We went to Raccoon to hike, fish, and boat. We ended up fishing and boating. Well… Nobody hiked. Keith did not fish. He forgot to bring his license. Amanda and I did not boat. It’s just not for us. But it was FUN anyway!!!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Milestone
My reliable little Corolla rolled past 100000 miles this past week. Wow! It’s been a good car. The most we’ve had to put into it has been tires, brakes, and oil changes… with the exception of the deductible I paid when the tree branch fell in front of me a couple years back. The air conditioning died a little more than a year ago. We had it recharged with dye last week when we took it in for inspection. That lasted a whopping THREE days. UGH! Keith is taking it in next week to be re-assessed. Nothing like a little summer heat for an hour long commute to get you thinking about trading it in on a new car. We both agree… we’d rather save save save with hopes to buy a house someday. Toyotas have longevity. We hope to squeeze a good many more miles out of it.
Solo Hike Today
Keith doesn’t like me to go out hiking alone. On days like today the urge was just too much… I HAD to do it! On the rare occasion when I do set out alone, I try to stay on trails that I’m sure are fairly well traveled.
North Park was bustling with people today, mostly in the picnic areas. I started out on the red-dot trail UPHILL. I spooked Jake-the-Snake as I crossed the creek. YIKES! He was brown with darker brown markings on his back and about 2 feet long. This is when I decided that it would be a good idea to wear my bear-bell when I hike. Unfortunately, it’s clipped onto my saddle and an hour away. So I clipped my keys on my hip so they’d jingle just loud enough to disturb the wildlife that may be lurking in my path.
After passing the point where we turned around last week, I hoofed it a good long ways past the spot. I hit the red/green dot on the way uphill. Note to self: red/green dot uphill is a killer. A pep-talk may be in order before doing it again.
After finding my way much further on the red dot, I eventually turned around and tried the red/yellow dot, which is where I happened upon this cute little bridge. The sun was hot but most of the trail in under the cover of the trees, so it wasn’t too bad. I eventually ended up back on the red dot trail headed back towards home-base.
On the way back I picked up the red/black dot trail along the upper ridge. I found some sort of stone structure up there. Another note to self: Must go back with Keith and check that out. Great spot to hide a cache if there isn’t one already.
Eventually I found myself on the Rachel Carson Trail and actually ended the hike near this sign which is just about where I crossed back over the creek… no snake this time. All in all, it was about 4.5 miles, maybe slightly longer. YAY!!!
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Vacation Day #7: Loner But Not for Long
Today started bright and EARLY!!! I went to the Farmer’s Market to help put up orders for Kennedy’s. As always, it was refreshing to return to see old customers and friends. It was a very busy and tiring morning.
I visited with Keith for a bit. Took a nap. Gave the kitties some attention. Clipped my coupons. Made the shopping list. Clipped some internet coupons. Did almost all the laundry. Now I’m effectively putting off going to the store. I just don’t feel like shopping today, but I must. I’d like to hike, but have yet to find someone who wants to go with me. Bummer.
Plans for tomorrow include attending church, putting my fruit-kabobs together, and heading to the Zom’s for a picnic birthday celebration for Joyce and David’s birthdays. I already have something for Joyce. I’m thinking of giving David cash this year. That’s what I’m doing for Wendy’s kids.
Friday, July 01, 2011
Vacation Day #6: I’m a Loner
Keith went back to work today. Boo hoo!
The fun must not stop here! Tammi & Caleb & I hit North Park for a fairly quick 2.5 mile hike. It was mostly uphill on the way out so an easy downhill on the way back. We saw squirrels, bunnies, chipmunks, and some deer, with a fawn still in spots! The lake looks so much more inviting now that it’s being re-filled. It was a good little hike followed by a stop at the ice cream stand.
From there I went straight to the farm. We loaded up our tack and precious equine cargo and went to Moraine State Park for a nice long ride. I’m so proud of Penny. She loads and hauls pretty easy, quite the contrast from her first trailer ride about 16 years ago this week. Some of the trail was familiar and some was new. I wish I would have taken a camera to snap photos of one particular portion. There is a land-bridge type area, swampy on either side with heavy Lilli pads. At the end was a fairly large wooden bridge. Penny didn’t much care for the strange hollow sound of her hooves crossing the bridge, but she pressed on like the good little trooper she is. We trotted most of the ride trying to leave the bugs behind. No amount of fly spray truly repels deer flies. They were HORRIBLE!!! She led the way for the last leg of the trip. Again… I’m so proud of her!!! I think she moves out very well and is actually better matched with Rambo as a riding buddy this year. He covers the ground faster and doesn’t try to race like Sir. It was GRAND!!!
What a well rounded day of exercise and fun! Vacation is SO AWESOME!!!!
Vacation Day #5: Valley Falls WV
We wanted to hike. Keith suggested somewhere other than north of home, and I NEED to hike hills to boost my longevity, so… WV here we come! Valley Falls State Park is just south of Morgantown. We took the new GPS so we could cache along the way.
The drive was pretty. Once you get off the main road you snake back into the foothills of West Virginia. We happened upon a double-decker trailer, but were too wigged-out by the toothless wonders in front of it to stop for a photo. Sorry! It was very interesting to drive past though. There was a confederate flag in the window of the door hanging wide-open exposing their mountainous pile of laundry. On the other side was a clothes line and the lower level of the homestead. I can’t truly even describe it.
The falls are so beautiful! It makes you stop and appreciate the Creator!
We hiked a couple of trails and could hear the roar of the falls most of the way. The trail going out was an easy terrain. The last was not so much. It was pretty much straight up the mountainside and around enormous boulders the whole way to the top… and then back down the other side. Some of them were like cliffs you could walk out to the edge and look WAY down!
We enjoyed the scenery and a little bit of wildlife. There were several deer and some bunnies, squirrel, and chipmunks. We photographed the Flinstones house…
I’m so proud to have completed it. Anyone who hikes with me, knows I hate hills. This was an exceptional hill. The photos do not do it justice. It’s steep enough that Keith doesn’t like to stop on the hill because the backpack pulls him back. YIKES. It was a great hike! I was really energized by it. Day #5 really ROCKED!!!
Vacation Day #4 Fishing & Relaxing
On Wednesday, we slept in a little bit. We had big plans to hike our hearts out, but as it goes we had a late start and then ended up making alternative plans to be lazy.
1) we picked up my car, newly inspected, air-conditioning working. (I hope it stays that way)
2) we shopped for a new GPS unit, a step up from the old one. So anyone wanting to borrow the old one is welcome to do so. I know several people who would like to borrow it, so don’t sit on it for long… share share share!
3) we hit a small fishing spot at Moraine near where we dropped our travel bug for geocaching. Unfortunately, it is gone and nobody has claimed it. Boo hoo! Keith caught a blue-killer while I sat and read the manual for the new GPS. Look how beautiful the day was!!!
4) we went to the barn and did the chores. Drat! We forgot long pants to go riding. So bummed!
5) we went fishing at the Oneida Valley Reservoir, along the back side. I caught several blue-killers and a bass. We saw some big ones jumping as the sun went down behind the trees. Awesome!!! Didn’t realize there were big fish in that pond! We also spotted what we thought were an enormous line of tadpoles, but upon closer inspection, decided they were catfish-minnows! Very cool!!!
6) wrapped up the evening by planning a day-trip for Day #5.
Vacation Day #3: In Search of the Elusive Water Horse
I was reading in one of those cheesy brochures that you get at rest-stops about what fantastic attractions one might find in the area we were headed. I found a HIPPOPATOMUS!!!! About an hour from Sandusky is the Toledo Zoo. Sign-me-up!!! Both Amanda and I have a draw to such creatures… an awe for them! The rest of the zoo was just a bonus. I think it’s really cool that they have webcams set up for some of their exhibits. I’m a little disappointed that the Hippoquarium is under construction. We only got to see them inside… still really cool though. The Zom’s have much better photos than us.
Other favorite attractions was the polar bears, the aquarium, and having our caricature done.
Day #3 was a LONG hot day, but still very enjoyable!
Vacation Day #2 Waterpark
On Monday we packed up and headed out to Kalahari, in Sandusky, OH. Oh WOW! This place is overwhelming. It’s enormous! They have water rides, slides, rafting, wave pool, surf-pool, lazy river, regular pool, hot-tub, zip lines, mini-zoo, restaurants, bars, candy shop, boutiques, arcade, etc. Our room (with a balcony) included waterpark access for Monday and Tuesday as well as a bottle of champagne and a box of chocolate covered cherries. YUM!!! It also included a buffet breakfast at one of the restaurants. We were permitted to order room service, but chose the buffet.
The slides were my favorite, the ones with the big rafts where Keith could ride along with me. The Zom’s have a really cool camera that works under water, so they have some really fun pictures. The wave pool is what I thought I might like the best, but alas, I injured myself in the wave pool. That stupid wave flipped me right over in less than 2 foot of water and I landed on my head. I have an abrasion and a lump. Ouchy!!! Keith insisted on getting me an ice pack at the first aid station. It was a good idea. Thanks for taking care of me Keith.
It was a really fun time!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Vacation: Day #1
Today started with devotions early in the morning. Thanking the Lord for such a gorgeous day and for providing some respite from our jobs.
We arrived in downtown Pittsburgh late morning. We enjoyed the weather, the waterfall, and the river view.
I really need some SUN on those legs!!!
We saw the Pirates vs. Red Sox at PNC Park. Great game, even if they lost. Keith scored several autographs. (not surprising)
Keith had enough gift cards to almost pay for a Neil Walker jersey. He had to pay $15 out of pocket. SAWEET!
This game and the jersey were on his list of “want really bad’s” this year so it made me feel really good to see it happen. He also got to see one of his favorite Red Sox players hit a homer into the river… thankfully via the foul line.
We rounded out the day enjoying dinner with the Zom’s. Not bad for day #1 of our vacation.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Short Hike but Very Enjoyable
Keith, Jill, Joelle and I hit Hartwood Acres this morning. We let Joelle use our GPS to do some geocaching. She caught on pretty quickly. Then we followed the red and white dot trail for a while, followed by the #1 and #2 trails before finishing out the hike. I’m so blessed to have people around me who want to hike alongside of me. Yay! I so enjoyed it!
I’ve concluded that I need to shop for some much more attractive hiking gear. Hmmmm…
Saturday’s Savings & Meal Plan
Grabbed a few good deals this evening at Giant Eagle and Walmart. Could have grabbed Colgate at Rite Aid and actually made a few bucks on it, but I chose to pass on Rite Aid this week.
2 Boxes of Snuggle Fabric Softener Sheets: (40 count) $.50 each. Not bad!
2 bottles of Xtra laundry detergent (28 load): $.99 each. This isn’t my favorite laundry detergent, but it’s good to have on hand. I can use it as a back up in case I run out (not likely to happen any time soon) or to wash utility items such as rugs, rags, horse blankets, etc.
4 packs of Ballpark Beef Bun-length hotdogs: $1.34 each. Not bad!
10 boxes of GE Pasta: $.90 each + extra $.10 fuel perks which will add up to $3 savings bringing the price of the pasta down to a total of $.60 each. Not bad!
2 packs of gum: $.28 each – sometimes I get it for free, but this is still a good deal.
2 Three Musketeers bars: $.25 each. Not bad! Keith will enjoy them!
14 Bags of Iams catfood (1.8 pounds): $1.67 each. I usually pay $25 for one 14 pound bag. My coupons were all worth $3 each, bringing this out to $23.38 for 25.2 pounds. If you do the math, I usually pay $1.78/pound, but today I got it for $.93/pound a savings of $.85/pound. Yee haw!!!
Meals
No big plans. We are on vacation, though not actually at the tropical paradise. We are home. We hope to take a few day-trips and just enjoy being home and free from work. So… I’ll plan meals on the spur of the moment this week. One things for sure… we definitely have PASTA and HOT DOGS if we need them.
Have a great week!
Monday, June 20, 2011
NCT–Revisited
Had an AWESOME hike last night with Tammi. The North Country Trail should know us well by now; although, we rarely hit the same portion more than once. I love this trail. It’s very well kept and fairly easy to travel.
We hoofed it for a flat 2 hours and covered a good 4.62 miles as per the GPS. This was an evening hike, so it was a race against the clock. Of course we always dilly-dally on the way. We gawk at things in the woods and water. There was a blue heron hunting his dinner. I wonder if he caught anything. We admired the dam and spillway and took note of fishermen along the way.
The turn-around point at about 7:30PM was under the 422 Bridge, where the trail actually travels UNDER it. That’s neat! We saw some bats flitting around down there. It’s always an adventure. I cannot wait to go again!!! Hiking makes me feel SO GOOD! I cannot wait for vacation to start so I can hike some more.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Another Couple of Miles
Tammi and I hit the North Country Trail again this morning. We went 1.8 miles out and then back-tracked. We are up to 23.6 miles of our 200 mile challenge. No worries… when the fall arrives, we will likely pound out much longer hikes. The weather was superb. It was sunny; but we were mostly under the cover of trees. The first and last portion was well maintained, recently trimmed. In between the grass was high, but we didn’t have any trouble following the blue-dots. Some of the terrain was muddy. Overall, it felt like a very easy hike today. I’m already itching to get back out for another adventure.
Next year I’m going to track my total miles for all hikes…
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Harrison Hills Park
This park is located in Freeport. Oh wow… a treasure that took entirely too long for us to find! I can’t wait to go back!
There is a 5-mile trail that loops around the perimeter of the park. There are voluminous trails that wind through and intertwine with one another all over the park. The Boy Scouts have done a fantastic job with trail signs and marking.
The park is also rich with geocaches. We found 5 or 6 of the traditional ones. We didn’t even have time to tackle the multi-caches. One of them was not far off the Rachel Carson Trail, past a really cool waterfall, and in a small cave-like area.
We walked the creek-bed down down down the hill until we found the tiny cave. The picture above is Keith jumping from one side to the other across the creek. Notice the ammo box… that’s the cache! He’s going to put it back where we found it.
A little ways further we happened upon the “look-out” area. We spotted a couple of osprey hunting. The coolest part was that we were looking down on them. The river is WAY down there!
We hiked for 4 1/2 hours up and down hills, over creeks, through the woods, all over the place. It was grand! What an awesome day of hiking!
We started hiking about a year ago. I’m so glad that it’s something we both enjoy and have stuck with. It really is good for the mind, body, and soul.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)