Labor Day Camping 2014

Bald Mountain

Our lovely very waterproof home away from home

Our Noah Tarp keeps us nice and dry!

Fall Beauty

Fourth Lake

Just perfect end of Summer photo don't you think?

Lovely Sunset with Loons calling on the water

This Blog has been eating Blog posts . . . I have written more than you have seen.  I am not sure quite what to think of it but trying to not get to frustrated by it.

 Obviously this trip was about 10 days ago . . . but it was a lovely albeit short getaway to the ADK for a little respite with Nature and friends.  This trip left at least 18 hours after it was supposed to- we were just not ready and it seemed to make no sense to get all stressed out over something that should have been restful.  So we took a little more time to get ready with less stress but it made for a short trip.  Of course the rain on Sunday also shortened it up quite a bit.  Heavy rain does not make for friendly mountain climbing/hiking. So we packed up and hit the road for home. Looking back at the images- it was so very lovely in so very many ways!
         We enjoyed the view and Friday evening the Loons on the Lake were so very talkative it was incredible.  We went hiking-on Saturday and visiting with friends. Our campfire on the cold night- Friday was the campfire that never happened- as we talk about it because the wood that we got was fireproof wood- it would not take off and burn for any thing. Hot tea on a cool morning, the quiet of the Lake and Forest are so restorative.  You can see we are among the minority and are still tent campers.  Driving around the campground it was readily apparent that tent camping is dying. So many campers and RV's. While tent camping although not always comfortable it is certainly simple. Although I still applaud those with RV's that are getting out and spending time in Nature.
        I think that spending time in nature is so very important and whatever way works best for you is great!  I think it is the simple aspect of camping in general that appeals to me. Time to do just one thing at a time. Less multitasking that has become the everyday of this busy world we live in. Time to sit, to think , to watch and listen.  Time to be.   May we all find this simple time of being,  somewhere in someway in our lives.

Just Thinking . . .

The more you are grateful for what you have the more you will have to be grateful for.

Zig Ziglar

Falls and Gorges - Ithaca, NY

Micro Ecosystems all along the rock/slate walls in the gorges

Green and Wet and dripping

Pretty View- a couple was married on the Bridge while we were in this section.

Robert Tremain St. Park - above are all there as well.

Repairing wall on lower part of Gorge- Robert Tremain St. Park

Lots' of Green!

Buttermilk Falls St. Park

Buttermilk Falls St. Park

               So about 10 days ago, my 2 oldest and I ventured out for the Family Reunion - this is my husbands side of the family but he is never home to attend.   ( Proud of my older kids for attending - not high on their list and few peers there but oh so important) It is usually held in  around either Watkins Glen, NY- south end of Seneca Lake or Ithaca NY - south end of Cayuga Lake  We were at a new State park this year and it was in the Upper part- 3miles up! In and around the Fingerlakes are many Gorge Parks carved out by Glaciers years ago. They make wonderful places to hike on a  hot summers day.  Many of these parks also have natural swimming holes that are wonderful as well- water is clear cold and refreshing.  I think the whole Fingerlakes area is a Hidden Gem. 
               It was a very rainy day and actually ended with a Tornado warning and one that touched down about 25 miles away.  It has been an active weather summer for sure.
        We enjoyed the fellowship of family, good food a Chinese Auction and a short hike in the Gorge. We stopped at Buttermilk Falls  State Park on the way home and then at Purity Ice Cream.  I had yummy Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Ice Cream, my daughter had Goose Tracks and my son a Soy Mint Chocolate Chip  ( Lactose free) This place makes the best Ice Cream, one of our favorites is Mocha Chip, buy a quart and eat it in the parking lot good!!!

   Summer . . . Family . . . .Road-trips.....Picnics . . . .Ice Cream . . . .Rainstorms . . .Summer

Throwback Thursday . . . .

Cape Cod, 4th of July very hot day probably like 2001 or 2002

                             Sitting by the edge of the road waiting for the Parade.

Canada Trip 2014

Winding lane to Lake House

Sunset on Sand Lake

A view to behold every day!

Island

Boat Load of Snow and Good Bye it has been fun!

We have had the pleasure for 5 years to retreat to this lovely Lake House in late March. Usually 5-6 of us, to sew, watch movies, hike, cook, enjoy immensely the pleasure of each others company and relax from the everyday mundane and at times burdens.  This was our last year at this location and we will need to find another. Several of our group are also at crossroads in life that means we may not gather in this way for a long while. Lots of good food and fun, we shall miss this time but hold our memories close.

Visiting Gaylord Opryland Hotel  in Nashville for the second time this year.  I was here  in January for Stampin Up and this time for American Society of Hand Therapists Annual Meeting.  The Gaylord Hotel has 52 acres under roof. The Main Delta  Island area is 5 acres I believe with the 1/4 mile indoor river- see the boat?  This river water is blended water from all 50 states and many countries. There is both Canandaigua, Hemlock and Lake Ontario water in it for my local readers. They have brass plaques telling all the water sources.  In May of 2010 it was badly flooded by the Cumberland River. The Delta area had 10 feet of water in it as did many other areas of the Hotel.  They were closed for 6 plus months reopening in Nov. 2010.  The bottom picture is from Saturday Night at the Grand Ol Opry!!! This to was flooded badly in May of 2010.  This night Nitty Gritty Dirt band, Dolly Parton and many more graced the stage to sing for us. Quite a performance to see, the hosts are great. Love the sponsor announcer as well.   The indoor plantings are just un believable.  When I was there in January I talked with a gardener.  They have 14 indoor gardeners and 14 for the outdoors. Now that we have hit October they start getting ready for Country Christmas in Nashville!!  Imagine Poinsettias everywhere!!