tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76018025028276091352024-02-07T06:59:01.450-06:00twobikes + an AirstreamTwo active retirees, two bikes and an Airstream loose on the roadAIRGOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08727876024107285550noreply@blogger.comBlogger314125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-64691288414861782872017-01-21T17:00:00.000-06:002017-01-26T17:03:20.638-06:00Up the Wide Missouri<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now it must be dutifully reported and lamented that <a href="http://foxtalesint.com/programs/history-in-person" target="_blank">Brian "Fox" Ellis</a>, noted raconteur and historical personality, does not share our vision for a group of geriatric groupies following him on tour. <u><b>WE </b></u>envision toting his traps and pelts between performances, warming up crowds of followers wearing historically correct headgear and perhaps chanting the Bear Song. <u><b>HE</b></u>, we fear, sees old people dressed in pelts on sidewalks, perhaps dispensing little samples of Peyote buds and comestibles of uncertain origin. Then, there is the cost of healthcare to consider.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This bitter disappointment did not in any way lessen our enthusiasm for his performance at the famous <a href="http://boothmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Booth Western Art Museum</a> in Cartersville Ga. </span></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqcI8i3716oQNmnH3rhlNXbWQ9I9TJ76MBw_De7Ckv-A72PJCUbjcj1QopVQsEJSh7sp8Df7jzkRCf3_BfLFotsJhjIFvpJYvX9bGZvueM2CKLj2eXJQpg7KkWbWU68uiOe3D6ruMVdg/s1600/booth+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqcI8i3716oQNmnH3rhlNXbWQ9I9TJ76MBw_De7Ckv-A72PJCUbjcj1QopVQsEJSh7sp8Df7jzkRCf3_BfLFotsJhjIFvpJYvX9bGZvueM2CKLj2eXJQpg7KkWbWU68uiOe3D6ruMVdg/s400/booth+front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6L9vxV5VABg9PQaSF9ckIuN8XpGCR9gy3V7Gukxhfa12d2bg4wlm7LEIcyiRcbbJ_wRAJ_bqiHJ3AIDOKMn3hy_HePFzOHn4efhvKB7zt4KNE81-lN4V2goEZ2cbjsvOjsUARLQUO4yo/s1600/booth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6L9vxV5VABg9PQaSF9ckIuN8XpGCR9gy3V7Gukxhfa12d2bg4wlm7LEIcyiRcbbJ_wRAJ_bqiHJ3AIDOKMn3hy_HePFzOHn4efhvKB7zt4KNE81-lN4V2goEZ2cbjsvOjsUARLQUO4yo/s400/booth.jpg" width="400" /></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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6ByWLkks6WSqT9N3osnzbztuL_M9xMNv1Zqmv6ZcxRQvzL1QF15Dvbd_tnxrX1sZGHSXnMFi1ksrqLH9wDeuFkMTBk8fApv0ZRvTmempc_yp3goO3KIviVc-pDOUNsiEHFxgTAMpCk8/s1600/stage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6ByWLkks6WSqT9N3osnzbztuL_M9xMNv1Zqmv6ZcxRQvzL1QF15Dvbd_tnxrX1sZGHSXnMFi1ksrqLH9wDeuFkMTBk8fApv0ZRvTmempc_yp3goO3KIviVc-pDOUNsiEHFxgTAMpCk8/s400/stage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Images ruthlessly hacked from the internets</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>We were accompanied by the <a href="http://someday1959.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Someday '59</a> clan. Brian, Lynnetta and the three brilliant home schooled youngsters <u><b>ALL</b></u> know the proper pronunciation of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacagawea" target="_blank">Sacagawea</a> and a couple can explain the three part diphthong required. Like the rest of the audience, we were carried back to 1832 when <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Maximilian_of_Wied-Neuwied" target="_blank">Prince Maximilian</a> traveled up the Missouri visiting and recording the lives of tribes he met only a few years after Lewis and Clark.</i></span></span><br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwS6pp8oE5PfwTXHZSjCpBSpnuGwcAkC6hFi9UK7KzDOSP-g_hVRZmNy0MAT8o_Krlvej4f_eo2xkhuvuAnR9a75ybDrjgx-DuOzmGXRYCmiY-9I8wBZd_TIA8MVl3wWUSdhmkk21Y-z4/s1600/Karl_Bodmer_Travels_in_America_%252823%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwS6pp8oE5PfwTXHZSjCpBSpnuGwcAkC6hFi9UK7KzDOSP-g_hVRZmNy0MAT8o_Krlvej4f_eo2xkhuvuAnR9a75ybDrjgx-DuOzmGXRYCmiY-9I8wBZd_TIA8MVl3wWUSdhmkk21Y-z4/s400/Karl_Bodmer_Travels_in_America_%252823%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karl Bodmer accompanied the expedition and his art has become the basis of much we know about the tribes of the Missouri</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>We LIKE <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">W</span>estern</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A</span>rt Museums. We learned at the Rockwell in Corning New York to appreciate the huge canvases that inspired our leaders to save these scenes as Nati<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">onal Parks. (And, we think, there is a lot less fawning <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">psychobabble amongst the visitors.) If you appreciate the cowboy and horses and <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">saddle leather, grand landscapes and detailed <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">bronzes</span> of the first <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Americans<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">,</span></span> you will enjoy the Booth.</span></span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ba<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">c</span>k at our own Airstream campsite, there were table games and Great <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pyrenees dog fondling, witty repartee and multiple installations of colorful hammocks<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. We watched as multiple levels of nylon were <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">erected</span> and perhaps learned mo<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">r</span>e than we can use about mounting and dismounting a hammock.</span></span></span></span></span> </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com0Cartersville, GA, USA34.1650972 -84.79993819999998533.954940199999996 -85.122661699999981 34.3752542 -84.47721469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-64487901432615285742017-01-17T16:36:00.002-06:002017-01-17T16:36:22.369-06:00Nineteen Thousand of Our Closest Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.fws.gov/uploadedImages/Region_4/NWRS/Zone_3/Wheeler_Complex/Wheeler/Images/Fest%20of%20cranes%202017.jpg?n=3433" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="349" src="https://www.fws.gov/uploadedImages/Region_4/NWRS/Zone_3/Wheeler_Complex/Wheeler/Images/Fest%20of%20cranes%202017.jpg?n=3433" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">The Visitor Center at <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/wheeler/" target="_blank">Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge</a> was pretty quiet when we parked the Airstream Friday afternoon. Signs were going up for the Crane Weekend starting next morning, papers were being shuffled, volunteers arriving.</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">As usual, there were just a few of us, all with binoculars strapped on. Out the path to the comfy two story glass-walled Observatory, high walls screen the view, but the cacophony of calls from the assembled masses of Sandhill Cranes was building and flocks of 6-10 were above us calling. It is hard to exaggerate the noise of 10 or 12 THOUSAND cranes, each loud enough to be heard 2 1/2 miles away. <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sandhill_Crane/sounds" target="_blank">Cornell</a> calls it a rattling bugle. The Whooping Cranes are almost <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Whooping_Crane/sounds" target="_blank">pleasant</a> by comparison. </span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://stevetabone.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/four-sandhill-cranes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://stevetabone.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/four-sandhill-cranes.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">The view from the observatory is breathtaking. The pond in the foreground hosts hundreds of ducks of many varieties, huge flocks of Snow Geese are feeding way off to the left by the tree line and all across the acres of cut corn in the mid distance are thousands of Sandhill Cranes in full voice. Every so often a Bald Eagle makes a pass and stirs everybody up; a few deer will show themselves along the treeline. Way out there is a white dot of a Whooping Crane, another closer to the right. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JmE3W95tZw" target="_blank">SEE VIDEO from this time last year</a> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">We set up camp at the Joe Wheeler State Park FIFTY miles away. (Planning was a little scant on this venture). We were in storage with a winterized empty trailer two days before launch; all preparations went well except for this <u>tiny</u> planning error that had us up </span><u><span style="font-size: large;">really</span></u><span style="font-size: large;"> early to travel back and watch the empty field fill with cranes.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<br /><img alt="Slide_whooper_and_sandhills_gl" src="https://alabama-travel.s3.amazonaws.com/partners-uploads/photo/image/576025b46733c803b0000185/slide_whooper_and_sandhills_gl.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">There are about 20 Whooping Cranes at Wheeler this year thanks to the efforts of Operation Migration which over twelve years led small groups of newly hatched cranes toward Florida following behind <a href="http://www.alreporter.com/whooping-cranes-rerouted-to-wheeler-national-wildlife-refuge/" target="_blank">ultralight airplanes.</a> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.alreporter.com/media/2012/02/craines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.alreporter.com/media/2012/02/craines.jpg" height="273" width="320" /></a></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">They established a new flyway which now hosts 100 birds. There are fewer than 400 Whoopers now, back from lows in the teens. So it is with a bit of a smirk that we report that 13 of these treasures were hanging out off-refuge by the ball fields near Chaz's fuel stop. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Visit the refuge nearly any day between Thanksgiving and Valentines Day and you will find friendly volunteer hosts, just a small number of like-minded visitors and the same cast of thousands. On Festival weekend, expect lots of folks from little guys enrolled in children's workshops, storytellers, songwriters and the Auburn Raptor Center folks with 6-8 of their feathered friends, bird enthusiasts of all ages, guys with camera lenses the length of your leg and ladies on walkers with iPhones and big smiles. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"> As we report often, it will be the stories we heard from our fellow visitors that will remain with us. We totally loved <a href="http://foxtalesint.com/" target="_blank">Brian "Fox" Ellis</a> as John James Audubon and Meriwether Lewis; we offered to follow him around as groupies to hear the rest of the 30+ historical characters he portrays. (He's getting back to us on that.) </span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMyZdJXOBZgYX-OlUUwzEl7KOizPEAbIDP08irq7EFv9c9EKEbdor5O2EBPDGSItj3epU8hRs3MHoYwMyDaH5eZO3k-TvrLSEBxiKobE2ixkY2BOCU-Skh0rpYMPW0gLU8etAK-88xyk/s1600/whoop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMyZdJXOBZgYX-OlUUwzEl7KOizPEAbIDP08irq7EFv9c9EKEbdor5O2EBPDGSItj3epU8hRs3MHoYwMyDaH5eZO3k-TvrLSEBxiKobE2ixkY2BOCU-Skh0rpYMPW0gLU8etAK-88xyk/s1600/whoop.jpg" /></a></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Patty wore her Give a Whoop T shirt all around town in the evenings and marveled at the local pride in the refuge and perhaps encouraged a few more to visit and support our Nineteen Thousand friends.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<br />
<br />twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com0Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, 3121 Visitors Center Rd, Decatur, AL 35603, USA34.5474531 -86.9511426000000269.0254185999999983 -128.25973660000002 60.0694876 -45.642548600000026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-34874977884068654882017-01-02T12:26:00.000-06:002017-01-02T12:26:21.478-06:00the day the music died<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYKmkOEmjAY0TvXaw-uV0lax3DbjtjLa9UMoiUQVBfUPQT4dcoha2gdYzSDMKOyrhyphenhypheneDGff4Dkwbne8t1BLde4vToWLLMJHvVywxyNKtF7Rw_0F0Hv950YmaCAJfMrrGOTd2FeikexjA/s1600/IMG_4960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYKmkOEmjAY0TvXaw-uV0lax3DbjtjLa9UMoiUQVBfUPQT4dcoha2gdYzSDMKOyrhyphenhypheneDGff4Dkwbne8t1BLde4vToWLLMJHvVywxyNKtF7Rw_0F0Hv950YmaCAJfMrrGOTd2FeikexjA/s400/IMG_4960.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our blog trailed off in mid-sentence somewhere in Maine in late June. I first blamed the little tiff between Apple and Google that sent my favorite Blogsy App into despair and eventual oblivion (and one less tech-savvy writer into mild hysterics.) It might have been the niggardly data plan we had in Canada or maybe that gifted Bloggers like <a href="https://pilgrimagetohere.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Pilgrimage to Here</a>, and <a href="http://www.watsonswander.com/" target="_blank">Watsons Wander</a> </span><span style="font-size: large;">were traveling the same paths and reporting brilliantly. Whatever the reasons, the travelogue with pictures faded away. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have always shied away from shining too much light on the folks we engage on the road while maintaining that it is those people and their stories that light up our lives. Thinking back over a month in the Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, spectacular park lands, warm citizens and tasty treats, it is still the Stories that we treasure above all. Here are a few guarded glimpses into lives we admire, people we met and a couple we did not engage and wish we had.</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Mostly Airstreamers </span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Last year's flood on the Cheticamp River destroyed half of the campground in the The Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Because it is far up the Sunrise Trail, the staff is very solicitous of indolent slugs like us who arrive without reservations. They found us a tiny but usable site in the tenting area and proximate to the kids playground (which thrilled Patty.) We had barely unlimbered the camp chairs when the Airstreamers began to drop by. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB64yeRqesaPcZgCrP1-yq8z4AuOaBwoDSNgFJadhgwUL9NQCjfpZuVEkxBqIPslAZC6Y267r4tnR4zm1BWfaR5vReIGkkFr4LW2w3avnivUFuUq283mWXngEec79yCCctzPY4dkQ-BFU/s1600/IMG_4940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB64yeRqesaPcZgCrP1-yq8z4AuOaBwoDSNgFJadhgwUL9NQCjfpZuVEkxBqIPslAZC6Y267r4tnR4zm1BWfaR5vReIGkkFr4LW2w3avnivUFuUq283mWXngEec79yCCctzPY4dkQ-BFU/s640/IMG_4940.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ella Brown <a href="http://silvermineandhis.weebly.com/">http://silvermineandhis.weebly.com/</a> came by and had us in hysterics within seconds. She and trick dog Charlie Button gathered a crowd as she reprised her totally unsanctioned performance at the Wally Byam International Rally pet show. She told us about that rally in flood-ravaged West Virginia and the generous outpouring of dollars and volunteer help provided by our Airstream friends and a little about the totally internet based We-don't-need-no-stinkin-paper NOVA unit. Long may they prosper.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the assembled crowd was Laine Carpentier. Now Laine won't blurt this out, but she is one of the most famous and beloved creators of Teddy Bears in the world. As we shared some of our trailer hauling, craft show gypsy lives, some few hints emerged of a long life following dreams and seizing adventures. Husband Bob filled in more details as he pulled in next morning with a fifteen foot Salmon rod anchored across the hood and windshield.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: orange;">"You know, I've caught 16 pound Salmon in that little stretch just 70 yards from this campsite."</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Cheticamp and especially the nearby Margaree are famous salmon rivers, luring fishermen from around the globe. Bob paged through his Fish Book -- pictures of big fish and big name fishermen from over his 20 years fishing here -- and momentarily took a call from buddies on the river about the fish they caught while he was sharing his time with us. Into the mix were the highlights of their lives together -- commercial fishing all up the Pacific coast, an adolescence in the midst of the first surfing boom, developing lands near Aspen grub staking a free life, multiple Airstreams, an inordinate amount of bragging about his talented mate, heartaches and medical crisis and plans for the future. On the last page was his Honorable Discharge; he would not want to be confused with Americans who crossed the border under a cloud.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In the crowd that first night was Stacy whose sparkling white Argosy immediately caught our eye. It was just as bright inside, accented with bright colors and touches that proclaimed her creative insight and experience. This is just one of several little trailers that she has restored <span style="color: orange;">"but this one is a keeper. We have space for everyone in here." </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She was camping here while the two kids attended the French Language summer camp. We were in instant grandparent mode. There was a birthday party for Stacy with camping friends and we all trooped over for the school's evening recital (which would be entirely in French !!) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">HE shifted side-wise into the seat in front of us -- thirty-ish, slight of build, dark, with a short curly beard. I ventured a bon soir. He smiled shyly and looked back to his wife surrounded in the aisle. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">SHE wore a traditional scarf binding her hair, but nothing could mask the radiant smile she exchanged with a succession of well wishers. She clasped hands warmly with the women, nodded appreciatively to the men whose faces popped up in the wall of bodies. Fluent French, halting English in torrents. Welcomes from the stocky ruddy-faced fishermen, effusive praise for her dress from his sturdy wife, "Your children are lovely" from the sleek sophisticated woman in French ..."so nice to see you..."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When she settled into her seat and exchanged a smile with her somewhat ill-at-ease husband, he cut his eyes to the old folks sitting behind. Yet another radiant smile. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The smiles and greetings continued through intermission and nearly closed down the aisle as we exited. We were left in the joyous wake, marveling at the acceptance these Syrian newcomers found in this isolated, not-so-cosmopolitan little village. This, you will remember, was the summer of 2016 when a miasma of hate had found voice in America and everywhere we went in Canada new friends politely tilted their heads quizzically waiting for an explanation... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Much later, I stumbled on a survey of Canadians asked what characteristics made their country unique. Canadians answered Diversity more frequently than Hockey. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com3Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Victoria, Subd. A, NS B0C, Canada46.7382854 -60.65097709999997721.216250900000002 -101.95957109999998 72.2603199 -19.342383099999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-58551826516685471662016-06-24T15:21:00.000-05:002016-11-02T16:14:20.525-05:00Days of Brine and Roses<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dG-OpFOhhMi2S6DHukrR0tr-6-2ErUGRUHOEiWOv6qznYrvJj8Dlo9ZFiPEEm6Pwh75HvHi3oy5Pz8Ehl1h7vYDUk5cCajKNjfHWO7jOPFrjsK7IcH39X_yGEHf6-9APuNgMa75BRB0/s1600/IMG_7715%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dG-OpFOhhMi2S6DHukrR0tr-6-2ErUGRUHOEiWOv6qznYrvJj8Dlo9ZFiPEEm6Pwh75HvHi3oy5Pz8Ehl1h7vYDUk5cCajKNjfHWO7jOPFrjsK7IcH39X_yGEHf6-9APuNgMa75BRB0/s400/IMG_7715%255B1%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaRIpFwVDhox5d9E-NQ_UykgBRKzKWaNvx_dWIpihzILDB8O0_V-11ZL19Q0to656wVuS4HxpUVLu4Ic-Yg1M4eIH56UjPKxw3TsPLw3V8tUkP0rmsjkBu9cDLQNCtFKOOrMQDFc5ZFc/s1600/IMG_7671%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaRIpFwVDhox5d9E-NQ_UykgBRKzKWaNvx_dWIpihzILDB8O0_V-11ZL19Q0to656wVuS4HxpUVLu4Ic-Yg1M4eIH56UjPKxw3TsPLw3V8tUkP0rmsjkBu9cDLQNCtFKOOrMQDFc5ZFc/s400/IMG_7671%255B1%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<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;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Between the stones that guard the highway pullouts and along the Shore
Path in Bar Harbor, beside the beaches nearly everywhere, in hedges at Camp<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">o</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>bello and
along any path leading seaward are Roses, mostly red, but sometimes
white, always fragrant, a sweet mellow undertone to the crisp bright
scent of the tides.<br />
<br />
This is our first trip to Down East Maine in Spring and it is paying dividends in Roses, and LUPINES!<br />
<br />
We've assembled the usual suspects -- our beautiful daughter Joanie,
husband Tim, gray-muzzled Lab Chance and, of course, nine year old
mountain climber Anthony. Add in sixteen year old Cassie from the
Alabama branch and let the giggling begin.<br />
<br />
The Grands stayed at Seawall Campground near <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Southwest</span> Harbor while the
Gang of Four plus pooch luxuriated in a cottage in Bar Harbor. Each day
there was a hike, a favorite like Hunter's Beach to show Cassie...<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_630137043"></span><span id="goog_630137044"></span><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5HxHCwr1EdfpPHatS1SVu70Uw6bj1-zLyBYgPWoLMyljyvAY0_a9uUr0PuHUTD7URHhtL051h2Y_Oin8yjptSGrXlUCf5oz60cGKJsT9CX3Mwc0SofAe9veh8rTa6id1lEncemKUEKY/s1600/0100b84a92fd7c87b0b7c01f03633f6541aa275eb8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5HxHCwr1EdfpPHatS1SVu70Uw6bj1-zLyBYgPWoLMyljyvAY0_a9uUr0PuHUTD7URHhtL051h2Y_Oin8yjptSGrXlUCf5oz60cGKJsT9CX3Mwc0SofAe9veh8rTa6id1lEncemKUEKY/s400/0100b84a92fd7c87b0b7c01f03633f6541aa275eb8.jpg" width="298" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
or a new, more challenging, one to show up the septuagenarians.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTFvYIJXgAvGkxM31d_SAuH3MRQQDPsyNrrPKLZ4wLLiX7NfHbb8F_m2a7bqMX7xBOCjOOAB9K9x3cg44sDUeDoxMwEoWyqS6BsmEZWYTEM4QbMhscGs9X_ThQMIQY24zxndKceKo04c/s1600/01bdafd06606d7b50389b2d5fa6fb7f5450419c559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTFvYIJXgAvGkxM31d_SAuH3MRQQDPsyNrrPKLZ4wLLiX7NfHbb8F_m2a7bqMX7xBOCjOOAB9K9x3cg44sDUeDoxMwEoWyqS6BsmEZWYTEM4QbMhscGs9X_ThQMIQY24zxndKceKo04c/s320/01bdafd06606d7b50389b2d5fa6fb7f5450419c559.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1zMkLx_dzaAhqgoJhyxgVM0tmG1Utt4uuSwEQQKnO3p6hltcj7dymwZEsPnsutrujTPfuJA34on8Py4fXHolX80OZwo8x9qdZpNgrYNh0utR06JSnULVsTQkWpa7S0skLwLAhP1VCLI/s1600/0178badc8691adb33036e6c66104710e81e837227f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1zMkLx_dzaAhqgoJhyxgVM0tmG1Utt4uuSwEQQKnO3p6hltcj7dymwZEsPnsutrujTPfuJA34on8Py4fXHolX80OZwo8x9qdZpNgrYNh0utR06JSnULVsTQkWpa7S0skLwLAhP1VCLI/s320/0178badc8691adb33036e6c66104710e81e837227f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</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;">
<br /></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;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreKK7cys050SGA0BNgGWP6edh8IoXe4GfSQ5C_hpmhhoEL1b_Bow80-4XMMsWcpaRoZVUVCUxq2cHHNlRGzBU09dTcuQGB0x_pJt7l4nw8ozyJebGJHoo9rI7V5lefy8WCAPx4eBg1GU/s1600/01a7e9423c686a7778f039c8ab453b348d23dc823d_00001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreKK7cys050SGA0BNgGWP6edh8IoXe4GfSQ5C_hpmhhoEL1b_Bow80-4XMMsWcpaRoZVUVCUxq2cHHNlRGzBU09dTcuQGB0x_pJt7l4nw8ozyJebGJHoo9rI7V5lefy8WCAPx4eBg1GU/s320/01a7e9423c686a7778f039c8ab453b348d23dc823d_00001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWV7YIb4mY63QaSmLgocry2fQ3AKUEUalhKxX589wBmhZ1oZEvrnO8ZJe53byMI-KWGx7xiIaW0OofMPEIO1CSxCVKkFPvv1tcdy47cMcN4LbfdxA_I0-5aJEK10ymuIKg5nTAZDv_dA/s1600/017aa7e4880ff84403d9a006051015ea53e9aad26d_00001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWV7YIb4mY63QaSmLgocry2fQ3AKUEUalhKxX589wBmhZ1oZEvrnO8ZJe53byMI-KWGx7xiIaW0OofMPEIO1CSxCVKkFPvv1tcdy47cMcN4LbfdxA_I0-5aJEK10ymuIKg5nTAZDv_dA/s320/017aa7e4880ff84403d9a006051015ea53e9aad26d_00001.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<br /> In between there was random rock climbing, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">p</span>urposeful rock balancing and incessant rock throwing. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgFkS34Tz7QtJWVGgUJ_SrFRJFINpi7E5F_FsctExTRu7DJxZVTfSaEALt-6_7cMLR2s2ltwo9SaWKlVR5Y_RVA-KOp51PZ-3fInKiUMOqSc_58hI34d0zImRC8hrgxTz8w3LPZ4so8s/s1600/01a0370e5edc08f738d5fcd7455f90105b9eeb5b3f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgFkS34Tz7QtJWVGgUJ_SrFRJFINpi7E5F_FsctExTRu7DJxZVTfSaEALt-6_7cMLR2s2ltwo9SaWKlVR5Y_RVA-KOp51PZ-3fInKiUMOqSc_58hI34d0zImRC8hrgxTz8w3LPZ4so8s/s320/01a0370e5edc08f738d5fcd7455f90105b9eeb5b3f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Lobster was
always under consideration, but more often pizza on the run or fabulous
vegetarian dishes by Joanie. Each meal at the cottage was followed by a
stroll along the Shore Path to watch the sunset.<br />
<br /><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rbh8GQUQ8R_kdkATm9T-aHANgbgiemuRF0_m38BOxfaB8qmXpTX8Khm8aETmCFhr7WJvXEoot571vEcYZyVyhfAm837Cq7R2bC9XQknUeNVwsNIAnFETzovk0E4p43eQLbqNk5CZ2hA/s1600/01bce2bda1a39164664c2d9276be586c89437dd0af.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rbh8GQUQ8R_kdkATm9T-aHANgbgiemuRF0_m38BOxfaB8qmXpTX8Khm8aETmCFhr7WJvXEoot571vEcYZyVyhfAm837Cq7R2bC9XQknUeNVwsNIAnFETzovk0E4p43eQLbqNk5CZ2hA/s320/01bce2bda1a39164664c2d9276be586c89437dd0af.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUK9_33y4ntwxIqIXyZ7oV7B-oJFMokH3Fc6JBswyFrbjE0TN9megvw5aFlp6XGmqtxSTuQno-RQxt9beTtU084kDhsdNHEv1B5elnqDTOMANnKouDcd2LqD_v9raUEquL6FroKaQGXo/s1600/01bef19e70806a0c4187b3c230a579108a163aae62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUK9_33y4ntwxIqIXyZ7oV7B-oJFMokH3Fc6JBswyFrbjE0TN9megvw5aFlp6XGmqtxSTuQno-RQxt9beTtU084kDhsdNHEv1B5elnqDTOMANnKouDcd2LqD_v9raUEquL6FroKaQGXo/s320/01bef19e70806a0c4187b3c230a579108a163aae62.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<br />
Some might say there was excessive high jinx...<br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtngKT6F2NeHxpam2zVgVhZVoQMQc7dNwzD4jIHqRjfm6_CTKmT03guyNSh_M_EH3S56qWAtr413DzLFMADZy9-MonQwPTqbMIhNAj_Gzj5vPZlZnHocUfU7prjbqG1lFpUIo3SaPYNE/s1600/01d99299c0f1062d86d5de72a525d3d17794c54f0a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtngKT6F2NeHxpam2zVgVhZVoQMQc7dNwzD4jIHqRjfm6_CTKmT03guyNSh_M_EH3S56qWAtr413DzLFMADZy9-MonQwPTqbMIhNAj_Gzj5vPZlZnHocUfU7prjbqG1lFpUIo3SaPYNE/s320/01d99299c0f1062d86d5de72a525d3d17794c54f0a.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMD9IYyDq2joQz3SjAYd5XOQECcW_w6gR03IETDQXCSko5Ael2yKnwPwEdMvmfOpVT7suyn2oZlygirVlfqFkrgf3BSBbHnvVAOET9MBKUeyDLSiK_8UBYSz88bEzTR5kx6cBHDhP5EmM/s1600/018b4dc8beabb4ab083377741c7d78a69252683ad9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMD9IYyDq2joQz3SjAYd5XOQECcW_w6gR03IETDQXCSko5Ael2yKnwPwEdMvmfOpVT7suyn2oZlygirVlfqFkrgf3BSBbHnvVAOET9MBKUeyDLSiK_8UBYSz88bEzTR5kx6cBHDhP5EmM/s320/018b4dc8beabb4ab083377741c7d78a69252683ad9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EDXdwwOPloyMkW5UwtrhUnJ3nk8pw_fCSsEH8ycXwOGV1EHHPfhV6hxE40W33HzN4nrnLKD_roO0n8QadwyBNj8f17Fgqhe1CJh-gDrQVq75AygiVWuv8ctyDkf5C_po9CX391Sgg1E/s1600/01182190dd057acfe1e3a44547f73782949cf79c4b_00001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EDXdwwOPloyMkW5UwtrhUnJ3nk8pw_fCSsEH8ycXwOGV1EHHPfhV6hxE40W33HzN4nrnLKD_roO0n8QadwyBNj8f17Fgqhe1CJh-gDrQVq75AygiVWuv8ctyDkf5C_po9CX391Sgg1E/s320/01182190dd057acfe1e3a44547f73782949cf79c4b_00001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2w4WMQ2wpHr4qZ8Q7f4vMC02NLDoO82CPth9ulicCsFGVQrG9hcYHzAD-GNimmXuVeiZ_CF3p7TrjzZ8kj9NhIBMRVxzluucYlFc0NWVw89Sz047HrVwn4hU82URW2SgHZeFtbqiNZuc/s1600/018f38d981e8b366bd8626449b36a53cb4e39dc6e6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2w4WMQ2wpHr4qZ8Q7f4vMC02NLDoO82CPth9ulicCsFGVQrG9hcYHzAD-GNimmXuVeiZ_CF3p7TrjzZ8kj9NhIBMRVxzluucYlFc0NWVw89Sz047HrVwn4hU82URW2SgHZeFtbqiNZuc/s320/018f38d981e8b366bd8626449b36a53cb4e39dc6e6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But we were warmed by the bonding of the cousins each discovering what it's like to have a little brother or a big sister...<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWBJJdHAMvsoHlYG857Xhyphenhyphenn8jG663lhRFrfJcbFG_kU5y2MT57sXtW839GYQkJcfeMnXU-06xJ2975gn4ruZESKYJ2JHDxb0dKeOCDWAWwEPCV1yq102Lb2E72DzApARXhNHRgvGTb2k/s1600/01e532e3b29071e10da5e68b9b91e3696ee47a9292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWBJJdHAMvsoHlYG857Xhyphenhyphenn8jG663lhRFrfJcbFG_kU5y2MT57sXtW839GYQkJcfeMnXU-06xJ2975gn4ruZESKYJ2JHDxb0dKeOCDWAWwEPCV1yq102Lb2E72DzApARXhNHRgvGTb2k/s320/01e532e3b29071e10da5e68b9b91e3696ee47a9292.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKo_DuguqiEBDLrNj9xCtu0cgCfdIbDoOE21ZWyjoEOvtyk96fEUq7HqBXLrb9o3js1AHOpkNSlIF2CcR8iVd7u0dtpdwNAQjrgmFnMm0IaG-GvplXf09ntf8tB0lgdAuKD9htpHhWZ0/s1600/013f9658b3bc52d2aa62d0d9b64711e271c66fe987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKo_DuguqiEBDLrNj9xCtu0cgCfdIbDoOE21ZWyjoEOvtyk96fEUq7HqBXLrb9o3js1AHOpkNSlIF2CcR8iVd7u0dtpdwNAQjrgmFnMm0IaG-GvplXf09ntf8tB0lgdAuKD9htpHhWZ0/s320/013f9658b3bc52d2aa62d0d9b64711e271c66fe987.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99CJpAoxIIDvOdz_aRn1IwxDymFialrL8t2RzvpyzRshR5kXH5XLlI2nY7IxyaEuYdi1FD2nkr6DEk1J-pu3S1CoPuArvk8Ug_ou_g4ASjJzVKQV4Hg3pM2JtIVrUfKghS3qD8nXyr0U/s1600/01528c925f5d24404d8ff35546e6c11d7183958122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99CJpAoxIIDvOdz_aRn1IwxDymFialrL8t2RzvpyzRshR5kXH5XLlI2nY7IxyaEuYdi1FD2nkr6DEk1J-pu3S1CoPuArvk8Ug_ou_g4ASjJzVKQV4Hg3pM2JtIVrUfKghS3qD8nXyr0U/s320/01528c925f5d24404d8ff35546e6c11d7183958122.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In Maine and especially near Acadia NP every turn exposes a picture
postcard scene. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_PY0PFdiW1ELJUF6cKOE-bam2FKBfeVlsRftcivqL-7OY3SFrx533h28MRjeLwA4gD0-0DhtYJD7ar_RUWx4mF-iKj9Z8kAZ-Cm5n8rA3VY42nayYVo-KRAEbxIdLJJ7LEmhSkfp0Ig/s1600/01a7c5e84b41750d4622b16616ce621bde8c3b2f38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_PY0PFdiW1ELJUF6cKOE-bam2FKBfeVlsRftcivqL-7OY3SFrx533h28MRjeLwA4gD0-0DhtYJD7ar_RUWx4mF-iKj9Z8kAZ-Cm5n8rA3VY42nayYVo-KRAEbxIdLJJ7LEmhSkfp0Ig/s400/01a7c5e84b41750d4622b16616ce621bde8c3b2f38.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH53Zf1C_qfGCwOg_qfn7R8CH_wq_30QuMN5RinNFQs4HvZ56WL671OMgYHM9nYpJA9vsvHc2Y1Xb8SREwFMH0kn5CNz2MEoJlBV4uEfWBk7zfN4b0SB3kklaKmirTkC5sMIENTQJBqC0/s1600/0196869c506c0ccf812d70d23b7ca94cd20113ab6b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH53Zf1C_qfGCwOg_qfn7R8CH_wq_30QuMN5RinNFQs4HvZ56WL671OMgYHM9nYpJA9vsvHc2Y1Xb8SREwFMH0kn5CNz2MEoJlBV4uEfWBk7zfN4b0SB3kklaKmirTkC5sMIENTQJBqC0/s320/0196869c506c0ccf812d70d23b7ca94cd20113ab6b.jpg" width="239" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-A5On9W3lm4d3GlDafMrrJDg3VGEKIAPfwkOIvzbYOPrOQCPx6fJum7Aew1u6lizHnPeCc1Fu0c5W74m8wOomvUscF7MYQ6tG5UTifk7XEk8O7AScD0Fe2yP3Dq8hOhKqNjn1_wzrr8/s1600/017500491bce6df806da65ff898ba6fe82d8f0216e_00001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-A5On9W3lm4d3GlDafMrrJDg3VGEKIAPfwkOIvzbYOPrOQCPx6fJum7Aew1u6lizHnPeCc1Fu0c5W74m8wOomvUscF7MYQ6tG5UTifk7XEk8O7AScD0Fe2yP3Dq8hOhKqNjn1_wzrr8/s640/017500491bce6df806da65ff898ba6fe82d8f0216e_00001.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shutters were buzzing most of the time and, yes, there were an inordinate number of selfies transmitted back to Peeps in
Montgomery. (<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some </span>of these images are from Cassie's portfolio EXCEPT <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">one</span> of the chick photographer getting stranded by the incoming tide). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
contest came down to finding a picture that captured all of the elements
of <span style="color: orange;">"Stop! I see a picture."</span> That would be 1. A field of Lupines in
bloom, 2. Boats in a harbor and 3. Lobster Traps.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAufRjkhIBdeI4z6cr9VfRPLul4qjPCF0EdgxYXwNuEx_Hwod2-aCtzm04DYMyL_Mufpciilj9CWUpFuQhVslWrmr-fXazPnef4PkteD3suTA6LOhjB9rGl5jAH7rkgVK4vq0RudOiSTo/s1600/01694acbcf713ec53a768efc6e8d07d4ca4ff11ab9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAufRjkhIBdeI4z6cr9VfRPLul4qjPCF0EdgxYXwNuEx_Hwod2-aCtzm04DYMyL_Mufpciilj9CWUpFuQhVslWrmr-fXazPnef4PkteD3suTA6LOhjB9rGl5jAH7rkgVK4vq0RudOiSTo/s400/01694acbcf713ec53a768efc6e8d07d4ca4ff11ab9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But bragging rights aside, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">this is the one I'll remember...</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKt9IFexU5o-BZvAHjQaLOFGUTwZ_2CUDp7jT42key9wDSkXDhaCX6lUxEMlrH1KZs3dQZeZ8DT9uLYK17RTXHJPDdXkdzGutLTWINj9jNFPg_1x_9SAv0UEiLnypoMBaHF7431WD454w/s1600/0175c717505ee2924bb500004fa74853fd4584cc26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKt9IFexU5o-BZvAHjQaLOFGUTwZ_2CUDp7jT42key9wDSkXDhaCX6lUxEMlrH1KZs3dQZeZ8DT9uLYK17RTXHJPDdXkdzGutLTWINj9jNFPg_1x_9SAv0UEiLnypoMBaHF7431WD454w/s320/0175c717505ee2924bb500004fa74853fd4584cc26.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span> <br />
</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span>twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com2Acadia National Park, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA44.3385559 -68.273334618.816521400000003 -109.5819286 69.8605904 -26.9647406tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-41709515465267125372016-06-15T18:23:00.000-05:002016-09-19T15:28:10.312-05:00Camden MaineSure, Sure...
Camden Maine. "Archetypal Maine Seacoast town" There will be Lobsta Pots... And shoppes ..and B&Bs. Yeah, yeah
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSDF7BuZ2wemaFzP1PTk_IVr2hq3B9riC4iQxGFhfv2XHnwvB6L7zdsTwKaqAeAjPFlSiYDGPuEANuv4yrAdbnE2jobB1shgenaVKqlLeflWaiKMpfSJ-T9BucSH7aRWpogkDrIUPRgE/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSDF7BuZ2wemaFzP1PTk_IVr2hq3B9riC4iQxGFhfv2XHnwvB6L7zdsTwKaqAeAjPFlSiYDGPuEANuv4yrAdbnE2jobB1shgenaVKqlLeflWaiKMpfSJ-T9BucSH7aRWpogkDrIUPRgE/" title="Camden" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
But you didn't say there would be wooden Masts, lots of them .. And Wooden Boats, beautiful ones... And a waterfall, the only stream in Maine that drops directly into the Sea... And ROSES, shoulder high walls of roses perfuming the air .
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Proud churches <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Enx61Uk6cpfjxetUYilosQSBLnxGAA4jxpI0ffMV8z2X-053K6YuAVsRNgBqSYyFtwNEf6yghlwEvuIlIcqvKk4FnK_CDg83c1_H-kudRUoQH-jkxqU5JQrdRm7na6R6AdlVgIMexn4/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Enx61Uk6cpfjxetUYilosQSBLnxGAA4jxpI0ffMV8z2X-053K6YuAVsRNgBqSYyFtwNEf6yghlwEvuIlIcqvKk4FnK_CDg83c1_H-kudRUoQH-jkxqU5JQrdRm7na6R6AdlVgIMexn4/" title="Prod" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
Clever merchants.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeyoSobCQV5Z9qX5tt5fzPBTjKA0ZwUIoRlRwd5vE2YHu3Ig9zzHmOA_5Fph-Dbj65ZgQ6NDD9gv8I2AMPRuM7TTPfSCCCf7yenAA5itr-GfQKFGOxxjqgzOquawhQkFQt1FHhs-Qy0E/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeyoSobCQV5Z9qX5tt5fzPBTjKA0ZwUIoRlRwd5vE2YHu3Ig9zzHmOA_5Fph-Dbj65ZgQ6NDD9gv8I2AMPRuM7TTPfSCCCf7yenAA5itr-GfQKFGOxxjqgzOquawhQkFQt1FHhs-Qy0E/" title="Clever" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And at least one merchant telling it like it is...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQr0OHUlAcAYtDej4Ea2anZWUaCPvK_jr_ETbetSUM-68zxUgmRxH7U1-iwTRoCrx8deuMGv2fnaH6K4mhgxafXWMqDFa8UZXY7lK3fbgXC-n0Lky0QKwOeLJz6UNV3JrTS2Xu3lAXso/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQr0OHUlAcAYtDej4Ea2anZWUaCPvK_jr_ETbetSUM-68zxUgmRxH7U1-iwTRoCrx8deuMGv2fnaH6K4mhgxafXWMqDFa8UZXY7lK3fbgXC-n0Lky0QKwOeLJz6UNV3JrTS2Xu3lAXso/" title="Last" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-EVeFwxPZpugI1FnXGarvpAzFG6DbNplFiBIKEfD-_q9MIQQgYaFWOnMY35BqFFH3KKwk-NEpm_yMebH7hKmuvI-3x9C7p7DyKtvYP8yb45TTEp_5Aji9w9Ip7rhzDTP4Ryh8tfKeO0/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-EVeFwxPZpugI1FnXGarvpAzFG6DbNplFiBIKEfD-_q9MIQQgYaFWOnMY35BqFFH3KKwk-NEpm_yMebH7hKmuvI-3x9C7p7DyKtvYP8yb45TTEp_5Aji9w9Ip7rhzDTP4Ryh8tfKeO0/" title="Ferns" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
We loved walking the town, visiting the Library and the friendly Camden Hills State Park. The weather was blustery and raw for a couple days -- we nearly got blown off the summit 0f Mt Battie -- but when our last day dawned sunny, We (meaning Patty) decided it was time for some Maine hiking to the summit of Mt Megunticock. YOU pronounce it, I spelled it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYXARjAXRAYPN2geYi1STI_mZUkpVZK5gS1BGQT5zF49sIWRnpflQOl006qqgBQd-sGAuttVFOA-j9LMSgQ3f9OF9kkF1cb0KZLOk4NJBd559P3ol1LeCqicQiTdjp7-3xgM9Fr8cB8g/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYXARjAXRAYPN2geYi1STI_mZUkpVZK5gS1BGQT5zF49sIWRnpflQOl006qqgBQd-sGAuttVFOA-j9LMSgQ3f9OF9kkF1cb0KZLOk4NJBd559P3ol1LeCqicQiTdjp7-3xgM9Fr8cB8g/" title="Sign" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The trail was UP ....and ROCKY....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbS1YYHawFqLsTBLZ15u3NxkLw938-nh1KpfF_yzrRByRuBPmgYaNjzJ6U8VejaacRAwd7OCg2lpOwuJdizR8NaQ-wF1fQ-wZMwQTqUk2jldYaEUn7iouIm6yfKxq-COKMHZcRLlNVHU/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbS1YYHawFqLsTBLZ15u3NxkLw938-nh1KpfF_yzrRByRuBPmgYaNjzJ6U8VejaacRAwd7OCg2lpOwuJdizR8NaQ-wF1fQ-wZMwQTqUk2jldYaEUn7iouIm6yfKxq-COKMHZcRLlNVHU/" title="Rocky 1" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3WS2ez0Ya-r_nMbFLqMETSC6Mutq9g4bwUJAnH1iOBYs5zrGgL4vaVkszSVfziqBOXEWsD4nxO1efK4AjV6ZNgVAjeQuxX7vMzwARbpTIL72_oMVLcqi24Yw3a1y_DqF9fSuZnL7bHs/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3WS2ez0Ya-r_nMbFLqMETSC6Mutq9g4bwUJAnH1iOBYs5zrGgL4vaVkszSVfziqBOXEWsD4nxO1efK4AjV6ZNgVAjeQuxX7vMzwARbpTIL72_oMVLcqi24Yw3a1y_DqF9fSuZnL7bHs/" title="Rocky 2" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But there were these...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-QlYO-qxELmKUymAvBzczFUkwmvUNNn9CAeFAI1zxvFVvfW_xZepq3WdcDxG5spKnTOBhjsv6cQ5obHi8-76jcEHp640lMC7r9FCTCrFco8LBcfKp38qDSydmWJ1rJb9VjTqrVwf8C8/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-QlYO-qxELmKUymAvBzczFUkwmvUNNn9CAeFAI1zxvFVvfW_xZepq3WdcDxG5spKnTOBhjsv6cQ5obHi8-76jcEHp640lMC7r9FCTCrFco8LBcfKp38qDSydmWJ1rJb9VjTqrVwf8C8/" title="Jack in a pulpit" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And the view was worth it...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLa1VGDSvm4P0OpCamd9Sp36c8DtInbAskHPtvkIwan7b_GNTpM9YuDokMwGPJ5hyphenhyphenUieYiqFPev20Q0CwOhf3EYIqb7j-i-tjyZkcGOTEWRh9qo102VWv6EBe_gLzGqqbLMZDR6oOlY0/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLa1VGDSvm4P0OpCamd9Sp36c8DtInbAskHPtvkIwan7b_GNTpM9YuDokMwGPJ5hyphenhyphenUieYiqFPev20Q0CwOhf3EYIqb7j-i-tjyZkcGOTEWRh9qo102VWv6EBe_gLzGqqbLMZDR6oOlY0/" title="View" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<style id="__gCrWeb.findInPageStyle" type="text/css">.find_in_page{background-color:#ffff00 !important;padding:0px;margin:0px;overflow:visible !important;}.findysel{background-color:#ff9632 !important;padding:0px;margin:0px;overflow:visible !important;}</style>twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com2Camden Hills State Park, 280 Belfast Rd, Camden, ME 04843, USA44.2307192 -69.04748719999997821.017636200000002 -110.35608119999998 67.443802200000007 -27.738893199999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-67586160436020816192016-06-10T15:33:00.000-05:002016-09-20T11:09:11.144-05:00Glimmerglass State ParkGlimmerglass, what an evocative name! Like Fern Cliffe, or Worlds End or Hearts Content, we would want to visit there if it were located in South Beach. We nipped into Glimmerglass State Park after a day driving in the cold wind and rain. We stopped fifty miles short of Adirondack Park because on June ninth they were predicting SNOW. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9nk7CqMuym6MJbMFrEuBSjAoUqF1xYTM2H9g8nDZpF22SmBt9CuqWU6UQbDkBq6_q8PC8037wuWO6FitDj-H6IXPZzby5A9QF7UdfwxmTsVm6oy4ZdaAgOM0whPkKY_icvaGzI8iLyw/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9nk7CqMuym6MJbMFrEuBSjAoUqF1xYTM2H9g8nDZpF22SmBt9CuqWU6UQbDkBq6_q8PC8037wuWO6FitDj-H6IXPZzby5A9QF7UdfwxmTsVm6oy4ZdaAgOM0whPkKY_icvaGzI8iLyw/" title="Sign" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff5f00;">I'm assigning you the last electric site</span>, said the cheerful attendant circling our map. <span style="color: #ff5f00;">And THIS is the oldest covered bridge in the United States.</span> WOW.
<br />
<br />
We set up quickly and hunkered down, enjoying the electric heater and delivering six or eight babies binge-watching <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Call the Midwife.</span>
Next morning was windy but sunny. Al needed relief from his post-partum cabin fever, so we were off wandering mown paths through hayfields, along trickles leading to beaver ponds...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SWdRYK-v0Bdjaf80VI5EhFXYfafxlNcjkkh-6DBmiMzK4Ktz4Nd-HFLTpfpCAZB4ezlkxK9wz4DHaXfm5fND5mrCSY-69L9ttt1YXLfx426CgP94yhFfI_BOh4IZtusS2kISroNB4Wk/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SWdRYK-v0Bdjaf80VI5EhFXYfafxlNcjkkh-6DBmiMzK4Ktz4Nd-HFLTpfpCAZB4ezlkxK9wz4DHaXfm5fND5mrCSY-69L9ttt1YXLfx426CgP94yhFfI_BOh4IZtusS2kISroNB4Wk/" title="Iris pond" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjsnk1MqzXYQLGwza-NhHQwgYx4kJ_rrEuhtJI0vlVQKKKVkOo1hOxS6w-3WrJhGTP1uC7sw2X_hkzLpo5GbsRi8UlyDUPdBbf2xvRIrQw98h4HvwvdV9P6LHDFMpx7plB2ZhxZ0TSFw/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjsnk1MqzXYQLGwza-NhHQwgYx4kJ_rrEuhtJI0vlVQKKKVkOo1hOxS6w-3WrJhGTP1uC7sw2X_hkzLpo5GbsRi8UlyDUPdBbf2xvRIrQw98h4HvwvdV9P6LHDFMpx7plB2ZhxZ0TSFw/" title="Yellow flowers" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then this... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjvsckqya1FEwkFIiwCvte79GUeWfYDZfqrZxVSVrcapbD_wyOhLrO56fsW4Tp4vb0FyRQqiAXfk4xQYOKAcTKtILSkol0_FA0eMwOxiUfTyoDtYToku_weidhAVTEbVUifSoPxhVc_s/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjvsckqya1FEwkFIiwCvte79GUeWfYDZfqrZxVSVrcapbD_wyOhLrO56fsW4Tp4vb0FyRQqiAXfk4xQYOKAcTKtILSkol0_FA0eMwOxiUfTyoDtYToku_weidhAVTEbVUifSoPxhVc_s/" title="Bridge" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was built in 1825 on the newly patented Burr Truss and served one of the three entrances to Hyde Hall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6JNp9pPbHV0L78k2hF6_Va4r-Lh1dGgs0-P3KGx6DyrcxTo_BfKFQeiH72nK7rAgWdU23CVDtebC6rR1xvccOpkcO_yxXvd8TkmYPKM-te0agjd8u8l7R3EaTu5JrejiYrFLkXFpjqc/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6JNp9pPbHV0L78k2hF6_Va4r-Lh1dGgs0-P3KGx6DyrcxTo_BfKFQeiH72nK7rAgWdU23CVDtebC6rR1xvccOpkcO_yxXvd8TkmYPKM-te0agjd8u8l7R3EaTu5JrejiYrFLkXFpjqc/" title="Bridge sign" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuXQ6vZEKiHKuWaijN23ghH0LTMbkDYDPBLU8aPd8aTuUNQ-xDaPKIkW3XNWti67a2hmXd9NsKMc3HrRJnFmdRXdfHeWHlD3zdwnARUMZQwsrNNPcLrrIa_eKdHipv0PUQl6AC4xK8bI/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuXQ6vZEKiHKuWaijN23ghH0LTMbkDYDPBLU8aPd8aTuUNQ-xDaPKIkW3XNWti67a2hmXd9NsKMc3HrRJnFmdRXdfHeWHlD3zdwnARUMZQwsrNNPcLrrIa_eKdHipv0PUQl6AC4xK8bI/" title="Burr truss" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrOjY_bTpqWPqfs1ZHgbIzz6rlnU8hX_nHEs8KC599kAtq2A9KVFyVSyNul5bp_jdyzQQv61N_PBvcuOz5kgEmMyi5kHXOYX35KQc84bljskJwCJ57KbrFDMM_Gg8WqKyZm2eJCTLnXM/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrOjY_bTpqWPqfs1ZHgbIzz6rlnU8hX_nHEs8KC599kAtq2A9KVFyVSyNul5bp_jdyzQQv61N_PBvcuOz5kgEmMyi5kHXOYX35KQc84bljskJwCJ57KbrFDMM_Gg8WqKyZm2eJCTLnXM/" title="Bridge again" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The road leading across the bridge is shaded by venerable Maples, gnarled and scarred but witness to two centuries. In the silence we could nearly hear the oxen grunting, the harness creaking and the cart wheels bumping toward the mills. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprwrM2u6fYHwJOkCLAksZZZlom_en7zZqNEYbvfB8EJuyoF4YDmwE36LVDkp1zyBNTdqOofF48xKN20GoLRQH0uOCASaeQlAPnUZTIC0uA3FsgBLQXPXB2ZVdHW0aHZik-NkpjvbEjSU/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprwrM2u6fYHwJOkCLAksZZZlom_en7zZqNEYbvfB8EJuyoF4YDmwE36LVDkp1zyBNTdqOofF48xKN20GoLRQH0uOCASaeQlAPnUZTIC0uA3FsgBLQXPXB2ZVdHW0aHZik-NkpjvbEjSU/" title="Tree 1" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4kgVvP4GM1uB9cQsbtMw9GJUwFpCMoH7CUjD1cqYTLPhLG7y-ZzCJB-9G_MtLfpdl63FJLmZv0AVH4jY4Hlb-84CiuIc1YEn2DMEGjkwwqoXnwCdDGFDuTmeSqVDCkul0WT9rwy_-KU/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4kgVvP4GM1uB9cQsbtMw9GJUwFpCMoH7CUjD1cqYTLPhLG7y-ZzCJB-9G_MtLfpdl63FJLmZv0AVH4jY4Hlb-84CiuIc1YEn2DMEGjkwwqoXnwCdDGFDuTmeSqVDCkul0WT9rwy_-KU/" title="Tree 2" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the hill overlooking the full length of Lake Otsego, the first of several George Clarkes built his 50 room limestone mansion Hyde Hall. It was built in stages in the English Neoclassical style (think Downton Abbey) no foundation plantings, gravel to the door step, unimagined elegance within. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnAVjvoUKMCVvzcVDnB3s5-FN8ZOFhH4K6ayPG2XVVzxgzh7SaG-Dc0qkoxqTIuWvYpudsl7UXINc66JQfOVaA5RwCIRjlGxOp6yP-WDEXRXie6fo0_qSybvCIrI9yHQ_CB_wODhBl_M/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnAVjvoUKMCVvzcVDnB3s5-FN8ZOFhH4K6ayPG2XVVzxgzh7SaG-Dc0qkoxqTIuWvYpudsl7UXINc66JQfOVaA5RwCIRjlGxOp6yP-WDEXRXie6fo0_qSybvCIrI9yHQ_CB_wODhBl_M/" title="Hyde hall" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjJEs14AZFPPxBKs6BxhlMPk6NYPLbNueJcwmkhlhhvZ1CYjf-JZ6t6qGhDKzMcDE6NYP-ZIX-Y0ExwcgbREcwGp_fN69XkGN-pN9XcwJruiqTC00FwtdB85RBMS937z9bs_FhyTtqQ4/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjJEs14AZFPPxBKs6BxhlMPk6NYPLbNueJcwmkhlhhvZ1CYjf-JZ6t6qGhDKzMcDE6NYP-ZIX-Y0ExwcgbREcwGp_fN69XkGN-pN9XcwJruiqTC00FwtdB85RBMS937z9bs_FhyTtqQ4/" title="Cottage" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As we approached the newly renovated gatehouse "Tintop", we were debating whether to sacrifice time and treasure to tour the inside. We normally don't enjoy tours of "stuff" acquired by the landed gentry no matter how unique. We love to hear the history of the land, a little gossip about the family, but when talk turns to wallpaper and China patterns, we are staring out the windows. So we were undecided until we saw this sign</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjaUxR0BAt3a_T6FfUxYShUa9Oc3eHt_jIhSoFXGdzwmlfdqr8eAADO5RpD0a2LZNYYOJCbgzNhlsgYsHnjCvIaE-GCPLa86Uq2E1Bi-p207cbRKCxwS8vuKuTgAfulsmfBfAwtFSmWI/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjaUxR0BAt3a_T6FfUxYShUa9Oc3eHt_jIhSoFXGdzwmlfdqr8eAADO5RpD0a2LZNYYOJCbgzNhlsgYsHnjCvIaE-GCPLa86Uq2E1Bi-p207cbRKCxwS8vuKuTgAfulsmfBfAwtFSmWI/" title="Hyde sign" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
OK Brendan "one of the two or three greatest houses in America." Bring it on. The video aerial tour and the glimpses of the grand rooms as well as the warmth and wit of the Lovely Joan won us over and loosed the purse strings.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Hyde Clarke family lived in the home for 130 years before giving it up in 1963 as the Glimmerglass park was begun. After a couple decades of disuse, it was slated to be dynamited before a trust took it over. Joan told us there was a great deal to be restored and "sometimes re-restored" but she added that the view down the lake from the porch of the "cottage wing" was best part. That's hard to dispute.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMS53Q0aG4gXTUL4HWL2H7crWlIGM0hd-SYUEi2L7wSlUiCzRVJrbCEaR3kVhJ3NcZfVAszd4a6F2r4Ub5E69tuOlmDyKDnN8O-IDeTK7dOtLQqb54JG9m96eEJPtHRc5qG41s2P3dpc/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="647" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMS53Q0aG4gXTUL4HWL2H7crWlIGM0hd-SYUEi2L7wSlUiCzRVJrbCEaR3kVhJ3NcZfVAszd4a6F2r4Ub5E69tuOlmDyKDnN8O-IDeTK7dOtLQqb54JG9m96eEJPtHRc5qG41s2P3dpc/" title="Cottage view" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The grandest rooms were perhaps less grand than the video would suggest ..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBT85dhrFSk7wtZyXubCoJhsXcSNMHRueV96rxQiQu7N10ei6uFMcPyIfy-3MRXLIPXK7qc05oGxRVNs5kkqYEVciitRsb0UZMaNOaGtOccl67Cge1iJFxTzmdLh6xYz5oAKBUHYzkaY/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="513" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBT85dhrFSk7wtZyXubCoJhsXcSNMHRueV96rxQiQu7N10ei6uFMcPyIfy-3MRXLIPXK7qc05oGxRVNs5kkqYEVciitRsb0UZMaNOaGtOccl67Cge1iJFxTzmdLh6xYz5oAKBUHYzkaY/" title="Grand room" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...but amazingly, most of the family's furniture and art was present. (One local citizen removed a precious marble fireplace when the dynamite plan was announced, but returned it when the restoration began.) Overall, there was much traipsing through dusty corridors and work in progress. Another tour member was astonished by the progress in the ten years since her last visit, so plan to check back later...or just bring a snack and relax on the porch and drink in the view...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com0Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA42.789564899999988 -74.86450500000000842.777912399999991 -74.884675 42.801217399999985 -74.844335000000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-81852842790511686062016-06-04T19:48:00.000-05:002016-09-20T11:13:28.479-05:00Malabar FarmTwo helicopter pilots were sitting at a bar...(LOTS of really bad jokes start that way, but this story is mostly true.)<br />
<br />
Sooo, my personal Cobra pilot and I were doing what we usually did between times in RVN -- planning how we were going to spend all this combat pay and what we were going to do with the rest of our young lives. We had been reading Louis Bromfield's <u>Malabar Farm</u>. The Pulitzer Prize winning novelist and, by now, famous screen writer and friend to all the Hollywood glitterati had turned to farming three properties in middle Ohio. He wanted to develop a sustainable model for American agriculture and he had the resources and the pulpit to help that happen. For two young city kids these ideas were fascinating, and we spent hours planning how we might follow these principles and carve out a similar lifestyle for our growing families. To be sure there were big four wheel drive vehicles, a couple Airstreams and perhaps a small landing strip in these plans, but the central image we held on to was an evening stroll around the property after a pleasant day's labor, the sun setting, a golden glow on the fields, our beautiful wives by our sides, a passel of kids and dogs strung out along the path.
<br />
<br />
Of course, Life intervened, other dreams developed and lives followed different paths, but until just recently I felt that evening walk was still in our diminishing future. Yesterday one aging helicopter pilot and his beautiful wife, an Airstream in tow, turned into Malabar Farm State Park with only the whisp of that dream remaining. We took the wagon tour of the grounds with a multi-generational group that were a little unclear on where their food came from, so the Farm Manager had to back down his presentation to the basics. He was enthusiastic about our desire to walk the farm at sunset and directed us to a "primitive" campsite that was everything we could have dreamed of.<br />
<br />
We settled in, enjoyed a meal at the truly excellent Malabar Farm Restaurant
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Took in the long view from the top of Mt Jeez
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCBS-E2LEXiUr1QtoqTvBRCrezH7V_30lLmwiF8p1SZcy-1ej4r4YYhelYJBlFBhY07G2zaLMWyZyneJ3_6Pw6kz3ShrYk-Qk6LjvlHXC-AXyPgZL_Mw0KUpNSJ3ocqWhyKbP2dG9nAY/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCBS-E2LEXiUr1QtoqTvBRCrezH7V_30lLmwiF8p1SZcy-1ej4r4YYhelYJBlFBhY07G2zaLMWyZyneJ3_6Pw6kz3ShrYk-Qk6LjvlHXC-AXyPgZL_Mw0KUpNSJ3ocqWhyKbP2dG9nAY/" title="Panoramic" width="1000" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and walked the farm roads, </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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mrlbQf8LVLmatPvfs_6KnVBwMc8P4JIk8Gc2uNnOeVupo-uj7aJybqfedza4fPHUaoMgRA473yBSv4EXSObS7vLjx_F5J6RPH1wBXrRWsJdMwp8uaqBXb9fhSoay7kzO6NwJ5nXpBmw/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mrlbQf8LVLmatPvfs_6KnVBwMc8P4JIk8Gc2uNnOeVupo-uj7aJybqfedza4fPHUaoMgRA473yBSv4EXSObS7vLjx_F5J6RPH1wBXrRWsJdMwp8uaqBXb9fhSoay7kzO6NwJ5nXpBmw/" title="Rose" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
the wood lots,
<br />
<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;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aeNOISqxLXJIEllwvOkoo59PKov93ww_viuILpaR5nV8h7B-Hjtq8ky7302MpgDw4IRuiaBz2nLmtbETq3V_sANsYJr03wiFgMFEeZAthEh8g2RNsPz-dc98t1ILCzLlg0610wykKgA/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aeNOISqxLXJIEllwvOkoo59PKov93ww_viuILpaR5nV8h7B-Hjtq8ky7302MpgDw4IRuiaBz2nLmtbETq3V_sANsYJr03wiFgMFEeZAthEh8g2RNsPz-dc98t1ILCzLlg0610wykKgA/" title="Woodlot2" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
...the sugar bush and the rocky ravine that the glaciers missed. The sun dropped low and Deer peeked at us from the cover of hay fields, only their back lit rosy ears giving them away. It<span style="text-align: center;"> was all that we could have hoped for except for the company of our missing friend.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The night sky was brilliant and the only sound in our campsite was the soft nickering of the neighbor's horses.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our new friend Korre offered us an early tour of the Big House. We found next morning that he came in on his day off, a kindness we will always remember along with the details about the Bromfields, their glamorous guests and the building of the house.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Uu-EH0WFfjU509S3-zfuSyI4z4NYmACktZOsQ3wCoJmWPQiuFblTMz8Qn2EesUnzUkk8Fav6H48ulvjTEME1vD5iIre9yDeZVyEsmmRiFhyChzvXVZwk17-JNg1Cc_NNn2goOcqywvA/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Uu-EH0WFfjU509S3-zfuSyI4z4NYmACktZOsQ3wCoJmWPQiuFblTMz8Qn2EesUnzUkk8Fav6H48ulvjTEME1vD5iIre9yDeZVyEsmmRiFhyChzvXVZwk17-JNg1Cc_NNn2goOcqywvA/" title="House" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dkTSTFS_rnO_BvoQtNKluyfTSTTNYsOlEQLv3sbX52ulJKfubX8bNiCxvSM9PUoPz9YamiK5n3IagevsPON1vIAQm7Sp2G6Ni_Y8vSc_ulqNpc33rpaJQsXBV-oOLsbpV107hHoNuIs/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dkTSTFS_rnO_BvoQtNKluyfTSTTNYsOlEQLv3sbX52ulJKfubX8bNiCxvSM9PUoPz9YamiK5n3IagevsPON1vIAQm7Sp2G6Ni_Y8vSc_ulqNpc33rpaJQsXBV-oOLsbpV107hHoNuIs/" title="Barn" width="500" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNdTBmwG_3HMMZs99HaRmFE8W38YVjQ0RevteZ7Pop7rAkdg7gNMKQH-FHJVEdVB__i8q_BK5VSySNYMvqtRc8e1dQvvDpGrB2pzZKJaA0JUUj1sL4PTfpdHWcpI4zxs9ixAKm6McdOw/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNdTBmwG_3HMMZs99HaRmFE8W38YVjQ0RevteZ7Pop7rAkdg7gNMKQH-FHJVEdVB__i8q_BK5VSySNYMvqtRc8e1dQvvDpGrB2pzZKJaA0JUUj1sL4PTfpdHWcpI4zxs9ixAKm6McdOw/" title="Restaurant" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">The Malabar Farm Restaurant is a restored stagecoach inn build around 1820.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9giSCWLUofKaXcIY08vY9ZT8jNMrI8mH83sWkshD3bBdMuvVAzWqiw77f3jlDhfEmaugaRIMjZZ_lN2d60Xj5SCVYVQmNAfAftJ5qp3Sc2bkNS_Yrni0DFM0Yhj6OExoWk_1FLyoS5k/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9giSCWLUofKaXcIY08vY9ZT8jNMrI8mH83sWkshD3bBdMuvVAzWqiw77f3jlDhfEmaugaRIMjZZ_lN2d60Xj5SCVYVQmNAfAftJ5qp3Sc2bkNS_Yrni0DFM0Yhj6OExoWk_1FLyoS5k/" title="Produce stand" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Nearby is the produce stand designed by Bromfield where produce is cooled by flowing spring water. James Cagney was a frequent guest at the farm and reveled in talking with the patrons and mostly giving away the store ( and reimbursing the farm from his own pocket.)</span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Our visit to Malabar was far too brief, but we will re read <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Malabar Farm</span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pleasant Valley</span> and return again, perhaps to view the Fall colors or during sugaring. </span>
twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com0Malabar Farm State Park, 4050 Bromfield Rd, Lucas, OH 44843, USA40.6522452 -82.39909215.130210700000003 -123.707686 66.1742797 -41.090498tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-84313112351306379142016-05-25T14:55:00.000-05:002016-05-26T14:58:05.235-05:00Hiking --always part of the Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>...Continued</b></i> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Gentle readers will recall that these two septuagenarians had gleefully agreed to host their attractive and preternaturally agile granddaughter for a Spring Mountain trip. She reports:</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">The hiking went well. I even got the Grands to take off on a rocky, uphill 5 mile adventure and no one complained the whole time.</span></span></h4>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That complaining starts HERE with the uphill and rocky part. The trail to Russell Field Shelter is convenient to our campsite but it is a <u>Horse Trail</u> and <u>Rocky</u> and <u>Uphill.</u> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnToXwNa_yhybpT0HOqY0ItfgsOkxqrfxBrJVCKBfNIADS1_WDwadLk0H0k6wlRlVSRV-knnVA1EtLqejYtPwMYAAU7A4uBOf0P5zNfsWF70QmLfcXhJpGxQs0Fm2NQEEUtLmBsPN1XMI/s1600/076-01318ead72ecccc09c3582a5035dc74eacdd07c59b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnToXwNa_yhybpT0HOqY0ItfgsOkxqrfxBrJVCKBfNIADS1_WDwadLk0H0k6wlRlVSRV-knnVA1EtLqejYtPwMYAAU7A4uBOf0P5zNfsWF70QmLfcXhJpGxQs0Fm2NQEEUtLmBsPN1XMI/s320/076-01318ead72ecccc09c3582a5035dc74eacdd07c59b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMj2k9aiozq4rt3X1tkIwK1zGBbh6aWV0ihj58AP5PwxLLYgyK2HUh9c1aw_WjMTpgHZR62aPzrAiH6_FuO7aw_CFY8n_l2IZkKPWjyih9wfjZojcmnL4oUP053sfrKq8D5Sfvjskf9E/s1600/098-01a707b38c0bfb6aa62e36c420115ae5e4eca8b3e6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMj2k9aiozq4rt3X1tkIwK1zGBbh6aWV0ihj58AP5PwxLLYgyK2HUh9c1aw_WjMTpgHZR62aPzrAiH6_FuO7aw_CFY8n_l2IZkKPWjyih9wfjZojcmnL4oUP053sfrKq8D5Sfvjskf9E/s320/098-01a707b38c0bfb6aa62e36c420115ae5e4eca8b3e6.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3G_WMyakMcsRI0A-8GBXvW8aYu8EqT-Rdzul_ZmXbpFvsanhuBEuDVmncihqNnSpYxFhTPPBVv3UA49BcdZv4i1E7K3Dym7oXmHapwOGGHn6Y3zJpPEnhhpGX8uBnqwORMiUndAkoWlU/s1600/082-01eea1f80670bcf9ee3399acddeed850e175b54203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3G_WMyakMcsRI0A-8GBXvW8aYu8EqT-Rdzul_ZmXbpFvsanhuBEuDVmncihqNnSpYxFhTPPBVv3UA49BcdZv4i1E7K3Dym7oXmHapwOGGHn6Y3zJpPEnhhpGX8uBnqwORMiUndAkoWlU/s320/082-01eea1f80670bcf9ee3399acddeed850e175b54203.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">OK, not all of it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The powers had scribbled a note on the trail sign warning that the shelter was closed due to aggressive bears...ominous music here and sounds of PaPa planning an early turnaround...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Despite portending doom, some folks were having a great time...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJG4lyE3HiMYRv0929BrXPQkmZ3cYAYF-MIkJd56GBapg1QkvGajG15vmJqQK_a49aBlXGAA-7TPKoQ4YKwyq4IIui-Jfy_5nVAhSDvK-d_fv3L3ijd24z6lZEcJqTCdsXB99YQEBu_c/s1600/IMG_4595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJG4lyE3HiMYRv0929BrXPQkmZ3cYAYF-MIkJd56GBapg1QkvGajG15vmJqQK_a49aBlXGAA-7TPKoQ4YKwyq4IIui-Jfy_5nVAhSDvK-d_fv3L3ijd24z6lZEcJqTCdsXB99YQEBu_c/s320/IMG_4595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8-jpsTKjI076WaFf7S6s1JyBCrFn65RcXaed5B0g_0wifLAjb6krXwl58US-KXNqm8uK-7wKU_xKmLNN5Bc6_-cIZv2xNUTChB-wv2QRAuau1QHiFWGJK_sUA19LiOUlRmiRVE46jmM/s1600/IMG_4580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8-jpsTKjI076WaFf7S6s1JyBCrFn65RcXaed5B0g_0wifLAjb6krXwl58US-KXNqm8uK-7wKU_xKmLNN5Bc6_-cIZv2xNUTChB-wv2QRAuau1QHiFWGJK_sUA19LiOUlRmiRVE46jmM/s320/IMG_4580.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hU12Pgz_dHgYqVY9xgopfcDyUuHONftB5b0kYKcGSXIW7Ei4JiSg1RkqyOPPmwvsVCItdNUahz7wGVP_y6IMrLkgNSFAA_YOQRnEhBBS479uR727LjndX6XQpXmV0fq2jp7HCeUAxQY/s1600/IMG_4599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hU12Pgz_dHgYqVY9xgopfcDyUuHONftB5b0kYKcGSXIW7Ei4JiSg1RkqyOPPmwvsVCItdNUahz7wGVP_y6IMrLkgNSFAA_YOQRnEhBBS479uR727LjndX6XQpXmV0fq2jp7HCeUAxQY/s320/IMG_4599.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Near lunch time, while eating snacks and keeping a weather eye out for marauding bears, we heard the Bear Attack Report from three AT hikers who spent the night at Russell Field with the park's bear expert and another Ranger. It seems that folks who camp in their tents away from the shelter and keep a food supply handy should not be surprised when a bear snurfles about their tent fabric in the night. Now when this happens -- and this is the important part -- don't kick the bear in the snout!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And, oh yes. I think that hike was WAY over five miles...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hiking on the Blue Ridge</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Emilyn continues...</span><br />
<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="372">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;">As the temperatures were dropping we decided to head to
higher ground at the Mount Pisgah Campground off the Blue Ridge Parkway. There
we found our first showers in four days (don't tell Mom) due to our wonky water
heater. With our one full day there I was able to convince the grands to take a
simple 2 mile stroll through the Frying Pan trail and up a road to get a view
of the mountains from a fire tower. The view from the top was well worth it,
but it was no casual walk to get there. We had ups and downs and rocks and
narrow paths on the clearly seldom used trail. This was followed by a mile up
the gravel road where we broke for trail mix and apple before the climb up 8 flights
of stairs. We voted to take the road back to our camp where I fixed Snoopy
Casserole in our own frying pan...</span> </h2>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMvQrUq61yR7s5tei655D58UfKpDRf3OzPTczfl97o9k01rhWS6n-1yRvfZBnto-8mIBW5XAB4BYmWC8N7NMTBIe_UPl-98rDeHmSrO5L4qQ2RHZ50WKA56mlCqinzv4IkKmwJHZ45HQ/s1600/014-IMG_4611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMvQrUq61yR7s5tei655D58UfKpDRf3OzPTczfl97o9k01rhWS6n-1yRvfZBnto-8mIBW5XAB4BYmWC8N7NMTBIe_UPl-98rDeHmSrO5L4qQ2RHZ50WKA56mlCqinzv4IkKmwJHZ45HQ/s320/014-IMG_4611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The trail is named for the communal frying pan shepherds left hanging in a tree in the gap.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj018m7byYafF8kbmKCG2Vzmd-3Cu4qDBVKFYY2avJeyEm7hJuEEtJDeuPPvS8r-wB-eVw5jQ06at02yNfHossgiVpgeC8lYhEX5cz72nhSBSB1cQFhzAR6JxSpsoz1h4PV0f8NHqRo8R8/s1600/012-IMG_4609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj018m7byYafF8kbmKCG2Vzmd-3Cu4qDBVKFYY2avJeyEm7hJuEEtJDeuPPvS8r-wB-eVw5jQ06at02yNfHossgiVpgeC8lYhEX5cz72nhSBSB1cQFhzAR6JxSpsoz1h4PV0f8NHqRo8R8/s320/012-IMG_4609.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> We are nearly always overdressed to start a hike...it's a blood thinner thing...</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TMIT4xqwVl1CNung-Xg2GPKA9W_dUUhf8ok99HdvBTxKxrApJnCFI69Z0215w_FOvV_kxZrDRm3BwWBAkgoXCwHPg1uzpGVI1NteY8myBoAOZKeguVtkiquaCUN5Sxf73S1Z0ImmoGc/s1600/015-IMG_4612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TMIT4xqwVl1CNung-Xg2GPKA9W_dUUhf8ok99HdvBTxKxrApJnCFI69Z0215w_FOvV_kxZrDRm3BwWBAkgoXCwHPg1uzpGVI1NteY8myBoAOZKeguVtkiquaCUN5Sxf73S1Z0ImmoGc/s320/015-IMG_4612.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgo9bh_eiDUmCZsLzSWb2syawNtuAVOujMZnUFj5pFZJacQgKbn3euX3KB5DQkjO6LCEn9mUGbeNHmjw1jm3i079IZDoarbVTatrCGEBph8Q0j3zkF1W2ZUXMy8PnrrLPmA9X1JTdg24/s1600/016-IMG_4617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgo9bh_eiDUmCZsLzSWb2syawNtuAVOujMZnUFj5pFZJacQgKbn3euX3KB5DQkjO6LCEn9mUGbeNHmjw1jm3i079IZDoarbVTatrCGEBph8Q0j3zkF1W2ZUXMy8PnrrLPmA9X1JTdg24/s320/016-IMG_4617.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVkqeXHBKwQASMgDstZtZiI8t1ZNHP0x8Ox3MjuM5aAGU3st5X07a1u40G252yuWaDbl82S2XNh7NCofgSbOn8XhjManeG1LLFWzgkZ_rIWqkh9NDNJ12W8AWE4Z2bgyCiwvLogmIeok/s1600/017-IMG_4620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVkqeXHBKwQASMgDstZtZiI8t1ZNHP0x8Ox3MjuM5aAGU3st5X07a1u40G252yuWaDbl82S2XNh7NCofgSbOn8XhjManeG1LLFWzgkZ_rIWqkh9NDNJ12W8AWE4Z2bgyCiwvLogmIeok/s320/017-IMG_4620.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiRRiFkhmKL9F6GN5MyhioZmGtjUwjkhfvMO3PeWteB9Fmik3JBpammhgLA-87ROIl8eHLJt6kO85335bTI7LsSam97VSD9Kv-fi2PtOoRgW_3F8q56Bg0B2A6G5y5n32CIzNm4fQS9k/s1600/018-IMG_4629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiRRiFkhmKL9F6GN5MyhioZmGtjUwjkhfvMO3PeWteB9Fmik3JBpammhgLA-87ROIl8eHLJt6kO85335bTI7LsSam97VSD9Kv-fi2PtOoRgW_3F8q56Bg0B2A6G5y5n32CIzNm4fQS9k/s320/018-IMG_4629.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA815-Dt772jmZiuXgZlHZPrdQBRquVc2mCmZSxeBP94WYzP37k7hqwGe3GeaI9RCEqeVztf9eG-426ZJ4D0Y2NUF49mbWS8dM7PaJqL4wmX2zBke_cWrIBA7d-KSTIO1ipisBOkyWT8/s1600/019-IMG_4630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA815-Dt772jmZiuXgZlHZPrdQBRquVc2mCmZSxeBP94WYzP37k7hqwGe3GeaI9RCEqeVztf9eG-426ZJ4D0Y2NUF49mbWS8dM7PaJqL4wmX2zBke_cWrIBA7d-KSTIO1ipisBOkyWT8/s320/019-IMG_4630.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ud5XPz8QKURSymLNoMQu0hjpOd5DDjlkq_96H3Rv_vcdU-7Juqj2adhnumE5rMJiqy5G9zkeYg-2-jn1aJBID1uxyTHMcHubHmEG6Ef1-UjFJo-Ao_lZc6eGo3yBiofYLh021katyy4/s1600/053-01c79501623e8000d1e6f0437702b0bfdebccc6017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ud5XPz8QKURSymLNoMQu0hjpOd5DDjlkq_96H3Rv_vcdU-7Juqj2adhnumE5rMJiqy5G9zkeYg-2-jn1aJBID1uxyTHMcHubHmEG6Ef1-UjFJo-Ao_lZc6eGo3yBiofYLh021katyy4/s320/053-01c79501623e8000d1e6f0437702b0bfdebccc6017.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJ2_oK9DwUmt8LNf2oZinflOHXTNNxdRqs8o7iTTsmerhtgNtulrE1ui2n74KHknJWZUYZAkFgpDQZHeNihjE53Z-S3RvrSBtw5EDywY50eDlgNk5tEDZR15-V5NSVWa34GHJ6CzZ0g4/s1600/109-0102721971abb576faddff084ede5eb8dee2263624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJ2_oK9DwUmt8LNf2oZinflOHXTNNxdRqs8o7iTTsmerhtgNtulrE1ui2n74KHknJWZUYZAkFgpDQZHeNihjE53Z-S3RvrSBtw5EDywY50eDlgNk5tEDZR15-V5NSVWa34GHJ6CzZ0g4/s320/109-0102721971abb576faddff084ede5eb8dee2263624.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Emilyn at work on the wonky water heater</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="372">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;">After a brief stop at 4,980 ft we descended to Cataloochee
for a potentially rain-filled week. Thankfully the forecast was wrong. We had
beautiful days of fishing (well, more like casting practice) on the Palmer Branch and exploring trails to the Woody House, Palmer Chapel and climbing up
the hill to see the Caldwell Cemetery. The rest of our time was filled with
card games and cooking lessons.... I'm getting Meme and Papa
in condition for their Maine trip with Anthony who I can only assume has more
energy for trails and will want to play just as many games...</span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCUN0M9PWh-Ytsd7hZ4bZaPgN3WGyKpqtrSo_1MGoAYdAl2EReU8XSq0A8RoTT-xxogKkttiq6V4_9J72gZjHeZSGo0pnWe3RI2T-82yUEMKpv65sST7IZg42dJG5dylNX6oPvHXs58o/s1600/112-0160e12c9c5277666b48dda6bef9d682e3d69f5b8c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCUN0M9PWh-Ytsd7hZ4bZaPgN3WGyKpqtrSo_1MGoAYdAl2EReU8XSq0A8RoTT-xxogKkttiq6V4_9J72gZjHeZSGo0pnWe3RI2T-82yUEMKpv65sST7IZg42dJG5dylNX6oPvHXs58o/s320/112-0160e12c9c5277666b48dda6bef9d682e3d69f5b8c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Best trip ever, Emilyn</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com0Cataloochee Campground, Cataloochee Entrance Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785, USA35.6311708 -83.085502435.2187178 -83.7309494 36.0436238 -82.440055399999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-80777619497669430202016-05-24T08:08:00.000-05:002016-05-25T17:30:40.881-05:00Adding Muscle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<blockquote>
The pretty young redhead flexed new muscles gained on the rock climbing wall at her campus gym.<br />
<span style="color: red;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">I don’t want to have BIG muscles; I just want to be that cute little girl who can lift 100 pounds. I think I’m pretty close. I put on my Jeep doors yesterday.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">
</span><span style="color: orange;">Hmm
</span>, I thought, <span style="color: orange;">We could really use some muscle around here.</span></blockquote>
<br />
Despite spending an inordinate amount of time on vertical surfaces and mildly alarming her grandmother, Emilyn has completed her Freshman year at Auburn, secured summer employment (climbing on things), and has expressed an interest in joining us in the mountains… Gasp! …for a few weeks before “camp” begins. Her grandparents could not be happier. We have been home clearing space in the trailer (no climbing ropes, please) adding fishing gear and watching the weather. Oops, we promised to “camp above the clouds” as we once did with her father, but yesterday’s reports from Mt Pisgah feature snow, wind and temps in the thirties – and that was our R&R stop between shower-less spots in the Smokies.<br />
<br />
As usual, a max load of cookies is pouring out of Meme’s oven. Take that, Muscle Girl.<br />
<br />
<br />
And so it was for ten glorious Spring days in the Great Smokies, heavy generators were levitated into place, six gallon Jerry cans of water were toted, Grands were led up mountain paths and a young woman fell in love with the places she had been carried in utero just a few short years ago.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5f-xjJNcuxXT5g9ec13Y0xgSqyeZcq362NzvCWBaMcVNfSapk31ePWyv5I4U0gPfahUpIXaho57mBXHv7a7T02LMQSWgqAThgVEiBfu4ZT0u2b3km4YBEUTk-jfWA1rQ8GBmEGfwoCy4/s1600/123-DSCF6406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5f-xjJNcuxXT5g9ec13Y0xgSqyeZcq362NzvCWBaMcVNfSapk31ePWyv5I4U0gPfahUpIXaho57mBXHv7a7T02LMQSWgqAThgVEiBfu4ZT0u2b3km4YBEUTk-jfWA1rQ8GBmEGfwoCy4/s320/123-DSCF6406.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
In Emilyn’s words…<br />
<span style="color: #ff5f00;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff5f00;">As finals were ending and the camping trip was approaching, I was growing more eager by the day. We celebrated Mother’s Day, ran a couple errands around Montgomery and Auburn, and by Tuesday at 11 we were on the road bound for Cades Cove. We had plans of fishing and hiking and driving the loop … to see some bears. The hiking went well. I even got the grands to take off on a rocky, uphill, 5 mile round trip adventure and no one complained the whole time. But the bears, now that part of the trip didn’t really go as planned… We thought we would see a couple bears with a few loops around the cove, BUT we took 7 trips around (morning and evening) and counted up a grand total of 16 bear sightings! I have over 150 pictures to prove it. I will blame the lack of fish I caught on all of the bears being extra active and hungry this week.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hMmrPMFq56f-y48_Sd3QcBCSSVyYkcbJTseQkxcqYkNzZywN8N6ZV06uMt2jA3F9KQAxfa7hzdqIgLxaYxvd_r313A3CYsi2HhUc4FkoRfZQZu_wd-IG_I6WKE-IH8UoHJpCG0VLaYg/s1600/117-DSCF6249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hMmrPMFq56f-y48_Sd3QcBCSSVyYkcbJTseQkxcqYkNzZywN8N6ZV06uMt2jA3F9KQAxfa7hzdqIgLxaYxvd_r313A3CYsi2HhUc4FkoRfZQZu_wd-IG_I6WKE-IH8UoHJpCG0VLaYg/s320/117-DSCF6249.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOT93XLeoxISns-l8gErdjm1I2hWfijiqxYgpafBCQWfAjvCafUKVOEjjxF3xGlzjC7tPs1L81FYHq48xQV88x4R8f3A1b5Mv-mRQgOJ2_GERPQfsrJY5IWZXDB6qz14xXWQLCtk32cY/s1600/013-IMG_4610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOT93XLeoxISns-l8gErdjm1I2hWfijiqxYgpafBCQWfAjvCafUKVOEjjxF3xGlzjC7tPs1L81FYHq48xQV88x4R8f3A1b5Mv-mRQgOJ2_GERPQfsrJY5IWZXDB6qz14xXWQLCtk32cY/s320/013-IMG_4610.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
BEAR JAMS are part of the experience of riding the Cades Cove Loop. We score ourselves Bonus Points when we find the Bears ourselves. The traffic was sparse in the evenings and we were lucky. We have the usual collection of pictures –the South end of Northbound Bears,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCDicAl6Q8xy6KDHIuBTL62u1-oHfMKZBFFrv46erDJ5fKMn53HyJUto9NyN9DgsQj31mnuZXaeRYVI4AxGGHX1GlKlSLqu_ldWhCtKembl6nDp0bKxAUr4IoAweHnx5rkg2gvQl_oxw/s1600/026-DSCF6531-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCDicAl6Q8xy6KDHIuBTL62u1-oHfMKZBFFrv46erDJ5fKMn53HyJUto9NyN9DgsQj31mnuZXaeRYVI4AxGGHX1GlKlSLqu_ldWhCtKembl6nDp0bKxAUr4IoAweHnx5rkg2gvQl_oxw/s320/026-DSCF6531-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Bears buried shoulder deep in salad greens<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizM6nrLt0AIIOQFEAwW6iQHgVTXKlUIozRiL_oKSsebjslG7rKOX9s-N5yqjfVu5ngNqHDiYMBwEXStDrVCsk4JcIaDKdUgrNhSXPhd0h2kBWUczGfxzrGquxmforL7CK3bRnRmkCMgM4/s1600/031-S0406454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizM6nrLt0AIIOQFEAwW6iQHgVTXKlUIozRiL_oKSsebjslG7rKOX9s-N5yqjfVu5ngNqHDiYMBwEXStDrVCsk4JcIaDKdUgrNhSXPhd0h2kBWUczGfxzrGquxmforL7CK3bRnRmkCMgM4/s320/031-S0406454.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXodP4SZYeEhyphenhyphenedRfKNEqBk0kJaCucEmVDV0qXT48U1LGs6ij1v5dm1SFiqm2WLEx8ZWDG6vHG6H-VNSIcxa9EkE6L0dyQSdFnrlyJwZS9dJP_j9i1T1JchXUgDCfdjbwlAxfp4__usXY/s1600/001-bear+in+cades+cove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXodP4SZYeEhyphenhyphenedRfKNEqBk0kJaCucEmVDV0qXT48U1LGs6ij1v5dm1SFiqm2WLEx8ZWDG6vHG6H-VNSIcxa9EkE6L0dyQSdFnrlyJwZS9dJP_j9i1T1JchXUgDCfdjbwlAxfp4__usXY/s1600/001-bear+in+cades+cove.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
and each displaying a perverse disregard for the assembled photographic talent – but we developed a kind of intimacy with one devil-may-care coyote<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XWp3sLUYjb3ZlRz186STCgaIyafCJfjwpwMCw1ugeTQ6x8HLXmprREcbX4UW1i4MStSRjW-Nj5RnnP-5yxJ9WA0lHHAFs9ehA9CtokyWMvPEg9-MuvhbHvGcue1Ahlzevb7zUFTgtTc/s1600/118-S0216265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XWp3sLUYjb3ZlRz186STCgaIyafCJfjwpwMCw1ugeTQ6x8HLXmprREcbX4UW1i4MStSRjW-Nj5RnnP-5yxJ9WA0lHHAFs9ehA9CtokyWMvPEg9-MuvhbHvGcue1Ahlzevb7zUFTgtTc/s320/118-S0216265.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wP6bR0pOnmyA6_3DsBZ83GjIoSeSB_Jze8aVcDjA0pqQsBKU5Kt5kCmPq9DSSf0calkFskpltYXejVgzuzxr7nZ0MQ8APW4mSYkvDmAEaO4ak_cYzv3diZxWz8cn31L9WptzYaTQpM8/s1600/120-S0276346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wP6bR0pOnmyA6_3DsBZ83GjIoSeSB_Jze8aVcDjA0pqQsBKU5Kt5kCmPq9DSSf0calkFskpltYXejVgzuzxr7nZ0MQ8APW4mSYkvDmAEaO4ak_cYzv3diZxWz8cn31L9WptzYaTQpM8/s320/120-S0276346.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8P9yUhD9r2pDnB1IIWVlnqKmAqav-aflN9497PBUH3vpkNLOn_GpQ7ivIsSp161iLAjgKgNH-PN6FbThQndmnxOuOXwPObtvu6I6ejrm-kYE_drZZIwoV1uvQzswCq2angORpAZiivno/s1600/2016-05-12+20.01.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8P9yUhD9r2pDnB1IIWVlnqKmAqav-aflN9497PBUH3vpkNLOn_GpQ7ivIsSp161iLAjgKgNH-PN6FbThQndmnxOuOXwPObtvu6I6ejrm-kYE_drZZIwoV1uvQzswCq2angORpAZiivno/s320/2016-05-12+20.01.50.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
and witnessed a bear ignoring a clot of humankind (and the associated odors) stand bolt upright and stare down our transient coyote.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQE3wsmeRxcP5vISsdvASl3SoJ2R25-pa3b5yD0-DfUA_tCR7H7rNruXWmjha8v-12PCK1nvCAyYeYDoCMRQLd3ikX8E0l-IYRXMLIUj2nxL5njixAodwBB96LdqdqPB5biBXpv_KuV84/s1600/032-DSCF6487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQE3wsmeRxcP5vISsdvASl3SoJ2R25-pa3b5yD0-DfUA_tCR7H7rNruXWmjha8v-12PCK1nvCAyYeYDoCMRQLd3ikX8E0l-IYRXMLIUj2nxL5njixAodwBB96LdqdqPB5biBXpv_KuV84/s320/032-DSCF6487.jpg" width="320" /></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;">
<br /></div>
We saw a HUGE feral pig, an unwelcome first for us in the Cove and <span style="font-size: large;">unforgettable </span>sunsets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF34BrKI9gCh2zGMW3s181hpY7DwyCKZSv4pjubPODAFoDVJxKW__MzGL9oE3e6InZaEyrISvOKv3IpQBG28jW-n3OyirIkhsYEbErnlujK2nthcU1NmUgWNoy5uNM7SFqjWNZroLzEI/s1600/046-011d9360096d9730d50ff78c03b0f2ee88ab785578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF34BrKI9gCh2zGMW3s181hpY7DwyCKZSv4pjubPODAFoDVJxKW__MzGL9oE3e6InZaEyrISvOKv3IpQBG28jW-n3OyirIkhsYEbErnlujK2nthcU1NmUgWNoy5uNM7SFqjWNZroLzEI/s640/046-011d9360096d9730d50ff78c03b0f2ee88ab785578.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7qBWK8lu3TBLabbi2zEY_pDFRn60llCK-r2m_DjyWV_OzSRYa93DjtkzfS6Gf6iaj8YllWssLRFC7Wi7k0MercmVP2oorpH9AZc3u9P0ai_PvyENT9UEdWmd62BNtWq-9ed7AJsNbwA/s1600/105-011ce6704bda361a2194940f5712f98bf741b93429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7qBWK8lu3TBLabbi2zEY_pDFRn60llCK-r2m_DjyWV_OzSRYa93DjtkzfS6Gf6iaj8YllWssLRFC7Wi7k0MercmVP2oorpH9AZc3u9P0ai_PvyENT9UEdWmd62BNtWq-9ed7AJsNbwA/s320/105-011ce6704bda361a2194940f5712f98bf741b93429.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4umnBS_QMcnF_4C8iDpvrRwCwQHdwfsNts0zBPqUfdDLe95GrbnY5fBPxp9J6QYpDoPFWzt-hIT1q8lCQ9Tu4ZUPsbAP4w3C1WsnkH3F0hUO8PQQ4IqLk9OyJ7Ws4iV_RXhvnZ7Ix3x4/s1600/029-DSCF6560-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4umnBS_QMcnF_4C8iDpvrRwCwQHdwfsNts0zBPqUfdDLe95GrbnY5fBPxp9J6QYpDoPFWzt-hIT1q8lCQ9Tu4ZUPsbAP4w3C1WsnkH3F0hUO8PQQ4IqLk9OyJ7Ws4iV_RXhvnZ7Ix3x4/s320/029-DSCF6560-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There were open field wild flowers,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53WQqM1u_rklmC1DFQmYDVn1JnlnnqesUzhO8NoDPHoT-6Hn6p6VUXkq2U4iZRLVXLX3f5NcXkHb-glAHXOhGcMwTokx9_iuPUgml7b2zsoxNRtztTCgV0m4AZDLcvEDpoquVcEYcr5g/s1600/106-0111f3909e62a5ab9631212f2e738dec3a7ebfa991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53WQqM1u_rklmC1DFQmYDVn1JnlnnqesUzhO8NoDPHoT-6Hn6p6VUXkq2U4iZRLVXLX3f5NcXkHb-glAHXOhGcMwTokx9_iuPUgml7b2zsoxNRtztTCgV0m4AZDLcvEDpoquVcEYcr5g/s320/106-0111f3909e62a5ab9631212f2e738dec3a7ebfa991.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSUXPBCWy2dDVfo9YZeWq_ibewVG4eDtkbg_g5240NGO4KNjboCO7eN6DzbHHQkmPnQPWkfAZmC_BH4nXLIO34W-IWxuNzLtKtZC6igBF-TxLnhd5XObKJaK2PXMvDpTrTpSRLCV_lYM/s1600/102-0146f7545b0e5738571014622aca2e2ac4b404d865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSUXPBCWy2dDVfo9YZeWq_ibewVG4eDtkbg_g5240NGO4KNjboCO7eN6DzbHHQkmPnQPWkfAZmC_BH4nXLIO34W-IWxuNzLtKtZC6igBF-TxLnhd5XObKJaK2PXMvDpTrTpSRLCV_lYM/s320/102-0146f7545b0e5738571014622aca2e2ac4b404d865.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qThZoDw4YDVIJ8arQOILjcO9rmHexZZAt2me6Ji-72GYe4rwA3WUSZ34QltIXOXe9XlT6jjbDTmP43qUUPuTVrqDv_rXNmr1eW1ooPWeAWK2Y2C01VgZb_JfhWqKKYBk5d19t0oGYUI/s1600/025-DSCF6516-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qThZoDw4YDVIJ8arQOILjcO9rmHexZZAt2me6Ji-72GYe4rwA3WUSZ34QltIXOXe9XlT6jjbDTmP43qUUPuTVrqDv_rXNmr1eW1ooPWeAWK2Y2C01VgZb_JfhWqKKYBk5d19t0oGYUI/s320/025-DSCF6516-001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
an abundance of turkey,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fmU3KhyphenhyphenAdkjLixSeeXmHxcxuu504njPs8Tb5wqIXPQ_du3hcXfE08xTo7AELGjuc09DuhEZ8xGno5qaomggX1zSdINh0GRqTW0z4VNxRpW6BA05jp-d347wS7iAXCDuX8OCX6upChyQ/s1600/061-015f2616a3df12456551d85922e0fe5d10875831f8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fmU3KhyphenhyphenAdkjLixSeeXmHxcxuu504njPs8Tb5wqIXPQ_du3hcXfE08xTo7AELGjuc09DuhEZ8xGno5qaomggX1zSdINh0GRqTW0z4VNxRpW6BA05jp-d347wS7iAXCDuX8OCX6upChyQ/s320/061-015f2616a3df12456551d85922e0fe5d10875831f8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
wide vistas and quiet little paths to leave the rest behind...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPeaHb1oo_3r_WuiqlyLkLrZ1FuihQG9PkV0rBAOWj-9HN7JBRfMtwJH5BKmlZsaXtpay0TKn_zXBrSfelAjSY6KbfcMLl7p7P6UgzeAlMcKpg750K1l5mTYL7xF_Wkq-dbuE8rzpuVU/s1600/108-0122de07363a6a7540b3f3ad8857484bfae46bde7e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPeaHb1oo_3r_WuiqlyLkLrZ1FuihQG9PkV0rBAOWj-9HN7JBRfMtwJH5BKmlZsaXtpay0TKn_zXBrSfelAjSY6KbfcMLl7p7P6UgzeAlMcKpg750K1l5mTYL7xF_Wkq-dbuE8rzpuVU/s320/108-0122de07363a6a7540b3f3ad8857484bfae46bde7e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpNIUpfbaRG0hLFjjeGf_tfhxD_ntDezgzhURZTSik_Zj65ERlE6vxkGDooDnJHUpwFNlZ8xmFY8oKGWvWGCH0iTRS858RrQA_b5XkG-3CG09TJf8Kt4z7VgAs953TyjxDUcQ6v10P7Y/s1600/113-01a781c10bc77e040536e05636e89ea8fa9122b597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpNIUpfbaRG0hLFjjeGf_tfhxD_ntDezgzhURZTSik_Zj65ERlE6vxkGDooDnJHUpwFNlZ8xmFY8oKGWvWGCH0iTRS858RrQA_b5XkG-3CG09TJf8Kt4z7VgAs953TyjxDUcQ6v10P7Y/s640/113-01a781c10bc77e040536e05636e89ea8fa9122b597.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
...and a certain amount of hi-jinx...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEWeSiTQTV6dw5IAQFy00k9Pcm1gnO9JqYqs7I6vy98yePi4cEdKCY_Y0KfrWCem4QMUsZwWkRp2DoI94H4im3IR4DhT1AiubpQVIoKgfYxS74tF4lCCeYZ_ymyDGBj1xPVcCp5udpLU/s1600/024-DSCF6569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEWeSiTQTV6dw5IAQFy00k9Pcm1gnO9JqYqs7I6vy98yePi4cEdKCY_Y0KfrWCem4QMUsZwWkRp2DoI94H4im3IR4DhT1AiubpQVIoKgfYxS74tF4lCCeYZ_ymyDGBj1xPVcCp5udpLU/s320/024-DSCF6569.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSSFBexXSjtK1MmGSVe25kRq7mloSy_2A9NVOdMsRECZ8b-SLokIkoZ5ONEgi54FwKfky7mKdjucBZDJDZ8s1F6AlA6Lgi4J1AmCHUlxNDcVFgFLaHzH6FZTVMF1BH3VmReKntvq5bZw/s1600/030-DSCF6572-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSSFBexXSjtK1MmGSVe25kRq7mloSy_2A9NVOdMsRECZ8b-SLokIkoZ5ONEgi54FwKfky7mKdjucBZDJDZ8s1F6AlA6Lgi4J1AmCHUlxNDcVFgFLaHzH6FZTVMF1BH3VmReKntvq5bZw/s320/030-DSCF6572-001.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><b>To be continued…
</b>twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com0Cades Cove, Tennessee 37882, USA35.5942598 -83.84184809999999310.072225300000003 -125.15044209999999 61.116294300000007 -42.533254099999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-60682561785052546472016-05-05T15:47:00.000-05:002016-05-06T05:17:36.847-05:00Virginia is for Lovers<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">…and apparently it’s for fighters as well. The fighters have been keeping us increasingly occupied of late as we rediscover our country’s rich heritage at National Historical sites. First, we settled the Civil War at Appomattox then walked the battlefield at Bull Run where it all began. <i>(Our visit to Bull Run was part of an Airstream Rally with the Washington DC unit. That’s really all I can say about that since “what happens at WDCU…” Yeah, that’s right. We sat around in chairs, ATE well and often whilst discoursing learnedly about maintenance issues, real and imagined.) </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>
</i></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wDIm67Xmy55h-gcAW2mMAnCcVREwIKTI9vJyUuCGjVSUcQ1F1Qd-F5EjZTO5xs3SNXg_dm2XvPa4X36-V0yIQbwl3RRWAFCgKS4LOKMMEOzC9VMbtTTbx_VRhJnBWMAuc446OIliMyA/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{"requiresResize":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wDIm67Xmy55h-gcAW2mMAnCcVREwIKTI9vJyUuCGjVSUcQ1F1Qd-F5EjZTO5xs3SNXg_dm2XvPa4X36-V0yIQbwl3RRWAFCgKS4LOKMMEOzC9VMbtTTbx_VRhJnBWMAuc446OIliMyA/" title="Chip pokes sign" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"></table>
<table align="" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>
</i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Chippokes Plantation lies directly <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">across</span> the James River from the first English settlement in the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">N</span>ew <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">W</span>orld and has been <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">continuously</span> farmed since 1619. When the owners turned the place over to the state, they <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">insisted</span> that it remain a working farm and tossed in the mansion, the furniture, farm equipment and <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">staff who will continue to be employed here in <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">perpetuity. We <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">chanced</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">upon it and fell in love. </span></span></span></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The campground is first class<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, quiet and well run. It is just a free ferry ride to the Historic Triangle -- Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown -- but Surry county is pastoral with a population barely 7000. When we wandered away for a day's adventure, returning gave us the same <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">feeling</span> of renewal that our hosts and new <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Friends</span> of Chippokes spoke of.</span></span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><h1>
</h1>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<h1>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</h1>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_H4Lmgx_QmA/VyqvE5CcatI/AAAAAAAAzsk/zBCUQqkHcwYRA4GbCZQby1PIHrKpAkyhACKgB/s1600/IMG_4525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_H4Lmgx_QmA/VyqvE5CcatI/AAAAAAAAzsk/zBCUQqkHcwYRA4GbCZQby1PIHrKpAkyhACKgB/s400/IMG_4525.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdmJkgfrASbIqty7Ap1ezxwSRancZhLrY7uhH9VHAVliZ6-7u-pW3cUIHNss1q4ZW9SW0huCOvLijdBYVJNDn7vwZ7xxUd1XIDhe9M0pZj2Abl8lyDG0kDqMcaKZA2uB4r8_Nj6emHU8/s1600/IMG_4524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdmJkgfrASbIqty7Ap1ezxwSRancZhLrY7uhH9VHAVliZ6-7u-pW3cUIHNss1q4ZW9SW0huCOvLijdBYVJNDn7vwZ7xxUd1XIDhe9M0pZj2Abl8lyDG0kDqMcaKZA2uB4r8_Nj6emHU8/s400/IMG_4524.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><h1>
</h1>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Riverhouse Fence in the morning mist</span><br />
<h1>
</h1>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">
YORKTOWN</span></h2>
<br />
<h1>
</h1>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Yorktown Historic Park comes with its own charming village. NPS restorations, private dwellings, inns, galleries and a nice assortment of touristy stuff just a pleasant walk away.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"></table>
<table align="" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6UMxtmind5o/VyqvE8lNHkI/AAAAAAAAzsk/sVmqHzAo-K8ZEIARiHW5IyXSuI0tOIu9QCKgB/s1600/IMG_4512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6UMxtmind5o/VyqvE8lNHkI/AAAAAAAAzsk/sVmqHzAo-K8ZEIARiHW5IyXSuI0tOIu9QCKgB/s640/IMG_4512.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Imagine taking your morning coffee here...</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</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="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmmjLYSZibU/VyqvE5TET0I/AAAAAAAAzsk/CCPnrVzPU8YUX0761JkvD1myH4D8xeTBQCKgB/s1600/IMG_4507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmmjLYSZibU/VyqvE5TET0I/AAAAAAAAzsk/CCPnrVzPU8YUX0761JkvD1myH4D8xeTBQCKgB/s400/IMG_4507.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">...or ditching the Airstream for a stay here</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<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="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HinBH-gSwac/VyqvE9-6f_I/AAAAAAAAzsk/a6tW36GaQakRJrNU7kj9YA-o_UhoQeiewCKgB/s1600/IMG_4506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HinBH-gSwac/VyqvE9-6f_I/AAAAAAAAzsk/a6tW36GaQakRJrNU7kj9YA-o_UhoQeiewCKgB/s400/IMG_4506.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Yorktown Monument is also the start/finish of the Trans America Bike Trail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h1>
Virginia Capitol Bike Trail</h1>
Just a few miles from here the transcontinental route follows the Virginia Capitol bike trail from Jamestown to Richmond paralleling Highway five and the beautiful James River on smooth pavement. We were just a few miles along it when we met Morris, a cheerful Australian and a world traveling cyclist.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvShWgLMoJV6RDg9B0RhbuWyEfM6Zex7ModV_SS_4qBa161jfGgqZ3h8UZ7MkcAoTxCXp6WlURct8F4iuHTPrUJYf02Nm7CZK5lChsySB1FJMrnIQMLrOnl5CZUzDpPHBNrunjzfBhFc/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{"requiresResize":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvShWgLMoJV6RDg9B0RhbuWyEfM6Zex7ModV_SS_4qBa161jfGgqZ3h8UZ7MkcAoTxCXp6WlURct8F4iuHTPrUJYf02Nm7CZK5lChsySB1FJMrnIQMLrOnl5CZUzDpPHBNrunjzfBhFc/" title="Morris" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsTeXu5E1Wws06NarZm2d_0dmQ_-cZqHZQ3h1R8cYkVJPzlo3jeErXy3Puq43DwxX7jTi74hW8xLS_I1qsYXBynz-8KZ6L-iIs26OoczmQT3afMWubTl0NV9o5_6mFN9MFkY6lAG7x3g/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{"requiresResize":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsTeXu5E1Wws06NarZm2d_0dmQ_-cZqHZQ3h1R8cYkVJPzlo3jeErXy3Puq43DwxX7jTi74hW8xLS_I1qsYXBynz-8KZ6L-iIs26OoczmQT3afMWubTl0NV9o5_6mFN9MFkY6lAG7x3g/" title="Pat and Morris" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Two legendary cyclists comparing notes</h3>
<div>
</div>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;">
Jamestown Settlement</span> </h1>
<div>
You may think you have visited the Jamestown settlement – – we did. But if you have not been following the amazing archaeological finds that are being unearthed DAILY, promise yourself another visit. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Actually, it is a little confusing sorting out the many venues around the Chesapeake offering to put us in touch with the past. We found the NPS app <b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chesapeake Explorer</span></b> helpful for brief descriptions of the attractions, hours and fees. For example, at Jamestown we bypassed the big parking lot with multiple buses at the state run museum. It is huge and features costumed interpreters, replicas of the original ships and much more. There is a similar museum near Yorktown focusing on the Revolutionary War as a whole. Like Colonial Williamsburg, both are richly rewarding and if you bypass these with a grandchild in tow, you must hand in your grandparent card. We however pressed on to the NPS site which adjoins the Preserve Virginia acreage where the original Jamestown Fort HAS BEEN FOUND.
<br />
<div>
In 1994, a guide at the NPS Jamestown Settlement would have told you that all remnants of the original fort had been washed into the James by erosion. Next door, the Preserve Virginia folks were busy preserving the ruins of the brick church. Only one young archaeology student wondered why the church had been placed, apparently unprotected, outside the fort. He secured permission for a temporary "dig" which is now in its twenty second year and the good stuff is really pouring out of the ground now. They discovered 88% of the fort still under dry land, found not a few, but hundreds of thousands of artifacts. </div>
<div>
In the last few years several of the most important finds in the world have been found here. As a visitor you may hear a spellbinding tale from a PV docent, see the artifacts displayed and interpreted in the adjoining<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUx5YnrZdo1_gcnyuYKMfiISlV3ptJ95lRFkoxWLNKdBict4eVO7Jq-QSwU92luDbvBAGfFTOZz156ypLKP04e8it8YfvsMsPO37Jrl6-zWzO4QK4cNLEOHbdENWrfOiLGiHl9I79cDE/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{"requiresResize":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUx5YnrZdo1_gcnyuYKMfiISlV3ptJ95lRFkoxWLNKdBict4eVO7Jq-QSwU92luDbvBAGfFTOZz156ypLKP04e8it8YfvsMsPO37Jrl6-zWzO4QK4cNLEOHbdENWrfOiLGiHl9I79cDE/" title="Museum" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Or, in the summer digging season, stand alongside the pit and watch the archaeologists at work. (OK, tantalizing TV style teaser. Cannibalism during the "starving times" at Jamestown. Bones discovered, age, history and origin decoded and a lifelike facial reproduction ...). It's not carnival sideshow hipe, it's the best work of the most advanced scientific archaeology in the world "right before your eyes"
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJL8xrOTMifo0fZJsnvWtUnPSjTC1_F3U6OVAljZe_PO_HTZ2TN08_TGsFQnITamqSE3Zy6qcV8-QeSPII9Yfb9uhTqy_obT9vnrFk3NLzABrmlkTxhaj92_OK0ThXCLt4WDb5zve5pg/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJL8xrOTMifo0fZJsnvWtUnPSjTC1_F3U6OVAljZe_PO_HTZ2TN08_TGsFQnITamqSE3Zy6qcV8-QeSPII9Yfb9uhTqy_obT9vnrFk3NLzABrmlkTxhaj92_OK0ThXCLt4WDb5zve5pg/" title="Peak" width="500" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
OK, there is the idealized, probably not so authentic statue of Pocahontas...</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We took other little trips like to Smithfield for the famous ham and she-crab soup and a stroll through their wonderful park and historical homes. We toured the mansion at Chippokes with our camp host/friend/docent and visited the brick kitchen with a family of park volunteers, mom and two little homeschooled kids, who wowed us with their knowledge and poise in sharing it with us. The volunteers here at Chippokes are mostly local folks, retired in this pastoral paradise and giving back from richly diverse lives. They were, every one, so warm and giving that we know we will return again. </div>
</div>
</div>
twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-77364201764566881832016-04-25T21:00:00.002-05:002016-04-29T08:05:06.128-05:00APPOMATTOX <span style="color: #ff8f00;"> Do we start at the Visitor Center and see if there is a Movie?</span>
That's our custom and a good way to start any visit to a Historical Park.
<span style="clear:"></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff8f00;">No</span><br />
, <span style="color:clear;">he said, looking down the grassy old road bounded by split rail</span><span style="color: #444444;">.</span> <span style="color: #ff8f00;">I think we should go down there and speak with Generals Grant and Robert E. Lee.</span>
<br />
In that sunny spot near Wilmer McLean's home, the two were speaking amiably to each other and to passers by. Perhaps General Lee did look a little down...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSct6du4QA-jrAk0HVHpG-zjIitybp5yWEWOdeiayrliNGxGeA9YT1iakYTR0XNrlAWEdrDamamPXI6pWDzprMb2f8JaSArb48xyEc6XIht-FRpaaWiF7T-fW8tCZD2dFAyKeyM_iD7I/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{"requiresResize":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSct6du4QA-jrAk0HVHpG-zjIitybp5yWEWOdeiayrliNGxGeA9YT1iakYTR0XNrlAWEdrDamamPXI6pWDzprMb2f8JaSArb48xyEc6XIht-FRpaaWiF7T-fW8tCZD2dFAyKeyM_iD7I/" title="The generals" width="500" /></a></div>
...but he livened up considerably when Patty showed up. Don't we all?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWL0Y19HPUPaAevXPnqkSR2FqAQ5AwkgpdmXfatZ7t7FdMbjLC6HjJ03fkoEaly_3oU0-TMBVlPJ_JpMoGcnwm60YTUmPYwI3W1TBs1GFRyAdPSuA3Z5p8J4EK2s4L_hdyl95XlKx3lNg/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{"requiresResize":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWL0Y19HPUPaAevXPnqkSR2FqAQ5AwkgpdmXfatZ7t7FdMbjLC6HjJ03fkoEaly_3oU0-TMBVlPJ_JpMoGcnwm60YTUmPYwI3W1TBs1GFRyAdPSuA3Z5p8J4EK2s4L_hdyl95XlKx3lNg/" title="Patty and Lee" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
We had just chanced on this reenactment of the the Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. There were fine encampments of Blue and Grey poised to stack arms and return home after a bloody four years. Through the afternoon we enjoyed chatting with the Union security force, watched the Engineers mapping the town and listened to tales of the last few days of the War Between the States.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1AhTFLrlLZUbLTIoFoeNMAuTit7i7l1Y5MKs11Vgy3QldWnMGKAQFEaik3xJ-pVGFPAodwJUkCI2RhapJNj_fURLGQVuvHlgQz-6N7RhkN8jZtFevhZnf3ON6AiXUuQymbGaRTlqNPI/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{"requiresResize":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1AhTFLrlLZUbLTIoFoeNMAuTit7i7l1Y5MKs11Vgy3QldWnMGKAQFEaik3xJ-pVGFPAodwJUkCI2RhapJNj_fURLGQVuvHlgQz-6N7RhkN8jZtFevhZnf3ON6AiXUuQymbGaRTlqNPI/" title="Engineer tent" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bcaUenN6rXujSP-VtiTWcubWL8aVxJn3ijD8jScw3uzu-9FrT0YSk3kQwx50D_iVArWfdXqO96O57z4gBLJj_ND7qXAf-W6jFKjN2gN9YhSXLobOAKK9Tlx9tEE8SnRdopt1RoGtuTA/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{"requiresResize":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bcaUenN6rXujSP-VtiTWcubWL8aVxJn3ijD8jScw3uzu-9FrT0YSk3kQwx50D_iVArWfdXqO96O57z4gBLJj_ND7qXAf-W6jFKjN2gN9YhSXLobOAKK9Tlx9tEE8SnRdopt1RoGtuTA/" title="Grant reviewing" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rNRjGlrHXjg5NPwBAoOGds5IfZa7H8KiA6ApFCi1YsAZhHw4WOQRXKTRfc8dq-2QEIShifZ1avbNj2ADm5YI2KduxcTD_ttoaDQYafDNBjs1jzpXUEF2bzSpFbiflJe361gITVFnsaA/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{"requiresResize":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rNRjGlrHXjg5NPwBAoOGds5IfZa7H8KiA6ApFCi1YsAZhHw4WOQRXKTRfc8dq-2QEIShifZ1avbNj2ADm5YI2KduxcTD_ttoaDQYafDNBjs1jzpXUEF2bzSpFbiflJe361gITVFnsaA/" title="Encampment" width="500" /></a></div>
Perhaps the encampment was idealized somewhat, but the film and exhibits in the Visitor Center brought the reality to the front with contemporary accounts and artifacts.<br />
<br />
We had traveled this way to ride the bike trail over the High Bridge which played an important role in the last battles of the War. We were just there for the thrill of riding high above the very high trees (and perhaps bag another t-shirt.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKEtCtf7zG73Se_k8Zr3vgTpgVXwQfcdkfY2zyIiZaWwwr8zea64bv0L-BWwCt1EpsYP_4-umA_n6yA00yq66Gjnvlfi-KavX-ZpNMRYlP_AG3wuViD-reXauiUziXrOerSE0b6tFNzI/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{"requiresResize":true}" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKEtCtf7zG73Se_k8Zr3vgTpgVXwQfcdkfY2zyIiZaWwwr8zea64bv0L-BWwCt1EpsYP_4-umA_n6yA00yq66Gjnvlfi-KavX-ZpNMRYlP_AG3wuViD-reXauiUziXrOerSE0b6tFNzI/" title="High bridge" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
We did all that and a few miles more from the town of Farmville. Then we returned to our own encampment at Holiday Lake SP which I reluctantly report was a disappointment. Imagine the Buckingham Appomattox State Forest with its thousands of acres. Then imagine allocating a couple of side hills near the lake to cram in as many sites as possible --beautifully paved sites which were nowhere close to level in any direction. It appears that the Corps of Enginners built this with lots of equipment and a design sketched out in catsup on the back of McDonalds wrapper. There is another loop which may be better but one must be 30' to qualify. (Rant over now)<br />
.
twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-88448054688125960992016-04-17T21:03:00.000-05:002016-04-23T14:10:04.908-05:00Fries Virginia<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Nobody comes to Fries by accident</span>, we were told by the first resident we met. Tom is the owner of the<a href="http://www.friesrvpark.com/" target="_blank"> Fries New River Trail RV </a>Park (the park that exceeds your expectations) and he already had. We had followed his detailed directions up and Down hills, over the low water bridge on the wide wide New River, past two churches, across the tiny creek and up the narrow valley where he met us with a warm smile and a basket of home baked muffins. WOW! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The campground was lovely, with broad gravel pads, lush lawn dropping down to the tiny stream, full hookups, cable and wifi that actually works</span>.
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayVpNlZT74PoPzL4C8U0EhSJHAoCg_PnKjawRWvoCJBXg8NUT37Xs6LzX0lMXEoUg9KHoXGBahLq2zEdYLjEhyphenhyphenQ71OAhUa3YTcuxJzsmqivt-XTRBt9sms5zmyMdfK1Tx_7EEoACtY5w/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayVpNlZT74PoPzL4C8U0EhSJHAoCg_PnKjawRWvoCJBXg8NUT37Xs6LzX0lMXEoUg9KHoXGBahLq2zEdYLjEhyphenhyphenQ71OAhUa3YTcuxJzsmqivt-XTRBt9sms5zmyMdfK1Tx_7EEoACtY5w/" title="Office" width="500" /></a></div>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">OFFICE, BATHHOUSE, COVERED PORCH WITH ROCKERS</span></h1>
<span style="font-size: large;">Tom told us about the history of the town (<a href="http://www.friesrvpark.com/about_fries_va/about_fries_va.html" target="_blank">more on the website)</a>, the construction of the Park and invited us to the community music event at the theater that night. Time's wasting and the sun is dropping fast, so we set up on our elevated pad.
</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNdU0Eyj8Uwls1Vq0fOwBRKQ4HNdQrKLHZe_n_mSaVcjvL-vODUHlibzVwPS5s0fR5Fz152v0vkl8BBfy4VzVHpYXLC4tL4YYDAX2APlHQ-iWONkptDFNlbTwmo2IVVb-WZLypIMQEt8/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNdU0Eyj8Uwls1Vq0fOwBRKQ4HNdQrKLHZe_n_mSaVcjvL-vODUHlibzVwPS5s0fR5Fz152v0vkl8BBfy4VzVHpYXLC4tL4YYDAX2APlHQ-iWONkptDFNlbTwmo2IVVb-WZLypIMQEt8/" title="Pad" width="500" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFboI_I-HXD2_YZzBp4qDerxBkP2HwhWveGF79JmxnCNhsRrx6mMiiMiaKlvjxEvKlh-7z8u-Al2cwOrDjXE0OUeskhBIBROTN1teW7dpKlbYn-3VJCsYeEwhI2Y-L-lNckv4AaPQsYg/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFboI_I-HXD2_YZzBp4qDerxBkP2HwhWveGF79JmxnCNhsRrx6mMiiMiaKlvjxEvKlh-7z8u-Al2cwOrDjXE0OUeskhBIBROTN1teW7dpKlbYn-3VJCsYeEwhI2Y-L-lNckv4AaPQsYg/" title="Pad 2" width="500" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>
The crowd at the Jam was welcoming. Musicians sat in a big circle trading quips among themselves and then spinning out a tune. Couples and singles danced around the circle as the spirit moved them. Saturday the music would be more formal with the mikes on stage hosting a rotation of players.
Walking home along the two main streets, we studied the 300+ nearly identical homes built as housing for the mill workers. The mill is long gone and each house showed the individual finishes and flourishes of the owners, but you would be hard pressed to find a single panel in need of paint or a garden not neatly kept. The jobs have migrated away, but the pride and fellowship of the citizens shows in many ways. Fries and neighboring Galax (the Big city of 2500) have embraced tourism as the way forward; the beauty of the place and the spirit of the residents seem to us to guarantee success.
We, of course, came for the biking on the New River Trail. The old railroad ended on a spur at Fries and another spur in Galax. Our favorite section runs downstream along the wide River from Fries to the junction, then upstream on little Chestnut Creek. The route contrasts the two streams, includes the long long bridge trestle and a short tunnel, even a waterfall along Chestnut.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvuMZzdJgXAgKCkkzY_sVf0iq9t_rSsSFeoJI6UuOJiX5dX703LjKbqOkn9exnS-2fn6LHY7D2vnwFeEClhDeTjNNWKl2ecQi3z7qNm_rTzdqhXA7VxHRW3L8WrH3viFqMyIAqOpLobY/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" class=" alignleft" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvuMZzdJgXAgKCkkzY_sVf0iq9t_rSsSFeoJI6UuOJiX5dX703LjKbqOkn9exnS-2fn6LHY7D2vnwFeEClhDeTjNNWKl2ecQi3z7qNm_rTzdqhXA7VxHRW3L8WrH3viFqMyIAqOpLobY/" title="Rapids" width="500" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3oQEx-2euoWbUt8yIzIeYErEBy-RaD8eoAvQ4hiHi5Ia6bXfx-y5CmCIZAAKkd2SzMQeSjsbXTyvLcJZLHPXPvFdne5tiVn8e7qK31ebKNXUYB71S-dHKC8ZMaQnORu5t0SQwJwWAn8/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3oQEx-2euoWbUt8yIzIeYErEBy-RaD8eoAvQ4hiHi5Ia6bXfx-y5CmCIZAAKkd2SzMQeSjsbXTyvLcJZLHPXPvFdne5tiVn8e7qK31ebKNXUYB71S-dHKC8ZMaQnORu5t0SQwJwWAn8/" title="<br /><br />
edbud" width="500" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRAKXppB-Q41oM8N4V8HScgqCidUHrsjE2zJRpVtVnn-7nb-sAj6Xu-z6YBYh4C0hFlrFOyMowzjMzy3rnrzIR9VJHwZi2a1xe6bZDHaOTEi0Ljxm1l0RMjQDjy3HIJJRvu9SGFH1rlM/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRAKXppB-Q41oM8N4V8HScgqCidUHrsjE2zJRpVtVnn-7nb-sAj6Xu-z6YBYh4C0hFlrFOyMowzjMzy3rnrzIR9VJHwZi2a1xe6bZDHaOTEi0Ljxm1l0RMjQDjy3HIJJRvu9SGFH1rlM/" title="The falls" width="500" /></a></div>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
CHESTNUT FALLS
</h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1B4KJ3iYCdSdAYomjoRHD-G_2QPdVELVGyWQSb8xS5BP3YIxYbhypIX5PoiOOcb16F4a-bAiLi9C5JAkJZUcgOX8kWIerKoP2Rwja70RlPc0te6b0gk08_qzEkXI51wtWRUmIafsYa4/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</a></div>
twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com0Fries, VA, USA36.7162368 -80.97869229999997736.690779299999996 -81.019032799999977 36.7416943 -80.938351799999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-83162928705122050392016-04-17T04:16:00.000-05:002016-04-21T13:20:30.392-05:00Woodring Campground (COE)<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Verdana;">We are "perched" on a narrow pad stacked on the edge of a long arm extending into Lake Carter in North Georgia.</span>
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Verdana;">
</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZvhbhHGfEOCSkk-7cjGmPtvGoj2VMBHpyhuDhheQQQJD_Gpr1u4jSFvOKfLzetSlvif-Em4FnOn3z1j6nkynUSrW0IaL96bHG3TOpaD4eFTdH30-wthjfeDB3Aq0i0uLUldFoinmOLA/"><img title="Perch" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZvhbhHGfEOCSkk-7cjGmPtvGoj2VMBHpyhuDhheQQQJD_Gpr1u4jSFvOKfLzetSlvif-Em4FnOn3z1j6nkynUSrW0IaL96bHG3TOpaD4eFTdH30-wthjfeDB3Aq0i0uLUldFoinmOLA/" alt="" width="678" height="904" data-json="" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Verdana;"> It is quiet now after a night of light rain. Just a few campers on this weekday.</span>
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Verdana;">If this campground were full, you might be looking down at the roof of your fellow campers. </span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jwFSW6M9BOXcT29b5QDrk9RiFWzPtyMubO0KvNMI-vE3NCSalASR9_P_l89jOE6USQqEo_NW2HDCMKhWJHyDRUo7q5v_hGqqEQr9-0mDnaHvY7S_Ctq-0r5PG2EEX1Dvp4MYzdn46Dw/"><img title="Top down" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jwFSW6M9BOXcT29b5QDrk9RiFWzPtyMubO0KvNMI-vE3NCSalASR9_P_l89jOE6USQqEo_NW2HDCMKhWJHyDRUo7q5v_hGqqEQr9-0mDnaHvY7S_Ctq-0r5PG2EEX1Dvp4MYzdn46Dw/" alt="" width="850" height="637" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Verdana;"> There seems to be no problem moving into the well engineered (Duh!) slots, even those that ramp up or down sharply to level pads.</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnh9F041DRAoD0NoA2lwH-XjXnAlhyphenhyphendU8WsNGTQfxwm2SdHfFppD54CUG8X40Fcbhwkw68fPdZA1Vt4M2Eh2GH6LrhQCxDdjL-UM_FtP1hegT3zdLW0m99OXwzPG8QtAFbj5zShkGP5g/"><img title="Long narrow" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnh9F041DRAoD0NoA2lwH-XjXnAlhyphenhyphendU8WsNGTQfxwm2SdHfFppD54CUG8X40Fcbhwkw68fPdZA1Vt4M2Eh2GH6LrhQCxDdjL-UM_FtP1hegT3zdLW0m99OXwzPG8QtAFbj5zShkGP5g/" alt="" width="774" height="581" data-json="" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 18px;">
There are a few with "balcony" decks and a few that open to spacious patios on the curb side. Ours has a nice table, fire ring and grill at the rear. </span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymMgimXaZ9PwITl5C0_PShddBULEqeLEa3ayzpRPMbpHzy17QcWrNGTymSR7BYeF8_UZT3E_CPIo8e2rwMFlKyXlmqfrT4GUbnjQApvJ-7sC6_J6fkzAZfK5gZGB0OMdIuOw7YGXulH4/"><img title="Balcony" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymMgimXaZ9PwITl5C0_PShddBULEqeLEa3ayzpRPMbpHzy17QcWrNGTymSR7BYeF8_UZT3E_CPIo8e2rwMFlKyXlmqfrT4GUbnjQApvJ-7sC6_J6fkzAZfK5gZGB0OMdIuOw7YGXulH4/" alt="" width="900" height="675" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 18px;"> Cannot beat the view across a narrow arm surrounded by pine forest. </span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsEGP6umdUdxFiCWCUf6MOGvgHgFZ6FNco8qgZTRmckAheQXHGk7MtMmhy4cezZdAE5Qk1wsKJOGLvWxMoBm5KfzJjpvNblOG75WLUvLTCNW9KSFoRPgjEWDMvvEm3x2RExiNzMshs54/"><img title="View" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsEGP6umdUdxFiCWCUf6MOGvgHgFZ6FNco8qgZTRmckAheQXHGk7MtMmhy4cezZdAE5Qk1wsKJOGLvWxMoBm5KfzJjpvNblOG75WLUvLTCNW9KSFoRPgjEWDMvvEm3x2RExiNzMshs54/" alt="" width="862" height="646" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 18px;"> Of course, we arrived after "prescribed burn" The steep slopes are scorched, but last week's rain settled the ash and brought back splashes of Dwarf Iris .</span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 18px;">
</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLUxBlmCr8_XY59VlM_EoFIIHuGgxxF_AmqKsNTlRquFHq0oObJFrsSFGfI6Zy1scMCmK8Bu-H7O5TwV4M6VVRTyIRBCQd_nnAnK2t70cnzpmS5YN04jbe-rx1SaJqh0KoGGgAn1ggqE/"><img title="Patty burn" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLUxBlmCr8_XY59VlM_EoFIIHuGgxxF_AmqKsNTlRquFHq0oObJFrsSFGfI6Zy1scMCmK8Bu-H7O5TwV4M6VVRTyIRBCQd_nnAnK2t70cnzpmS5YN04jbe-rx1SaJqh0KoGGgAn1ggqE/" alt="" width="800" height="600" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 18px;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 18px;">
</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDk1wWmiiI5e-zHyQFAo4BsNdomNGi42XoXo86vpd0YZ03o-iWx6bPIrecfl5r7ov23XF7KkMB0ZwrMGtZbNFpkeOhMArWyFIlwNd8VKP8AZMslGwuYVhVsupYjvZWSSUluYSnWsfX5c/"><img title="Burn" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDk1wWmiiI5e-zHyQFAo4BsNdomNGi42XoXo86vpd0YZ03o-iWx6bPIrecfl5r7ov23XF7KkMB0ZwrMGtZbNFpkeOhMArWyFIlwNd8VKP8AZMslGwuYVhVsupYjvZWSSUluYSnWsfX5c/" alt="" width="739" height="986" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzF66rBXocixi6VEkIUjGo3oWFMk0D1OTjV-RlPkzYX_0ecJtcAn4DQ9l2dAICBicI7A9TP5KckYBWBaOcVHhDdr7-jJYOVK1byOdVjnCTJPmlwWbRMUMqpSoVqQJ9opMa33DdmERcnH4/"><img title="Iris" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzF66rBXocixi6VEkIUjGo3oWFMk0D1OTjV-RlPkzYX_0ecJtcAn4DQ9l2dAICBicI7A9TP5KckYBWBaOcVHhDdr7-jJYOVK1byOdVjnCTJPmlwWbRMUMqpSoVqQJ9opMa33DdmERcnH4/" alt="" width="769" height="577" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 20px;">It's only an overnight stop for us, but a pretty one. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 20px;">
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 20px;">In the morning, we will wind back the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">six mile</span> approach road to equally twisty Hwy 76, then on to Ellijay Georgia. From there, it's easy -- Big roads, Dogwoods sparkling on hillsides budding out in a full spectrum of greens, through the smoothly paved Nantahalla Gorge and on along the Smoky Mountain Expressway. (We moaned and groaned when the were building this road -- the mess, the disruption, the changes it would bring..., but the scars have healed, the inevitable development not <span style="text-decoration: underline;">that</span><em> bad, </em>and it sure is smooth sailing with a trailer.) We'll stop for lunch at the Asheville Farmers Market, then WAY more Interstate than we prefer to another tranquil gem of a campground.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 18px;">
</span></div><div id="bpp_credits" style="clear: both; float: right; width: 200px; height: 70px; text-align:right;"><a href="http://www.blogpadpro.com" target="_blank" style="text-decoration : none;"><span style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 8pt; color:#999;">Edited with BlogPad Pro</span><img style="vertical-align: middle; padding-left: 5px;" src="http://files.blogpadpro.com/images/speech-bubble.png" width="25" height="25" /></a></div>twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-73660668422496932132016-04-10T13:04:00.000-05:002016-04-11T15:03:17.698-05:00Catching up.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> It will soon be nearly a month since our last post. Sure, we can blame it on the evil geniuses at Apple who released an upgrade which turned the older iPads into <b><i>paper weights</i></b>...or...the changes to their operating system which forced our beloved Blogsy app <i style="font-weight: bold;">off the market, </i>but the truth is we have just been having <i style="font-weight: bold;">too much fun </i>hanging with good friends in wonderful, but familiar, places, eating well and often.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgyuy_2kgxeCYafYtQ-Tzy04cmovyf-qNiQ_e6kxkm0eU4BBE8xgUCZML8pKOR8POOqaNJ0tyqHGfKq-kt07B3-4reqi47vW0HcL6JF69V7IhnEh-oXd6vWESx7YdZav-8wE_rz0RVz4/s1600/DSCF5936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgyuy_2kgxeCYafYtQ-Tzy04cmovyf-qNiQ_e6kxkm0eU4BBE8xgUCZML8pKOR8POOqaNJ0tyqHGfKq-kt07B3-4reqi47vW0HcL6JF69V7IhnEh-oXd6vWESx7YdZav-8wE_rz0RVz4/s400/DSCF5936.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">W</span>e returned to Savannah with the intention of knocking about in that lovely city for a couple days<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">--</span> --DID YOU KNOW that Savannah hosts the <i><b>second largest St Patrick's Day in the country</b></i>? The hipe on local news outlets is intense, covering every detail of the preparations and generally chasing away most folks over thirty. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the days prior, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">w</span></span>e took a day to wander about the beautiful squares in our geriatric way, celebrating some good medical news for our friend and videoing a little "Dance of Joy" in each green spot. Sorry, these have been embargoed, as well they should be. We can report that many fountains were Kelly <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">G</span>reen....</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWkNcPAh00s7fMoIunLvxkhncQpHLakKqxYLfwK1UDYlhpHD0ehy_E-Xppd3Ece2FEm45KOp8seh_XUqdo5YrogO_t-nK6qXr634NiGfgNeqwo_tY630mdmeVnomtd0ukrOsIB7JU1IQ/s1600/DSCF5940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWkNcPAh00s7fMoIunLvxkhncQpHLakKqxYLfwK1UDYlhpHD0ehy_E-Xppd3Ece2FEm45KOp8seh_XUqdo5YrogO_t-nK6qXr634NiGfgNeqwo_tY630mdmeVnomtd0ukrOsIB7JU1IQ/s320/DSCF5940.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ...many garden spaces<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> were green and inviting...</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSuviq3xo1fVDn2AZbZXUpSHzegtvvhjg85qiyb2GGPts2LYDG5s_Kj4sm8N_JrvfjDGOqlWr6Vrl_kDMRJ1froteYCuP4Nm642mU7Yr_psXYAxuoiwNNvuJLRavlHn5vdBI8ugMRj9g/s1600/DSCF5939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSuviq3xo1fVDn2AZbZXUpSHzegtvvhjg85qiyb2GGPts2LYDG5s_Kj4sm8N_JrvfjDGOqlWr6Vrl_kDMRJ1froteYCuP4Nm642mU7Yr_psXYAxuoiwNNvuJLRavlHn5vdBI8ugMRj9g/s400/DSCF5939.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ...and <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">celebratory decorations seem to remain in place for some undetermined interval... </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A green haze of pine pollen hung over the campground at Skidaway Park and frequent ablutions for trailer and tow vehicle were required until a cleansing shower cleared the air. In the meantime, we extended our stay several times as we fou<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">nd new friends to enjoy late night ice cream and other local delights. (One great <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">advantage</span> of the Georgia Park <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">reservation</span> system is that the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">sites are <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">unassigned</span>, meaning when you score a <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">cancellation to extend your stay, you don't have to move. When you see a site you covet, you <u>can</u> move without new paperwork. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">L</span>ess headaches <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">for <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">staff and patrons. In the Georgia Parks we have visited, all sites seem spacious and adequate for any type of camper.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.nps.gov/fopu/index.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">FORT PULASKI</span></span></span></a></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><img alt="Burning of the White House, 1814 " src="http://cdn.history.com/sites/2/2015/04/hith-british-burn-washington-dc-200-years-ago-E.jpeg" height="224" itemprop="image" width="400" /></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When the <a href="http://www.history.com/news/the-british-burn-washington-d-c-200-years-ago" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">British burned Washington</a> DC in 1814, an embarrassed nation began construction of 42 "Third System" defensive seacoast forts. We have visited a few of these but none so well preserved as Fort Pulaski, built on pilings and wooden decking in in a coastal marsh -- built so well that two centuries later it shows not a single crack. Today an obscure turn off the causeway to Tybee Island reveals the well preserved fort with visitors center and introduces us to volunteer and NPS interpreters who brought the place to life. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6aTF8P76stlJcXBVIl5wnNGJ8pmQkue1zRwrzrUcqLtCT0G-BUqV8gk1WbPcsnfIpRrXTUQ9izTK0Kb75Kdmti28Sjo8bGwuMnHP3Hy8wRn91dJm5hmtB3As_dg4Uxog1-BNJn4oqMQ/s1600/1-DSCF5944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6aTF8P76stlJcXBVIl5wnNGJ8pmQkue1zRwrzrUcqLtCT0G-BUqV8gk1WbPcsnfIpRrXTUQ9izTK0Kb75Kdmti28Sjo8bGwuMnHP3Hy8wRn91dJm5hmtB3As_dg4Uxog1-BNJn4oqMQ/s640/1-DSCF5944.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDwMlKJohDDxDfii90XWHvhtQBrtDptR1oCX7xnimu4AAdUYIvKffGLQDdN4sPFCW_8fEcfxYv9_FZj7ES1PdXUO5CQ78uLoTcDc_91oZgVHntINEVBGEm_IoZEj7fxwYWmzwTlNGh7Q/s1600/3-DSCF5952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDwMlKJohDDxDfii90XWHvhtQBrtDptR1oCX7xnimu4AAdUYIvKffGLQDdN4sPFCW_8fEcfxYv9_FZj7ES1PdXUO5CQ78uLoTcDc_91oZgVHntINEVBGEm_IoZEj7fxwYWmzwTlNGh7Q/s320/3-DSCF5952.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKueQgHuMq-YJO3Yhl0FEvtY14ZwoAZw_XtJV10aHJ7bg2Pqy92ZEBinRAhNEEdflkSkks7YaphiyPFO7MZEUDKV1HmjmXWNTqWTeF_MPpqNKhREl8VFAWI3i7qRtOgti1Q6iKqk_Nj3c/s1600/1-S0865968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKueQgHuMq-YJO3Yhl0FEvtY14ZwoAZw_XtJV10aHJ7bg2Pqy92ZEBinRAhNEEdflkSkks7YaphiyPFO7MZEUDKV1HmjmXWNTqWTeF_MPpqNKhREl8VFAWI3i7qRtOgti1Q6iKqk_Nj3c/s320/1-S0865968.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzU8nO2uS6ccGzMsM1SmOYo2UDmtFvdCdmENIbLYk3Tf76lgC3GHb4jR594DURnw0youQS0UrPjEsDwGKFmUffiClUNZ4VilO2nNv-spD_ryZgurkcH5IhQyH_kqmE9p1gIxxdVj00VQ/s1600/2016-03-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzU8nO2uS6ccGzMsM1SmOYo2UDmtFvdCdmENIbLYk3Tf76lgC3GHb4jR594DURnw0youQS0UrPjEsDwGKFmUffiClUNZ4VilO2nNv-spD_ryZgurkcH5IhQyH_kqmE9p1gIxxdVj00VQ/s640/2016-03-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">TEXTURES OF FORT PULASKI: ALL BRICKS AND STONE WERE IMPORTED BY SHIP FROM NEW ENGLAND</span></span></h3>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;">
<br /></div>
<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">JEKYLL ISLAND BIKING</span></span> </h2>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8shb8KBUZsMfY4LJkPPeQLbNxAmHcg7dEgyjFWz6Yym9HXE2Qq5EP7drwXQWVSLJSFpU0i4V2wuetPZpjqUs4M-MGMe_zeIiwIoa7387F_wM6SuGwVKdE0ZvSzNW9HwkFubLHDbTivA/s1600/2-IMG_4359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8shb8KBUZsMfY4LJkPPeQLbNxAmHcg7dEgyjFWz6Yym9HXE2Qq5EP7drwXQWVSLJSFpU0i4V2wuetPZpjqUs4M-MGMe_zeIiwIoa7387F_wM6SuGwVKdE0ZvSzNW9HwkFubLHDbTivA/s640/2-IMG_4359.JPG" width="640" /></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;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An</span>other day <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">we biked the many <a href="http://www.goldenisles.com/listing/jekyll-island-trail-system" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">varied trails of Jekyll</a> Island. Honestly, I do not know what that community could do to make it more inviting and rewarding for bike riding! <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">W</span>e rode hard all over the island until Al flatted. We patched up and met our friend Carol for lunch in sight of the M<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">illionaires</span> row.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXfNrrH3baV4sb_bf38cEgMlln_qoMknEXUsygWj4NoSNUVn-XJPbZZKtjRAeAEsrvsnlpiBkw7LRzFf-fV-HknWDT5qUAEkHwR9nA_UJT2i5MpUaoyVg-Isi1oGOMwxzniYrJKKNcdE/s1600/1-IMG_4355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXfNrrH3baV4sb_bf38cEgMlln_qoMknEXUsygWj4NoSNUVn-XJPbZZKtjRAeAEsrvsnlpiBkw7LRzFf-fV-HknWDT5qUAEkHwR9nA_UJT2i5MpUaoyVg-Isi1oGOMwxzniYrJKKNcdE/s200/1-IMG_4355.JPG" width="186" /></a></div>
<ul> </ul>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Wheeled Birding. Is it any surprise that we only identify birds over a foot tall?</span></h3>
<ul> </ul>
<ul> </ul>
<ul> </ul>
<ul> </ul>
<ul><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eight days in the Ides of March at Skidaway meant lots of March Madness Basketball, a fair quantity of ice cream and new friends. </span></span></ul>
<ul><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> We decided to bypass the many urban delights of Charleston to join Susannne and Keith at what was promised to be a "Thoreau-like experience." </span></span> </ul>
<ul> </ul>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/dreherisland/introduction.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DREHER ISLAND</a> STATE PARK</span></h2>
<ul></ul>
<ul> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lB-j6ACEB5f4Z5V3WY9ev1sG0FGTnG-sQfzDOXWxCGAklCiaaEtBWEZG7i_eUWA95d5eIBK8xvci3o-JCYtN3P-urSboMCO0baDkPgDVilu1RKGkzEcS31pDb7M21wyG7m3G4DYf1io/s1600/3-0175428fcde5020b8f1b5c19e48673cbaa149e840d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lB-j6ACEB5f4Z5V3WY9ev1sG0FGTnG-sQfzDOXWxCGAklCiaaEtBWEZG7i_eUWA95d5eIBK8xvci3o-JCYtN3P-urSboMCO0baDkPgDVilu1RKGkzEcS31pDb7M21wyG7m3G4DYf1io/s320/3-0175428fcde5020b8f1b5c19e48673cbaa149e840d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYMnwNWElPsGnJp_RDZhasAftbJpIax7m3eV779-uQs0szqZipE4PsoXTdv6C9GZSFSBOsmESIM_QLCLfuMdNyg2crKrnzSlYDVDkWiDW26T6XJA4to1HmkUiIP0_YgsByN1XPjoFHCU/s1600/4-018f37c0ba92755a6a7e4b26375df79a2a1190eb16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYMnwNWElPsGnJp_RDZhasAftbJpIax7m3eV779-uQs0szqZipE4PsoXTdv6C9GZSFSBOsmESIM_QLCLfuMdNyg2crKrnzSlYDVDkWiDW26T6XJA4to1HmkUiIP0_YgsByN1XPjoFHCU/s320/4-018f37c0ba92755a6a7e4b26375df79a2a1190eb16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</ul>
<ul> </ul>
<h3>
WHO COULD DENY IT? Nearly empty on weekday, Loons swimming and calling at sunrise, Osprey lifting HUGE fish just at shoreline, sunsets to calm us and good friends to share it with. With chef Keith at the grill, we didn't miss Charleston dining at all. </h3>
<ul> </ul>
<ul> </ul>
<h2>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">DAVIDSON RIVER</span></span></b></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">The fun continued as we both secured cherished electric sites at Davidson. Reunited, we drove to Etowah for pizza at our favorite place and up to the Blue Ridge for sunset at Wagon Road Gap. The full moon lit the descent. (Did I say how wonderful it is to have Susannne along to remind us just how lucky we are?) </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsMSVjUKKrS-HsnEcvVsfelVjCw-kvjt9oIf72XEffiAmW2joFX-ugecLT5ENnM4NFDJvoodCZNYXDluMRWOVUJqnwPnriPV4VESCYwCQpYa8-UMnZRSk-GNJX-LX-snuHwasHjKyBJs/s1600/1-014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsMSVjUKKrS-HsnEcvVsfelVjCw-kvjt9oIf72XEffiAmW2joFX-ugecLT5ENnM4NFDJvoodCZNYXDluMRWOVUJqnwPnriPV4VESCYwCQpYa8-UMnZRSk-GNJX-LX-snuHwasHjKyBJs/s400/1-014.jpg" width="293" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47kl6VCjOo4CyrEHYQAontn4E1RLA7p-MxQKwsMFKPkKk35bjrWeBPVG95VwTaprFkaHDqaUsx3BiD2KAIfMk3pT_vlxBjyGxcMw4ld9J7y7W7h4L-1INyFQNnswcthBZTfqk1QDvCJs/s1600/2-01291ba9353c95df8124aee30756adc0e03dbce28c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47kl6VCjOo4CyrEHYQAontn4E1RLA7p-MxQKwsMFKPkKk35bjrWeBPVG95VwTaprFkaHDqaUsx3BiD2KAIfMk3pT_vlxBjyGxcMw4ld9J7y7W7h4L-1INyFQNnswcthBZTfqk1QDvCJs/s320/2-01291ba9353c95df8124aee30756adc0e03dbce28c.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We hiked in search of waterfalls, ate again at Blue Ridge Pizza, and when the temperature dropped, we just drove to some favorite places prior to our Pizza fix. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeDN4vAB7Mi3X4VupdN_c5GuJNOmmyUG64_Irb7QRh5WbtQM1jxznbynq39GO8DoLowNit_yvzU6zWGy5x7MRf90gNC6jK_E_TuFfrfg9BUx2xblMBJhqBf0g9MZMRryzQyAYiTcvrOw/s1600/1-01ebf34746eeb25b78b2b99b41c5eec0866da15b9d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeDN4vAB7Mi3X4VupdN_c5GuJNOmmyUG64_Irb7QRh5WbtQM1jxznbynq39GO8DoLowNit_yvzU6zWGy5x7MRf90gNC6jK_E_TuFfrfg9BUx2xblMBJhqBf0g9MZMRryzQyAYiTcvrOw/s640/1-01ebf34746eeb25b78b2b99b41c5eec0866da15b9d.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Basketball was getting exciting and the barkeep promised us front row seats when the games went off the channels we could receive. There are NO pictures of Patty nursing a beer (and eating yet another Pizza) at the bar. She claims this as a first.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">MASS MURDER AND MAYHEM...the ANTS!</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are also no combat photos of the invasion of huge red headed marsh ants we imported from Skidaway. We had seen a couple earlier and dispatched them, but nightfall brought a massed attack. They proved unstompable and Patty responded by thumbing them to death and depositing the corpses in the commode. As the bodies piled up and her thumb ran red with blood, she called for illumination, then dispatched Al to seek out the source. Al wanted to go nuclear with atomized weaponry, but since the battle ground was near the bed, she feared collateral damage. Finally we used the vacuum to "mop up" and deployed a minefield of little borax bomblets to deal with survivors. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It might be argued that bringing an iPad into this kind of war zone might cause difficulties -- like turning it into a BRICK. But, NO, that was all on the geniuses at Apple and might have led to some frustration. This played out at The Alumalina Airstream Rally at Palmetto Cove in South Carolina, but 100+ Airstreams, a couple hundred great folks and lots of food has a palliative effect. We joined with friends we consider family, met and played with new folks from all over and enjoyed every story and every detail of the lovingly restored trailers we toured. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We felt a little vintage ourselves on 1 April as we celebrated the start of our seventh year as Airstream owners and nearly 1000 days on the road. <a href="http://airgo.blogspot.com/p/airstream-thing.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Can you imagine trying to tell your family about that purchase on April Fools day?)</a></span></span><br />
<br />twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com2Montgomery, AL, USA32.3668052 -86.2999689000000132.152163200000004 -86.6226924 32.5814472 -85.977245400000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-56280000342028728412016-03-11T14:58:00.000-06:002016-03-13T20:31:23.778-05:00Crooked River State Park<p><font face="Verdana" size="5"> </font></p><p> <font face="Verdana" size="5">Crooked River State Park, like so many Georgia parks, is lovingly designed with spacious campsites, well maintained facilities and sensible reservation policies. Near the lovely village of St Mary's and the launch point for a visit to Cumberland Island NS, it has been a <a href="http://airgo.blogspot.com/2014/03/crooked-river-state-park-georgia.html" target="_blank" title="">regular stop </a>for us.</font></p><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Daytrip to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm" target="_blank" title="">Cumberland Island National Seashore</a>.</font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-phYVazhNYTU/VuW4k5Ew1QI/AAAAAAAAzJw/1-mrwE_WKHA/s2048/Photo%25252020160313145910194.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-phYVazhNYTU/VuW4k5Ew1QI/AAAAAAAAzJw/1-mrwE_WKHA/s500/Photo%25252020160313145910194.jpg" id="blogsy-1457919014737.7756" class="alignnone" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Waiting for the "Q</font><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">ueen" to board for the 45 minute ferry ride to the island.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zGa5iN8OM_0/VuW4mGfX_gI/AAAAAAAAzJ0/sB9lTRIpdsM/s1328/Photo%25252020160313145910352.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zGa5iN8OM_0/VuW4mGfX_gI/AAAAAAAAzJ0/sB9lTRIpdsM/s500/Photo%25252020160313145910352.jpg" id="blogsy-1457919014675.5652" class="alignleft" width="248" height="402" alt=""></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">There were the over-prepared....it was breezy all day and the bugs were NO problem. Is that suspenders AND belt, headnet AND bug spray..?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hOy69YJVUqU/VuW4n-yG58I/AAAAAAAAzJ4/LZInB5prZ28/s1626/Photo%25252020160313145910532.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hOy69YJVUqU/VuW4n-yG58I/AAAAAAAAzJ4/LZInB5prZ28/s500/Photo%25252020160313145910532.jpg" id="blogsy-1457919014748.9368" class="alignright" width="309" height="232" alt=""></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">...and today's prize for inappropriate footwear goes to....the fashionista with the Huge handbag AND the lavishly stylish messenger bag.</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">On<a href="http://airgo.blogspot.com/2012/02/cumberland-island-national-seashore.html" target="_blank" title=""> earlier trips</a>, we counted ourselves fortunate to see two, maybe three, of the wild horses. Today we were greeted by a small herd right at the ferry landing --and BONUS, a new foal just minutes old. We watched for nearly a hour until Patty was sure he/she was wandering about unsteadily and had located lunch.</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">ANXIOUS MOMENTS....</font></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AiDCP_vFCjQ/VuW4pBIApVI/AAAAAAAAzJ8/0nb9qqlj4Ng/s1203/Photo%25252020160313145910656.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AiDCP_vFCjQ/VuW4pBIApVI/AAAAAAAAzJ8/0nb9qqlj4Ng/s500/Photo%25252020160313145910656.jpg" id="blogsy-1457919014735.5854" class="" width="300" height="391" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ANXIOUS MOMENTS </td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQB62cazxqxPGL0yvH2frZa-fwOuRa4Gi4P-RdmJD5F1gaWxJTPvp2btlZJGa0UfiS7NNEo0izV1HePbEEOn4FXa2IYeS1f3rf5LJrDx-k_zutdPbNGchlPgRC3NuRumz7URmYtvrB3BY/s1097/Photo%25252020160313145910783.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQB62cazxqxPGL0yvH2frZa-fwOuRa4Gi4P-RdmJD5F1gaWxJTPvp2btlZJGa0UfiS7NNEo0izV1HePbEEOn4FXa2IYeS1f3rf5LJrDx-k_zutdPbNGchlPgRC3NuRumz7URmYtvrB3BY/s500/Photo%25252020160313145910783.jpg" id="blogsy-1457919014750.1755" class="alignleft" width="342" height="328" alt=""></a></div><p><font size="6"> </font></p><p><font size="6"> </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="6"> ...for everyone</font>.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EKMYaWOZP5w/VuW4tDxfABI/AAAAAAAAzKE/6MHY6xXpqaE/s1624/Photo%25252020160313145910963.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EKMYaWOZP5w/VuW4tDxfABI/AAAAAAAAzKE/6MHY6xXpqaE/s500/Photo%25252020160313145910963.jpg" id="blogsy-1457919014734.6392" class="alignnone" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DuW1ZVI6vRc/VuW4wQFNH3I/AAAAAAAAzKI/tTMgGLjDjJw/s1841/Photo%25252020160313145911248.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DuW1ZVI6vRc/VuW4wQFNH3I/AAAAAAAAzKI/tTMgGLjDjJw/s500/Photo%25252020160313145911248.jpg" id="blogsy-1457919014730.794" class="alignnone" width="500" height="469" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WSc680zDV5w/VuW4zke0dnI/AAAAAAAAzKM/_WcX_v3x_Bw/s2048/Photo%25252020160313145911582.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WSc680zDV5w/VuW4zke0dnI/AAAAAAAAzKM/_WcX_v3x_Bw/s500/Photo%25252020160313145911582.jpg" id="blogsy-1457919014721.493" class="" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vo_8c_lEJYM/VuW421xJ4cI/AAAAAAAAzKQ/HnmZXDv7Aww/s1829/Photo%25252020160313145911946.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vo_8c_lEJYM/VuW421xJ4cI/AAAAAAAAzKQ/HnmZXDv7Aww/s500/Photo%25252020160313145911946.jpg" id="blogsy-1457919014743.487" class="alignnone" width="500" height="545" alt=""></a></div><p><font size="6"><em> FINALLY! LUNCH!!</em></font></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Pd8V8z9l5g/VuW46GgHILI/AAAAAAAAzKU/RUO15e01npg/s2048/Photo%25252020160313145912398.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Pd8V8z9l5g/VuW46GgHILI/AAAAAAAAzKU/RUO15e01npg/s500/Photo%25252020160313145912398.jpg" id="blogsy-1457919014753.5225" class="alignleft" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">The long and convoluted story of Cumberland is fascinating and ties together so many threads of our history. It is a tale best told quietly on a walk among the ruins and landmarks, along tree shaded paths...best told by a native, a scholar, an old school ranger with a gift for engaging tourist and historian alike. We have had this experience and relished it. So it was doubly disappointing to find it replaced by cell phone recordings of dry, lifeless WiKi intoned by a bored automaton. </font></p><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><font face="Verdana" size="5">Soulless administrative decisions aside, the beauty of this place cannot be so easily diminished.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nEPqJ7dFxK4/VuW49fhnFrI/AAAAAAAAzKY/DrSeYjSm7SQ/s2048/Photo%25252020160313145912748.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nEPqJ7dFxK4/VuW49fhnFrI/AAAAAAAAzKY/DrSeYjSm7SQ/s500/Photo%25252020160313145912748.jpg" id="blogsy-1457919014744.4358" class="aligncenter" width="600" height="800" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcxTHBgXMG7wZjCEiLjk-2ACs0b4E2IfPsK0lwffTYkkFeL2DtRqE7TwKW-slVEJt3Yd6EH0NxU65d6eGSbm_QArC9aHaijmb1-4TGTaAHABjB7haS8DiWL1FW_9wFfmFVzeXfL_mz10/s2048/Photo%25252020160313145912961.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcxTHBgXMG7wZjCEiLjk-2ACs0b4E2IfPsK0lwffTYkkFeL2DtRqE7TwKW-slVEJt3Yd6EH0NxU65d6eGSbm_QArC9aHaijmb1-4TGTaAHABjB7haS8DiWL1FW_9wFfmFVzeXfL_mz10/s500/Photo%25252020160313145912961.jpg" id="blogsy-1457919014726.6958" class="alignnone" width="850" height="240" alt=""></a></div><p><font size="5" face="Verdana"> There are the big views..</font></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-svRpH9RKfaE/VuW5AnaVtVI/AAAAAAAAzKg/7-k6sLSkZPY/s2048/Photo%25252020160313145913237.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-svRpH9RKfaE/VuW5AnaVtVI/AAAAAAAAzKg/7-k6sLSkZPY/s500/Photo%25252020160313145913237.jpg" id="blogsy-1457919014686.916" class="alignnone" width="850" height="160" alt=""></a></div><p><font size="5"> The LONG walks looking for, not finding, shells...</font></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NfzdgymN0Y0/VuW5DuqdQlI/AAAAAAAAzKk/m8ancFnGb0A/s2048/Photo%25252020160313145913554.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NfzdgymN0Y0/VuW5DuqdQlI/AAAAAAAAzKk/m8ancFnGb0A/s500/Photo%25252020160313145913554.jpg" id="blogsy-1457919014711.2275" class="alignnone" width="313" height="235" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ToZrsJcaXkw/VuW5Hic1y7I/AAAAAAAAzKo/dClbbXsexfo/s2048/Photo%25252020160313145913819.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ToZrsJcaXkw/VuW5Hic1y7I/AAAAAAAAzKo/dClbbXsexfo/s500/Photo%25252020160313145913819.jpg" id="blogsy-1457919014756.2085" class="" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">A pleasant stroll through the quietest, most artfully shaded campground we've seen and a little fun "...washing that man right out of my hair.." </font></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpeAvfyw1sKm3Sg_pRu-9JDXL1Gh7rDJJp6W1bzZLAO5P_CtUAqBb3VTBHsMcDbYk1_Njlyp92OOcbpJe1E3LU4HsgPQiRVQZqBV0s0Gj2Hwr7jj4Vuypa1flHuQTg7F9bF8qKD5d3jk/s2048/Photo%25252020160313145914083.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpeAvfyw1sKm3Sg_pRu-9JDXL1Gh7rDJJp6W1bzZLAO5P_CtUAqBb3VTBHsMcDbYk1_Njlyp92OOcbpJe1E3LU4HsgPQiRVQZqBV0s0Gj2Hwr7jj4Vuypa1flHuQTg7F9bF8qKD5d3jk/s500/Photo%25252020160313145914083.jpg" id="blogsy-1457919014727.0154" class="alignnone" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p><font size="5" face="Verdana"> And finally, a little time in the rockers at Sea Camp porch waiting for the "Queen" and exchanging tales with new friends.</font></p><p> </p><p> <font face="Verdana" size="5">Our new friend Carol joined us at Lang's Seafood for a laugh-filled dinner with sunset over the marsh and capped a lovely day.</font></p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Thanks for following along.....Al & Pattty" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Thanks for following along.....Al & Pattty</a></div>twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-24491601217182142692016-03-06T20:41:00.000-06:002016-03-11T11:55:44.976-06:00OKEFENOKEE COMING TO LIFE AGAIN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwepB01TlEycLT97Vc3hhRyV67GfIRd1D6pBnR4l_2FdSZBP9B4kdaJyuTBWLaxi8_d8QR9xWrSRsbythZ6ieKunfsrziyXTyX19wIFC_fJWJp4zrR-RNKKYWOhZmkFeyYOaPEi1iy0ko/s2048/Photo%25252020160307214218084.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwepB01TlEycLT97Vc3hhRyV67GfIRd1D6pBnR4l_2FdSZBP9B4kdaJyuTBWLaxi8_d8QR9xWrSRsbythZ6ieKunfsrziyXTyX19wIFC_fJWJp4zrR-RNKKYWOhZmkFeyYOaPEi1iy0ko/s500/Photo%25252020160307214218084.jpg" id="blogsy-1457718811448.3718" class="alignnone" width="500" height="474" alt=""></a></div><p> <font face="Verdana" size="5">Savage peat fires burned nearly ALL of the Okefenokee in 2007 and returned again to burn the Pine Island Campground in 2011. When we <a href="http://airgo.blogspot.com/2012/02/okefenokee-recovering.html" target="_blank" title="">visited in 2012</a>, the campground was only new-sown grass. Today the palmetto and low swamp shrubs screen each campsite nicely and there is greenery among the standing dead tree trunks in the rest of the swamp.</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0i30jRO6Isg/Vt48OVJh_fI/AAAAAAAAyqc/LC8c7HM2CGc/s2048/Photo%25252020160307214218371.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0i30jRO6Isg/Vt48OVJh_fI/AAAAAAAAyqc/LC8c7HM2CGc/s500/Photo%25252020160307214218371.jpg" id="blogsy-1457718811411.5244" class="alignnone" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O9GV8guFdck/Vt48ThYboKI/AAAAAAAAyqg/ytT9Z-jZPeE/s2048/Photo%25252020160307214218620.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O9GV8guFdck/Vt48ThYboKI/AAAAAAAAyqg/ytT9Z-jZPeE/s500/Photo%25252020160307214218620.jpg" id="blogsy-1457718811487.4434" class="alignnone" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Water has returned and, with it, the whole Ecosystem is rebuilding. </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VzmnU-dHF14/Vt48WoeHNCI/AAAAAAAAyqk/9nDFIrxVM-k/s1508/Photo%25252020160307214218829.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VzmnU-dHF14/Vt48WoeHNCI/AAAAAAAAyqk/9nDFIrxVM-k/s500/Photo%25252020160307214218829.jpg" id="blogsy-1457718811418.739" class="alignnone" width="500" height="467" alt=""></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Residents are happy. Migrants are stopping by and </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Spring is on its way...</font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gEjTJJ5IFxo/Vt48av7OmtI/AAAAAAAAyqo/jthlfwhKku0/s2048/Photo%25252020160307214219114.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gEjTJJ5IFxo/Vt48av7OmtI/AAAAAAAAyqo/jthlfwhKku0/s500/Photo%25252020160307214219114.jpg" id="blogsy-1457718811452.948" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Our short visit was reassuring...</font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_v6-2FPZ5Mo/Vt48fVcCsqI/AAAAAAAAyqs/mQvOGsGm8vI/s2048/Photo%25252020160307214219565.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_v6-2FPZ5Mo/Vt48fVcCsqI/AAAAAAAAyqs/mQvOGsGm8vI/s500/Photo%25252020160307214219565.jpg" id="blogsy-1457718811499.214" class="alignnone" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">...even IF we were greeted by the SAME WARNING that has plagued our last few stops...</font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U8LO_dxUDGA/Vt48jCg6rMI/AAAAAAAAyqw/qNw3ZG20xlU/s2048/Photo%25252020160307214219879.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U8LO_dxUDGA/Vt48jCg6rMI/AAAAAAAAyqw/qNw3ZG20xlU/s500/Photo%25252020160307214219879.jpg" id="blogsy-1457718811499.9773" class="" width="405" height="405" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VdTXh4XHdTA/Vt48nnLY8BI/AAAAAAAAyq0/JNDcAPn-PKg/s2048/Photo%25252020160307214220275.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VdTXh4XHdTA/Vt48nnLY8BI/AAAAAAAAyq0/JNDcAPn-PKg/s500/Photo%25252020160307214220275.jpg" id="blogsy-1457718811431.11" class="alignnone" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">We walked the "Trembling Earth" boardwalk several times, watching clouds of White Ibis moving about. </font><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">Plans to rebuild the portions that burned are in the promise stage. Along the footpath skirting the campground, we sighted </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font face="Verdana" size="5">a Swallow-tailed Kite -- a rare treat for us, but a regular customer here.</font></span><br></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">We marvel at each small change for its demonstration of the strength and resilience of all living things. We know we will never see the return of the big cypress hammocks but hope to return and find more steps lead that way.</span><br></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Thanks for following along.....Al & Pattty" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Thanks for following along.....Al & Pattty</a></div>twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-89133987388733626012016-03-04T21:31:00.001-06:002016-03-05T07:12:10.748-06:00PAYNES PRAIRIE STATE PRESERVE<p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TNDUscy2STk/VtrbJj0D2ZI/AAAAAAAAyoo/kl2e9NOSVzc/s1632/Photo%25252020160305081155570.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TNDUscy2STk/VtrbJj0D2ZI/AAAAAAAAyoo/kl2e9NOSVzc/s500/Photo%25252020160305081155570.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528823.725" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p> <font face="Verdana" size="5">It has been a pleasant five (make that six) days here at Paynes Prairie among the usual suspects -- Alligators (big ones), Wading birds (they had better be big for us to identify them), Eagles and Osprey, Wild Spanish Horses, and rumors of Bison and Whooping Cranes -- all this in a 21,000 Acre wet prairie just South of Gainesville Florida. The prairie is far larger than the preserve -- I-75 and hwy 441 both cross it -- and creatures move freely around. In times of drought, it is a magnet and when it is wet, you will sight birds everywhere.</font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-El8dUpLa6jU/VtpMpbdA7_I/AAAAAAAAyl0/1tphZWsuW8k/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220219257.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-El8dUpLa6jU/VtpMpbdA7_I/AAAAAAAAyl0/1tphZWsuW8k/s500/Photo%25252020160304220219257.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528783.52" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tWC8wOA5-EQ/VtpMswz1sMI/AAAAAAAAyl4/Wc_Ol76Udns/s417/Photo%25252020160304220219311.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tWC8wOA5-EQ/VtpMswz1sMI/AAAAAAAAyl4/Wc_Ol76Udns/s417/Photo%25252020160304220219311.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528823.7217" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="417" height="265"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RBujj26eQNE/VtpM4ClML6I/AAAAAAAAyl8/qdy6XJWhCsQ/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220219618.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RBujj26eQNE/VtpM4ClML6I/AAAAAAAAyl8/qdy6XJWhCsQ/s500/Photo%25252020160304220219618.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528788.3655" class="" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">THE USUAL SUSPECTS</font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5nAEIoLAjOA/VtpNMjS4bGI/AAAAAAAAymA/t6rUjWaWaCY/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220219929.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5nAEIoLAjOA/VtpNMjS4bGI/AAAAAAAAymA/t6rUjWaWaCY/s500/Photo%25252020160304220219929.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528788.9807" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">The CONES DIKE TRAIL traces the Southeastern edges along wide graveled footpaths which gave us early morning views of Eagles, Osprey and Vultures circling in the thermals. Patty sighted two eagles, talons entangled, spinning toward the watery surface, breaking free just in time to nonchalantly climb again. Sometimes the trail is an expanse of sun-hardened muck hoof prints, and other times a grassy, shaded path beside spring fed gator holes. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDsPQCSmYFCqi-eVcM6P3OZ2zIelrTBQIwWWWdAc_6WlUyfzjE0Y0HoB6NgJQbxwUKDjfHCPuF0kYQoAvZiaOzfiMrU9mKUC-ytaDqE5Ln4MULxl5howR-sDakd8YD962YCq6p-zn8NI/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220220337.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDsPQCSmYFCqi-eVcM6P3OZ2zIelrTBQIwWWWdAc_6WlUyfzjE0Y0HoB6NgJQbxwUKDjfHCPuF0kYQoAvZiaOzfiMrU9mKUC-ytaDqE5Ln4MULxl5howR-sDakd8YD962YCq6p-zn8NI/s500/Photo%25252020160304220220337.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528773.903" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_9NcDEpAjpgSIRuqohPQ-Hrhm9Tx6eE5zexnL6SO6UkUL28l_nQsAlmsmd1ikzUaziUySevx5bPmxNCO7ROwjDhpQwndtdPFP8K3SSOqn5bZR4KnzDK7pAK3JTS-BsPEJEQh9D1hJPs/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220220659.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_9NcDEpAjpgSIRuqohPQ-Hrhm9Tx6eE5zexnL6SO6UkUL28l_nQsAlmsmd1ikzUaziUySevx5bPmxNCO7ROwjDhpQwndtdPFP8K3SSOqn5bZR4KnzDK7pAK3JTS-BsPEJEQh9D1hJPs/s500/Photo%25252020160304220220659.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528826.662" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XafKu8oy8WY/VtpO2n6M8nI/AAAAAAAAymc/g8WiRRryj9w/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220220954.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XafKu8oy8WY/VtpO2n6M8nI/AAAAAAAAymc/g8WiRRryj9w/s500/Photo%25252020160304220220954.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528845.3433" class="" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iuO60T4pmKU/VtpPgkIGFrI/AAAAAAAAymg/za9CPNmzh_4/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220221310.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iuO60T4pmKU/VtpPgkIGFrI/AAAAAAAAymg/za9CPNmzh_4/s500/Photo%25252020160304220221310.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528796.562" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uHHeMfml2Rs/VtpP0UXCVDI/AAAAAAAAymo/gvzxoKH-2wQ/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220221644.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uHHeMfml2Rs/VtpP0UXCVDI/AAAAAAAAymo/gvzxoKH-2wQ/s500/Photo%25252020160304220221644.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528824.7935" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="445"></a></div><p> <font face="Verdana" size="5">THE NORTH ENTRANCE approaches the La Chua Sink which drains the prairie. At times the far side of the sink and the waterway leading to it are covered with HUGE GATORS, but times are good here on the Prairie; there is lots of water and the gators can disperse. All the common wading birds are easy to spot here, but you had better watch where you step.</font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sgm9-RQyGkQ/VtpQCuumoII/AAAAAAAAymw/MmL_c3mKh5U/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220221972.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sgm9-RQyGkQ/VtpQCuumoII/AAAAAAAAymw/MmL_c3mKh5U/s500/Photo%25252020160304220221972.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528799.4663" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg120kntusR6CQoisy5j672RWzBzasLsFKIc6uiQevwAsKp05mxxkeg7qp0Z2utGMQzTWha9f5fxqp_SnuwqeOfEoWxriw3gznUaxJHknSlqqxuccX6llo9vMSQUIY4sDYrX63MMYf53ww/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220222285.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg120kntusR6CQoisy5j672RWzBzasLsFKIc6uiQevwAsKp05mxxkeg7qp0Z2utGMQzTWha9f5fxqp_SnuwqeOfEoWxriw3gznUaxJHknSlqqxuccX6llo9vMSQUIY4sDYrX63MMYf53ww/s500/Photo%25252020160304220222285.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528832.7031" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-guU-ZKvLHOI/VtpQmdZOEqI/AAAAAAAAym8/l5vGmgkDvdw/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220222604.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-guU-ZKvLHOI/VtpQmdZOEqI/AAAAAAAAym8/l5vGmgkDvdw/s500/Photo%25252020160304220222604.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528838.3901" class="" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">We realize now how fortunate we were on an earlier visit when the state-wide drought brought literally thousands of Sandhill Cranes to the Prairie. We watched in awe as they circled overhead, raising an awful/ joyful racket preparing to leave for the North. This year we saw only two Sandhills flying close formation over the highway, probably local birds with their own private little wet spot somewhere near. </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">GAINESVILLE - HAWTHORNE BIKE TRAIL</font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W5nJAuIcLqI/VtpQzFTxxjI/AAAAAAAAynE/lEuhevgjBZM/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220222939.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W5nJAuIcLqI/VtpQzFTxxjI/AAAAAAAAynE/lEuhevgjBZM/s500/Photo%25252020160304220222939.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528842.3103" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"> </font></p><p> <font face="Verdana" size="5">Florida is blessed with many smooth paved rail to trail conversions. Because the topography is seldom challenging, they are nearly all straight as a die. But what's this?</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dKgVoQ0rSMY/VtpRBrDTjhI/AAAAAAAAynM/vRHNZwerkZs/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220223218.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dKgVoQ0rSMY/VtpRBrDTjhI/AAAAAAAAynM/vRHNZwerkZs/s500/Photo%25252020160304220223218.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528850.132" class="alignnone" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v6pbY3tLMzI/VtpRoM3dTlI/AAAAAAAAynU/nQQmXMdCi7Q/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220223564.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v6pbY3tLMzI/VtpRoM3dTlI/AAAAAAAAynU/nQQmXMdCi7Q/s500/Photo%25252020160304220223564.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528797.5183" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="400"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DjVHG1TfyPQ/VtpR8IsJDBI/AAAAAAAAync/CjRMi8m00JM/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220223851.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DjVHG1TfyPQ/VtpR8IsJDBI/AAAAAAAAync/CjRMi8m00JM/s500/Photo%25252020160304220223851.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528860.4468" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLN6xak3pNsj9IcnCuUa8FXsvqWBJVCJIFfH6KHsSBD0NmgfEuDMmm7bY-BUEJfmC7osj02_LAAnTnchYzBa-oRbFbsIzZWqbdxngr_ck0CVIKHvFwEdAEHUR-qkQkbtkAkRs8nS_lzo/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220224271.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLN6xak3pNsj9IcnCuUa8FXsvqWBJVCJIFfH6KHsSBD0NmgfEuDMmm7bY-BUEJfmC7osj02_LAAnTnchYzBa-oRbFbsIzZWqbdxngr_ck0CVIKHvFwEdAEHUR-qkQkbtkAkRs8nS_lzo/s500/Photo%25252020160304220224271.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528857.28" class="alignright" alt="" width="301" height="402"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">The sixteen mile trail eventually does straighten, but after affording some great overlooks back into the Prairie...</font></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kmwafW44jfg/VtpSXwoRdgI/AAAAAAAAyno/aYhx8Tx1mNw/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220224665.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kmwafW44jfg/VtpSXwoRdgI/AAAAAAAAyno/aYhx8Tx1mNw/s500/Photo%25252020160304220224665.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528875.874" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E_6cI7YxQ2s/VtpSgJFhtwI/AAAAAAAAyns/5b0jHv_r9fs/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220225003.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E_6cI7YxQ2s/VtpSgJFhtwI/AAAAAAAAyns/5b0jHv_r9fs/s500/Photo%25252020160304220225003.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528780.2822" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><p> <font face="Verdana" size="5">... And glimpses at a number of trail side natural places where other delights await. </font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ztsba1gR9iM/VtpSldfGk-I/AAAAAAAAyn0/QJMqlTcsXfE/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220225373.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ztsba1gR9iM/VtpSldfGk-I/AAAAAAAAyn0/QJMqlTcsXfE/s500/Photo%25252020160304220225373.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528810.3906" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2xlUGR_kYoU/VtpSsnCjZmI/AAAAAAAAyn8/uV1vkjswZGM/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220225844.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2xlUGR_kYoU/VtpSsnCjZmI/AAAAAAAAyn8/uV1vkjswZGM/s500/Photo%25252020160304220225844.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528784.2505" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p> <font face="Verdana" size="5">This is a great trail to just idle along, stopping for a short hike to a Cypress swamp or watch the fishermen along Lockloosa Creek. </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Each afternoon we had a wonderful late lunch at our new favorite Pizza place --BLAZE. There wonderfully personable young folks help dottering old folks create their own pizza from a huge array of fresh quality ingredients. If that sounds pretty ordinary, please believe us, it's not!</font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gCtmHEGE6Cs/VtpSx2xUEAI/AAAAAAAAyoA/ilqR7uhaecg/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220226269.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gCtmHEGE6Cs/VtpSx2xUEAI/AAAAAAAAyoA/ilqR7uhaecg/s500/Photo%25252020160304220226269.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528798.1382" class="alignleft" alt="" width="388" height="517"></a></div><p> <font face="Verdana" size="5">Patty has declared it the "best ever" and is looking for stock. Al agrees and hopes they will remember HIS name when we return, 'cause by the third time they remember hers. </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">The last day of our visit we discovered SWEETWATER WETLANDS PARK on the Northern edge of the Prairie. Frankly, we thought it might be a waterslide attraction, but when we heard three miles of boardwalks and easy paths, we were in. This is a natural water filtration area. Treated water and runoff from the city of Gainesville flows through a series of settling basins and the "enhancement pools" convert nitrites to vegetation, food for a whole chain of creatures and clean water to recharge the Acquifer. As creators of all that upstream waste and the alpha critter with binoculars, we get to enjoy boardwalks and grassy pond sides filled with gators and birds of all kinds, flocks (I'm telling you 6-8 Osprey at a time) fishing and a pair Eagles content to swoop in periodically and take their lunch. It was glorious!</font></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SJaEVzHqrLo/VtpS3aotFEI/AAAAAAAAyoE/4UtVpGnJcSU/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220226531.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SJaEVzHqrLo/VtpS3aotFEI/AAAAAAAAyoE/4UtVpGnJcSU/s500/Photo%25252020160304220226531.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528876.3032" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p> </p><p> <font face="Verdana" size="5">And everywhere there are Live Oaks... My Honey, she LOVES her some Live Oaks. </font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bo-dHMmiKeM/VtpS-XuuTKI/AAAAAAAAyoM/93BRQkBJm8M/s2048/Photo%25252020160304220226833.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bo-dHMmiKeM/VtpS-XuuTKI/AAAAAAAAyoM/93BRQkBJm8M/s500/Photo%25252020160304220226833.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528831.6902" class="alignleft" alt="" width="363" height="485"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">...but, like your humble author, Live Oaks seldom photograph well.</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w0fGZ8JMz5I/VtpTB7CdFzI/AAAAAAAAyoQ/9XDTHqz0H1Y/s1515/Photo%25252020160304220227017.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w0fGZ8JMz5I/VtpTB7CdFzI/AAAAAAAAyoQ/9XDTHqz0H1Y/s500/Photo%25252020160304220227017.jpg" id="blogsy-1457183528870.8218" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="385"></a></div><p> </p><p> <font face="Verdana" size="5">This is our favorite picture of the trip. This little guy has staked out a log in the Sweetwater and looking for a meal to grow on. His little needle sharp teeth are about a match for a passing Dragonfly right now, but if he keeps his spot we'll look him up next time. </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Oh yes, about that extra sixth day... As we were pulling across the prairie on I-75 this morning, the back side window EXPLODED. After all these years of yelling "Taking Fire" at loud noises, neither of us has the presence of mind to do anything but check tire gauges and look for road debris. Still a mystery, but one that will be repaired by mid morning tomorrow. The campground folks were kind enough to let us back in and stay the night in the "overflow". Another star-filled night on the Prairie, but a shorter stay at Okeefenokee starting tomorrow. </font></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Thanks for following along.....Al & Pattty" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Thanks for following along.....Al & Pattty</a></div>twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-43419242976856950562016-02-27T21:23:00.001-06:002016-02-27T21:23:56.113-06:00If You Remember....Silver Springs<p><font size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3BW358li4kc/VtJoCLZBf6I/AAAAAAAAydk/-c6VgjYAMcs/s600/Photo%25252020160227222239260.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3BW358li4kc/VtJoCLZBf6I/AAAAAAAAydk/-c6VgjYAMcs/s500/Photo%25252020160227222239260.jpg" id="blogsy-1456629834361.106" class="alignnone" alt="" width="650" height="406"></a></div><p><font size="5"><br></font></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVi8iTe3htYH9TsQj1L2gyxZ3oJccnuFhR4glMlQ5W6N_KByood6qa0C7eNpt6yhFTyAV5kXBc7P6CTwbtyTv2-e3g9hUJW__jqKjl-okFbA9-XvGMKJ2whMJztLLv5sDIrdOtHlhlrwk/s2048/Photo%25252020160227222239957.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVi8iTe3htYH9TsQj1L2gyxZ3oJccnuFhR4glMlQ5W6N_KByood6qa0C7eNpt6yhFTyAV5kXBc7P6CTwbtyTv2-e3g9hUJW__jqKjl-okFbA9-XvGMKJ2whMJztLLv5sDIrdOtHlhlrwk/s500/Photo%25252020160227222239957.jpg" id="blogsy-1456629834449.8567" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><p> <font size="5">If you remember Silver Springs as a pretty good Stevie Nicks song, you probably don't remember Pre-Disney Florida when your family road trip was punctuated by visits to such " Attractions" . I really don't remember The Springs.(My family was from Missouri and we had Lots of Springs.) But I was transfixed by the army of eager teenagers attaching cardboard bumper stickers to visitors' autos. These were your passport stamps marking you as a veteran of Rock City, or Rainbow Springs...hand knotted with string at an astonishing speed.</font></p><p><font size="5"><br></font></p><p style="text-align: left;"><font color="#ff6800" size="5"><em>Gladys, Where are the Mermaids??</em></font></p><p style="text-align: center;"><font color="#ff6800" size="5"><em> That's at Weeki Wachie, Clarence.</em></font></p><p style="text-align: left;"><font color="#ff6800" size="5"><em>Waterskiing? This place ain't big enough for...</em></font></p><p style="text-align: center;"><font color="#ff6800" size="5"><em> That's Cypress Gardens. That's tomorroah!</em></font></p><p style="text-align: left;"><font color="#ff6800" size="5"><em>WATERFALLS???? </em></font></p><p style="text-align: center;"><font color="#ff6800" size="5"><em> Rainbow Springs... Look, a Monkey...</em></font></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">When my family passed this way in the fifties, Silver Springs had been a prosperous venue for over 100 years. Steam trains and steamboats intersected here and visitors, I assume, ate fudge. </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Road trips gave way to quick flights to the Kingdom. The Mouse was ascendant and the old attractions, roadside alligator petting and </font><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">OK Corral shootouts faded from memory. When the State recovered a dilapidated Silver Springs from a bankrupt concessionaire, a lot of work and treasure was required to bring this natural wonder back from its over-exploited past; We arrived in the midst of it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">The campground was off the national Reserve America listing and welcoming guests to a fraction of their sites on a first come basis. Sewer line construction stripped the landscape with sandy scars, two loops were ON FIRE as a prescribed burn was in progress. </span></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fETCo33oLDA/VtJoJH_4BeI/AAAAAAAAyds/BoZzF4KEJSI/s2048/Photo%25252020160227222240762.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fETCo33oLDA/VtJoJH_4BeI/AAAAAAAAyds/BoZzF4KEJSI/s500/Photo%25252020160227222240762.jpg" id="blogsy-1456629834371.1802" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></p><p> </p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font face="Verdana" size="5">The staff was cheerful and accommodating. We found ourselves in a huge campsite of pristine white gravel raked to the perfection of a Zen garden. The bathhouses were world class. The backhoes were active 100 yards away, but we were pleased to be here; In normal times reservations here are hard to come by.</font></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0qh9M1I0tPw/VtJoNmuM-PI/AAAAAAAAydw/tjNhfs29UyU/s2048/Photo%25252020160227222241159.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0qh9M1I0tPw/VtJoNmuM-PI/AAAAAAAAydw/tjNhfs29UyU/s500/Photo%25252020160227222241159.jpg" id="blogsy-1456629834365.1692" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"> We enjoyed a short bike ride on the Withlacochee trail with our friends and local guides Eileen and Dave. It was sunny and cool and WINDY but there was warm friendship and good stories.</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"> </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Another windy day we took a tour of the major springs and campgrounds in Ocala NF, revisiting some old haunts.</font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jq76q-RtlcA/VtJoSERwV7I/AAAAAAAAyd0/xJUW7dgPSeE/s2048/Photo%25252020160227222241633.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><font face="Verdana" size="5"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jq76q-RtlcA/VtJoSERwV7I/AAAAAAAAyd0/xJUW7dgPSeE/s500/Photo%25252020160227222241633.jpg" id="blogsy-1456629834364.5317" class="alignnone" width="500" height="667" alt=""></font></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"> Yep. He's still there.</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">There was the usual hiking about and errand running, lubing of hitches, filling of tanks and changing of oil -- the little tasks of living on the road. This spacious campground minimized those chance meetings that often lead to longer conversations, but Patty usually draws a crowd wherever she goes. This morning while I was off changing oil, she lectured extensively on matters of life on the road to a really sweet couple from Illinois who are considering an RV. She reports that there were dishes in the sink, an unmade bed and laundry being sorted. It sounds like they enjoyed themselves as much as I did the recounting. </font></p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Thanks for following along.....Al & Pattty" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Thanks for following along.....Al & Pattty</a></div>twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-87298008722925773292016-02-21T12:09:00.000-06:002016-02-24T17:22:06.730-06:00Sittin' by the Dock of the Bay <p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H0IGlOxyeok/Vs3kJ-OoplI/AAAAAAAAyas/VNFK8u_6krI/s2048/Photo%25252020160224121038464.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H0IGlOxyeok/Vs3kJ-OoplI/AAAAAAAAyas/VNFK8u_6krI/s500/Photo%25252020160224121038464.jpg" id="blogsy-1456356124930.9575" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyRXeCky73HWrVZjCVqPsZ-fQObKr9jLxo-YSJwFHYH9aGl_iWwzmLfuw75xtyvi6jGsbBo2-Jz-Oxx1aZZ2oZMkbp42iGHeMqJm0JW06VNgmZ8Fi5QChlZEnSR3-LNgNiL8LdEeDm3Q/s2048/Photo%25252020160224121038810.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyRXeCky73HWrVZjCVqPsZ-fQObKr9jLxo-YSJwFHYH9aGl_iWwzmLfuw75xtyvi6jGsbBo2-Jz-Oxx1aZZ2oZMkbp42iGHeMqJm0JW06VNgmZ8Fi5QChlZEnSR3-LNgNiL8LdEeDm3Q/s500/Photo%25252020160224121038810.jpg" id="blogsy-1456356124959.3562" class="" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"> Some days you just want to find a comfortable place , laze about, and let life brush by and touch you gently and lovingly. We </font><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">learned that from Manatees hanging out in the clear waters of Manatee Springs. Waders who were still and receptive were rewarded with a slow motion caress from an eight foot sea-going mammal; More aggressive approaches were not. A murmured hello in passing along the lush, quiet boardwalk might be rewarded with new friendships...a picnic lunch at the trailer, and stories. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l6z4zFw51gE/Vs3kQMjYy5I/AAAAAAAAya0/s_zPX2TSow0/s2048/Photo%25252020160224121039143.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l6z4zFw51gE/Vs3kQMjYy5I/AAAAAAAAya0/s_zPX2TSow0/s500/Photo%25252020160224121039143.jpg" id="blogsy-1456356124890.1323" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">We spent a day and more in a small coastal town with no real "attractions" other than the views, the birds, and the comings and goings of fishing boats. Visitors that come there for the same quiet pleasures linger in passing and murmur a comment. Conversations develop, histories unfold, then Sunset, then friendship, a brush... </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9nUzs-kz7Cw/Vs3kSjm3rXI/AAAAAAAAya4/tw0tolzZ0qY/s2048/Photo%25252020160224121039368.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9nUzs-kz7Cw/Vs3kSjm3rXI/AAAAAAAAya4/tw0tolzZ0qY/s500/Photo%25252020160224121039368.jpg" id="blogsy-1456356124886.324" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="328"></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-njRcR99UH5E/Vs3kU4XHhfI/AAAAAAAAya8/RBhXuV-12i8/s2048/Photo%25252020160224121039597.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-njRcR99UH5E/Vs3kU4XHhfI/AAAAAAAAya8/RBhXuV-12i8/s500/Photo%25252020160224121039597.jpg" id="blogsy-1456356124949.1467" class="" alt="" width="500" height="315"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dBszGDUhB8A/Vs47GCHkgFI/AAAAAAAAybc/DEhgtAyADyM/s2048/Photo%25252020160224182137222.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dBszGDUhB8A/Vs47GCHkgFI/AAAAAAAAybc/DEhgtAyADyM/s500/Photo%25252020160224182137222.jpg" id="blogsy-1456356124875.7065" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w7-emKRKjvc/Vs3kWxWTlgI/AAAAAAAAybA/zoDcKLc4D9I/s2048/Photo%25252020160224121039810.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w7-emKRKjvc/Vs3kWxWTlgI/AAAAAAAAybA/zoDcKLc4D9I/s500/Photo%25252020160224121039810.jpg" id="blogsy-1456356124935.8674" class="alignnone" alt="" width="800" height="451"></a></div><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">Locals are accustomed to the sights but WE are a curiosity. Bonds form because we are appreciative; local lore and more delights are shared, new neighbors from afar.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XpkrkwNGjEQ/Vs3kZ__ICLI/AAAAAAAAybE/o-1dSswtSG4/s2048/Photo%25252020160224121040037.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XpkrkwNGjEQ/Vs3kZ__ICLI/AAAAAAAAybE/o-1dSswtSG4/s500/Photo%25252020160224121040037.jpg" id="blogsy-1456356124875.3855" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="823"></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">Because we probably don't have enough time left to master a cast net, we learned the basics, a little bit about being raised on the beach in Honduras, cooking Mullet and more. By Sunset, we were in possession of some tasty, bony fish. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uG_hHDE6OI8/Vs3kcry28eI/AAAAAAAAybI/QifnfxC9o7Q/s1824/Photo%25252020160224121040295.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uG_hHDE6OI8/Vs3kcry28eI/AAAAAAAAybI/QifnfxC9o7Q/s500/Photo%25252020160224121040295.jpg" id="blogsy-1456356124959.6702" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="496"></a></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Thanks for following along.....Al & Pattty" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Thanks for following along.....Al & Pattty</a></div>twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-4620078872296169302016-02-15T10:51:00.000-06:002016-02-18T08:51:15.122-06:00MIXED BLESSINGS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fl8ukOhmqO0/VsT2n2VxCkI/AAAAAAAAyY8/PEPB5sC4fbw/s2048/Photo%25252020160217173903579.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fl8ukOhmqO0/VsT2n2VxCkI/AAAAAAAAyY8/PEPB5sC4fbw/s500/Photo%25252020160217173903579.jpg" id="blogsy-1455806119597.0781" class="alignnone" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">We linger each year along the Big Bend Scenic Highway in Florida because we have come to expect a little biking, some pleasant birding, perhaps some seafood and, for sure, a new supply of Tupelo Honey. We should expect, by now, the <u>UN</u>expected -- like a Bobcat appearing on a hike near dusk, or a fiery sunset cloaked in the smoke from a 5000 acre burn.</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLgawKl_V_b51c04pYS8ImfPAd1LD1vQBuIFk4WEp8HiiJ3K6zGAg4MgP7n8ZA90Abm8ebtKiWGItNMx8P4xZFIRiOabgUNy9ZXUAappLOgoPDhY5OpOjCxD24Wf3n1QIm-TN5C4K9F8/s2048/Photo%25252020160217173904106.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLgawKl_V_b51c04pYS8ImfPAd1LD1vQBuIFk4WEp8HiiJ3K6zGAg4MgP7n8ZA90Abm8ebtKiWGItNMx8P4xZFIRiOabgUNy9ZXUAappLOgoPDhY5OpOjCxD24Wf3n1QIm-TN5C4K9F8/s500/Photo%25252020160217173904106.jpg" id="blogsy-1455806119613.0266" class="alignnone" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XygMdBx8lU8lQmu-7KuuewZK3_t0Uqw-fV41u-Y7zLONSPkVb6G4FFKKa09yyWzKvEvlrWFZer2fRw3vGhfOftdYraOa8sw1jW29y7-6N_lUII7K4eFlIe6YTqOpBDeVKA7IIS3Jq-E/s2048/Photo%25252020160217173904543.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XygMdBx8lU8lQmu-7KuuewZK3_t0Uqw-fV41u-Y7zLONSPkVb6G4FFKKa09yyWzKvEvlrWFZer2fRw3vGhfOftdYraOa8sw1jW29y7-6N_lUII7K4eFlIe6YTqOpBDeVKA7IIS3Jq-E/s500/Photo%25252020160217173904543.jpg" id="blogsy-1455806119636.2524" class="alignnone" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lVQWj_m_uWQ/VsT2wRS1mFI/AAAAAAAAyZI/Pw09jvd4dHA/s2048/Photo%25252020160217173905172.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lVQWj_m_uWQ/VsT2wRS1mFI/AAAAAAAAyZI/Pw09jvd4dHA/s500/Photo%25252020160217173905172.jpg" id="blogsy-1455806119655.5198" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">The little Newport park fills each night with transients lumbering across the lonely stretches of US 98 plus a few hikers off the Florida Trail. Just as surely it empties to a handful of rigs by morning. It was our great good fortune to find among them two remarkable solo women travelers who lit up our morning and kept us spellbound into the evening. They traded stories of international travels far from the safe tourist paths, of diverse childhoods which inspired their careers and their wanderlust, of RV acquisitions, restorations and horrific repairs. This </font><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">blessing of friendship we all agree will endure. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Soon after our arrival, we rode about 16 miles of the Tallahassee to St Marks Railroad bike trail. It was pretty routine ride until we stopped near an intersection to add another layer. A walker stopped by and we chatted about the beauty of the trail as sunset approached .</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5" color="#ff6800"><em>I don't want to alarm you...really, there is nothing to be alarmed about...but last week I met a bear just over there.</em></font><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Lately we have seen a lot of Bear Warning signs along the Big Bend Scenic Byway, but we have yet to be blessed with a sighting.</font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Lcuq8UupQw/VsT2ySSMQ6I/AAAAAAAAyZM/JQ5Ajt42MkQ/s2048/Photo%25252020160217173905537.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Lcuq8UupQw/VsT2ySSMQ6I/AAAAAAAAyZM/JQ5Ajt42MkQ/s500/Photo%25252020160217173905537.jpg" id="blogsy-1455806119664.3464" class="alignright" width="338" height="266" alt=""></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPQpGHpxAlW6sY2gQmDU2sS8OtgFjBlvry5fiAyk6YLOk7X_9UgK_OuNM1TFPcGWxyhDC7OP9lKEIOjRjwXHDnUItIBphL4T966PhlvAzZVFqa5GFqARo5uLoKRcJMg2SCaW7EkYIpv0/s2048/Photo%25252020160217173905918.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPQpGHpxAlW6sY2gQmDU2sS8OtgFjBlvry5fiAyk6YLOk7X_9UgK_OuNM1TFPcGWxyhDC7OP9lKEIOjRjwXHDnUItIBphL4T966PhlvAzZVFqa5GFqARo5uLoKRcJMg2SCaW7EkYIpv0/s500/Photo%25252020160217173905918.jpg" id="blogsy-1455806119602.3464" class="alignnone" width="500" height="362" alt=""></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">In the early morning of our "Refuge Day" , we were greeted with a sizable assemblage of men and fire equipment preparing for a 5000 acre Prescribed Burn. </span></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LHz-HBIIPJ8/VsT23CMRwXI/AAAAAAAAyZU/vMyNQoqO7tM/s2048/Photo%25252020160217173906373.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LHz-HBIIPJ8/VsT23CMRwXI/AAAAAAAAyZU/vMyNQoqO7tM/s500/Photo%25252020160217173906373.jpg" id="blogsy-1455806119618.5576" class="alignnone" width="411" height="445" alt=""></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NYmK0yFAWdk/VsT25bCEi-I/AAAAAAAAyZY/0EpQd06pIzs/s2048/Photo%25252020160217173906959.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NYmK0yFAWdk/VsT25bCEi-I/AAAAAAAAyZY/0EpQd06pIzs/s500/Photo%25252020160217173906959.jpg" id="blogsy-1455806119671.0217" class="alignright" width="411" height="548" alt=""></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">Upwind from all the activity we checked in with "our" eagles and found them lazing about their nest, not in it. Then they launched off, circled and danced in the air until out of sight. We thought we were witnessing the nuptials but soon learned from refuge regulars that the nest tree was dead and our couple was fretting. They made frequent visits to their old nest now productively occupied by a pair of Barred Owls. We will find out next year how this drama plays out.</span></p><p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lYxprsQUAMc/VsT27qh984I/AAAAAAAAyZc/Xcvzeey2BJQ/s2048/Photo%25252020160217173907389.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lYxprsQUAMc/VsT27qh984I/AAAAAAAAyZc/Xcvzeey2BJQ/s500/Photo%25252020160217173907389.jpg" id="blogsy-1455806119669.0676" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SMOKE DRIFTING </td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><font size="6"><font color="#9acd00"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Smoke drifting through pine forest </span></em></font><em style="color: rgb(154, 205, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">already greening up after an earlier burn.</span></em></font></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><font size="5" color="#9acd00"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br></span></em></font></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">The smoke, overcast and generally cool temperatures seemed to limit our enthusiasm UNTIL we joined a collegial gaggle of birders on an observation platform. Imagine us viewing a pond scattered with mixed flights of wading birds and ducks. Listen to the excitement and the staccato announcements. Gadwall ...Pied Greebe ...........</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><font color="#ff9a00"><em>There's a Red Head near that log!</em></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><font color="#ff9a00"><em>Wait a minute! Even I can identify a redhead ...I'm very good at spotting redheads...</em></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">Sandy and Dick introduced us to <u>Birding Apps</u> which pinpoint your location, identify the usual suspects, provide an array of useful pictures and much, much more. I predict a lot less Field Guide page turning in our future. True to form, Patty was doing more looking and less yakking. She spotted the largest Gator of the day out about 200 yards alongside a curious lump af a bird. After consultation with several experts and a couple Apps, it was deemed a juvenile Black Crested Night Heron. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlewvY-lge8fhSam0SkG5sRr41xcQcoebpXgl2Gaoz6RZDNDN2d9upoLIsoCCPMIAA5lqBaMnolFZVR47cr21kldHdGeUssxyvNT5GfK-w4E6xOEx3oAduhy_UBA9ZZkdN9km27e4ydw/s2048/Photo%25252020160217173907775.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlewvY-lge8fhSam0SkG5sRr41xcQcoebpXgl2Gaoz6RZDNDN2d9upoLIsoCCPMIAA5lqBaMnolFZVR47cr21kldHdGeUssxyvNT5GfK-w4E6xOEx3oAduhy_UBA9ZZkdN9km27e4ydw/s500/Photo%25252020160217173907775.jpg" id="blogsy-1455806119613.4363" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><font face="Verdana"><font size="6"><br></font></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><font face="Verdana"><font size="6">Wakulla Springs</font><font size="5"> </font><font size="5"> is one of our happy places. Al has been coming here for 60+ years and preaches about it incessantly to friends and strangers alike. One of our new friends is a highly motivated environmental lawyer just back from a visit to the Spring and Today was off to Tallahassee to defend this and other Florida treasures, but we kidnapped Candy.</font></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-large; font-family: Verdana;">Unfortunately the tour we promised was sub par. Overcast </span><font size="5" face="Verdana">kept most of the cold blooded creatures submerged, the wading birds weren't "feelin it</font><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><font size="5" face="Verdana">" and tragically, the water was nearly black and murky. On the plus side of the blessings ledger, Candy is an event planner; He</font></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">r eyes sparkled when she saw the old hotel. The natural setting, paired with the rich history and ambiance of the old hotel seemed promising and we were soon off with the manager on a detailed tour that included the founders suite.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D_gPVM6nH6s/VsT2_lDaQMI/AAAAAAAAyZk/Bep2gmLEAIU/s2048/Photo%25252020160217173908193.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D_gPVM6nH6s/VsT2_lDaQMI/AAAAAAAAyZk/Bep2gmLEAIU/s500/Photo%25252020160217173908193.jpg" id="blogsy-1455806119608.0535" class="alignnone" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcLsnZzC53jdRn8yK5wiRKsDBtMnEzNb-sliZXu6QiiRwtf8Yd2KkvyIXENvGThFNaoRwPH9HdMV3prQlLqb7AaaFhQ1YarLHpfsM9km4cHnaIeXlh9PCUpN5HS4sOuXJpQ41-VRxNu8/s2048/Photo%25252020160217173908495.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcLsnZzC53jdRn8yK5wiRKsDBtMnEzNb-sliZXu6QiiRwtf8Yd2KkvyIXENvGThFNaoRwPH9HdMV3prQlLqb7AaaFhQ1YarLHpfsM9km4cHnaIeXlh9PCUpN5HS4sOuXJpQ41-VRxNu8/s500/Photo%25252020160217173908495.jpg" id="blogsy-1455806119615.7942" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><font face="Verdana" size="5">Under state management, much has been polished and preserved, but nothing, thankfully, "updated". There is even rumor that the dining room has returned to its former excellence. "Ole Joe" the venerable stuffed Alligator has found a new lair in the snack shop/gift shop/bar area and the rich leather furniture in the lobby provide a comfy spot to study the ornate ceiling. The <u>One</u> television in the hotel is missing ...</font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ehJ62k771AA/VsT3EC3lSMI/AAAAAAAAyZs/q4EjSclGvAc/s2048/Photo%25252020160217173908815.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ehJ62k771AA/VsT3EC3lSMI/AAAAAAAAyZs/q4EjSclGvAc/s500/Photo%25252020160217173908815.jpg" id="blogsy-1455806119671.212" class="alignnone" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><font face="Verdana" size="5">A few kids and a grandchild have enjoyed a ride with Patty in the hand operated elevator, one of the first in Florida.</font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--pDCbTvlZ2A/VsT3HEcYEbI/AAAAAAAAyZw/MzauMvmU06U/s2048/Photo%25252020160217173909247.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--pDCbTvlZ2A/VsT3HEcYEbI/AAAAAAAAyZw/MzauMvmU06U/s500/Photo%25252020160217173909247.jpg" id="blogsy-1455806119632.7942" class="alignnone" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><font color="#9acd00"> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"><font size="5">We, of course, had the traditional picnic despite the climatological challenges.</font></span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><font face="Verdana" size="5">So, it was a story of mixed blessings. Last year's Tupelo Honey harvests failed, but the sweetness of our roadside vendor friend persevered.</font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><font face="Verdana" size="5">The Powers are still active in their attempts to despoil the state -- grazing and mining and GOLF COURSES in the state lands, authorizing the looting of archeological sites for profit --- but gritty, determined advocates are out there and deserve our support.</font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><font face="Verdana" size="5">When the wildlife sightings are not the best we remember, stories of lives well lived told by warm new friends ARE.</font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><font face="Verdana" size="5">They don't serve Baked Mullet at the close-by Biker bar... </font><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">I'm not sure what can balance that....</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Thanks for following along.....Al & Pattty" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Thanks for following along.....Al & Pattty</a></div>twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-40427918523038249772016-02-09T17:17:00.001-06:002016-02-10T19:03:10.261-06:00GALE WARNING!<p style="text-align: center;"><em> </em><font color="#ff0f00" face="Verdana" size="6">GALE WARNING</font></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em><font color="#ff0f00" face="Verdana" size="5">WINDS 25-30 MPH WAVES 10-13 FEET OCCASIONALLY 16 </font></em><br></p><p style="text-align: left;"><em><font color="#ff0f00" face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Fd_S7I45YM/VrpwZ8xQnVI/AAAAAAAAyUI/nwCLIfRgNiI/s2048/Photo%25252020160209180117306.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Fd_S7I45YM/VrpwZ8xQnVI/AAAAAAAAyUI/nwCLIfRgNiI/s500/Photo%25252020160209180117306.jpg" id="blogsy-1455152497471.2307" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em>Sunset watchers here at St Joseph Peninsula State Park usually arrive with a wineglass; today an anchor might be advised.</em></font></p><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em> Our short 60 mile venture along the coast was in bright sunshine with a steady tailwind. The wind was nearly parallel to the road but still sand flowed across in streams. As we turned Northwest at Cape San Blas to approach the Park, the wind was square on the coast and the twelve foot rip rap of Volkswagen-sized stones was being overtopped by the waves.</em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOD9fZCIvbLoF4S56uAhZrirnW_2izdzOf1spU13IU8u5fG22aEHVoVl80oGlFeTJc1RkOLgx-OBETZzcynLwQ8bed8UjYtuTvUKpJwqrvKwdY0NyMBApMJDMA8u7cSFrP76SayqdvHo/s1325/Photo%25252020160209180117480.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOD9fZCIvbLoF4S56uAhZrirnW_2izdzOf1spU13IU8u5fG22aEHVoVl80oGlFeTJc1RkOLgx-OBETZzcynLwQ8bed8UjYtuTvUKpJwqrvKwdY0NyMBApMJDMA8u7cSFrP76SayqdvHo/s500/Photo%25252020160209180117480.jpg" id="blogsy-1455152497416.2163" class="alignnone" width="500" height="544" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em>We would not have chosen site #72 -- we knew it flooded -- but it seems we lucked into the most protected site in the Shady Pines Loop. The other loop (appropriately called Gulf Breeze) is more open and the wind is blasting the campers at nearly the same strength as beyond the dunes on the beach. </em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yX0ULr7HUzw/VrpxlBrlfzI/AAAAAAAAyUU/RX5nAjylwnI/s2048/Photo%25252020160209180117888.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yX0ULr7HUzw/VrpxlBrlfzI/AAAAAAAAyUU/RX5nAjylwnI/s500/Photo%25252020160209180117888.jpg" id="blogsy-1455152497473.9111" class="alignnone" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em>We scurried to the beach and saw this...</em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vhyOa4ZAexA/VrpyFronveI/AAAAAAAAyUc/Hnp-auj1R9E/s2048/Photo%25252020160209180118198.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vhyOa4ZAexA/VrpyFronveI/AAAAAAAAyUc/Hnp-auj1R9E/s500/Photo%25252020160209180118198.jpg" id="blogsy-1455152497449.1106" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CP-SKMU1aIQ/Vrpyp9Ww-sI/AAAAAAAAyUk/vsExA0Z2T8Y/s2048/Photo%25252020160209180118491.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CP-SKMU1aIQ/Vrpyp9Ww-sI/AAAAAAAAyUk/vsExA0Z2T8Y/s500/Photo%25252020160209180118491.jpg" id="blogsy-1455152497431.505" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XSPxxysvoMg/VrpzdpIlJJI/AAAAAAAAyUs/F4sV4FBC5Rw/s2048/Photo%25252020160209180118809.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XSPxxysvoMg/VrpzdpIlJJI/AAAAAAAAyUs/F4sV4FBC5Rw/s500/Photo%25252020160209180118809.jpg" id="blogsy-1455152497463.0833" class="alignnone" width="900" height="667" alt=""></a></div><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><div><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p>In the morning, it was hysterical. (Of course, we were the only ones out there.) </em></font><div><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><font color="#ff6800">I need a chinstrap for my ball cap!</font></em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><font color="#ff6800"><br></font></em></font></p><p style="text-align: center;"><font color="#ff6800" face="Verdana" size="5"><em>If this is a "day at the beach...."</em></font></p><p style="text-align: left;"><font color="#ff6800" face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><p style="text-align: left;"><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em>At one point we had our back to the surf --who wouldn't? -- when one of those 16 footers sent a stream of sea foam through our shoes followed by a little reminder that the water was chilly...</em></font></p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Thanks for following along.....Al & Pattty" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Thanks for following along.....Al & Pattty</a></div>twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-9909650316304723992016-02-09T14:23:00.001-06:002016-02-09T16:49:59.409-06:00FUN TIMES AT GRAYTON BEACH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UQ6WgSB1qV0/VrpA-KuZX6I/AAAAAAAAyS4/hAmSsY7ncJ8/s2048/Photo%25252020160209143830391.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UQ6WgSB1qV0/VrpA-KuZX6I/AAAAAAAAyS4/hAmSsY7ncJ8/s500/Photo%25252020160209143830391.jpg" id="blogsy-1455058165694.9368" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> <font face="Verdana" size="5"><em>We have had 5-8 Airstreams at the park most of the time, and, with our natural tendencies to covey together, festivities could be expected. </em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em> What could not be predicted was <u>Lynda</u> who combines the enthusiasm of a new Airstreamer on her first big solo adventure with a natural talent for bringing folks together. </em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em>We had bike trips down the 30A bike trail when old folks like us might have huddled in our trailer for warmth. There were welcome parties for arriving campers, fireside get-to-gethers with tales from the Mother country ammended by others with British and colonial accents. There was a lovely breakfast featuring a sweet three year old recruited to entertain the grandmothers, and, of course, a couple of trips to the iconic Red Bar. </em></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iViCHpOkTcc/Vrpm9kUFm6I/AAAAAAAAyT4/af-wux3bc9I/s2048/Photo%25252020160209171901582.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iViCHpOkTcc/Vrpm9kUFm6I/AAAAAAAAyT4/af-wux3bc9I/s500/Photo%25252020160209171901582.jpg" id="blogsy-1455058165704.405" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uDmwD4D9BrKSx4zIMvfkJvFVbbt7qGc3jYVcwa46-IwKHGukf2_eNTmMsMSPYvWQHFtHTKL-zgF3mOFDauCGwK3mPPzG7ExSyyl1rg2eqvgHgVcx-RH5gog8Q0uCW1FjbhXFyNVFsls/s2048/Photo%25252020160209143830651.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uDmwD4D9BrKSx4zIMvfkJvFVbbt7qGc3jYVcwa46-IwKHGukf2_eNTmMsMSPYvWQHFtHTKL-zgF3mOFDauCGwK3mPPzG7ExSyyl1rg2eqvgHgVcx-RH5gog8Q0uCW1FjbhXFyNVFsls/s600/Photo%25252020160209143830651.jpg" id="blogsy-1455058165699.7776" class="alignnone" width="600" height="450" alt=""></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><p> <font face="Verdana" size="5"><em>Did I mention the All Girls Ad Hoc Parasailing Competition ?</em></font></p><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em>There was plenty of walking on beaches swept clear of shells. Come to think of it, weren't there piles of shells and stars that Lynda collected before our arrival?</em></font></p><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em> Patty failed to connect with her beloved Porpoises, but this was construed as reason for yet another beach walk.</em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_mO7uZ2nhWY/VrpDqAf1kaI/AAAAAAAAyTI/ZnVn2X16Hwc/s1632/Photo%25252020160209143830825.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_mO7uZ2nhWY/VrpDqAf1kaI/AAAAAAAAyTI/ZnVn2X16Hwc/s500/Photo%25252020160209143830825.jpg" id="blogsy-1455058165654.8535" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em>The bike ride to Eden State Park was a treat. The lovely mansion is nestled under Live Oaks 500-600 years old on grounds that sparkle in the sunlight. </em></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u9qjCRr_koI/VrpHHdx1XsI/AAAAAAAAyTU/wuA-aV50qTE/s2048/Photo%25252020160209143831220.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u9qjCRr_koI/VrpHHdx1XsI/AAAAAAAAyTU/wuA-aV50qTE/s500/Photo%25252020160209143831220.jpg" id="blogsy-1455058165617.208" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="480"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k-DWLOA389U/VrpI0XH_VgI/AAAAAAAAyTc/bpvv8Y1Df5o/s2048/Photo%25252020160209143831573.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k-DWLOA389U/VrpI0XH_VgI/AAAAAAAAyTc/bpvv8Y1Df5o/s500/Photo%25252020160209143831573.jpg" id="blogsy-1455058165617.1216" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lk1EGJw5ZSM/VrpKo7gnITI/AAAAAAAAyTo/Q53EljVG_1U/s2048/Photo%25252020160209143831891.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lk1EGJw5ZSM/VrpKo7gnITI/AAAAAAAAyTo/Q53EljVG_1U/s500/Photo%25252020160209143831891.jpg" id="blogsy-1455058165618.9343" class="" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em>As the Super Bowl approached and none of us could scramble up a connection to CBS, our new friend Steve welcomed us to his Holiday Rambler (with two antenna boosters) and we cheered on the oldest QB in Bowl history.</em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em><br></em></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><em> </em></font></p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-4529497606043467442016-02-02T20:03:00.000-06:002016-02-03T20:28:44.970-06:00We Have Been Here Before --<p> <font face="Verdana" size="5">Fort Pickens Campground on the Gulf Islands National Seashore --but never with these guys, and that made ALL THE DIFFERENCE.</font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiMtMy5de0YHwT7mlBFtDOvtCNloE8XZTJAkKPy-FG5ogvC4AyGGihyQfFd-_tSQPcNRI8UwR9b-WlW85P8QyYxgYr1QBXtRFvlWXOuGXeeHIeA2Q6bukKsFN_AhWS6L3qZ7qotqXreY/s2048/Photo%25252020160203200621097.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiMtMy5de0YHwT7mlBFtDOvtCNloE8XZTJAkKPy-FG5ogvC4AyGGihyQfFd-_tSQPcNRI8UwR9b-WlW85P8QyYxgYr1QBXtRFvlWXOuGXeeHIeA2Q6bukKsFN_AhWS6L3qZ7qotqXreY/s500/Photo%25252020160203200621097.jpg" id="blogsy-1454552921320.5725" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> <font face="Verdana" size="5">Actually, both Keith and Susanne have advanced degrees in Marine Sciences but they don't correct us when we go searching for "Dolphins", only when we are about to make a grevious mistake like not ordering the coconut shrimp. We were both on abbreviated trips to the Florida Panhandle but managed to connect for several days of non-stop merriment. </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Our campsite was snuggled under the live oaks recovering nicely from a series of coastal storms...</font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVP0rKT2fZsdmvzaSszBNYy5YWTG-DPCwZrdMBCF_B3hBQUL-d5ypRKwQ8vBLG7BMJCeJWwBv3S8jjpF0Fg-XOSdVt4_jXdTuLYTMwMwxfOMZPWJPRYOIOs9qnANYCAGatU6FhV1qZ0Y/s2048/Photo%25252020160203200621482.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVP0rKT2fZsdmvzaSszBNYy5YWTG-DPCwZrdMBCF_B3hBQUL-d5ypRKwQ8vBLG7BMJCeJWwBv3S8jjpF0Fg-XOSdVt4_jXdTuLYTMwMwxfOMZPWJPRYOIOs9qnANYCAGatU6FhV1qZ0Y/s500/Photo%25252020160203200621482.jpg" id="blogsy-1454552921369.425" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WY0zDihuZ_c/VrKyn2OIc9I/AAAAAAAAyPk/-rGKsFrNYP0/s2048/Photo%25252020160203200621716.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WY0zDihuZ_c/VrKyn2OIc9I/AAAAAAAAyPk/-rGKsFrNYP0/s500/Photo%25252020160203200621716.jpg" id="blogsy-1454552921363.6511" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">...while their more open site featured </font><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">a great view of the sunsets and an evening concert from the frog chorus.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sT6gI5N-u1U/VrKzBb1ZOaI/AAAAAAAAyPo/uSTvFalKj7k/s2048/Photo%25252020160203200622064.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sT6gI5N-u1U/VrKzBb1ZOaI/AAAAAAAAyPo/uSTvFalKj7k/s500/Photo%25252020160203200622064.jpg" id="blogsy-1454552921339.7622" class="" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">The morning mist clouded the woody plants just beyond our bedroom windows. </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"> There was, of course, beach walking...</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--765kwVFdBs/VrKzLwHxgFI/AAAAAAAAyPs/_oFTGHRvMnk/s2048/Photo%25252020160203200622433.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--765kwVFdBs/VrKzLwHxgFI/AAAAAAAAyPs/_oFTGHRvMnk/s500/Photo%25252020160203200622433.jpg" id="blogsy-1454552921364.8196" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QSjz4Sy3WO0/VrKzS16exsI/AAAAAAAAyP0/e0YLeQiXijw/s2048/Photo%25252020160203200622827.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QSjz4Sy3WO0/VrKzS16exsI/AAAAAAAAyP0/e0YLeQiXijw/s500/Photo%25252020160203200622827.jpg" id="blogsy-1454552921400.1147" class="" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NRb0TzmuogM/VrKzbsGXLdI/AAAAAAAAyP4/st0DmikmpPY/s2048/Photo%25252020160203200623070.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NRb0TzmuogM/VrKzbsGXLdI/AAAAAAAAyP4/st0DmikmpPY/s500/Photo%25252020160203200623070.jpg" id="blogsy-1454552921412.1274" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">And sunsets...</font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NA76lN36khIm6nTg_xws6BgKyCBkmRspq9-C4Sv5PFkS39BossvZtxDvRyD0nKWoytesM-Ggy9-PyqQjBxMp_d5LD6lAI-kt5-PLQI3o6_RH5KGCNw8OpOjwfousk-l6VFr5tUnv5H8/s2048/Photo%25252020160203200623375.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NA76lN36khIm6nTg_xws6BgKyCBkmRspq9-C4Sv5PFkS39BossvZtxDvRyD0nKWoytesM-Ggy9-PyqQjBxMp_d5LD6lAI-kt5-PLQI3o6_RH5KGCNw8OpOjwfousk-l6VFr5tUnv5H8/s500/Photo%25252020160203200623375.jpg" id="blogsy-1454552921381.2866" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EweCE3nb-DU/VrKzvEvd6SI/AAAAAAAAyQA/JJz8o1yk1rQ/s2048/Photo%25252020160203200623754.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EweCE3nb-DU/VrKzvEvd6SI/AAAAAAAAyQA/JJz8o1yk1rQ/s500/Photo%25252020160203200623754.jpg" id="blogsy-1454552921378.354" class="" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DHB4-xfW8Gw/VrKz85mI4II/AAAAAAAAyQI/yMyeHng2d58/s2048/Photo%25252020160203200624051.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DHB4-xfW8Gw/VrKz85mI4II/AAAAAAAAyQI/yMyeHng2d58/s500/Photo%25252020160203200624051.jpg" id="blogsy-1454552921372.4167" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qPGxrYqj8Hg/VrK0OprJgZI/AAAAAAAAyQM/Ya6Ih7trUTE/s2048/Photo%25252020160203200624364.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qPGxrYqj8Hg/VrK0OprJgZI/AAAAAAAAyQM/Ya6Ih7trUTE/s500/Photo%25252020160203200624364.jpg" id="blogsy-1454552921433.1606" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">On a sunny Saturday, we walked the squares of downtown Pensacola, picking our favorites from the handsomely restored buildings, modest and grand. </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Patty chose </font><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">a pristine Cypress cottage, perfect in every way.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uiTA8vYDIMk/VrK0wY7t_yI/AAAAAAAAyQY/EqhEEwXPrKY/s2048/Photo%25252020160203200624740.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uiTA8vYDIMk/VrK0wY7t_yI/AAAAAAAAyQY/EqhEEwXPrKY/s500/Photo%25252020160203200624740.jpg" id="blogsy-1454552921369.9707" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p> <font face="Verdana" size="5">We happened on an elegant wedding near Seville Square and a monster pipe laying ship which Keith explained next day as we returned for yet another go at the coconut shrimp wharfside.</font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YFD3rSn8IwM/VrK1PAEDSTI/AAAAAAAAyQg/s1KMPE0HQfk/s2048/Photo%25252020160203200625072.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YFD3rSn8IwM/VrK1PAEDSTI/AAAAAAAAyQg/s1KMPE0HQfk/s500/Photo%25252020160203200625072.jpg" id="blogsy-1454552921349.9182" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Of course we biked around the island, visited the fort, speculated on the gun emplacemnts and took the time-honored image of the long gallery of arches...</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1v4AmzJu_uc/VrK1roQUCDI/AAAAAAAAyQo/Wso99h03GxA/s2048/Photo%25252020160203200625373.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1v4AmzJu_uc/VrK1roQUCDI/AAAAAAAAyQo/Wso99h03GxA/s500/Photo%25252020160203200625373.jpg" id="blogsy-1454552921429.8594" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"> </font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_-MAezgi8w8/VrK2XxpJIfI/AAAAAAAAyQ0/1O1QBd0JiuE/s2048/Photo%25252020160203200625679.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_-MAezgi8w8/VrK2XxpJIfI/AAAAAAAAyQ0/1O1QBd0JiuE/s500/Photo%25252020160203200625679.jpg" id="blogsy-1454552921400.903" class="" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x9aGOVFzlo8/VrK3ViV5-7I/AAAAAAAAyQ4/vgb5HkL5_3I/s2048/Photo%25252020160203200625902.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x9aGOVFzlo8/VrK3ViV5-7I/AAAAAAAAyQ4/vgb5HkL5_3I/s500/Photo%25252020160203200625902.jpg" id="blogsy-1454552921421.1646" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Patty even picked out a boat, but Al has to figure out the hitch....</font> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-2670525603510338192015-10-10T12:05:00.001-05:002015-10-10T12:34:43.066-05:00PRETTY ISN'T IT?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j08_9JYrj-E/VhlFCH2RfiI/AAAAAAAAnRI/Uz1Xe9UZK94/s2048/Photo%25252020151010130355935.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j08_9JYrj-E/VhlFCH2RfiI/AAAAAAAAnRI/Uz1Xe9UZK94/s500/Photo%25252020151010130355935.jpg" id="blogsy-1444496702907.8726" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="617" height="823"></a></div><p> </p><h3><font size="6"><em>...Being a lengthy, convoluted and arcane account of the creation of this art. Not recommended for anyone actually seeking useful information.</em>..</font></h3><p><font size="6"><br></font></p><p><font size="6"><br></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">I Guess it all started with a quick Google search. We had dawdled away lots of prime autumn weather with doctors, Volleyball and football. There were just a few days to reach Jonesborough TN and the International Storytelling Festival.. Al Thought he remembered the Distance at 630+ MILES and projected a two day excursion by (Aghh!) Interstates--Montgomery, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Knoxville, local transition to Jonesborough.. </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">When Patty slipped into the Navigator's seat and adjusted her Black Belt in Ipad navigation, Al was already whining about the route he had chosen. </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5" color="#ff6800">"I wish we didn't have to go through BIRMINGHAM..." </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">IN A VERY SHORT TIME, he received the revised clearance.</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5" color="#ff6800">"Airsteam 26, in 22 miles, right turn on State Route 145. Transition to county 61, report Wilsonville" </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">(I love it when she talks Air Traffic Control.)</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5" color="#ff6800">"Oh, and Honey, that's six and a half HOURS and we are now looking at an ETA of 7:15. We could make it in before dark and no overnight at Walmart ." </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">The road was gorgeous two lane with no traffic. We slipped around Birmingham , enjoyed the renovated interstate along Lookout Mountain and generally had a smooth flight, err, drive. </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">We were approaching Jonesborough as the sun was setting; we were low on fuel but the onboard calculator said we had enough...(If we stopped for fuel, we would lose 15 minutes we would need to slip into our preselected site before dark.) We proceeded on... </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">The transition from I-81 to the Persimmon Ridge campground was typical Middle Tennessee two lane --short steep hills, sweeping curves, double 90 degree turns . It was the golden hour and the barns and pastures glowed. I would be lying if I told you I didn't LOVE pulling an Airstream through those roads! We entered the campground in plenty of time to slip into our accustomed site.</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">The Fuel Monitors (both of them) were <u><strong><em>not</em></strong></u> happy, ringing bells insistently and inquiring in plaintive tones if we wanted her to search for a gas station...</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Wait! An old white van was parked askew in OUR space -- No hookups, no camping gear in sight. One of our Texan friends who always arrive here a few days before us appeared at our side and, because this is the storytelling festival, gave us the long version. The key points being, apparently homeless older woman, quite skittish and hardly approachable.</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><font color="#ff6800">"We have been bringing her food and offering help and kindness, but she seems confused. I THINK the manager told her you would be in tomorrow" </font></font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">'nuff said. We will find another spot. You should know that this little city campground, while handy, is hardly uniform in its offerings. Few sites are level, some have workable connections and most have at least one oddity. The whole place is on a steep hill, each site being its own narrow little terrace. It was now Pitch Black Dark. We chose a site which had no less than six water spigots within reach, a sewer pipe and a brand new 30/50 Amp electrical box in a trench of newly turned red clay. The jaunt up the hill and back down set the fuel monitor into apoplexy.</font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOCRz9KI5-JpaLm8n1yge361NoK2zgF-Pm9RDDpl1vTjXc-r-4fSL2oLz_hf6p8ktVJo9JSN5vfV6WYzvsR8G0Fif4bJFqtIbFLUCTqVVg57nHEzyvCVV8NtUa4seVhOXgPEWUnDkyzI/s2048/Photo%25252020151010130356247.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOCRz9KI5-JpaLm8n1yge361NoK2zgF-Pm9RDDpl1vTjXc-r-4fSL2oLz_hf6p8ktVJo9JSN5vfV6WYzvsR8G0Fif4bJFqtIbFLUCTqVVg57nHEzyvCVV8NtUa4seVhOXgPEWUnDkyzI/s500/Photo%25252020151010130356247.jpg" id="blogsy-1444496702919.275" class="aligncenter" width="621" height="465" alt=""></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;">Did I mention that it was Pitch Black Dark? Not to worry, we had Technology in the form of two little orange LED hazard beacons which could be aligned to provide a visual glide-path. So, with his lovely little Air Traffic/Ground Controller on the walkie talkies and our sweet Texan friend assisting, Al began backing into a terraced site with a mud hole below the upslope platform on the right and a three foot drop of exposed red clay on the left. It was a field of red clay relieved only by mounds of gravel. Yes it was still dark, but things were going along well. Al couldn't SEE the condition of the surface, but he could see the orange flashing beacons UNTIL Pat's instructions didn't seem to jibe with reality. He stopped. One of the beacons was MOVING! It wasn't an alien abduction; Tex felt Al might run over the beacon and was now holding it four feet off the ground approaching the driver's door to explain</span></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">We abandoned the attempt when Patty got a pyramid of leveling blocks FIVE high and we weren't level yet. We stationed Tex in front to watch our clearance from the only other rig in the row and Ground Control vectored Al into the next site below the three foot clay slope (remember that, there will be a quiz). This time five blocks high got us level. We locked everything down, lay our cheap Costco carpet over the red clay and Al limped off to the nearest fuel stop.</font></p><p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-large;"> In the morning we deployed the awning as rain was imminent. Later we watched our new neighbor position his long trailer a little crosswise in the site we abandoned. Jim parked his Tow Vehicle beside his trailer on the brink of the red clay terrace. We greeted and exchanged cards and a little travel history and headed out for the day's adventures in a light rain.</span><br></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5">Midday Jim calls. The pickup had spun out on the clay slope and slid into the upright to the awning. His truck had a dent, our trailer was still poised on its pyramid, but the upright was crushed and the Sculpture above was created from the cross beam. Jim was sick and apologetic but a man of action. He assured us all would be made right, he already had an RV tech on site and the long process of finding parts for a Dometic awning (that Airstream only used for a couple years) was in full swing coast to coast -- a totally satisfactory outcome and a new friend. Oh Yes, there is ART. Any pointers on how to site the work? </font></p><p><font face="Verdana" size="5"> </font></p><p> <font size="5">FURTHER PHOTOS FROM THE SCENE OF THE CARNAGE:</font></p><p><font size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c2o13Z2weMA/VhlFHYrTIJI/AAAAAAAAnRY/nPvIc4_TiOk/s2048/Photo%25252020151010130356505.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c2o13Z2weMA/VhlFHYrTIJI/AAAAAAAAnRY/nPvIc4_TiOk/s500/Photo%25252020151010130356505.jpg" id="blogsy-1444496702993.0322" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p><font size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uawZ8MUyOaw/VhlFJjbUJoI/AAAAAAAAnRg/L-sQ0WJMGMM/s2048/Photo%25252020151010130356786.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uawZ8MUyOaw/VhlFJjbUJoI/AAAAAAAAnRg/L-sQ0WJMGMM/s500/Photo%25252020151010130356786.jpg" id="blogsy-1444496702983.2195" class="" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p><font size="5"><br></font></p><p><font size="5"><br></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPeVk6hqnq8obBBkGskw3S_xA1jwvOJ4e694xQtkv3B8B8sfdZmuQcVR723SlKYXUlbaB1BCtyb5PlSwbQww3u5IhpKIPT_nimNtNXF-GiwMN0zT_2NqGeL1p_1GQ_KUxCNBF0Fd-GPI/s2048/Photo%25252020151010130357045.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPeVk6hqnq8obBBkGskw3S_xA1jwvOJ4e694xQtkv3B8B8sfdZmuQcVR723SlKYXUlbaB1BCtyb5PlSwbQww3u5IhpKIPT_nimNtNXF-GiwMN0zT_2NqGeL1p_1GQ_KUxCNBF0Fd-GPI/s500/Photo%25252020151010130357045.jpg" id="blogsy-1444496702913.1028" class="alignleft" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ig-OXuhkG_0/VhlFPcJkskI/AAAAAAAAnRw/HSCUXctwPe0/s2048/Photo%25252020151010130357298.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ig-OXuhkG_0/VhlFPcJkskI/AAAAAAAAnRw/HSCUXctwPe0/s500/Photo%25252020151010130357298.jpg" id="blogsy-1444496702930.9634" class="" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601802502827609135.post-33383059466112241592015-08-31T19:08:00.001-05:002015-08-31T19:16:24.149-05:00ACADIA NATIONAL PARK....Some things change...
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6">...but very little.</font></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QuSC-032N5c/VeTrzQAUwsI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/3EzngsqHmsI/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200517247.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QuSC-032N5c/VeTrzQAUwsI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/3EzngsqHmsI/s500/Photo%25252020150831200517247.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466734.3718" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="608" height="456"></a></div>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6"><br></font></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fEN4jvTLNkQ/VeTr156HkBI/AAAAAAAAEjY/MVXHP33PdqY/s2011/Photo%25252020150831200517572.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fEN4jvTLNkQ/VeTr156HkBI/AAAAAAAAEjY/MVXHP33PdqY/s500/Photo%25252020150831200517572.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466764.4062" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="383"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6"><br></font></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tnw_DXomlPM/VeTr37Z3FrI/AAAAAAAAEjg/p73A4t36WH0/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200517969.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tnw_DXomlPM/VeTr37Z3FrI/AAAAAAAAEjg/p73A4t36WH0/s500/Photo%25252020150831200517969.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466779.4778" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6"><br></font></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_dSlIlgiwhc/VeTr5XyZUCI/AAAAAAAAEjo/wZbTdAGhA0w/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200518329.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_dSlIlgiwhc/VeTr5XyZUCI/AAAAAAAAEjo/wZbTdAGhA0w/s500/Photo%25252020150831200518329.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466770.8833" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6">There's the sea, the fragrant greenery and the immutable stones...and, of course, the boats...</font></p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xJYLvV0f4Hk/VeTr7fwKvpI/AAAAAAAAEjw/_YEDAVALMak/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200518701.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xJYLvV0f4Hk/VeTr7fwKvpI/AAAAAAAAEjw/_YEDAVALMak/s500/Photo%25252020150831200518701.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466733.6592" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6">Nearly every year since their honeymoon, Joanie and Tim return to Acadia. We often tag along. </font></p>
<p> </p>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6"> This year we scheduled two weeks at Seawall Campground in the Park while they rented Aunt Betty's Cottage near the heart of Bar Harbor. They enjoy strolling the dog-friendly streets with Chance.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6"> We love hearing the rush of the surf from our campsite, the low-key gentility of SouthWest Harbor and the morning popovers at the <a href="http://airgo.blogspot.com/2014/08/a-public-service-message-for-common-good.html" target="_blank" title="">Common Good.</a> </font></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMAHJYPezoEttenVaT2Kja71nt7ohZPGOikWTgxPVNStEKuHuX8ZHrm33Gqoe5QnP9w4B7SzorJfwmLlYWo7ZWXW1kBxLh-p8odJi2vo3NqQ9Gf0oHXDSx2p9OeJzCvbnzHxXOVFF76g/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200519041.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMAHJYPezoEttenVaT2Kja71nt7ohZPGOikWTgxPVNStEKuHuX8ZHrm33Gqoe5QnP9w4B7SzorJfwmLlYWo7ZWXW1kBxLh-p8odJi2vo3NqQ9Gf0oHXDSx2p9OeJzCvbnzHxXOVFF76g/s500/Photo%25252020150831200519041.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466713.4368" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="666"></a></div>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="7">WAIT! Where are the Popovers??</font></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gafP0r3B-v0/VeTr_y56ozI/AAAAAAAAEkA/H7D_ie9Xb7g/s1955/Photo%25252020150831200519300.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gafP0r3B-v0/VeTr_y56ozI/AAAAAAAAEkA/H7D_ie9Xb7g/s500/Photo%25252020150831200519300.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466776.481" class="" alt="" width="500" height="359"></a></div>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6"> </font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6"> </font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6"> Oh, thank goodness, they have just moved their location a few miles from the ravenous but appreciative Seawall campers to the middle of Southwest Harbor where the view isn't the same but the clientele equally appreciative and surely more numerous. The new location has outdoor seating, great free WIFI and superior popovers coming out of the volunteer-run kitchen every few minutes. Live music is a regular addition and there are always warm conversations with folks from all around.</font> </p>
<p><font face="Verdana" size="6">The charms of the little town are many. Pies baked before your eyes ...</font></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8myBZyXYLnCH293T5g83bJmoywMbpI-aLy1XqeS0TZoljHo7oB9ejssDm2K4wcZSXGLMLtyTJjxNNlKPkjYvaV3KXAMNRtOkRqbwx5ggPA49wvuqwznot1nUc80p52Ygg4_j24v7DhwA/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200519663.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8myBZyXYLnCH293T5g83bJmoywMbpI-aLy1XqeS0TZoljHo7oB9ejssDm2K4wcZSXGLMLtyTJjxNNlKPkjYvaV3KXAMNRtOkRqbwx5ggPA49wvuqwznot1nUc80p52Ygg4_j24v7DhwA/s500/Photo%25252020150831200519663.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466754.182" class="" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7j45XAgsAwk/VeTsEEc0OsI/AAAAAAAAEkQ/WwbdkSlSMR0/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200519965.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7j45XAgsAwk/VeTsEEc0OsI/AAAAAAAAEkQ/WwbdkSlSMR0/s500/Photo%25252020150831200519965.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466786.0671" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qyr9vUciwlE/VeTsGQW2qOI/AAAAAAAAEkY/WAJcZKlwGRw/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200520372.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qyr9vUciwlE/VeTsGQW2qOI/AAAAAAAAEkY/WAJcZKlwGRw/s500/Photo%25252020150831200520372.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466732.1975" class="alignright" alt="" width="300" height="400"></a></div>
<p><font size="6" face="Verdana">..pretty little shops and a bakery window stacked with fresh bread</font>. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DuKQkyhot74/VeTsIbb_6EI/AAAAAAAAEkg/_F2pnv3nxWY/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200520681.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DuKQkyhot74/VeTsIbb_6EI/AAAAAAAAEkg/_F2pnv3nxWY/s500/Photo%25252020150831200520681.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466732.7058" class="alignleft" alt="" width="452" height="339"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p><font size="6" face="Verdana">Many things change for the better.</font></p>
<p><font size="6" face="Verdana">The roads South from Bar Harbor are smoother this year.</font></p>
<p><font size="6" face="Verdana" style="line-height: 1.3em;">But the evil winter season was devastating to the </font><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-large; line-height: 1.3em;">Flamingo population...</span><br></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-large; line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eHGrB5IUBFo/VeTsKnDVBNI/AAAAAAAAEko/sTuaf3OeIQk/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200520993.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eHGrB5IUBFo/VeTsKnDVBNI/AAAAAAAAEko/sTuaf3OeIQk/s500/Photo%25252020150831200520993.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466710.2786" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-large; line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></p>
<p><font size="6" face="Verdana"> Every library on the island has a book sale this month. People around here stock up for the long winter, but they are good about re-donating the books in the Summer.</font></p>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yErJNYS2Yz0/VeTsMv4xH1I/AAAAAAAAEkw/eUtciDaFG4c/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200521346.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yErJNYS2Yz0/VeTsMv4xH1I/AAAAAAAAEkw/eUtciDaFG4c/s500/Photo%25252020150831200521346.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466757.6707" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font size="6">...kids continue to try to unbalance, Balance Rock...</font></p>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHeTynNdUkDWM2iJ4hOabwLggmxNYVjqmL0LR0zl3wCDeR7tmmoK8po5DYP2gOCOdq8ZPs85oFj6E2iMEKzQ8jUIkgHJPtLO32DqU0Xo9OO8SU8rARr0pFmHKbjLLwFl9Pa2vLxu9rJs/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200521700.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHeTynNdUkDWM2iJ4hOabwLggmxNYVjqmL0LR0zl3wCDeR7tmmoK8po5DYP2gOCOdq8ZPs85oFj6E2iMEKzQ8jUIkgHJPtLO32DqU0Xo9OO8SU8rARr0pFmHKbjLLwFl9Pa2vLxu9rJs/s370/Photo%25252020150831200521700.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466766.6328" class="alignright" width="370" height="493" alt=""></a></div>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font size="6">...or one-up nature...</font></p>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H4K5whkC10g/VeTsQa_lDWI/AAAAAAAAElA/zDWwMJiVQzI/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200522065.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H4K5whkC10g/VeTsQa_lDWI/AAAAAAAAElA/zDWwMJiVQzI/s500/Photo%25252020150831200522065.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466803.668" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<p><font size="6">...the best food in town is at Mama Serpico's...</font></p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ku6LfKPtwn4/VeTsSP5YqNI/AAAAAAAAElI/vu2LmxU6vV8/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200522435.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ku6LfKPtwn4/VeTsSP5YqNI/AAAAAAAAElI/vu2LmxU6vV8/s500/Photo%25252020150831200522435.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466711.7112" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="399"></a></div>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font size="6"> ....where the fun is </font></p>
<p><span style="font-size: xx-large; line-height: 1.3em;">non-stop...</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9AzAD87f9XI/VeTsUcToh_I/AAAAAAAAElQ/0uVqspt7WYM/s1909/Photo%25252020150831200522841.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9AzAD87f9XI/VeTsUcToh_I/AAAAAAAAElQ/0uVqspt7WYM/s500/Photo%25252020150831200522841.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466761.2427" class="alignleft" alt="" width="331" height="290"></a></div>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font size="6"> ...kids find crabs and share their delight...</font></p>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vduzwcnRB-g/VeTsYWyWEYI/AAAAAAAAElY/_hlHJWjsGfI/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200523320.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vduzwcnRB-g/VeTsYWyWEYI/AAAAAAAAElY/_hlHJWjsGfI/s500/Photo%25252020150831200523320.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466774.1367" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font size="6"><br></font></p>
<p><font size="6">....young men scale mountains and share the glory...</font></p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BZ5kkt4n3gQ/VeTsax_b0bI/AAAAAAAAElg/tGtZqstvE6E/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200523693.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BZ5kkt4n3gQ/VeTsax_b0bI/AAAAAAAAElg/tGtZqstvE6E/s500/Photo%25252020150831200523693.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466797.065" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>... <font size="6">Grandmothhers act silly and we all laugh...</font></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><font size="6">...AND WE TAKE THE <u>SAME</u> CHRISTMAS CARD PICTURE AS LAST YEAR.....EXCEPT THE DOG IS GETTING GRAYER...</font></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MkiiQhedtSQ/VeTsdTtmdVI/AAAAAAAAElo/dCjwvszeEV0/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200524048.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MkiiQhedtSQ/VeTsdTtmdVI/AAAAAAAAElo/dCjwvszeEV0/s500/Photo%25252020150831200524048.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466763.0735" class="alignnone" alt="" width="650" height="650"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nqpluABoD4o/VeTsf_aiL7I/AAAAAAAAElw/DfMP_QPvYaw/s2048/Photo%25252020150831200524404.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nqpluABoD4o/VeTsf_aiL7I/AAAAAAAAElw/DfMP_QPvYaw/s500/Photo%25252020150831200524404.jpg" id="blogsy-1441066466782.0684" class="alignnone" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>twobikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16251906763352180152noreply@blogger.com0