Saol Gáire Grá

Wintergreen Skiing Day with April

2012-02-01T14:54:00.000-08:00

April and I went to Wintergreen Ski Resort today to go skiing. At an elevation of 3,850, you would think they had real snow up there, but we went on one of the hottest winter days ever - topped at 65 degrees. Still, 4 lifts and 14 runs were open - it was slushy but not horrible to ski on. I only fell a hand full of times which provided entertainment for April at least.
Beautiful views

And beautiful faces

Snow!

Black Diamonds aren't as intimidating without snow on them

Now only an hour away from each other - both of us fell victim to the VA motto "Virginia is for Lovers". Thanks boys!

Can't Wait for Paddling Season

2012-01-29T14:31:00.000-08:00

Pete and I took a break and went for a stroll (crazy Pete ran of course) down by the Rivanna River. It was such a gorgeous day. Can't wait til it gets a tad bit warmer to get back to paddling!

Last pictures of St. John

2012-01-20T08:53:00.000-08:00

Peace Hill Windmill

View of St. John through the doorway

Look at that water!

Developed Cruz Bay

Mangrove snorkeling

Mussels galore

Conch - I ate some conch fritters!

Hiding

Spider Crab

Starfish

Baby barracuda

Bigger barracuda

Another one of those smooth fishes

Pretty little glittery guy

Hello Mr. Lobster

Starfish

Waving hello!

Sea cucumber and fish

I love their colors!

6-legged starfish - Does that make it a star of David fish?

One last view

Cinnamon Bay

Tree outside our room with LOTS of air plants

Palm hat - they wouldn't let me take it through customs but I took a pic

On the ferry back to St. Thomas

Ruins along the way

More St. John

2012-01-20T05:22:00.000-08:00

In Salt Pond Bay, we also saw an eel and spider crabs but I didn't have my camera. Again, good thing Pete saw them or I would have swam right past!

Hike to Rams Head from Salt Pond Bay - This side of the island was desert-like while the other side was rainforest. Reminded me of being in Arizona.
The trail along the bay - until the climb begins

There were lots of these little lizards - I didn't see any iguana though!

Cacti were everywhere. This one even had air plants growing in it!

Rams head from the trail

Cuts out of the mountain - made great air conditioners due to the brisk wind coming through the tunnel

View from Rams Head
Looking back towards Salt Pond Bay

St. Croix in the distance - 35 miles away

Another lizard on some coral

Sunset over Salt Pond Bay

Hike to Reef Bay - 2 mile one way straight down to the bay with some Sugar Estate Ruins, Great House Ruins, Sugar Mill Ruins and Petroglyphs
Josie Gut Sugar Estate Ruins

Par Force Village - Workers cottage

Waterfall at the Petroglyphs

Freshwater pool at the Petroglyphs - There were freshwater shrimp, crayfish and other creatures - how did they get here?!

Petroglyphs of the Tainos

Reef Bay Great House - one of the best preserved ones we visited

Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins

Pots for creating rum from the leftovers

Cogwheel from when they switched from slave/animal power to mechanical

Fruit bats in the mill

Warrior Crab - what we call hermit crabs I believe because these guys don't live in the water and neither did ours

Second Salt Pond on our way to Shark Bay where lemon and reef sharks live until they grow around 12 inches long and move onto bigger territory. We only saw two because the tide was up so we couldn't see their dorsal fins, but my pictures of those two didn't turn out.

Reef Bay Fan Coral colors

Various Fishies

Baby Blue Tang - they're yellow!

Possibly a hogshead ring from the sugar mill

I still have more, but I think we both need a break! Check back for more today after I go run a few errands before heading to North Carolina for the weekend!

St. John, USVI

2012-01-19T16:34:00.001-08:00

Pete and I took a winter vacation to St. John in the USVI. We flew to St. Thomas and took a ferry across. 7200 acres of land and 5600 acres of underwater lands of the island's 20 square miles are National Park.
Flying into St. Thomas

First view of the Caribbean on the Ferry from St. Thomas to St. John

Sailboat

St. John from Ferry

Our cottage at Cinnamon Bay

First night at Cinnamon Bay

Beautiful flower

Termites Nest - notice the trail up the tree to the left

Cinnamon Bay Factory Ruins

Notice the brain coral and other coral making up the supports - much stronger than the bricks/mortar they could make on the island at the time

Critters seen at the Ruins
Millipede which the locals call "gongolo" - legend says that it will make you blind if it spits on you - the venom it secretes can cause temporary blindness

Spider - non-venomous but can grow very large - could not get it in focus

Snail party

Rum bin at the factory ruins

America Hill Ruins - a short but uphill hike from Cinnamon Bay factory ruins

What a view!

Some sort of wild peas that the honey bees love!

Goat herd along the way to the South End towards Salt Pond Bay

Wild donkeys!

Our jeep - not the most pretty vehicle but we made it

Big Lameshur Bay - first 4-wheel adventure

People left on the rocks on the other side of Salt Pond Bay after taking the Salt Pond trail

View of Rams Head

Beach opposite Salt Pond Bay

Salt Pond

Sting Ray

Pete Action Shot

Fan coral and others

Yellow Snapper

Squid - Pete is the most amazing snorkeler ever - he finds EVERYTHING! - Look at bottom middle of picture

A nurse or reef shark! - Another one of Pete's finds

Me and my shark - he didn't bite me though!

Trumpet fish

Sargent Major - fish

Smooth Trunkfish

Blue Tang

Elk Horn Coral

School of Blue Tang

Conch on lower left and upper right of coral reef

Sea Urchin

I was able to swim with an Atlantic Green Turtle! Who knows, it may have been Reed's relative!

Tune back for more pictures and video soon. I may get the pictures on tomorrow, but Pete and I are headed to North Carolina for the weekend so I may not get to the video! New news: My car and I are officially Virginians and I accepted a permanent PT position at UVA Medical Center!

New Years Eve Paddle

2011-12-31T17:17:00.001-08:00

Pete, Kristen and I went on a white water paddle of the Woolen Mills run on the Rivanna River. It was a great day with me finding a baby alien toy hanging onto a branch in the river. I named her April the Alien and she made it through all the rapids unscathed.

Enjoy the video. I haven't posted one in a while. This may look deliberate and graceful - it was unplanned and not what you plan on doing through a rapid. I'll continue to pretend it was intentional however.

Christmas Eve Eve

2011-12-23T18:12:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been over a month since I've posted anything. We have not done many hikes or floats, but we have put up a Christmas tree. Who would have thought I could be doing a white water paddle on Christmas Eve Eve? It was 58 degrees with the water just a wee bit cooler. Afterwards, we went on a tour of the lights of Charlottesville. Very interesting.
The beautiful (and brisk) Moormans River

I would love to have my own footbridge

Portage #3: Tree strainers - One of the top things you need to avoid when whitewater kayaking

The light show

Wins the award for the most lights in the smallest space

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas.

Hike to Crash Site

2011-11-19T17:16:00.000-08:00

Pete and I hiked to a T-28 Trojan crash site from 1964. It is located by Humpback Mountain off the Appalachian Trail. It was a trainer plane and both crew ejected with no fatalities. Most of the site is still there since it was only found a few years back which means people haven't had time to steal it all. Thanks to a savvy GPS app on my phone, we found the site via latitude/longitude without too much issue. Kinda cool!
Wintergreen Mountain - Where I'll be skiing this winter.

Old barn or cabin foundation.

Notches for the oxygen tanks.

Nose Cone Spinner from the propellers and the canopy from the cockpit.

Landing Gear

Motor

Motor housing

Cedar Run/White Oak Canyon Loop Hike

2011-11-06T16:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Pete and I did the 7 mile loop of Cedar Run to White Oak Canyon. There was still snow on the ground up near the top. One guy fell in the stream and broke his ankle and search and rescue had to come up to get him. Pete and I made it out unscathed.
Cedar Run Waterfall

Snow!

A lone green maple among all the bare trees

Anyone up for a slide? In the summer, people gather here to slide down the falls

Upper Falls in White Oak Canyon

More falls in White Oak Canyon

Bear Rock - It looks like a bear growling.

Beautiful view of the valley

We saw a momma bear and three cubs on the way down. Zoom in dead center to see momma and one cub.

Pretty fall trees.

Trip to North Carolina

2011-11-03T15:40:00.001-07:00

Pete and I took a mini-vacation to North Carolina last weekend. We checked out the new inlet called Pea Island Inlet.

Temporary bridge

The old road that was washed out. The reason Pete and I had to take the ferry to Ocracoke Island from the south and ferry across to Hatteras when it became open during our last vacation.

Bodie Lighthouse - couldn't get here last time.

Beautiful sunset across the bridge from Roanoke Island

Wright Brothers National Monument

View of the flights - the big stone is the launch spot and the other 3 smaller stones were the 3 longest successful flights

New sculpture at the monument

Couldn't resist

Patient Art

2011-11-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

My current patient who sustained a TBI has drawn some pictures for me. It's super exciting to see how my patients think and how they perceive things. Yes, I get excited over things like this!

A portrait of me

A portrait of ?

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween to all you boys and ghouls out there!

Our pumpkins

My pumpkin

Pete's pumpkin

Me being a Deviled Egg - get it!?

Me handing out candy - Buzz!
I also wore this on Friday to work and to our kickball game yesterday. We won!

Even Diego joins in!

But overall, Maggie (and Diego) beat me!

Humpback Rocks

2011-10-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

Pete and I hiked up to Humpback Rocks yesterday after we lost our kickball game. It was an uphill hike to a great outcropping of rocks that provided a 340 degree view of the valley.
Original cabin

Original springhouse

View of the rocks

Zoom in - there are people up there

Does anyone know what would strip a tree of its bark the entire way up the tree? Its in smalls strips and doesn't look like a lightning strike.

Another trip to Carter Mountain Orchard

2011-10-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

Pete and I returned to Carter Mountain Orchard to get more apples to make apple dumplings and two pumpkins to carve this week! We started off our day with Apple Cider Donuts hot and fresh from the ovens with some hot apple cider which burnt my tongue. We took the long way around the orchard and saw some interesting old buildings and machinery.

View of Charlottesville from the orchard

Old Hunting Lodge below the orchards

Beautiful Virginia Creeper vine

Old water truck

We took a short stroll on the Monticello Trail past a nice little pond with Canadian geese and an old tree that used to stand to the right of Monticello.

Crabtree Falls Video

2011-10-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

Now you see what I see! Enjoy!

Weekend Adventures

2011-10-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

Pete and I took a break from paddling and went for a few hikes this weekend. One to Hightop Mountain in the Shenandoah National Park, one onto the field at Scott Stadium at UVA and one to Crabtree Falls which many of my viewers probably remember hearing about on The Waltons. Oh, and we lost our 2nd kickball game of the fall season - we're now 1-1-0.

View from Hightop Mountain

Oak Tree on top of Hightop Mountain

Students rushing Harrison Field after UVA defeated undefeated Georgia Tech

Me on Harrison Field - after the chaos as many people got trampled on

What field?

Yet another enticing sign - At Crabtree Falls

Beautiful falls

The cave

Steps up... and lots of them.

View from the top

Continuation of the Rapidan River Float

2011-10-09T07:28:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Kristin, Patrick, Pete and I continued on the Rapidan River right below the dam where we stopped our float last weekend. I wanted to go over the dam but decided against it after feeling how brisk the water was. We saw a red fox, a mink, 2 snapping turtles, 3 raccoons and a gaggle of geese. The little town of Rapidan still looks the same as it did many years ago with not too much going on.
School House in Rapidan

Church in Rapidan

Rapidan River Mill Dam

Kristin framed by an overhanging tree

Our lunch stop rapid

Sycamore Tree

Virginia Creeper and Poison Ivy already changing colors

Invasive Bamboo Forest

Snapping Turtles

Private bridge across a creek spilling into the Rapidan with bridge pier made of cribbing

2 More Rivers!

2011-10-04T17:04:00.001-07:00

Pete, Iva, Trish, Kristin and I canoed/kayaked down the Robinson River to meet up with the Rapidan River for the finish of our float. I was able to add 2 new rivers to my list and the Robinson River was one of Pete's firsts too - he's done alot of rivers so this was a privilege. It was a brisk low 50's so no swimming, but it was a great float with the beginning of fall. I love this season!
Trees along Robinson River

Kristin kayaking down the Robinson

Robinson River views

Robinson River Private Access

Robinson River joining the Rapidan River which begins at Camp Hoover

Old Mill

Pete and I canoeing - someday I'll get this guy to smile for the camera

Sunday Antics

2011-09-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

Pete and I decided to search for Devil's Dice and pick some apples this past Sunday.
Devil's Dice are perfectly cubed formations that are found at a local park. They can be as tiny as a grain of sand or several inches in diameter. Here is one description of these interesting minerals: "They used to be cubic pyrite but after a few quadrillion years (give or take a couple of weeks) they have pseudomorphed into limonite." Then we went to Carter Mountain Orchard to pick some apples. Jonagolds to be exact, and then made some great Apple Crisp that challenges my Aunt Becky and my Apple Dumplings of 2 years ago. Yummy!

Vacation to North Carolina Outer Banks

2011-09-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

Pete and I took a week long vacation to Ocracoke Island, NC this past week. We had originally booked a beach house in Avon, NC though Outer Beaches Realty, but after the hurricane rolled through, no one was able to get onto Hatteras Island. At that time, we were unable to receive a refund and unable to get onto the island to use our rental, so we were out our $550 rental with nothing to show for it. So, we waited and then booked a place on Ocracoke Island, NC. It was very quiet as the island had just opened, so we were two of only a few tourists on the island. On Thursday, they opened Hatteras Island up to Avon only so we hopped on that ferry and made them give us our rental for the night allowing us to spend 2 days on the island. More expensive than we wanted, but still gained a sense of satisfaction from at least making them do the work they would have done anyway if we were able to stay on Hatteras Island all week.

Our adventuremobile on the ferry headed out to Ocracoke Island

Finally arriving to Ocracoke Island

Kayaking to Pelican Island via the Hatteras Inlet and Pamlico Sound

Pelican Island

Pete and the Ferry - staying out of the channel was our goal

Ghost Crab at night

Moon Jellyfish - Same buggers that stung Pete and I two days later - migrated from the sound to the ocean

Ocracoke Lighthouse

Ocracoke Lighthouse looking up

Sunset at Springer's Point - the area of land that Blackbeard is thought to have had his final rendevous before beheaded by Lt. Robert Maynard

Sunset with sailboat cruise in corner

On the ferry from Ocracoke Island to Hatteras Island over the Hatteras Inlet

Hatteras Lighthouse - reminded me of the many vacations to NC to see my Aunt Maureen! Hope these bring back some memories for you!

View of Cape Point from Lighthouse

Old Lighthouse coordinates - New coordinates 35°15'02"N 75°31'44"W

View of the Hatteras Lighthouse parking lot - just us

View of the keepers quarters

Old site view of new site

Beach house in Avon, NC - screened porch was unscreened from the hurricane

My buddy

Dredge working on the channel on our way back to Ocracoke from Hatteras

Back on Ocracoke

Ocracoke Cottage

Porch at our Ocracoke Cottage

Couples Retreat - Us and 2 pair of ducks - There were about 20 that lived under our cottage

Out on the point having steamed spiced shrimp with 30 mph winds - our car created an eddy

Sand formations from the wind

Shelltower formations from the wind

Shipwreck!!

Seagulls saying goodbye

A few additions thanks to Pete.
Me exploring at Cape Point, Hatteras

Our set-up at South Point, Ocracoke

Boogie Boarding!

New River to add to my list

2011-09-21T13:08:00.001-07:00

Before Pete and I left for vacation last Sunday, we kayaked the Rockfish River which had some rapids to play in. Sorry for the lame pics. I was focused on North Carolina the next day.

Little Froggy in the Rock Water

Lame view of the last rapid

R.I.P. Common Sense

2011-09-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

Enjoy this as I sort through the many pictures from Ocracoke Island and Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This blurb had such a role in this great vacation. I do not take credit for this obituary but I will say I miss him dearly.

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn't always fair; And maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies, don't spend more than you can earn and adults, not children, are in charge. His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife Discretion, his daughter Responsibility, and his son, Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, I'm A Victim. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, do nothing...

Actual Whitewater Kayaking Take 2

2011-09-09T14:53:00.001-07:00

Pete and I went out last night and kayaked the same run, only 1.5 feet lower. Still swifter water than I had been doing but with more maneuvering.

I'll be posting a video eventually - once I have a free moment to throw one together.
Working our way through a side channel - you can see where the weeds are to where the water was

Gorgeous night!

Pete in his element

And this is 1.5 feet lower than the run before!

Stay tuned for pictures from Ocracoke Island where Pete and I will be for the next 7 days!

Actual Whitewater Kayaking

2011-09-07T18:45:00.000-07:00

Finally it has rained and the river levels were WAY up. Up maybe a little too high as most of the rapids were flooded. We still got some monster waves tonight though.
Put In

The group - Pete, Iva, Bill, Brian and Dave

Bald Eagle

How many boats can you see?

2011-09-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

Pete and I spent Sunday afternoon adding an addition to his basement. We created a new kayak rack for our two brand new touring kayaks. How many boats can you find in his basement?

We're putting a hold on all other further purchases, until we rig up another pulley system at least! ;)

Kayaking and Football

2011-09-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Pete and I tried out our new touring kayaks on the South Fork Rivanna River Reservoir right near his house. And after that, we hit up the first UVA football game of the season. UVA 40 - William and Mary 3

Pete leaving some wake

Turtles for mom

Looks like stegosaurus spikes sticking out of the ground

Canoeing the James River

2011-08-27T17:26:00.000-07:00

What better thing to do when a hurricane is headed your way but go on a canoe trip. We put in at the mouth of the Hardware River and went 6 miles down the James River in a steady rain and decent headwind.
We're right about there

Detour into a culvert made by Irish stone masons many many years ago

Windy!

Earthquake!

2011-08-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

We had a magnitude 5.9 earthquake today, epicenter Mineral, VA (about 37 miles from Charlottesville, VA). It shook us around 1:55 pm in Lovingston, VA where I'm working. We had a patient standing and decided that she officially had excellent static standing balance if she could maintain standing during an earthquake, our documentation looked something like this: "Patient has excellent static and dynamic standing balance as she was able to maintain stance without loss of balance during an earthquake of magnitude 5.9". :) No, but really, one more thing I can knock off my bucket list! Tornadoes, here I come.

On a more serious note, this type of natural occurrence is not abnormal for me, except usually I leave the state after 3 months leaving it in my aftermath. I left Arizona to find out they had a spell of wildfires, tornadoes and damaging hail the size of baseballs. I left Texas to have a pretty significant drought. And I left Washington to have torrential downpours - no wait, that happens everyday anyway! Maybe the cycle will stop if I don't keep leaving each state at 90 mph.

Sherando Lake

2011-08-22T14:59:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a great day to visit Sherando Lake in the George Washington National Forest. We arrived at the lake in just enough time to get a short hike in before the rain came, and then waited out for the sun to come back out to swim out to the island. Good things come to those who wait.
The lake in the rain

The lake from the overlook - it was probably nicer when they had the dollars to trim back the trees

The swimming area with the island

The island

St. Mary's Falls

2011-08-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

Pete and I took the weekend "off" and decided to go for a short 5 mile swimming hole hike in the St. Mary's Wilderness on the St. Mary's Trail to see St. Mary's Falls made from St. Mary's River. Pretty self explanatory.

St. Mary's Falls with the ledge to the right providing a jump rock into the 10 foot deep pool of brisk mountain spring water

Many swimming holes

Craigs Creek Canoe Weekend

2011-08-16T14:50:00.001-07:00

Pete, Patrick, Iva, Bill and I spent the past weekend camping and canoeing near Craig County on the James and Cowpasture Rivers. We finally had a little rain that helped us get down the rivers a little better, but we're still hoping for lots more to get some whitewater in.
Bridge at the put-in on the Cowpasture - built in 1896 with original limestone piers

Swinging bridge over one of the fords

Denver Dog!

Pete and Patrick dominating the rapids

Southern VA/Northern NC Vacation

2011-08-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

Pete and I went on vacation 2 weeks ago to do the Virginia Creeper rails to trails line and take two impressive hikes, Grayson Highlands and Grandfather Mountain. We needed a vacation from our vacation after we were done!

Day 1: Virginia Creeper Biking from Abington, VA to Damascus, VA - 16 miles
An engine that ran the Virginia Creeper rail line

Moo cow claiming the trail

Always scouting the rapids for future whitewater adventures

Day 2: Grayson Highlands Hike to Mount Rogers - 9 miles
Overlooking the valley

USGS marker at the top of Mount Rogers, highest point in VA at 5,729 feet

We saw many wild ponies along the trail

Day 3: Virginia Creeper Biking from Whitetop, VA to Damascus, VA (and to NC border) - 17 miles

Another potential whitewater run

Famous Green Cove station from O. Winston Link's photograph

Tressel in NC

Day 4: Grandfather Mountain Hike - 7 very strenuous miles

No carabiners to hold us in this time!

Playing Catch-Up

2011-08-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry, once again, for not keeping up with my blog. But I have been having the time of my life. Here are 3 pics from each of the adventures so I can quickly catch up on all of the events.

Berks County Wine Tour with Mom and Maggie

Planting our Southern Magnolia Tree
Pete and I planted a Southern Magnolia at his place. 5 wheelbarrow of rocks and one 32" by 24" hole later, we had a beautiful planted tree.

Balcony Falls on the James River
Pete running the rapids

Patrick manhandling the canoe

That's it for the quick updates. I apologize again.

Whitewater Kayaking 201

2011-07-11T19:00:00.001-07:00

We got some rain so Pete took me out to try out my skills on a little higher/faster flowing water. It was still quite forgiving. I'm working on it. This video sums it up well.

These are the same rapids that I went over in the last video.

3 River Float

2011-07-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Kristin, Pete and I paddled down the South Fork of the Rivanna which met up with the North Fork creating the Main Branch. It was a lazy float day with lots of swimming holes.

The dam where we put in

Our put in

First little rapid

Me floating while Pete and Kristin ran the shuttle

Where South (warm water) meets North (cold water)

4th of July Float

2011-07-07T17:59:00.000-07:00

On Monday, Pete organized a 4th of July float down the Rivanna River. We were joined by Kristin, Patrick, Susan, Denver, Atwill and Mary for a great day of paddling and swimming.

One of the preserved canal locks along the Rivanna River - Bernardsburg

Bridge on the trail to the lock

Denver Island

Virginia Beach

2011-07-07T17:35:00.001-07:00

Maggie and I went to visit her friend Anna at Virginia Beach this past weekend. The weather was great and the water was 78 degrees. Perfect weekend.

Treated ourselves to Tapas and some great drinks!

Our list - we even graded them.

Me downing a piece of baguette with a whole pad of raspberry-mint butter. Yum!

4 River Canoe Float

2011-06-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Pete, Kristin, Dan, Mike and I took off for a 12 mile journey down the North River and were able to paddle up 3 other rivers along the way (Middle River, South River and the South Fork of the Shenandoah River). My shoulders were tired after this weekend!

Small drop

Cute waterfall

Me cheesing it up while Pete gets the water out of his ear

Turtle for my mom

Middle River connecting into the North River

We found the mountains again!

Hello Gentlemen

South River flowing into the North River - creates the South Fork of the Shenandoah River

And I thought my Subaru did well - 4 boats!

Headed to Virginia Beach with Maggie this weekend and then a 4th of July float! Stay tuned for more pics!

Learning the Basics of Whitewater Kayaking

2011-06-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

Pete took me out on the Rivanna River Saturday to do some basic skills. Here's a video to sum up my skills for the day.

Glade Creek Hike and Lower Gauley River Whitewater Duckie

2011-06-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

Pete and I went to West Virginia this past weekend for tent camping with a great 11 mile hike paralleling Glade Creek and a duckie trip down the Lower Gauley River with Class I-V rapids. The river was flowing at 300 CFS at first and was pumped up to 650 CFS by the end of our day. Needless to say, I fell out a few times and loved every second. Next challenge - keep learning how to whitewater kayak so I can dominate some rapids strapped into a boat!

Day 1 - Glade River Hike with superb swimming hole
Little buddy

Bridge on the trail

Kates Falls - not doing so well

View of our swimming hole from above

The most amazing swimming hole and jump rock ever!

Bridge over New River Gorge - my next whitewater rafting river (if I don't do Upper and Lower Gauley Fall Whitewater first!)

Day 2 Lower Gauley River Duckies
Stephanie Falls - not really, I just don't know the name so this works

I have to go down what? In a what? Here goes nothing!

Yee Haw! I love jump rocks!

Pete under the waterfall

Canyon Doors

Surfing in the rapids

Still surfing - check out those muscles

Look ma, no paddle!

Fell out again - just trying out my free riding rapid skills :)

Back in the boat

I made it!

Via Ferrata Take 2

2011-06-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

Dad and Maggie came down to visit the weekend of June 11th to do the Via Ferrata and a canoe trip down the Shenandoah River organized by Pete. We were chased off the mountain by a thunderstorm on Saturday and just got off the river in time on Sunday to not get electrocuted. Here are some Via Ferrata pics. I'll spare you the river pics since my last post was full of them.

Lifeline

The looming thunderstorm that kicked us off the mountain

New Development

2011-06-20T18:19:00.001-07:00

So I've been extremely delinquent in my blog postings recently. I guess this happens when you find a boyfriend. His name is Pete and he's quite amazing, but this is not a blog dedicated to him so I will move on. We have been taking some phenomenal trips so here is a small snapshot of each of the adventures thus far. More to come? Most likely!

I forget the mileage of most of these hikes but we tend to do between 8 to 12 miles each hike.

Rose River Loop and Dark Hollow Falls Hike

Hawksbill Summit Sunset Hike

Slate River Kayaking

Doyles River and Jones Run Hike

Maury River Canoeing

Remnants of an old dam

Pete guiding everyone through the rapids

Lock from an old dam

Lewis Falls Hike with Big Meadows Sunset

Aprils Visit!

2011-06-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

My friend, April, came to visit many moons ago, but the pics are too good not to post!

Me and my best pal

Me creeping out in the background

Wading in the pool at the bottom of the falls

Rivanna River Canoe Trip

2011-05-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I went on a relaxing 11.4 mile canoe trip down the Rivanna River with the OASC. We went through some class 1 rapids and although the river was quite high from all the rain, it was pretty calm in most areas.

Me swimming along our raft of canoes

Random Photos

2011-05-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

Here are some past photos that I've taken of various outdoor areas of Virginia. Someday I'll get back to my prompt postings. Here are a few from when my Mom and Grandma came to visit! They're from various overlooks along the Skyline Drive route.

I went to visit my friend April in Richmond, VA and we went to Belle Isle along the James River and saw this Great Blue Heron. Click to zoom in to see him better.

Powell Mountain Trail Hike

2011-05-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

This morning, I took advantage of the one dry sunny day in quite a while to go on a hike up through the Shenandoah National Park. It was a gorgeous day and the sun made great shadows for picture taking. Tomorrow I'm going canoeing on the Rivanna River and will hopefully have some nice pics for you all.

Reason I Love My Sister

2011-04-21T19:11:00.001-07:00

Among others.

Luray Caverns

2011-04-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

Dad and I ventured into the Luray Caverns on Sunday. These were the most impressive caverns I've ever seen. Pictures can never capture the essence of a cave, but I tried anyway.

These aren't stalactites and stalagmites but instead, a mirror pond that reflected the millions of stalactites that were on the ceiling.

Organ inside the cave - they set up mallets to hit different stalactites to make different notes - it was pretty impressive.

"Fried Eggs"

Monticello

2011-04-16T12:14:00.001-07:00

My dad came to visit this weekend and on this dreary, rainy, almost flooding my road out, day... we decided to go check out Monticello. Monticello means "little mountain" and was the residence of Thomas Jefferson. That guy was a genius! The tour was very educational and Monticello was quite a masterpiece. The pictures are a little dark as there was no real sun out today, just lots and lots of liquid sunshine!

Monticello in Charlottesville, VA

Side View of Monticello

Thomas Jefferson's Tomb

Garden and View

Joinery (what's left of it)

Gnarly Tree

Pretty trees blossoming

Via Ferrata Climb - Circleville, WV

2011-04-10T09:45:00.001-07:00

This was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had in my entire life. In West Virginia lies one of seven Via Ferrata in the US. Most are overseas due to our issue with liability here in the US. Yesterday, we scaled the side of two sheer pieces of rock with a suspension bridge connecting them. The whole course is 3.5 miles long with 1,085 feet elevation gain/loss. There is 280 feet of vertical exposure with a 200 feet long, 150 feet high suspension bridge. I highly recommend it to everyone. Not too far from PA!

Group Shot before we began - Guides were Zach (front), Jim (right) and Shannon (2nd to right)

The 1st ascent

View down at the group from above

Don't slip!

Going up again

No ledge underneath around this bend

Side scaling

Suspension bridge from below

Just came up that

Suspension Bridge

Here goes nothing!

Don't look down!

On the bridge

View from the bridge

More ups

Me overlooking the rocks

What we just climbed up to get there.

Headwall - Optional part to go up to the very top of one of the spears

Me climbing up - of course!

Suspension bridge from up top

View from the top - well worth the climb

Me with a view of the nearby farm

Me on top

Down the headwall - the only ladder descent of the trip

Jim Flynn, our guide (aka Bear Grylls) headed down

Adding a little adventure into our climb

View from Summit Hike after our climb

Our Lifelines!

Bring it on Nature!

2011-04-06T14:29:00.001-07:00

So living in a cabin has its perks and punches. Here is my running tally:

Stephanie 1: Bat 0

Updated!!! Stephanie 2: Mouse 0 (Maybe more, will continue to keep you posted)

Found him in my closet after smelling him first

Stephanie 37: Cockroach ∞ (Infinity)

Anyone wanna come visit!?

George Washington National Forest Hike

2011-04-03T16:32:00.000-07:00

Today I went on a 10 mile round-trip hike in the George Washington National Forest. I went with the Outdoor Adventure Social Club here in VA. J.B. was our fearless leader for the day. Our highest elevation was at Big Schloss. The translation of Schloss in German is castle and is a large limestone rock that protrudes well above the treeline.

J.B. pointing out Big Schloss

On top of Big Schloss

Ridgeline

Bridge to get out to the main rock

Decisions, decisions

Neat little cabin in the middle of the woods

Check back next weekend for summary and pictures of my trip to the Via Ferrata in West Virginia!

Crystal Mountains

2011-04-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

The pictures are a little dark but the Blue Ridge Mountains were a sparkling white yesterday morning. It was pristine.

My House and First Snow of the Year

2011-03-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic of my new place before and after snow. As you all know, I was in Texas while all of you had more snow than you ever wanted, but I was lucky enough to get to play in some today! And now it can go away! :)

Only 7 Miles from Skyline Drive

2011-03-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

Mom and I took a trip up to Skyline Drive before she left and I snapped a few shots. It's quite dreary up there now but once spring hits the views will be spectacular. Come visit for a plethora of hikes, drives, views and waterfalls.

Are Bats Good Luck?

2011-03-12T07:40:00.001-08:00

After moving into my new place, we settled in for a good nights rest. My mom was up in the loft on the futon when I hear her yelling down for me to turn on a light. There was a bat flying around! She came down the stairs with a blanket over her head holding her laptop in one hand and her phone in its flashlight app. I started laughing. The crazy little thing was flying everywhere. We had to get it out of here, so I tried to shoo it downstairs to let it go out the door but nooo, the thing just wanted to keep flying. So I pulled out my new Mr. Clean mop thing and started playing baseball. I hit it once and it flew downstairs sending my mom into yet another yelling spell. At this point I can barely stand up I'm laughing so hard. So I run downstairs and after many missed hits, finally made impact. Here are the results.

You can't see me, you can't see me...

Homerun!

Upside down on the broom after getting clipped.

Scared face?

I was laughing so hard I couldn't even stand up!

My pose!

Don't hate my pants cause they're beautiful!

Mazatlan, Mexico

2011-03-12T06:33:00.000-08:00

My roommate from Washington, Dan, and I went to Mazatlan, Mexico on a relaxing 7 day vacation. The resort was beautiful and the area was nicer than I had expected.

Lobby of Pueblo Bonito at Emerald Bay

Pool at night

View from our room overlooking the main pool and beach

For Maggie - some real architecture, sticks and all

El Faro Lighthouse, the highest (not tallest) lighthouse in the world

A Cave under El Faro

Colorful rock formation

Another cave picture while the fog rolls in

A white island - due to birds

Sea Lions from California - they got lost. This is the only small little island that they beach on.

Colorful homes of Stone Island

Mexican Limousine - A tractor with a trailer with seats

Boats beached on shore

My horse - Travis was more personable

Coconut grove on our horseback ride - Coconuts are the main industry of Stone Island

Horse and Carriage ride of Stone Island

Mermaid statue at sunset on the Malecon (boardwalk)

Downtown Mazatlan

Great Restaurant in the Merchado

Mexican lighting system

Statue on the Malecon

Sunset at the diving platform - Divers dive from the top into a very small pool area surrounded by rocks - They only do it a certain time of day as to not hit bottom or the rocks, it was canceled due to the Carnival so I didn't get to see them.

Diving platform

Mermother and merson?

Dolphin Statue on the Malecon

Dolphin Reflection

Trolley for our City Tour

Would you like a picture? Sure! I told our waiters to all line up. Don't let the one on the left fool you, he's from Chicago!

Dan and I at Los Zapatos - Thanks for taking me on the trip!

My Birthday

2011-03-12T06:27:00.001-08:00

Ok, time to catch up since I have a moment to breathe after moving into my new place. My awesome roommate, Stephanie, had a big birthday bash for me. Check out this amazing cake she had made. It tasted great too!

Stephanie got us Thing 1 and Thing 2 t-shirts because no one could ever think of different names to get our individual attention.
Stephanie, The Cat in the Hat (aka Stormy) and Me

Travels

2011-03-10T06:36:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Mom and I are currently in Memphis, TN watching the weather channel. We are headed towards Nashville and then Knoxville. For those more geographically challenged, that's the entire length of Tennessee where all that fun rain is. Does anyone see anything wrong with this picture?

Maybe I should have just stayed in Texas. And anyone who knows me well, knows that that's a pretty strong statement! Back to reality!

Mexico

2011-03-09T06:22:00.001-08:00

I have a request from VanGo to post pictures of Mexico. Here is one for now.

Haha. Just kidding guys. I just got back from Mexico yesterday at 3:30 am and then woke up and drove to Houston after visiting South Padre Island for the last time. Mom and I named a Cold Stunned Atlantic Green Sea Turtle and came up with the ever so creative name, Reed. Welcome to the family dude. I'll post a pic when we get where we're going. Back to Mexico, it was great. Upper 80's without humidity the entire time. I have some pics that just brush the surface of the beauty of Mazatlan. I will work on that once I get where I'm going.

Today we're headed up through Louisiana and into Alabama. The only problem is that there is currently a tornado on the road to which we are supposed to travel. Wish us luck. I just keep trying to defy the odds of the grim reaper wherever I go.

Sorry for the lack of pictures but they will be coming soon!

Superbowl at Harleys

2011-02-19T09:28:00.000-08:00

Harley's is heaven on earth. Everyone should get to experience it once in their lifetime. I spent my superbowl there with two other fellow Pennsylvanians as we cheered for the Steelers.

Kathy and Will (aka Steve) and me... I love these guys!

I'm officially headed to the Shenandoah area of Virginia next. I will be traveling there with my mom from March 8th until the 11th and then probably making a visit to Brookville for a few days. But first I'll be going to Mazatlan, Mexico with my roommate from Washington, Dan. If I come back alive, come visit me in Virginia!!

Dad came to visit!

2011-01-30T06:45:00.000-08:00

Last week my dad came to visit. He was able to see the best of McAllen, South Padre Island, deep sea fishing off of Port Mansfield and the Gladys Porter Zoo. We laughed so hard we had tears. Such a great trip!

On our way out to go fishin'! What a beautiful morning.

See the fin in the wake? We saw about 4 pods of dolphins.

Dad reeling his first one in!

Action shot

Dad's catch of the day - 14 pound Red Snapper - The biggest on the boat!

Of course it was me and all guys on the deep sea fishing trip - many said "Oh look, she even baits her own hook" and we were using little squids but look who caught the coolest fish of all!
Hammerhead shark - just under 2 feet so he was not able to be kept

Better view of the Hammerhead

Gladys Porter Zoo - The best small zoo in the world
We had quite a show from all the animals - they were all in rare form showing off. Plus we had the whole zoo to ourselves. That doesn't happen often.
Roseate Spoonbill in the open aviary

Scarlett Ibis

Action shot of pygmy hippos

Sea lion jumping the fence

Sea lion showing off sliding down the rocks

The greatest of all is the unicorn...

Two teenage gorillas were outside without their father. They were putting on a hell of a show - thumping their chests, chasing each other and musking all over the place

And he's still a teenager!

Dad and I did a lot more than just this, but its more the experience than the pictures. Almost done here in Texas. Next stop, Shenandoah National Park area of Virginia.

Mexican Flea Market

2011-01-15T18:49:00.000-08:00

I went with Kat, Chris and Aaron to the Mexican Flea Market down the street. It was there, in the pouring rain, where I was lucky enough to have my first Spirro Papas (Deep Fried Spiral Potato Chips on a Stick). You add hot sauce, lime juice, ketchup and salt or any combination of the above. And then you try not to get it all over you.

And yes, this is the most exciting thing that has happened lately. :)

Random Rendezvous

2011-01-13T17:06:00.000-08:00

Wow, It's been forever since I've posted anything. I'm sorry everyone. I have a random compilation of all my doings over the past few months.

Mi Casa

Karl came to visit! We went out on the South jetties of the island to scout out some sea turtles swimming in the wild and we saw some!

More turtle - Merry Christmas is her name...

The Christmas Parade at South Padre Island - a cute gymnastics crew able to be in only leotards in December.

Hidalgo Light Festival - Javier tricked me so we randomly showed up at this awesome light festival! I love the hippo and Mr. and Mrs. Claus (who may have been drunk).

House at the end of my street - Must be winter Texans

Another Javier trip - Tricked me into going to the Rio Grande River cause I would never go any other way - Needless to say, I didn't die that day

I'm officially Allison's Lifeguard

Iza's Posada - A Posada is a Mexican tradition that is performed for the 9 days before Christmas - Family and friends go to a different persons house every night and sings a series of songs (in very monotonous tones) that mimic what Joseph and Mary went through the night they were trying to find shelter (i.e. "Can we come in?" "No, we're sleeping, go away." "But we're carrying the baby Jesus." "Well why didn't you say so? Come on in!" all in Spanish). So I was invited and got to experience everyone singing and speaking in Spanish and it was quite an experience. Here is my picture log of the event.

Pozole - A traditional soup

Tostadas - Yum!

Chocoflan - Even yummier!

Christmas in San Antonio with Joe - The Riverwalk will never be the same

Sorry about the long wait - I will try to not be so negligent next time!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - 13 days late!

Dad got a bear!!!

2010-11-24T17:09:00.000-08:00

So it's been 28 years but my dad finally got a bear! The bear was 170 pounds of steel. He wrestled it the whole way down the mountain and finally killed it with a knife. Ha, just kidding, his gun worked fine but he deserves this one. I'm so happy for him!

28 years and long overdue

The crew

Uncle Curt letting the bear in on the party

Dad and his bear

So happy - Cheers Pops!

South Padre Island and being Allison's Lifeguard

2010-11-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

I spent the past weekend soaking up the sun and volunteering on South Padre Island. I learned how to be Allison's Lifeguard and helped with a booth at the Kite Fest.

Allison with her prosthesis - if it comes off it is my job to scoop her out or she could drown.

Allison in action

Allison coming up for a breath - I take a breath of relief everytime

By popular request, Allison swimming with her prosthesis

Laguna Atascosa - A wildlife refuge right off the island

A ten point buck at Laguna Atascosa - zoom in, he's a dandy

Kat and Ryan releasing a Texas Spiny Softshell Turtle

Sunset through the Yuccas

Sea Turtle, Inc. booth at the Kite Fest - Hey Kat!

Kat's puppy Azulita (Little Blue) - Zuli for short

Let's go fly a kite!

Up to the highest heights!

Our turtle kite.

Remember, these are kites they're flying all choreographed

Japanese Man of War - There were more on the beach this weekend

Another pretty one.

Pretty

2010-11-03T18:21:00.001-07:00

My view from my front lawn after coming home from spin class. I may not be able to walk tomorrow but the view was sure pretty.

South Padre Island

2010-10-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

I'm officially in McAllen starting my new assignment at a local hospital. Everyone is extremely nice and my transition has been great. I am as close to Mexico as one can get without being over the border. It's a tropical paradise with temperatures in the 80s to 90s.

Forget Oak Street with our Oak trees - Hello Palmer Drive with Palm Trees!
My view from my front door - I live on a golf course with Palm tree lined drive.

Cool sign heading over the bridge to South Padre Island

Gulf of Mexico

Sand Dunes taking over the road

So I visited Sea Turtle Inc. which is a non-profit organization that rehabilitates sea turtles of many kinds back to health. The main type of this area is the Kemps Ridley but they also help save the Hawksbill, Atlantic Green, and Loggerhead. Some have lost fins due to predator attacks while others had issues from birth that no longer allow them to be released into the wild. I am going to volunteer for them while I'm here over the winter (so I'll have a good excuse to be a beach bum on the weekends).

This little buddy has a pocket of air inside the back part of his shell so he is constantly swimming with his butt in the air. He also has the herpes virus so he has a fibropapilloma near his right eye. He is unreleasable.

Sebastian the Loggerhead Turtle

Jellyfish in the Japanese Man of War family - Not a good one to meet while swimming.

I went on a sunset horseride on the beach (yes, it was me and 2 couples) and randomly met a guy that played rugby in the same area as Maggie. He was our trail guide. He knew Maggie's coach from PSU and Keystone Rugby Club. It's such a small world. He's from West Chester area in Philly.

Me and Travis

Loyal Travis

Me and Travis riding off into the sunset :)

Texas Beach Sunset

Travis

More Sunset

A beautiful end to a great day

Come visit!!

Fort Worth

2010-10-17T12:39:00.001-07:00

I've spent the last week in Fort Worth, Texas and only have one more week to go. Its been a whirlwind of doing everything in 1 week. Check out Billy Bobs Texas, it is the largest honky tonk in the world. It has an indoor rodeo arena, 2 dance floors and 2 stages. I had front row seats to Craig Morgan. Pretty awesome.

Downtown Fort Worth

Me waiting for the rodeo

Watching the rodeo - all these boys went 1.1 seconds at most

Craig Morgan

Craig Morgan

Fort Worth Zoo - Pretty awesome place, even beats San Francisco Zoo

Saltwater Crocodile

New baby monkey, Layla - Looks like a terror

King Cobra

Turtles for my mom

Eagle for my dad

Lawn ornaments for my sister

My Humble Abode

2010-10-14T18:02:00.001-07:00

After moving rooms 3 times, this is what I ended up with. One more week and McAllen, here I come.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Tennessee Titans

2010-10-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

Mom and I got to Fort Worth at 10 am, I dropped her off at the airport and headed to the Cowboys game. A great end to a great trip.

San Antonio

2010-10-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

River Walk

Missions in Texas

2010-10-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

Mission Concepcion

Mission San Jose

The entire mission used to be covered in this siding.

Nice hinges.

Alamo aka Mission San Antonio de Valero

Massive live oak tree

TEXAS!

2010-10-14T17:42:00.001-07:00

I officially love Texas! As Joe put it, I'm easily pleased.

Entering Texas

Backroads of California

2010-10-14T17:39:00.001-07:00

We had planned to check out Yosemite National Park on the way but the pass was closed due to winter conditions. Instead we had to take these backroads to get down to a main road. My front bumper touched my rear bumper on some of these curves.