAMmI/AAAAAAAACS0/x5YkAsFlwV8/s320/IMG_1081.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I dipped my paddles quietly, creeping alongside the mangrove-studded shoreline. I eyed the fiddler crabs who eyed me right back from their mangrove root perches, and listened to the characteristic "snap-crackle-pop" sounds of the mangrove forests. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Wait... what?" you ask.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">No, really. I always assumed it was the crabs who made those popping sounds, but recently my curiosity got the better of me, and I did a bit of research. The popping sound comes from an odd little critter called the Pistol Shrimp. From <i><a href="http://www.wettropics.gov.au/rainforest_explorer/Resources/Documents/TropicalTopics/Mangroveanimals.pdf" target="_blank">Tropical Topics</a> </i>newsletter (July 1994):</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">"A characteristic noise of the mangroves is a loud crack or pop produced by the rarely seen pistol shrimp which inhabits the more fluid soils in wetter parts of the mangroves. The sound is produced by the animal snapping its enlarged claw which contains a unique peg and socket arrangement. It is thought to be a territorial signal and/or a noise made to deter predators."</span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The more you know....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-TRJLSwnUY/VVZu4cIlW0I/AAAAAAAACR8/rt8Ux2ai0Ac/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-TRJLSwnUY/VVZu4cIlW0I/AAAAAAAACR8/rt8Ux2ai0Ac/s320/IMG_1111.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x39-UgWB6pw/VVZu2rTi7FI/AAAAAAAACR0/t52Ds-bXgmQ/s1600/IMG_1090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Yup. That's a pelican." border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x39-UgWB6pw/VVZu2rTi7FI/AAAAAAAACR0/t52Ds-bXgmQ/s320/IMG_1090.JPG" title="" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">In the spirit of exploration, I let the numerous mangrove alleys guide me along for a while. I know the area well, and I had my map and compass, so I had no fear of getting lost. The sun traced an arc over the trees, and the birds started going about their business. Brown pelicans dive-bombed for breakfast in comic fashion, and egrets glided from their roosts with silent grace, their breeding season plumage ghosting behind them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Dawn relinquished its tender grasp on the preserve and gave way to the bright morning light. I aimed the kayak toward the water trail that wove through the park; I only had a few hours to spare before being forced to flee the unforgiving Florida sun.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H7AdPfAGmIE/VVZu5LLvrUI/AAAAAAAACSE/-3Ssxj82600/s1600/IMG_1119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H7AdPfAGmIE/VVZu5LLvrUI/AAAAAAAACSE/-3Ssxj82600/s320/IMG_1119.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the shelter of the mangrove islands, the water rested like a blown glass table top. It made for a delightful paddling experience. I spotted a few Belted Kingfishers (a favorite of mine). After a while, Duchess felt confident enough to climb up onto the prow as I paddled on.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H52DRLhGYCA/VVZvFFdNqsI/AAAAAAAACSg/dgFCFm-nwsU/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H52DRLhGYCA/VVZvFFdNqsI/AAAAAAAACSg/dgFCFm-nwsU/s320/IMG_1165.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Avam3EBCzVg/VVZvCFh0mJI/AAAAAAAACSU/zZ0UyH7cjwo/s1600/IMG_1136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Avam3EBCzVg/VVZvCFh0mJI/AAAAAAAACSU/zZ0UyH7cjwo/s320/IMG_1136.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The waterway narrowed and the clearance under the kayak became shallow indeed. I had to duck my head and skim my paddles on the water's surface to navigate one channel. It sounds exhausting, but it was a blast.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6TM0e5CChA/VVZvEs6H2kI/AAAAAAAACSc/95d8_8GX16g/s1600/IMG_1156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6TM0e5CChA/VVZvEs6H2kI/AAAAAAAACSc/95d8_8GX16g/s320/IMG_1156.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNyHS8uOSqM/VVZwZZKTeHI/AAAAAAAACTM/ofabzhORIwQ/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNyHS8uOSqM/VVZwZZKTeHI/AAAAAAAACTM/ofabzhORIwQ/s320/IMG_1160.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">That narrow channel opened up to a shallow "lake" between the mangrove islands. At this point, Duchess elected to hop out of the kayak and stretch her legs. I laughed at the spontaneity of her slow, deliberate wade through the shallows.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I let Duchess have her fun in the sun, and finally called her back to the kayak. I had to step out into the disgusting, foot-sucking muck in order to get her back in the kayak. It was an ordeal, I won't lie, and the kayak was filthy afterward, but Duchess had fun. I think it's important for a dog like her (prone to nervousness and anxiety) to have positive experiences with things that are still new to her. It's a big confidence builder.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg43qLX-RwI/VVZvHU5hm2I/AAAAAAAACSs/MAeIJG5NZ4A/s1600/IMG_1170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg43qLX-RwI/VVZvHU5hm2I/AAAAAAAACSs/MAeIJG5NZ4A/s320/IMG_1170.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Once we reached the far side of the "lake," I began to hear the distant thundering of ocean waves. I paddled faster, looking for the break in the mangroves that contained the path to the beach. I found it a few minutes later, and dragged my kayak onto a root- and leaf-carpeted bank. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Duchess hopped out of the kayak, shook her body as was her custom, and darted off to explore the immediate area. I recalled her to my side, grabbed her leash, and together we walked up to the beach.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38WfuvZ4EcQ/VVZwYKu1ovI/AAAAAAAACTE/3i3wA94oiHA/s1600/IMG_1196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38WfuvZ4EcQ/VVZwYKu1ovI/AAAAAAAACTE/3i3wA94oiHA/s320/IMG_1196.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aldKBJe-3rA/VVZwWSFkLUI/AAAAAAAACS8/Qqb1-Z1KsJ4/s1600/IMG_1198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aldKBJe-3rA/VVZwWSFkLUI/AAAAAAAACS8/Qqb1-Z1KsJ4/s320/IMG_1198.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The beach did not disappoint.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9g8_S93eVUw/VVZw5tRcIuI/AAAAAAAACUE/QGaAO5c4lgE/s1600/IMG_1199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="71" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9g8_S93eVUw/VVZw5tRcIuI/AAAAAAAACUE/QGaAO5c4lgE/s320/IMG_1199.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A sprawling expanse of undeveloped ocean-side beauty, there are few beaches like it on the Florida coast. I took a stroll back and forth along the beach, wiggled my toes in the sand, inspected the rocks and shells strewn about, and finally laid out my yoga mat by a massive piece of driftwood and did a few sun salutations.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saCj1e-W6LE/VVZwfMwtGtI/AAAAAAAACTU/BGdBX1ELD1Y/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saCj1e-W6LE/VVZwfMwtGtI/AAAAAAAACTU/BGdBX1ELD1Y/s320/IMG_1212.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It was glorious.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pl_pdgp7tZA/VVZw3IW8cfI/AAAAAAAACT0/ytbnZ42RNXM/s1600/IMG_1215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="91" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pl_pdgp7tZA/VVZw3IW8cfI/AAAAAAAACT0/ytbnZ42RNXM/s400/IMG_1215.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnZ0XhrIrv0/VVZwmpjD9aI/AAAAAAAACTc/rKnUbflT8dw/s320/IMG_1219.JPG" width="240" /></span></div>
hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-32464049083037318322015-04-15T12:32:00.000-07:002015-04-15T12:34:32.458-07:00Doggy Paddling around Munyon Island <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I36y8Bh514U/VS6rqu1Zt9I/AAAAAAAACH8/V9asjaMqBlQ/s1600/IMG_1041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I36y8Bh514U/VS6rqu1Zt9I/AAAAAAAACH8/V9asjaMqBlQ/s1600/IMG_1041.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I took my dog out for a morning on the Intracoastal Waterway today. The weather was perfect; warm and breezy. Duchess and I both had a blast.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We started out in a sheltered lagoon area near John D. MacArthur State Park shortly after the park opened at 8 AM. The tide was high, and fish were continually launching themselves up out of the water; some of them sustained impressive air time. It was really encouraging to observe a thriving fish population in an era of over-harvesting. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hC5HbVVaZoA/VS6rpvcKw7I/AAAAAAAACH0/XxENOaSibws/s1600/IMG_1029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hC5HbVVaZoA/VS6rpvcKw7I/AAAAAAAACH0/XxENOaSibws/s1600/IMG_1029.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I passed under a bridge and out into the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway and started checking out the area's birds. I spotted several flocks of Brown Pelicans, a nesting pair of Ospreys, myriad wading birds, and petite Least Terns were in abundance. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I also caught a glimpse of a sea turtle coming up for air. Oh! As of this write-up, there has been one documented sea turtle nest this season on MacArthur beach -- belonging to a lovely leatherback sea turtle. The park ranger said it's been a slow season so far.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQ_cGKsSuro/VS6rl-xi0jI/AAAAAAAACHE/wi5xnKx6FQ4/s1600/IMG_0993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQ_cGKsSuro/VS6rl-xi0jI/AAAAAAAACHE/wi5xnKx6FQ4/s1600/IMG_0993.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We made landfall on a little spit of land, and I let Duchess out to romp around. She was positively giddy about being able to run around on her own private beach, so she started racing around at top speed. It makes my heart sing to see her feeling so obviously happy and liberated, because she is prone to anxiety in new situations. I am really glad that she enjoyed her kayaking trip.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bhryhM7g-1o/VS62tdKtLYI/AAAAAAAACIU/YFJLdcKJbeU/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bhryhM7g-1o/VS62tdKtLYI/AAAAAAAACIU/YFJLdcKJbeU/s1600/collage.jpg" height="240" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OHDBy2mVYsc/VS6rkeMapnI/AAAAAAAACGs/GvT9U8E3b6E/s1600/IMG_0981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OHDBy2mVYsc/VS6rkeMapnI/AAAAAAAACGs/GvT9U8E3b6E/s1600/IMG_0981.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> After our stop on the little island, we ventured forth into the nearby mangrove alleys. The tide was starting to head out, so the current was swift and the water was receding in the area; it made for some new sights and smells for Duchess to take in.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKrux18r_gM/VS6rmuXST7I/AAAAAAAACHQ/8TGtQvrM_8s/s1600/IMG_1010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKrux18r_gM/VS6rmuXST7I/AAAAAAAACHQ/8TGtQvrM_8s/s1600/IMG_1010.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zN2PxlObyF4/VS6rnc8IGhI/AAAAAAAACHc/7fsDtnpBcO0/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zN2PxlObyF4/VS6rnc8IGhI/AAAAAAAACHc/7fsDtnpBcO0/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Once we made it out of the mangroves, I headed toward the docks at nearby Munyon Island. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught the motion of something brown-grey and rather large surfacing and descending. At first I thought it was a large sea turtle's back, but upon closer inspection, I saw that it was a manatee's head! The water was too brackish to get a decent photo of it, but it was really cool to see one in the Intracoastal (I hugged Duchess and laughed in my excitement).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTUIjWuOuBA/VS6ro1nC0NI/AAAAAAAACHk/g0JppEjjkPo/s1600/IMG_1020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTUIjWuOuBA/VS6ro1nC0NI/AAAAAAAACHk/g0JppEjjkPo/s1600/IMG_1020.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I aimed back toward my launching area, and began the leisurely paddle back to "camp." By that time, Duchess was completely relaxed, and took a short siesta while I moseyed along. It was such a wonderful voyage for the both of us, and I think Duchess gained a lot of confidence today, which I believe to be the most important part of the whole journey. I'm deeply pleased with her, and I kept letting her know that she was a good girl and that I was proud of her (phrases she knows well!) throughout the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--LdO1xk2aYE/VS6rq0_jmzI/AAAAAAAACIA/6Xn_fMo2zfY/s1600/IMG_1035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--LdO1xk2aYE/VS6rq0_jmzI/AAAAAAAACIA/6Xn_fMo2zfY/s1600/IMG_1035.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm truly looking forward to our next paddling adventure together.</span>hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-24244519406972510142015-04-07T20:37:00.004-07:002015-04-07T20:37:43.665-07:00Look up.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N9uCb9U4aQA/VSSh43UlOAI/AAAAAAAACFw/drcHpcoQFAo/s1600/P1110899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N9uCb9U4aQA/VSSh43UlOAI/AAAAAAAACFw/drcHpcoQFAo/s1600/P1110899.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dnVVybweCUM/VSSh5ceImWI/AAAAAAAACF4/xE_IBAstTJ0/s1600/P1110902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dnVVybweCUM/VSSh5ceImWI/AAAAAAAACF4/xE_IBAstTJ0/s1600/P1110902.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9By2j_Ldt_8/VSSiEhnjk7I/AAAAAAAACGQ/3O2qS3JUSt4/s1600/P1110908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9By2j_Ldt_8/VSSiEhnjk7I/AAAAAAAACGQ/3O2qS3JUSt4/s1600/P1110908.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Mo-lauw2Rc/VSSh6YFELKI/AAAAAAAACGA/---Hc83KV2Y/s1600/P1110906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Mo-lauw2Rc/VSSh6YFELKI/AAAAAAAACGA/---Hc83KV2Y/s1600/P1110906.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a76Yqg10oa4/VSSiC-S_NlI/AAAAAAAACGI/4XVafsW-CBw/s1600/P1110907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a76Yqg10oa4/VSSiC-S_NlI/AAAAAAAACGI/4XVafsW-CBw/s1600/P1110907.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What does your sky look like today?</span><br />
<br />hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-71225847732890332542015-03-21T09:04:00.000-07:002015-03-28T20:30:26.004-07:00Weeki Wachee Wander<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MtrmtJlvIoU/VQ2BTV4VwxI/AAAAAAAAB8s/3Gak3AmfDUA/s1600/IMG_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MtrmtJlvIoU/VQ2BTV4VwxI/AAAAAAAAB8s/3Gak3AmfDUA/s1600/IMG_0357.JPG" height="85" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What a perfectly gorgeous day for kayaking. I had been wanting to go "play with the manatees" before the Florida weather became unforgivably hot and humid. As fate would have it, my day off coincided with one of the coldest days of the year, following a week of cool temperatures. When it gets cooler, the manatees head to warmer waters -- in a lot of cases, they congregate in freshwater springs and near power plants. That combination of weather events practically ensured manatee sightings.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8NkDTuS1gUM/VQ2AtWe65MI/AAAAAAAAB8U/wsflZHXhdfA/s1600/IMG_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8NkDTuS1gUM/VQ2AtWe65MI/AAAAAAAAB8U/wsflZHXhdfA/s1600/IMG_0338.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was <i><b>FREEZING</b>. </i>The first thirty minutes I spent on the water, I was physically shivering. I was wearing my fleece hat, jacket, and even my fleece neck gaiter (don't laugh, I live in Florida). The cold weather made the warm spring water throw steam into the crisp morning air. It was like paddling through a dream. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vxh57y3BGE0/VQ2GaoGd8bI/AAAAAAAAB88/qlayqnqMvoI/s1600/IMG_9801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vxh57y3BGE0/VQ2GaoGd8bI/AAAAAAAAB88/qlayqnqMvoI/s1600/IMG_9801.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EeLNvVe7ivQ/VQ2Ar0-vL-I/AAAAAAAAB8M/yht8t9z7ya0/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EeLNvVe7ivQ/VQ2Ar0-vL-I/AAAAAAAAB8M/yht8t9z7ya0/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As the current guided me down the river, I took the time to sit back and observe the natural world going about its business. Small schools of fish commuted up and downstream in an orderly fashion. Occasional spring vents pressed up through the river floor, making the underwater foliage dance and sway. I spotted several deer breakfasting along the water's edge, as well as an otter weaving its way through the shallows. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1q2xapzzvhA/VQ2II3K5x2I/AAAAAAAAB9I/V-eRv8f20sE/s1600/IMG_9911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1q2xapzzvhA/VQ2II3K5x2I/AAAAAAAAB9I/V-eRv8f20sE/s1600/IMG_9911.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYsOP6LXxPU/VQ2AvcU374I/AAAAAAAAB8c/RNbrLgbyqE8/s1600/IMG_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYsOP6LXxPU/VQ2AvcU374I/AAAAAAAAB8c/RNbrLgbyqE8/s1600/IMG_0348.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The water was an unbelievably breathtaking shade of turquoise. I felt an immense amount of gratitude for being able to experience this river on such a perfect morning.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCd98TWEfIE/VQ2A099RVcI/AAAAAAAAB8k/fqWu1w6gCCo/s1600/IMG_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCd98TWEfIE/VQ2A099RVcI/AAAAAAAAB8k/fqWu1w6gCCo/s1600/IMG_0352.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I stopped for a quick mid-morning snack on this sandbar, watching the water swirl past me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dP9frJlODeI/VQ2KjkpiJeI/AAAAAAAAB9k/w9wD8uy2oS4/s1600/IMG_9944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dP9frJlODeI/VQ2KjkpiJeI/AAAAAAAAB9k/w9wD8uy2oS4/s1600/IMG_9944.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, I decided to get moving once more; it was far too cold to stay still for too long. As I shivered down the river, I began to wonder when I'd see manatees -- even one manatee would send me home happy. I silently told myself not to get my expectations up, and to just enjoy this beautiful morning, when --</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hd0LXoSv7_o/VQ2IwyKoJOI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/__mASx8N5-s/s1600/IMG_9925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hd0LXoSv7_o/VQ2IwyKoJOI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/__mASx8N5-s/s1600/IMG_9925.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>ELATION!</b> Manatees in motion move so much faster than I expected them to. This manatee was cruising against the current with speed and grace -- a current that had all but carried me to this point in the river. In an instant, I no longer felt the frigid, insistent wind. The manatee slowed as it glided past me and surfaced a few yards away from my kayak, then submerged and continued on its upstream journey. It was such a special moment for me, because it was my first time observing a manatee in the wild.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dMSHqJK8z4E/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dMSHqJK8z4E?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBIWWdbNhYs/VQ2IzD5pCWI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/YarjKBp2tjI/s1600/IMG_9971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBIWWdbNhYs/VQ2IzD5pCWI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/YarjKBp2tjI/s1600/IMG_9971.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I paddled contentedly onward, enjoying my surroundings. (The Weeki Wachee River is really picturesque; if you have an opportunity to visit, do so.) I reached a spot in the river called "Hospital Hole," which is a 100-foot deep sulphur spring in the middle of the river - a favorite haunt for manatees. I counted <b>at least </b>ten manatees in that spot alone. They would rest with their heads under large rock overhangs about ten feet below the surface, and occasionally come up for air. There was a brand-new baby among them, covered in its infant "fur" and without a scar upon its precious back. Its mother would help it to the surface to breathe.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w9tZiD6MmBo/VQ2O5yMoFeI/AAAAAAAAB-A/XNWSfi5bgxA/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w9tZiD6MmBo/VQ2O5yMoFeI/AAAAAAAAB-A/XNWSfi5bgxA/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-beLXCjAuTKg/VQ2O_YGomHI/AAAAAAAAB-I/zU1CaiHmBYs/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-beLXCjAuTKg/VQ2O_YGomHI/AAAAAAAAB-I/zU1CaiHmBYs/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpo1-3n1h4k/VQ2O4kaah9I/AAAAAAAAB94/j9P4r9fXtTg/s1600/IMG_9993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpo1-3n1h4k/VQ2O4kaah9I/AAAAAAAAB94/j9P4r9fXtTg/s1600/IMG_9993.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-enUB4awVoSY/VQ2PL8q0HII/AAAAAAAAB-Q/kPHGieo8ow4/s1600/IMG_9995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-enUB4awVoSY/VQ2PL8q0HII/AAAAAAAAB-Q/kPHGieo8ow4/s1600/IMG_9995.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9A69NDj6y8/VQ2POBWMLgI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/lI28NrhVsMg/s1600/IMG_9998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9A69NDj6y8/VQ2POBWMLgI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/lI28NrhVsMg/s1600/IMG_9998.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I spent over an hour in that spot, listening to the manatees breathing, and letting the sulphur spring's swirling current carry me in slow, wide circles around the manatees. It was so therapeutic. If anything is worth waking up at 3 AM to drive four hours for, that was it. Absolutely perfect day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_S0FlWiqt9c/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_S0FlWiqt9c?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6SfAyEKeJMs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6SfAyEKeJMs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-11102404212375618542015-03-21T07:28:00.001-07:002015-03-21T07:28:55.151-07:00This is what "nesting" looks like for me.In a fit of inspiration, I made a console table for my living room. Shout out to my mother for letting me use her driveway as a makeshift workshop.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mdjvErPbFr4/VQ19jARtSfI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/I2QuTYLcDl4/s1600/IMG_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mdjvErPbFr4/VQ19jARtSfI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/I2QuTYLcDl4/s1600/IMG_0263.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The console has a sort of rustic/industrial vibe, so I added some decorative hardware in the form of brackets and bolts. They're spray painted with Rustoleum's Oil-Rubbed Bronze. It's a great effect; I've since used it on two lamps, several Breyer horses, and the pig which resides on my kitchen counter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w7Nm1deIFgc/VQ19kU2lVxI/AAAAAAAAB7o/22TdSRmoRP4/s1600/IMG_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w7Nm1deIFgc/VQ19kU2lVxI/AAAAAAAAB7o/22TdSRmoRP4/s1600/IMG_0265.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CrelZeEKnes/VQ19jCJNNxI/AAAAAAAAB7c/YeuCAU6Qahg/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CrelZeEKnes/VQ19jCJNNxI/AAAAAAAAB7c/YeuCAU6Qahg/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RjXr8m4cYOc/VQ19rYprWvI/AAAAAAAAB74/9r_XD8Q0X00/s1600/IMG_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RjXr8m4cYOc/VQ19rYprWvI/AAAAAAAAB74/9r_XD8Q0X00/s1600/IMG_0268.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Obligatory detail shot below. This table was stained with Minwax Special Walnut. I purposely chose boards with crazy knots to enhance the wabi sabi, <i>jolie laide</i> look that I love seeing in furniture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVdKmJifk9c/VQ19q_DGeRI/AAAAAAAAB7w/AwnHaVEcqwk/s1600/IMG_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVdKmJifk9c/VQ19q_DGeRI/AAAAAAAAB7w/AwnHaVEcqwk/s1600/IMG_0270.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
So here it is, all set up in my living room, accompanied by the aforementioned Breyer horses and lamp. And Harry Potter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DLchr0JFLN0/VQ19rsSpAjI/AAAAAAAAB78/5VD2j38Geyk/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DLchr0JFLN0/VQ19rsSpAjI/AAAAAAAAB78/5VD2j38Geyk/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-61969200014518310712015-02-27T08:08:00.000-08:002015-03-21T07:15:48.367-07:00Cabinets<span style="font-size: large;">When I think of the shelves I first installed in my van last year -- a rickety construction of plywood held together with L-brackets and improperly-sized screws -- my first reaction is to wince inwardly. My second one is to feel slightly proud of how far I've come with my woodworking.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Since returning to Florida, I dove into my new-found woodworking hobby with gusto: I built my own kitchen table from scratch, and constructed a planter box of my own design for my mother as a gift. Once I got started with my van design 2.0, I built my bed frame -- the one you saw in a previous post -- and began building my cabinets. Behold:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--MtJTbXcnBI/VQ17ERhV_5I/AAAAAAAAB6c/BglLZWmbqsw/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--MtJTbXcnBI/VQ17ERhV_5I/AAAAAAAAB6c/BglLZWmbqsw/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's a simple enough design; some plywood, 1x4's, and a face frame. Here's a few progression shots to give you an idea of how I built them:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUZPDajiOU8/VQ17bFZS2XI/AAAAAAAAB6k/VxxccbiesaE/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUZPDajiOU8/VQ17bFZS2XI/AAAAAAAAB6k/VxxccbiesaE/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-biBnY7-0xTo/VQ17bS0yUVI/AAAAAAAAB6o/bcVFB8Ug62A/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-biBnY7-0xTo/VQ17bS0yUVI/AAAAAAAAB6o/bcVFB8Ug62A/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oE3B5NgjR9Y/VQ17en_Ce2I/AAAAAAAAB60/3sv-SJ1xU7A/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oE3B5NgjR9Y/VQ17en_Ce2I/AAAAAAAAB60/3sv-SJ1xU7A/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWK2bRbJN4E/VQ17g21uTCI/AAAAAAAAB68/DNHx-iArB1s/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWK2bRbJN4E/VQ17g21uTCI/AAAAAAAAB68/DNHx-iArB1s/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BE3NVVbEOdg/VQ17iyrHJ3I/AAAAAAAAB7E/t7wgoIbBZwg/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BE3NVVbEOdg/VQ17iyrHJ3I/AAAAAAAAB7E/t7wgoIbBZwg/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On my second cabinet's face frame, I neglected to follow the golden rule of woodworking: "Measure twice, cut once." I cut my 1x3's an inch too short, so I had to rip a scrap piece of 1x4 down to size and then *correctly* make my final cuts. I am pleased with the result; such a failure in the past would have sent me back to the store for more wood. I'm grateful for the knowledge I've gleaned from so many YouTube channels and web sites I've visited.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eph4QDjnyD0/VQ18JWU5zcI/AAAAAAAAB7M/fM2ZFnzeYrU/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eph4QDjnyD0/VQ18JWU5zcI/AAAAAAAAB7M/fM2ZFnzeYrU/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For the counter top, I toyed with the idea of using plywood and finishing the edges with laminate. Instead, I opted to go with a top made of 1x6 boards.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The doors, oddly enough, were the hardest thing to get just right. The way they look and contrast nicely with the rest of the stain is pure happenstance, for which I am immeasurably grateful. The insets on the doors are not stained - I only applied some wood conditioner and a wax finish.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--MtJTbXcnBI/VQ17ERhV_5I/AAAAAAAAB6c/BglLZWmbqsw/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--MtJTbXcnBI/VQ17ERhV_5I/AAAAAAAAB6c/BglLZWmbqsw/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The next thing I need to do is install my entertainment unit. So far, much of that work has been me sitting on the bed in the van, staring at the wall opposite me, and visualizing different designs that would work with the current counters. I already know that this one is going to be a pain until I can get out of my head and put my hands to work.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Until next time...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-26260596531248270472015-02-19T10:20:00.000-08:002015-03-28T20:32:51.438-07:00PHOTOBLOG: Cape Disappointment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bqbofPgX_2U/U-uelGRRiKI/AAAAAAAABcw/-IQ4UaMJ3lk/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-1-Lighthouse-at-Waikiki-Beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bqbofPgX_2U/U-uelGRRiKI/AAAAAAAABcw/-IQ4UaMJ3lk/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-1-Lighthouse-at-Waikiki-Beach.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zi81jeEFvi0/U-uekjafqgI/AAAAAAAABco/_NVhV5EVnmk/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-2-Benson-Beach2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zi81jeEFvi0/U-uekjafqgI/AAAAAAAABco/_NVhV5EVnmk/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-2-Benson-Beach2.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uS-4d0TF0KY/U-uepgP4OVI/AAAAAAAABdQ/1g0jvao7Ero/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-3-North-Jetty2-left-side-columbia-river-right-side-pacific.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uS-4d0TF0KY/U-uepgP4OVI/AAAAAAAABdQ/1g0jvao7Ero/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-3-North-Jetty2-left-side-columbia-river-right-side-pacific.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OH4Eey58VDY/U-uelBzeLCI/AAAAAAAABcs/k51p2hlaW_M/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-3-North-Jetty-eagle12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OH4Eey58VDY/U-uelBzeLCI/AAAAAAAABcs/k51p2hlaW_M/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-3-North-Jetty-eagle12.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3qrOWJU2WA/U-uemqPqhhI/AAAAAAAABdA/6FbQfizZBWo/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-3-North-Jetty-eagle13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3qrOWJU2WA/U-uemqPqhhI/AAAAAAAABdA/6FbQfizZBWo/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-3-North-Jetty-eagle13.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ov63ey4uDxo/U-uenlnfm1I/AAAAAAAABdI/p57ir0Ify_A/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-3-North-Jetty-view-of-North-Head-Lighthouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ov63ey4uDxo/U-uenlnfm1I/AAAAAAAABdI/p57ir0Ify_A/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-3-North-Jetty-view-of-North-Head-Lighthouse.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BjbgGb1nQTU/U-ueqie2KDI/AAAAAAAABdY/KZ3wh2SOf3Y/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-3-North-Jetty-waves4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BjbgGb1nQTU/U-ueqie2KDI/AAAAAAAABdY/KZ3wh2SOf3Y/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-3-North-Jetty-waves4.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wP48dvKHMlQ/U-uequk_-UI/AAAAAAAABdc/keI4xSeqXJg/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-3-North-Jetty-waves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wP48dvKHMlQ/U-uequk_-UI/AAAAAAAABdc/keI4xSeqXJg/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-3-North-Jetty-waves.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lY_WETeb0NM/U-uesA8AZ0I/AAAAAAAABdo/Zmkrf0yge_Y/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-4-North-Head-Lighthouse-View3%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lY_WETeb0NM/U-uesA8AZ0I/AAAAAAAABdo/Zmkrf0yge_Y/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-4-North-Head-Lighthouse-View3%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxhIyMhin8I/U-uevS8YWPI/AAAAAAAABdw/gXYq7Fo0SOk/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-4-North-Head-Lighthouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxhIyMhin8I/U-uevS8YWPI/AAAAAAAABdw/gXYq7Fo0SOk/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-4-North-Head-Lighthouse.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6H8uKBwkEE/U-uewoiSM4I/AAAAAAAABd4/LJIuGwP2Qo8/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-4-North-Head-Orca-Sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6H8uKBwkEE/U-uewoiSM4I/AAAAAAAABd4/LJIuGwP2Qo8/s1600/3-Washington-14-Cape-Disappointment-4-North-Head-Orca-Sign.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-2806508161381789382015-01-29T05:51:00.003-08:002015-03-28T20:30:44.133-07:00Starting anew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Znw1k4tmeTQ/VMo3yFtKrwI/AAAAAAAABsY/VoymodlIfwA/s1600/1-Wyoming-3-Red-Rocks2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Znw1k4tmeTQ/VMo3yFtKrwI/AAAAAAAABsY/VoymodlIfwA/s1600/1-Wyoming-3-Red-Rocks2.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been thinking and re-thinking about the interior of my camper van since returning to Florida last July. I sketched out a motley assortment of ideas, designs, and thoughts on what worked while I was on the road -- and what definitely did not.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I continued refining these designs on paper, sitting in my van for hours at a time, visualizing and mulling it over in my mind. It took several weeks to finalize the layout on paper. This time, I said to myself, I would build it right. It would be high-quality, well-made, and efficient.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The first thing I did was gut the interior -- all the way down to the insulation. A deep cleaning of the van was definitely in order, so I did that, and then I checked all of the solar wiring to see what needed to be adjusted or repaired.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After that, I built the frame for the new bed. Mind you, the "old bed" was nothing more than a camp pad and a mattress topper supported by some plastic storage bins. Let me tell you: that did NOT work for me. It was quick, easy, and horrendously messy. Taking apart my bed to get to my clothes was the epitome of poor design.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kM1xLHYfGfs/VMo5sSJBZ_I/AAAAAAAABso/qN_Ogvqzi8Y/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kM1xLHYfGfs/VMo5sSJBZ_I/AAAAAAAABso/qN_Ogvqzi8Y/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The new bed is still the same twin-size, camp pad/mattress topper combo, but it is sturdy. has easy-access storage, and doesn't drive me insane. I'm calling it a success. I'll be constructing a padded headboard for it in the future. This is going to be quite the cozy camper van.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'll have more to share with you soon. I can't wait to show you my cabinets. As of this write-up, the lower cabinets and counter top are complete - stained, sealed and all. I still want to cover the shelves with some noise-dampening material, such as felt. They look fantastic, if you don't mind me saying. In the future, I'll be adding smaller cabinets on top of them, rather like a built-in entertainment nook, with a dedicated charging station and all. Here's a preview, and another shot of the bed (and Poquito, my mother's Chihuahua):</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s1VbLuctzTc/VMo6CekQVmI/AAAAAAAABs0/bT9OmXgJBGM/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s1VbLuctzTc/VMo6CekQVmI/AAAAAAAABs0/bT9OmXgJBGM/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Note the vanity license plate hanging on the bulkhead. :P</span></div>
<br />hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-35624489201117268342015-01-22T05:45:00.000-08:002015-03-28T20:31:21.100-07:00PHOTOBLOG: Gold Head Branch State Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"The worst day on the trail is better than the best day in the office."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AUABI_1P-7k/UzQdLDT4HKI/AAAAAAAAA5w/zE-kz_tj5gw/s1600/30025_127366890624595_4962221_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AUABI_1P-7k/UzQdLDT4HKI/AAAAAAAAA5w/zE-kz_tj5gw/s1600/30025_127366890624595_4962221_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CUAkeZH3-sE/UzQdNlfdoHI/AAAAAAAAA6g/xaDgMkGTy3E/s1600/30025_127378403956777_107637_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CUAkeZH3-sE/UzQdNlfdoHI/AAAAAAAAA6g/xaDgMkGTy3E/s1600/30025_127378403956777_107637_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFACEcpZt0w/UzQdMb-u1sI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/dZHoPY3hUdU/s1600/30025_127369360624348_4818790_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFACEcpZt0w/UzQdMb-u1sI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/dZHoPY3hUdU/s1600/30025_127369360624348_4818790_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVDPZNdDZvM/UzQdMvtWMLI/AAAAAAAAA6M/pDlqr2Q4L3o/s1600/30025_127378357290115_5273728_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVDPZNdDZvM/UzQdMvtWMLI/AAAAAAAAA6M/pDlqr2Q4L3o/s1600/30025_127378357290115_5273728_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhuoJXJS-eE/UzQdLFckYPI/AAAAAAAAA5s/bN-4f3kJjeE/s1600/30025_127366887291262_6216427_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhuoJXJS-eE/UzQdLFckYPI/AAAAAAAAA5s/bN-4f3kJjeE/s1600/30025_127366887291262_6216427_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2WcjyyVxGo4/UzQdLAnI8fI/AAAAAAAAA50/4zPLm-7BuXo/s1600/30025_127369320624352_3451687_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2WcjyyVxGo4/UzQdLAnI8fI/AAAAAAAAA50/4zPLm-7BuXo/s1600/30025_127369320624352_3451687_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_dL_cNMJaI/UzQdOmTJVjI/AAAAAAAAA6o/KZvZW198P94/s1600/30025_127369347291016_2641556_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_dL_cNMJaI/UzQdOmTJVjI/AAAAAAAAA6o/KZvZW198P94/s1600/30025_127369347291016_2641556_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__Qmrt7bacQ/UzQdO3_oVRI/AAAAAAAAA68/PBAUFPod_wM/s1600/sinkhole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__Qmrt7bacQ/UzQdO3_oVRI/AAAAAAAAA68/PBAUFPod_wM/s1600/sinkhole.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, 6239 Florida 21, Keystone Heights, FL 32656, USA29.8477577 -81.961864829.7926602 -82.0425458 29.902855199999998 -81.8811838tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-14952406625113199022015-01-20T10:46:00.000-08:002015-03-28T20:31:34.059-07:00Mark II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMFVCdA0mp8/VL6iNrzKr3I/AAAAAAAABsA/lC2RrHFXI_k/s1600/IMG_6457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMFVCdA0mp8/VL6iNrzKr3I/AAAAAAAABsA/lC2RrHFXI_k/s1600/IMG_6457.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Details soon. Stay posted!</div>
hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-45044974328743329162014-10-01T06:03:00.000-07:002014-10-01T06:03:00.249-07:00Livin' it up in the Florida Keys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-62uAfYDI4/UzQhL0IbkcI/AAAAAAAAA8o/bjWDqOpAowA/s1600/K11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-62uAfYDI4/UzQhL0IbkcI/AAAAAAAAA8o/bjWDqOpAowA/s1600/K11.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sure I've said it before, but my favorite traveling companions are my two sisters. This time around, I journeyed all the way to the southernmost point of the United States with my older sister. It was her last big hurrah before moving overseas to Germany, so we made a day of it, and it was fun and special. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We made an early start -- before dawn -- and made it to Key Largo just as the sun began to rise. The sky was a dusky pink-purple-blue and the weather was perfect.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rOl26I9ASuI/UzQhZSzW23I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/DxNcLYwL5QM/s1600/K3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rOl26I9ASuI/UzQhZSzW23I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/DxNcLYwL5QM/s1600/K3.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We stopped at Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key to dip our toes in the Gulf and Atlantic waters. It's funny to think about that now, and it reminds me of when I was walking the jetty in Washington state, looking at the wide Columbia River spilling into the Pacific Ocean. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I digress.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We started on the Atlantic Ocean side, where we were greeted by dozens of seagulls and pelicans haunting a shoal of bait fish that was swimming just offshore... and also by a vast, smelly swath of dead sea grass. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-smBIi0ZcQgw/UzQhaoPN8fI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/0kW9CFo-yDE/s1600/K2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-smBIi0ZcQgw/UzQhaoPN8fI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/0kW9CFo-yDE/s1600/K2.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Walking along that decaying carpet of sea grass is not for the faint of heart, let me assure you. But, for the steadfast explorer, curious treasures can be found among the... fragrant vegetation. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1dcgyBYYAhc/UzQhNJHyC2I/AAAAAAAAA8w/aKT7EdhjbWo/s1600/K1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1dcgyBYYAhc/UzQhNJHyC2I/AAAAAAAAA8w/aKT7EdhjbWo/s1600/K1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Once we'd had enough of the sights, sounds, and smells of the oceanic side of the park, we took a short hike over to the idyllic Gulf side of Bahia Honda. Much better!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDCj_UbQu-s/UzQhelkV2lI/AAAAAAAAA9g/t6aY-2R8jXY/s1600/K4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDCj_UbQu-s/UzQhelkV2lI/AAAAAAAAA9g/t6aY-2R8jXY/s1600/K4.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We settled down on the beach and went snorkeling in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There we witnessed a number of the ubiquitous tropical fish that inhabit Florida's coastline. Periodically, we pointed out strange findings to one another -- a dead crab or lobster here, a piece of washed-up coral there. It was fun.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwemGDbue54/UzQhh_YhQpI/AAAAAAAAA9s/35UbcXDjV5U/s1600/K5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwemGDbue54/UzQhh_YhQpI/AAAAAAAAA9s/35UbcXDjV5U/s1600/K5.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">That's my sister in the photo above, posing artfully in front of the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge - a relic from the Keys's railroad past. Look at that gorgeous Florida sky!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25vMfpyvF2U/UzQhhuxA1VI/AAAAAAAAA9o/u3Ofmu78dsY/s1600/K6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25vMfpyvF2U/UzQhhuxA1VI/AAAAAAAAA9o/u3Ofmu78dsY/s1600/K6.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And here's an obligatory shot of yours truly -- or at least my feet and my Chacos.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kDsX743BPEE/UzQhml14elI/AAAAAAAAA94/BCl0V4gu_WQ/s1600/K7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kDsX743BPEE/UzQhml14elI/AAAAAAAAA94/BCl0V4gu_WQ/s1600/K7.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After one more blissful glance over our shoulders, my sister and I headed back to the car and headed south once more. Destination: Key West.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After we arrived, we stopped at a little cafe called Croissants de France for some cheap, yummy breakfast cuisine. It was good - the atmosphere was nice, and it wasn't too hot in the outdoor seating area. A resident anole lizard kept a watchful eye on me as I ate my meal.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zdiqn6ovtzM/UzQhonD1KHI/AAAAAAAAA-A/e7MDZOUY4aM/s1600/K8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zdiqn6ovtzM/UzQhonD1KHI/AAAAAAAAA-A/e7MDZOUY4aM/s1600/K8.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After our "brunch," we wandered around Key West, taking in the sights and sounds, and poking our heads into shops here and there. We also visited the Hemingway House -- home of Ernest Hemingway during his Key West days, and also home to a gang of his famous polydactyl cats.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg9IopLmsF0/UzQhpGj3OLI/AAAAAAAAA-E/Zfo6YHjch-w/s1600/K9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg9IopLmsF0/UzQhpGj3OLI/AAAAAAAAA-E/Zfo6YHjch-w/s1600/K9.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I loved walking around the airy home, with its creaky floorboards and antique furnishings. My sister and I started pointing out all of the cats to each other. It seemed that every room in the house had a snoozing feline in it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l8veQVe6fWY/UzQhLV1oGJI/AAAAAAAAA8g/X680M0uiMKM/s1600/K10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l8veQVe6fWY/UzQhLV1oGJI/AAAAAAAAA8g/X680M0uiMKM/s1600/K10.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We walked around the perimeter of the house, where we played with an adorable six-toed kitten on the walkway, and finally exited the grounds through the front gate. It was a lot of fun. There is a bookshop on premises if you find yourself in need of a copy of any of his books (they carry his full writing catalogue -- or a gaudy, touristy rendering of one of the cats.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dANfF-ebMEk/UzQhTXZ-wbI/AAAAAAAAA88/KKP6u8cJEaQ/s1600/K14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dANfF-ebMEk/UzQhTXZ-wbI/AAAAAAAAA88/KKP6u8cJEaQ/s1600/K14.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We stopped at a nearby, hole-in-the-wall cafe called The Six-Toed Cat, where I had the single most amazing piece of Key Lime Pie I've ever had in my life. It was so good, I ordered a second slice. Literally nothing compares. Find that cafe, go inside, and order a whole pie. It's so delicious. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPH_ubevV1A/UzQhTNaFM3I/AAAAAAAAA84/VjQH1tkDvcI/s1600/K12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPH_ubevV1A/UzQhTNaFM3I/AAAAAAAAA84/VjQH1tkDvcI/s1600/K12.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After that culinary experience, we wandered around some more, heading down Duval Street and its little tributaries until we arrived at the southernmost point. There was a queue of people waiting to pose by the colorful concrete buoy, so we joined the queue, and I took a photo of my sister in front of it, then took one more photo of the buoy itself. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5l70IoNTyk/UzQhTSb6ctI/AAAAAAAAA9A/eYLKiyD3-hM/s1600/K13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5l70IoNTyk/UzQhTSb6ctI/AAAAAAAAA9A/eYLKiyD3-hM/s1600/K13.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After that, we decided to visit the Pirate Museum, which is staffed by a silly, jovial, boisterous group of people. We took the last tour of the day, so the staff was in a more relaxed, easy mood. It was a lot of fun and a surprising learning experience, as well. You can climb to the top of the museum's tower and take in a nice view of the nearby Maritime museum, with its big coast guard ship at the dock.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh! How could I forget? There is a thriving population of feral chickens in Key West. This particular rooster decided that he <i style="font-weight: bold;">hated </i>my sister, and began following her around, <i style="font-weight: bold;">jumping into the air, </i>and clawing at her as she ran away. Hahaha! I was literally no help to her; I could only stand and laugh as she was victimized by this ridiculous bird.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8c8RyRK58TY/VBClHLTlLJI/AAAAAAAABfQ/HpkwMU-clBY/s1600/IMG_3955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8c8RyRK58TY/VBClHLTlLJI/AAAAAAAABfQ/HpkwMU-clBY/s1600/IMG_3955.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The keys are a lot of fun at any time of year -- there's always something going on. I encourage you to visit if you ever make your way to Florida. Forget the theme parks. You don't need packaged entertainment shoved down your throat to have a good time. Create your own experience. Learn a few things. Eat cheap, delicious, locally-sourced foods. Have fun.</span>hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com1Florida Keys24.5557359 -81.78265369999996922.7120769 -84.364440699999975 26.399394899999997 -79.200866699999963tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-66903073061271436252014-09-24T10:11:00.000-07:002015-03-28T20:32:09.820-07:00Photoblog: Pacific Ocean!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mY66BGNWkxE/U-ub_za6lTI/AAAAAAAABcE/p9gU_pwUbvo/s1600/3-Washington-12-Twin-Harbors-State-Park-Pacific-Ocean4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mY66BGNWkxE/U-ub_za6lTI/AAAAAAAABcE/p9gU_pwUbvo/s1600/3-Washington-12-Twin-Harbors-State-Park-Pacific-Ocean4.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fGM67OK9us/U-ucBUp4cRI/AAAAAAAABcU/K-E9YCrazcg/s1600/3-Washington-12-Twin-Harbors-State-Park-Pacific-Ocean7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fGM67OK9us/U-ucBUp4cRI/AAAAAAAABcU/K-E9YCrazcg/s1600/3-Washington-12-Twin-Harbors-State-Park-Pacific-Ocean7.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyCfcxAGWxg/U-ucA5wtLMI/AAAAAAAABcM/-o-My_z0dZw/s1600/3-Washington-12-Twin-Harbors-State-Park-Pacific-Ocean8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyCfcxAGWxg/U-ucA5wtLMI/AAAAAAAABcM/-o-My_z0dZw/s1600/3-Washington-12-Twin-Harbors-State-Park-Pacific-Ocean8.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2ENfq5JdWY/U-ucGYVoelI/AAAAAAAABcc/QQIWhqLykrw/s1600/3-Washington-12-Twin-Harbors-State-Park-Pacific-Ocean9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2ENfq5JdWY/U-ucGYVoelI/AAAAAAAABcc/QQIWhqLykrw/s1600/3-Washington-12-Twin-Harbors-State-Park-Pacific-Ocean9.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-urDFzSJplMI/U-ub-BbL2kI/AAAAAAAABb4/zP6AC5nwPu8/s1600/3-Washington-12-Twin-Harbors-State-Park-Pacific-Ocean10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-urDFzSJplMI/U-ub-BbL2kI/AAAAAAAABb4/zP6AC5nwPu8/s1600/3-Washington-12-Twin-Harbors-State-Park-Pacific-Ocean10.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NcOZd09_u3E/U-ub91uZZPI/AAAAAAAABb0/6JwAFyHCW5Q/s1600/3-Washington-12-Twin-Harbors-State-Park-Pacific-Ocean12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NcOZd09_u3E/U-ub91uZZPI/AAAAAAAABb0/6JwAFyHCW5Q/s1600/3-Washington-12-Twin-Harbors-State-Park-Pacific-Ocean12.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-18543970493177010062014-09-16T10:06:00.000-07:002015-03-28T20:32:33.950-07:00Birds, butterflies, and buds at Mount Rainier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQWnq14Gb3E/U-uW5EWghhI/AAAAAAAABas/KSuHWYf8yLc/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-3-Rainier-View.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQWnq14Gb3E/U-uW5EWghhI/AAAAAAAABas/KSuHWYf8yLc/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-3-Rainier-View.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I am what I like to call an "Accidental Birder." I never set out to be any sort of avian afficionado, but every time I see a bird, I feel compelled to stop and observe its behavior and physiology. During my time at Mount Rainier National Park, I was gifted with many opportunities to see birds that I've never before witnessed, either in the wild or in captivity. Naturally, I was thrilled.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5yOBtF6klI/U-uW99nKUqI/AAAAAAAABbQ/cQsOO2lBrSc/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-7-Grey-Jay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5yOBtF6klI/U-uW99nKUqI/AAAAAAAABbQ/cQsOO2lBrSc/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-7-Grey-Jay.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1Va74CfhV0/U-uW-xcUMNI/AAAAAAAABbk/hbd_W6etmCs/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-7-Grey-Jay2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1Va74CfhV0/U-uW-xcUMNI/AAAAAAAABbk/hbd_W6etmCs/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-7-Grey-Jay2.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Grey Jay - I had heard that these birds are essentially fearless, and would land on your hand to feed out of it. The rumors are true! I spotted this one perched on a tree top, so I pulled over to take a photo from inside my van. I rolled down the window, stuck out my camera, and snapped a few shots. The jay spotted me and took flight -- directly towards me. It swooped down in front of me and touched down near my windshield to get a better view. It flew off again before I could get a close-up shot, but I was absolutely tickled by the bird's curiosity just the same.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4fk3Ib9-UdQ/U-uW-FK-fUI/AAAAAAAABbU/krbaavNZ9o0/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-8-Grouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4fk3Ib9-UdQ/U-uW-FK-fUI/AAAAAAAABbU/krbaavNZ9o0/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-8-Grouse.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Sooty grouse - This tough customer was loitering around the parking lot near the Nisqually Glacier trail head. He was in full display, making his deep "popping" calls every so often. I followed him around for a bit, and even got a video of him strutting across the pavement. I spotted him again later near the trail head. Aren't his eyebrows fabulous?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LfoYWKxJuT0/U-uW_ESCxDI/AAAAAAAABbg/jLqqEaVbG_g/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-9-Bird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LfoYWKxJuT0/U-uW_ESCxDI/AAAAAAAABbg/jLqqEaVbG_g/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-9-Bird.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
Western tanager - I had to do a little research to figure out what this pretty bird was. Look at those colors! There were a few of these birds hanging out near the Box Canyon loop trail. I didn't see them anywhere else in the park.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csWLLI12q6k/U-uW56dOEJI/AAAAAAAABaw/q5ovA3iPlFs/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-3-Wildflower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csWLLI12q6k/U-uW56dOEJI/AAAAAAAABaw/q5ovA3iPlFs/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-3-Wildflower.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aXBzLQno_MA/U-uW4yynn7I/AAAAAAAABao/ykE-r7VE7bo/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-4-Butterfly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aXBzLQno_MA/U-uW4yynn7I/AAAAAAAABao/ykE-r7VE7bo/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-4-Butterfly.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Aside from the birds, I got some nice, up-close looks at many other species of fauna and flora. I couldn't get enough of all of the wildlife in this park.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2Oc0oXB_6M/U-uW8I_-YvI/AAAAAAAABbE/MbnQZVWf0zI/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-5-Drive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2Oc0oXB_6M/U-uW8I_-YvI/AAAAAAAABbE/MbnQZVWf0zI/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-5-Drive.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2UaSLwNTGOc/U-uW7zOyvmI/AAAAAAAABbA/UKBfevFdsPM/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-6-Wildflower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2UaSLwNTGOc/U-uW7zOyvmI/AAAAAAAABbA/UKBfevFdsPM/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-6-Wildflower.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-1215903136618747222014-09-09T09:44:00.000-07:002015-03-28T20:34:21.231-07:00Mount Rainier snow day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d9aKkCKEQog/U-uTPnBwMEI/AAAAAAAABaU/XTxi4nCv8vo/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-2-Snow7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d9aKkCKEQog/U-uTPnBwMEI/AAAAAAAABaU/XTxi4nCv8vo/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-2-Snow7.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">On one of the days I spent at Mount Rainier National Park, I ended up near what I think was Tipsoo Lake - it was difficult to tell because it was under a layer of snow and ice. I decided to get out of the van and play in the snow. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibTSYVDL_a8/U-uTKF_rbdI/AAAAAAAABZs/rV453mmQqhQ/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-2-Snow1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibTSYVDL_a8/U-uTKF_rbdI/AAAAAAAABZs/rV453mmQqhQ/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-2-Snow1.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The temperatures were actually quite pleasant despite the heavy blanket of snow, and before long, I was actually sweating in my T-shirt from the exertion of moving through all of that hard-packed snow. It was ridiculously fun.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NoI3A_yZ-Q8/U-uTMAiyBMI/AAAAAAAABZ0/baU0LQKR7-k/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-2-Snow2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NoI3A_yZ-Q8/U-uTMAiyBMI/AAAAAAAABZ0/baU0LQKR7-k/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-2-Snow2.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mXomLKWIY60/U-uTMusHGlI/AAAAAAAABZ8/nwS73v1Kr4A/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-2-Snow3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mXomLKWIY60/U-uTMusHGlI/AAAAAAAABZ8/nwS73v1Kr4A/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-2-Snow3.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The melting ice at this elevation had a ghostly blue tint to it that was pleasing to behold. The sky above was a darker mirror of the water below - a rich, deep blue, accented here and there by wispy clouds and the omnipresence of Mount Rainier. I swear, every time I turned a corner, it was there, and it was surprisingly massive.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xE_Nk1D94pw/U-uTMbTLPII/AAAAAAAABZ4/xcNObgwTAo0/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-2-Snow4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xE_Nk1D94pw/U-uTMbTLPII/AAAAAAAABZ4/xcNObgwTAo0/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-2-Snow4.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22dx6KIxE78/U-uTPxc2gUI/AAAAAAAABaY/Vktj54rnYdw/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-2-Snow5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22dx6KIxE78/U-uTPxc2gUI/AAAAAAAABaY/Vktj54rnYdw/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-2-Snow5.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This park is so great. Get yourself a National Parks Pass and visit it was much as you can. Explore the trails, marvel at the sights, and be still and observe. The experience is priceless.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp-lG4L5riM/U-uTOVhKj_I/AAAAAAAABaM/r98zrmmOsL8/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-2-Snow6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp-lG4L5riM/U-uTOVhKj_I/AAAAAAAABaM/r98zrmmOsL8/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-2-Snow6.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-6957889788521120592014-09-02T09:17:00.000-07:002015-03-28T20:33:25.015-07:00Grove of The Patriarchs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I spent a lot of time wandering Mount Rainier National Park in June. I would be hard-pressed to name a favorite place or moment during the trip, but my stroll through the Grove of The Patriarchs was certainly a highlight. If you visit, take this walk as early as you can in the morning: 5-8 A.M. during the summer is a nice time. Everything looks magical in the morning light.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89pgLflvxIc/U-uPusVW_tI/AAAAAAAABYw/dGHBSa7bupI/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-1-Grove-of-The-Patriarchs-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89pgLflvxIc/U-uPusVW_tI/AAAAAAAABYw/dGHBSa7bupI/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-1-Grove-of-The-Patriarchs-1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Ohanapecosh River (pictured above) was a clear, crystalline green; the water was so inviting that I ended up relaxing on its shore for almost an hour before continuing through the grove. It was so peaceful.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_Cbouj9crw/U-uPtlotZ8I/AAAAAAAABYo/f--foQw8aL4/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-1-Grove-of-The-Patriarchs-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_Cbouj9crw/U-uPtlotZ8I/AAAAAAAABYo/f--foQw8aL4/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-1-Grove-of-The-Patriarchs-2.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xuJcULF5tU/U-uPut3MM3I/AAAAAAAABY4/kVqDD0484fc/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-1-Grove-of-The-Patriarchs-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xuJcULF5tU/U-uPut3MM3I/AAAAAAAABY4/kVqDD0484fc/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-1-Grove-of-The-Patriarchs-3.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yciyaXv7QVE/U-uPxdXB15I/AAAAAAAABZA/yQGI62Ylh1Q/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-1-Grove-of-The-Patriarchs-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yciyaXv7QVE/U-uPxdXB15I/AAAAAAAABZA/yQGI62Ylh1Q/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-1-Grove-of-The-Patriarchs-4.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Remember what I told you about visiting in the early morning? I don't know if you can tell from the photo above, but the redwoods in the grove gave off this steam that the morning light refracted off of, making everything look ethereal. It made me think of the morning mists that blanket the mountains around there. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gjvqguBKEU/U-uP1lmr5tI/AAAAAAAABZQ/5ab3hHm5uKA/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-1-Grove-of-The-Patriarchs-5-Ohanapecosh-River.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gjvqguBKEU/U-uP1lmr5tI/AAAAAAAABZQ/5ab3hHm5uKA/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-1-Grove-of-The-Patriarchs-5-Ohanapecosh-River.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There was a fun swinging bridge over the Ohanapecosh River - from the center of the bridge, you can look straight down to the bottom of the river and observe all of the smooth river rocks below.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kH3S9kvnvgw/U-uPy4bpZDI/AAAAAAAABZI/DcTil5LaDjk/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-1-Grove-of-The-Patriarchs-Spider-Web.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kH3S9kvnvgw/U-uPy4bpZDI/AAAAAAAABZI/DcTil5LaDjk/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-1-Grove-of-The-Patriarchs-Spider-Web.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qabIK1RbBRA/U-uP6TX9xlI/AAAAAAAABZg/-DefjROuKLE/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-1-Grove-of-The-Patriarchs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qabIK1RbBRA/U-uP6TX9xlI/AAAAAAAABZg/-DefjROuKLE/s1600/3-Washington-3-Rainier-1-Grove-of-The-Patriarchs.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I loved walking through this grove. It's quietude and beauty rekindled a sense of peace within me and reminded me to take the time to be still and to observe the world around me.</span>hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-9959323492589058732014-08-26T05:37:00.000-07:002015-03-28T20:35:45.532-07:00Photoblog: Family time at Juniper Springs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vao37SQkd0Y/UzQbfOFIOFI/AAAAAAAAA5E/3nkTM8b7dK4/s1600/26544_109551355739482_1531043_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vao37SQkd0Y/UzQbfOFIOFI/AAAAAAAAA5E/3nkTM8b7dK4/s1600/26544_109551355739482_1531043_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHypoH5mnYo/UzQbbNgg0hI/AAAAAAAAA38/VKgpexa1yHY/s1600/26544_109326959095255_1119525_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHypoH5mnYo/UzQbbNgg0hI/AAAAAAAAA38/VKgpexa1yHY/s1600/26544_109326959095255_1119525_n+%25281%2529.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94idYQxxD9E/UzQbbHixYrI/AAAAAAAAA4I/QoNVvFsugtg/s1600/26544_109484805746137_6657324_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94idYQxxD9E/UzQbbHixYrI/AAAAAAAAA4I/QoNVvFsugtg/s1600/26544_109484805746137_6657324_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKO5hB3-h8s/UzQbe_MoDTI/AAAAAAAAA5U/SDwvjmXEFkk/s1600/26544_109513665743251_7322448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKO5hB3-h8s/UzQbe_MoDTI/AAAAAAAAA5U/SDwvjmXEFkk/s1600/26544_109513665743251_7322448_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebUr8HOI5Sg/UzQbc75zN1I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/tUXUXjSL4lA/s1600/26544_109513675743250_7992679_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebUr8HOI5Sg/UzQbc75zN1I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/tUXUXjSL4lA/s1600/26544_109513675743250_7992679_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKiUMijkEoc/UzQbc0npLiI/AAAAAAAAA4g/2jzHlx9lmG4/s1600/26544_109488665745751_5070531_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKiUMijkEoc/UzQbc0npLiI/AAAAAAAAA4g/2jzHlx9lmG4/s1600/26544_109488665745751_5070531_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9_lDBBHh6M/UzQbdXMosTI/AAAAAAAAA4o/XYFrfAWUIi0/s1600/26544_109516865742931_4723251_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9_lDBBHh6M/UzQbdXMosTI/AAAAAAAAA4o/XYFrfAWUIi0/s1600/26544_109516865742931_4723251_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jtWvENjogzo/UzQbd6vF0pI/AAAAAAAAA4w/AA9Adh0Mxjc/s1600/26544_109516879076263_2925541_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jtWvENjogzo/UzQbd6vF0pI/AAAAAAAAA4w/AA9Adh0Mxjc/s1600/26544_109516879076263_2925541_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CH0-lSffRPg/UzQbbNA0ckI/AAAAAAAAA4E/HVM4dblBQ40/s1600/26544_109488659079085_4786137_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CH0-lSffRPg/UzQbbNA0ckI/AAAAAAAAA4E/HVM4dblBQ40/s1600/26544_109488659079085_4786137_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syaWkVF6nn4/UzQbf1Bb2hI/AAAAAAAAA5g/eB1sKjIlc-c/s1600/26544_109551392406145_700919_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syaWkVF6nn4/UzQbf1Bb2hI/AAAAAAAAA5g/eB1sKjIlc-c/s1600/26544_109551392406145_700919_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYfAbHKsHts/UzQbeoVsmlI/AAAAAAAAA48/fS2zNv70Bkk/s1600/26544_109539745740643_793921_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYfAbHKsHts/UzQbeoVsmlI/AAAAAAAAA48/fS2zNv70Bkk/s1600/26544_109539745740643_793921_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PWCrDzX9mFs/UzQbeHl-EAI/AAAAAAAAA44/7CYXgnyoQbM/s1600/26544_109539715740646_3711074_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PWCrDzX9mFs/UzQbeHl-EAI/AAAAAAAAA44/7CYXgnyoQbM/s1600/26544_109539715740646_3711074_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0Juniper Springs, Ocala National Forest, Florida, USA29.1838667 -81.712023100000013.6618321999999992 -123.02061710000001 54.7059012 -40.403429100000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-28525429320136487152014-08-20T14:36:00.000-07:002015-03-28T20:35:23.004-07:00Tieton Love Affair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_R1s9s9_UI/U9ljCzok9cI/AAAAAAAABXs/PwMbbCoD7ZE/s1600/3-Washington-1-Selfie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_R1s9s9_UI/U9ljCzok9cI/AAAAAAAABXs/PwMbbCoD7ZE/s1600/3-Washington-1-Selfie.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I spent my first night in Washington in Wenatchee National Forest. I found a little campsite that backed up to the Tieton River. It was far enough from the road that my van was almost invisible unless you were looking for it.<br />
<br />
Perfect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cYZIc8NU7_c/U9li7SWUuLI/AAAAAAAABXc/0n0JrePreg8/s1600/3-Washington-2-Tieton-River-Camp2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cYZIc8NU7_c/U9li7SWUuLI/AAAAAAAABXc/0n0JrePreg8/s1600/3-Washington-2-Tieton-River-Camp2.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
The photo above showcases my "front yard." It does absolutely no justice to the scale and detail of the rock formations that existed there. The photo below is the Tieton River -- my "backyard."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BceN_B-ocyY/U9li8Veb-3I/AAAAAAAABXk/Y1pynPPWESw/s1600/3-Washington-2-Tieton-River-Camp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BceN_B-ocyY/U9li8Veb-3I/AAAAAAAABXk/Y1pynPPWESw/s1600/3-Washington-2-Tieton-River-Camp.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was unaware of it then, but this campsite would become something of a home base for me over the course of the next few weeks. I didn't know it, but I had found a peace there that I had never known before, and that I will carry with me always. I began to uncover things within me that I didn't know were there. The river current, the wildlife, and the mountains that surrounded me would become the major catalyst in steering me onto the amazing life path that I am now walking upon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQAl8etCO6w/U9ljHfk5bRI/AAAAAAAABX0/dnnPvTxyuvU/s1600/3-Washington-2-Tieton-River-Camp3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQAl8etCO6w/U9ljHfk5bRI/AAAAAAAABX0/dnnPvTxyuvU/s1600/3-Washington-2-Tieton-River-Camp3.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-47309986627754652782014-08-14T13:04:00.001-07:002015-03-28T20:35:59.797-07:00Rethinking the vanSince I returned from my cross-country adventure, I've had a different vision for my van stewing in the crockpot of my mind. Today, I started stripping the interior to help me better visualize where I'd like to go with the design. It's strange to see the van without all of my camping stuff in there.<br />
<br />
Right now, my inverter is sitting on a shelf just above the left wheel well, and there is a media shelf and counter top built over the opposite wheel well. I'm going to disassemble these so I can build a long couch on one side and a larger entertainment unit on the opposite side.<br />
<br />
Think of it as being less "doomsday prepper chic" and more "party bus." I want to install some overhead LEDs, a place to store beverages, and a sound system.<br />
<br />
I already have the foundations laid out for me; it's just a matter of finding the time to work on it and learning a few more skills -- upholstery being the main one. I'm lucky in that I still have leftover wood and other materials from the first conversion. Less money to spend!<br />
<br />
This is a long-term project, so expect updates to be sparse, but detailed; much more so than when I first converted the van to a camper.hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-13402022243204887772014-08-13T14:42:00.000-07:002015-03-28T20:36:14.694-07:00A lovely day at Tallulah Gorge <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2OZP2coNfAw/UzNFxAEXIcI/AAAAAAAAA2U/-7mDFoAgfnA/s1600/P1150217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2OZP2coNfAw/UzNFxAEXIcI/AAAAAAAAA2U/-7mDFoAgfnA/s1600/P1150217.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My older sister and I had planned this trip for a long time. I'm so glad we went; <a href="http://gastateparks.org/TallulahGorge" target="_blank">Tallulah Gorge</a> is a beautiful place. The water churned and flowed in stunning shades of blue and turquoise and amber, and the trees and rocks and everything else was so amazing to see in person. You really need to visit this place!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CXec2cq-eDw/UzNFpJ8MpNI/AAAAAAAAA14/cJEOvYMad-E/s1600/P1150196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CXec2cq-eDw/UzNFpJ8MpNI/AAAAAAAAA14/cJEOvYMad-E/s1600/P1150196.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tW1sDPZ9mZc/UzNFwKfwLYI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/RB7xK52W2Vk/s1600/P1150216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tW1sDPZ9mZc/UzNFwKfwLYI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/RB7xK52W2Vk/s1600/P1150216.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There are a few hikes available in the park; there's one that takes you around the rim of the gorge, and a much more strenuous hike that leads down to the river's edge. In the above right photo, you can see one of the intrepid wanderers who hiked down to the bottom of the gorge.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The park wasn't terribly busy, but there was a steady stream of people walking around, so wildlife wasn't exactly in abundance. I was, however, able to make the acquaintance of this fuzzy buddy:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7FsrmbXRCgw/UzNFzvyv2PI/AAAAAAAAA2k/A71SuI-UAsM/s1600/P1150312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7FsrmbXRCgw/UzNFzvyv2PI/AAAAAAAAA2k/A71SuI-UAsM/s1600/P1150312.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDJ2CIJC5so/UzNFz6zKiQI/AAAAAAAAA2o/Q5zk1KDIjqY/s1600/P1150263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDJ2CIJC5so/UzNFz6zKiQI/AAAAAAAAA2o/Q5zk1KDIjqY/s1600/P1150263.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Us6_qP8Hqs/UzNFo9iN4tI/AAAAAAAAA10/zgSuaQ_9q4c/s1600/P1150201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Us6_qP8Hqs/UzNFo9iN4tI/AAAAAAAAA10/zgSuaQ_9q4c/s1600/P1150201.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">10/10 -- I do recommend a visit to Tallulah Gorge. I hear it's brilliant in the autumn.</span>hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0Tallulah Gorge, Chattahoochee National Forest, Tallulah Falls, GA 30523, USA34.725094299999988 -83.3701641000000119.2030597999999877 -124.67875810000001 60.247128799999984 -42.061570100000012tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-75623564190645807212014-08-06T14:22:00.000-07:002015-03-28T20:36:36.797-07:00Wide open spaces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlPjLQNgSTI/U9ldInSWijI/AAAAAAAABWc/f5Td2l3GYlo/s1600/2-Montana-1-Vast-Hills.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlPjLQNgSTI/U9ldInSWijI/AAAAAAAABWc/f5Td2l3GYlo/s1600/2-Montana-1-Vast-Hills.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Montana. </b>I swear, this state is impossible for me to photograph. It's so incredibly vast, as if it were dropped onto North America from another world -- a world populated by giants and other creatures of myth. They don't call it "Big Sky Country" for nothing. Montana made my heart sing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHNm6WBkBaw/U9ldPnChnSI/AAAAAAAABWs/gS94aPgPkd8/s1600/2-Montana-2-Camp1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHNm6WBkBaw/U9ldPnChnSI/AAAAAAAABWs/gS94aPgPkd8/s1600/2-Montana-2-Camp1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I camped at Ruby Creek Campground for a whopping $8 -- one of the only times I actually paid to sleep somewhere during my cross-country trip. The campground is located about 2 miles down a rough dirt road in the Ruby Creek Recreational Area. All of the photos in this post were taken from my campsite, with the exception of the first one, which was taken on the way to Ruby Creek.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2HOEMu14oc/U9ldNG8quCI/AAAAAAAABWk/Zw2WGT629K8/s1600/2-Montana-2-Camp2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2HOEMu14oc/U9ldNG8quCI/AAAAAAAABWk/Zw2WGT629K8/s1600/2-Montana-2-Camp2.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The weather was nice; at least, nice to me. It was chilly and drizzling and the sky was filled with clouds. The campground has a creek running through it, and a river flowing beside it. It is also bordered by two mountain ranges -- the Gravelly Range to the west, and the Madison range to the east. I didn't even know that I was surrounded by mountains until the skies cleared the next morning.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Imagine waking up to THAT. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yAnKanMlsLI/U9lda8QgYqI/AAAAAAAABW0/V9lgmIEvkl4/s1600/2-Montana-2-Camp3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yAnKanMlsLI/U9lda8QgYqI/AAAAAAAABW0/V9lgmIEvkl4/s1600/2-Montana-2-Camp3.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I looked around the van to see if there were any evening chores I needed to do before dinner time. The van was pretty clean and organized, so I set about the campsite, looking for interesting rocks. I set up a rock cairn on every boulder that marked the border of my site, and then I did a bit of bird watching.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vqywpxd0GyM/U9ldkUHav0I/AAAAAAAABW8/HQMtokMlpIg/s1600/2-Montana-2-Camp4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vqywpxd0GyM/U9ldkUHav0I/AAAAAAAABW8/HQMtokMlpIg/s1600/2-Montana-2-Camp4.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A magpie! They're gorgeous in person. There was a pair of them foraging for food along the gravel lanes of the campground. I watched them for a while, and then cooked some dinner for myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GFIjU5I_6o/U9ldmATxkVI/AAAAAAAABXE/avk_czkiwhc/s1600/2-Montana-2-Camp5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GFIjU5I_6o/U9ldmATxkVI/AAAAAAAABXE/avk_czkiwhc/s1600/2-Montana-2-Camp5.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Throughout the afternoon and evening, a herd of cattle periodically filed into view across the river. I watched the single file pattern of their mini-migrations, and studied how they interacted with each other. I knew that cows had close friends and that herds had a hierarchy, but I never had the pleasure of witnessing a herd like this firsthand and for such a length of time. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cows are cool creatures. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYr1ftvz5bw/U9ldpstUpAI/AAAAAAAABXM/HB8LDerlGJQ/s1600/2-Montana-2-Camp6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYr1ftvz5bw/U9ldpstUpAI/AAAAAAAABXM/HB8LDerlGJQ/s1600/2-Montana-2-Camp6.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I had a lovely time at this campground. The only other person there was the campground host, who I didn't actually see in the flesh. Just the way I like it. ;)</span>hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-84261357850023850382014-07-31T21:13:00.000-07:002015-03-28T20:37:33.221-07:00R.I.P.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-feWr0Bh7sp0/U9l1UswkqdI/AAAAAAAABYE/_abr5r2l14g/s1600/peanut22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-feWr0Bh7sp0/U9l1UswkqdI/AAAAAAAABYE/_abr5r2l14g/s1600/peanut22.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Peanut, with whom I shared the last 17 years of my life with. Staunchly resisted housebreaking to his dying day. My only friend during my darkest moment. Beloved, headstrong spitfire whose favorite pastime was sitting in the yard, face raised to the sun, letting the wind tousle the wispy fur on his ears. I will catch myself calling out your name for years to come. Rest well. I love you, little brother.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iBYzHuVdVFQ/U9l2PcEN-xI/AAAAAAAABYM/sJ_Ib74eBH0/s1600/IMG_2243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iBYzHuVdVFQ/U9l2PcEN-xI/AAAAAAAABYM/sJ_Ib74eBH0/s1600/IMG_2243.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-7827505396586146292014-07-30T13:59:00.003-07:002015-03-28T20:37:51.105-07:00Yellowstone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mKW01YHBJ8/U9lY1e_NfUI/AAAAAAAABVg/3nLnoUVBmcw/s1600/1-Wyoming-9-Yellowstone-1-Old-Faithful.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mKW01YHBJ8/U9lY1e_NfUI/AAAAAAAABVg/3nLnoUVBmcw/s1600/1-Wyoming-9-Yellowstone-1-Old-Faithful.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was rather looking forward to exploring America's First National Park. Unfortunately, the experience ended up feeling less like a commune with nature and more like a shuffle through an overcrowded amusement park. I think a lot of that had to do with the contrast of the serene solitude of Shoshone National Forest. I didn't spend a lot of time in Yellowstone; I parked at the few areas I could find a parking spot at and only took a few photos. If I do visit again, it will definitely be during the off-season.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PEMckhgWTGU/U9lYqcpA_kI/AAAAAAAABVY/me6LFFC0RDw/s1600/1-Wyoming-9-Yellowstone-2-River+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PEMckhgWTGU/U9lYqcpA_kI/AAAAAAAABVY/me6LFFC0RDw/s1600/1-Wyoming-9-Yellowstone-2-River+-+Copy.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I loved the geysers, the burbling hot springs, and the sounds and smells of the water and water vapor. Little tree swallows flitted among the spouting hot springs, cruising for snacks. They seemed to enjoy flying through the mists.</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U7Dz2fXYCtw/U9lY4ngm8DI/AAAAAAAABVo/St_yvgBh4FE/s1600/1-Wyoming-9-Yellowstone-3-Steam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U7Dz2fXYCtw/U9lY4ngm8DI/AAAAAAAABVo/St_yvgBh4FE/s1600/1-Wyoming-9-Yellowstone-3-Steam.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-zwK4bFXtE/U9lY_nACteI/AAAAAAAABV4/hRU2hAd0F6w/s1600/1-Wyoming-9-Yellowstone-4-Steam2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-zwK4bFXtE/U9lY_nACteI/AAAAAAAABV4/hRU2hAd0F6w/s1600/1-Wyoming-9-Yellowstone-4-Steam2.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I did see the bison (and evidence thereof! They walk right over the geothermal areas!), and a small herd of massive elk. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15LfKBELPBs/U9lZDblHCPI/AAAAAAAABWA/3Ke_Drl89Rg/s1600/1-Wyoming-9-Yellowstone-5-Steam3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15LfKBELPBs/U9lZDblHCPI/AAAAAAAABWA/3Ke_Drl89Rg/s1600/1-Wyoming-9-Yellowstone-5-Steam3.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Yellowstone is a gorgeous area with an important geological history -- and future. If I do ever return, I'll make certain that it is in the winter or spring. I can handle a few closed roads for a little more peace and quiet. ;) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjAYM9t3yFs/U9lZIEF8RTI/AAAAAAAABWI/opdKrw0ZkH0/s1600/1-Wyoming-9-Yellowstone-6-SteamField.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjAYM9t3yFs/U9lZIEF8RTI/AAAAAAAABWI/opdKrw0ZkH0/s1600/1-Wyoming-9-Yellowstone-6-SteamField.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lK4GaVDu8V8/U9lZKiX1_jI/AAAAAAAABWQ/v-pPtrd_u88/s1600/1-Wyoming-9-Yellowstone-7-River-Mountain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lK4GaVDu8V8/U9lZKiX1_jI/AAAAAAAABWQ/v-pPtrd_u88/s1600/1-Wyoming-9-Yellowstone-7-River-Mountain.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I stepped in a lot of bison dung to get that shot. :P</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-27250867543113232872014-07-18T10:08:00.000-07:002015-03-28T20:38:18.096-07:00Wekiwa Springs kayaking and yoga journey<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B08jjcpEVn4/UzMGAQA4MHI/AAAAAAAAAyw/9TAYifmdSCU/s1600/IMG_5534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B08jjcpEVn4/UzMGAQA4MHI/AAAAAAAAAyw/9TAYifmdSCU/s1600/IMG_5534.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">While in Orlando, visiting my sister, we took a trip out to <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings/" target="_blank">Wekiwa Springs State Park</a>. This naturally included a kayaking trip along the Wekiva River and multiple opportunities for being a yogi. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-voyit9Yoc4I/UzMF1ZFeMoI/AAAAAAAAAys/sFwnMJ_KD9w/s1600/IMG_5488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-voyit9Yoc4I/UzMF1ZFeMoI/AAAAAAAAAys/sFwnMJ_KD9w/s1600/IMG_5488.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You can swim in the main freshwater spring at Wekiwa; it's around 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. There were several people swimming while we were there, including two girls who were having an enviable amount of fun. We were satisfied with dipping our toes into the cool water and enjoying a bit of people watching.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rR6NnLH4XUw/UzMFzLC7lyI/AAAAAAAAAyc/y_fpgUh6Qgw/s1600/IMG_5474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rR6NnLH4XUw/UzMFzLC7lyI/AAAAAAAAAyc/y_fpgUh6Qgw/s1600/IMG_5474.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We rented a tandem kayak and learned the <b>true meaning of teamwork</b>! It was a lot of fun. We saw a few alligators and a bunch of water birds, and took our time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the river wildlife.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SFI0VvsSbc/UzMGCpAicJI/AAAAAAAAAzE/TsaIc_A10FQ/s1600/IMG_5537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SFI0VvsSbc/UzMGCpAicJI/AAAAAAAAAzE/TsaIc_A10FQ/s1600/IMG_5537.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> There were a lot of little channels to explore along the river; we took full advantage of these, often climbing out of the kayak to switch places or climb on things.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECZ-qZHeAko/UzMGOPioN3I/AAAAAAAAAzU/ZpnQYpcRWZ8/s1600/IMG_5637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECZ-qZHeAko/UzMGOPioN3I/AAAAAAAAAzU/ZpnQYpcRWZ8/s1600/IMG_5637.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLz0kyUk36g/UzMGLNvmBzI/AAAAAAAAAzM/x4umCcGh2Iw/s1600/IMG_5593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLz0kyUk36g/UzMGLNvmBzI/AAAAAAAAAzM/x4umCcGh2Iw/s1600/IMG_5593.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There are many springs and rivers to explore in the Orlando area; if you ever get tired of the amusement parks in the area, then try packing a lunch and visiting one of the springs -- or all of them!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dobUZ3zpSGQ/UzMGOZbbytI/AAAAAAAAAzc/Dcf4abRYMa8/s1600/IMG_5648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dobUZ3zpSGQ/UzMGOZbbytI/AAAAAAAAAzc/Dcf4abRYMa8/s1600/IMG_5648.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712, USA28.7113878 -81.462682428.6000103 -81.6240439 28.8227653 -81.301320900000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1168768655463077348.post-19443316624666279782014-07-15T05:58:00.000-07:002015-03-28T20:38:36.720-07:00Photoblog: a somber visit to Andersonville Civil War Prison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_PieJsfVqDY/UzQgN-iAWcI/AAAAAAAAA7I/VaDIPThpemY/s1600/34204_132886370072647_7441792_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_PieJsfVqDY/UzQgN-iAWcI/AAAAAAAAA7I/VaDIPThpemY/s1600/34204_132886370072647_7441792_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_sk-kmAG5A/UzQgN-oFBXI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/9I4QvfS-cmI/s1600/34204_132886380072646_2384982_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_sk-kmAG5A/UzQgN-oFBXI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/9I4QvfS-cmI/s1600/34204_132886380072646_2384982_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q88cnCk8IhY/UzQgRI-h20I/AAAAAAAAA8E/68ooFJDH5Ms/s1600/34204_132886440072640_4979842_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q88cnCk8IhY/UzQgRI-h20I/AAAAAAAAA8E/68ooFJDH5Ms/s1600/34204_132886440072640_4979842_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpwmxbCFdk4/UzQgOuWDz1I/AAAAAAAAA7o/dARp-J3RclQ/s1600/34204_132886383405979_2503847_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpwmxbCFdk4/UzQgOuWDz1I/AAAAAAAAA7o/dARp-J3RclQ/s1600/34204_132886383405979_2503847_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m8mB-gQ3G4o/UzQgQOkoZ4I/AAAAAAAAA78/n2V63ItTSpE/s1600/34204_132886413405976_275637_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m8mB-gQ3G4o/UzQgQOkoZ4I/AAAAAAAAA78/n2V63ItTSpE/s1600/34204_132886413405976_275637_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E8Lwm3YOPqA/UzQgQV_CdII/AAAAAAAAA74/LJlHwSsUS_o/s1600/34204_132886430072641_5762475_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E8Lwm3YOPqA/UzQgQV_CdII/AAAAAAAAA74/LJlHwSsUS_o/s1600/34204_132886430072641_5762475_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WGvvcNqucWw/UzQgO39EaRI/AAAAAAAAA7k/j0YalD7LcMM/s1600/34204_132886403405977_6630370_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WGvvcNqucWw/UzQgO39EaRI/AAAAAAAAA7k/j0YalD7LcMM/s1600/34204_132886403405977_6630370_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TajTRzQXtwQ/UzQgP6UFxmI/AAAAAAAAA8U/SZFvFL4bilg/s1600/34204_132886410072643_4889371_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TajTRzQXtwQ/UzQgP6UFxmI/AAAAAAAAA8U/SZFvFL4bilg/s1600/34204_132886410072643_4889371_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VS23kff_jI/UzQgO7rQXzI/AAAAAAAAA7g/OvUUq_atrLM/s1600/34204_132886386739312_5886642_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VS23kff_jI/UzQgO7rQXzI/AAAAAAAAA7g/OvUUq_atrLM/s1600/34204_132886386739312_5886642_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ReDTFbCvWK4/UzQgRWa4VWI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/QjuxtUhfScE/s1600/andersonville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ReDTFbCvWK4/UzQgRWa4VWI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/QjuxtUhfScE/s1600/andersonville.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />hooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615724171512698401noreply@blogger.com0Andersonville Civil War Prison, 496 Cemetery Rd, Andersonville, GA 31711, USA32.203678 -84.1314130000000096.6816434999999963 -125.44000700000001 57.7257125 -42.82281900000001