tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-486921791366239432024-02-19T02:12:30.258-08:00Lynne in USAlynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-13771205237007715712011-09-30T09:30:00.001-07:002011-09-30T09:30:25.544-07:00Such a hoot<p>It’s been a wet month. We’ve had 3 times as much rain this September, compared to the average. Thankfully it did stay dry long enough for me to do most of the lawn seeding that I had planned. It’s doing nicely despite my worries that the earth works might get washed out.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTA0SFGmtiW5VaLwFVhyIMDfmhdGaFHaYgXBks8QBktylFA_5VaD9_HOJkP0flitlK0qNdZQjRTOxmQ-D6fb__5PmkBTLBIy4k35lOtg3Ymuolp_Et4wJui1J7AkxRWkJx19w7zE9c9FU/s1600-h/PICT0805a%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" alt="KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1kTjkWrwu7dlfhwB4mLQ7So7dz22pq4yjWWMQ9MOSIP9daccvl8nImSMpXSgc5yx6rACNwgmeOIpU-DkJQwZHX_CL71VgsR-QvZ1KotvfcvmfuTYzqQK-sMJHGQYLeHAw4pDduD_SE4/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="166" /></a> Lynne has used the poor weather as an opportunity to put in some serious quilting and general sewing. She has been working away to finish off a lovely full sized quilt on her long-arm machine. The photo shows her proudly displaying the completed work at the Quilter Guild meeting. As if she needs any more strings to her bow, she has successfully taken on some training duties at her favourite <a href="http://www.quiltersattic.com" target="_blank">quilt shop</a>. There are more details of this on her crafty <a href="http://sewfarfromhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>.</p> <p>I was lucky to have my camera to hand early the other morning. As I sat eating my breakfast cereal and watching the morning news, I noticed that we had a very rare visitor. Not that they are rare to our garden but that they are rarely seen during daylight. They often wake us up at night! It was a very overcast early morning so it was staying up late hoping to catch a snack. This fine Barred Owl is about 20” tip to tail and stayed around just long enough for me to snap a few shots.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNlkA_AarnM7gkxPvYe0uh0nYayKNL4NgG7pruhPlLrgfyP6UtXNKFYWVDqjqjbydS-g5QgK-ssUGLJYrMdxntiOoMoAxYJf9Jbc7k82nrjBt8j6IGfeE306lWseBKNaxe4dmN-Lcu5A/s1600-h/PICT0825%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT0825" border="0" alt="PICT0825" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSWreDlNxCU2dDhdrHd9yFxTJufL5eQAu0V9I6wOPimSl1ITi89ayThm_yfalMuJWabNFnjeKs-LGChPb_g_NCxSf41WC4yP-B2kLo_nmD7ihsCCvCnsbKSCmHfXVllAggRHshh_bPA8/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVhttnEK2M0q7vM1w__NeiwJjt7SZ-afUEgn1RktG86941tyxfUUGzUbea9_39Fc9fj_uilpOZqRaSe0FxbLmQuTbAcpEMUt0BvJSP4GbSdljHMOZy-Ubs3VIwOuaabeHz6JV3PsA0vU/s1600-h/PICT0826%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT0826" border="0" alt="PICT0826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_EyybZUPAPe4q1uJRV0zvVQcpKstJ_O_t71GMcaEk6jM3bCPnUZ-zAurs16AN_twPiP1rk6YJeApMlStfdGwMSbfaRehLwCedMvS6EwHiaBzGgVElkXAzGt2CvxiUkVNafBLL4eTh-8/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAZUI6HkVAB8rZ2hzPXLgh62VMWU-5PvGeqzTopK2CM3Y1HfF_NkHTUyCsQPnnuEHnFFRGNAyYxGRtI6hL8zONyuFk3kswmxtC5rDGrCkLOifFT2IGMCqPCc_2H5Pxp-0MeWraT3HkqQ/s1600-h/PICT0828%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT0828" border="0" alt="PICT0828" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--YUWbEf7aKw/ToXuib_jh5I/AAAAAAAAEao/ixx_ufSPAxw/PICT0828_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9lqtUpzyMTgKghJIphPOVjpfyDOjmXhMT149jcK8xMJJscUwx3DMd1SIvF8Tnmk6jIcXmr0PXLzwVFrIUmZN8GniDVskPZ07mzQiTT-8ql3THlRByWDS69j-dPaoCepUiA6zfLNC4Ss/s1600-h/PICT0823%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT0823" border="0" alt="PICT0823" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7-VdyshMyvUOBNNcBQi06KiiEgtCnKpkpmenA1zVibzUnw_lskqC3TtWtKJVXOhRGIdrMUdA6v8vPvPmQLoEj-mJKCyZHI7fcQhaV06uriLcpmlZNt_NNFMoUbCmDeaWk1uE8sPfgI0/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>We still have some colour in the garden and the bees are working hard to collect the last of nature’s goodness. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDOWZR00L7bejjFEPVK_PrQnaj848TAvyQP1Q3ZHUyaGmIHL3ootqpwzP6X2ZCI-lnyHxIPTFakaNxPw06Q9riZN540l7ZoFbdLQqfFf7FyVhyphenhyphenxpqMOXssltAs2Uyyl4FTzD5fnqeH-s/s1600-h/PICT0791%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT0791" border="0" alt="PICT0791" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_te7aYef8ELViHQndlx25elNrgX0mpaWp5RWWSFkRcfXLHcVhLOF1zHDxWPlg7Ah-p_9kGguyp-6YPj2C20sn0NRbCOvVOQQk2LQe88W98SPYw7P_jElHHMglj5R4NhhwNKWlxhE3tGg/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WUVIwM3pY8k/ToXuk9u_eXI/AAAAAAAAEa8/4xukuOaptrM/s1600-h/PICT0780%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT0780" border="0" alt="PICT0780" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFxU9nRPt_j2o7GtNEWaDxngeiQgwEef1T3u96kA-XpgFvc8dpkhqdVP8koUnknG28zQBGpkF4VH-L4B7yd7ZUcbYCSOiKS4lrupVXEdWNkgB1dAohj3oVOGe4cvOl-jQWN7NZ1QA-_U/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DZs43mbq2Ls/ToXumEDzwGI/AAAAAAAAEbE/fyK6WH-l_v8/s1600-h/PICT0801%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT0801" border="0" alt="PICT0801" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTryHodUW68vxomxlk2SCdygR946o7ldVj-1SDQyR6D9J-iS4w0Pe3L8WciM5Tu87wRvcRYYI78tNR77pv84Lc6uIOLa5wsM1zZj7EQHJmkr62Qu6rE5nK7gD8QSvOakbFxDHmYWTgAmo/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lP4tr6dEow8/ToXumyS4dLI/AAAAAAAAEbM/vnoV-mRoqfE/s1600-h/PICT0786%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT0786" border="0" alt="PICT0786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6oiMr7baEAtxTYCF6Q6ZK0GqwXKJwE5zdxF5WWuzXxrDIMn1zln9kfS5lt8Or7YMlvuF6bi3cpyYF0qddjiRyRaUdUQgGy7IXTqFWRUCZaNRmgn4Qzi_Ooo9dN13GzYjONvq-nCPuPk/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRj547Y6oKQmTAF95lPdvzum2gbrMca9eX9BzxR7gITRtp28uBst5Gjc7uEZHe2EYbBnFUEZhhjRIekwLzuFDYoZhP7swssTgWpaeeVdHvkpQWizvtSBjE8dftt9U1NylHx67FD7Ud74/s1600-h/PICT0852%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Autun is here" border="0" alt="Autun is here" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSn0ydKs0aeKWJV15D1rz5CsWIFN-H88-bPZ_8HxHI1aSbwBfbt6KNzsAWIQoFwlhFYeqbz3m6qVLak2L9nUtd1QI_GluMUvIFU88ZRBpXEiG77v7xPBmZcbxqatYvWgq_P3yioVajZPc/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> Somebody turned the summer switch to the off position this month. It is decidedly autumnal. But if we should be in any doubt, the trees are telling us that we are on the downhill slope to winter.</p> lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-87703483568322002992011-09-06T18:26:00.001-07:002011-09-08T18:50:16.608-07:00Wet and windy end to summer<p>We have often thought that we just don’t get into NYC very often. Given that we are only 80 miles from one of the great cities of the World, we should do it every now and then.</p> <p>So off we went. Just to make the trip a little adventure we took a different train route to the one that takes us down the Hudson river. We took the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Jervis_Line" target="_blank">“Port Jervis” line</a>, over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moodna_Viaduct" target="_blank">Moodner Viaduct</a>, through New Jersey and under the Hudson River into Penn Station. It’s a slow line but a very pleasant journey.</p> <p>First stop was the B&H camera superstore. I could spend hours there just looking. Lynne was interested in a bag for her new Sony but the check out line just seemed too long so she gently guided me to the exit.</p> <p>A new section of the <a href="http://www.thehighline.org/" target="_blank">High Line Park</a> has recently opened so, as it was a lovely day, we went off to explore. The park has been constructed along a disused section of elevated rail line. Starting at 30th street and going on down to 14th, you get such a unique view of the city . We highly recommend it.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJWvKaHAOPA8ym9IhUbjjOPk1lfXMigEm2IZn7upgrsF5Yul6YQUkQd5fL86Bgkuuc51YXSGi4ZicHLPeHIAFe8lM6NdTpJ7cvusqCwBj3Zg8he451o8F-bFdpkk84aNhRdVT1e_C8_g/s1600-h/DSC00804%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Trains ran this way" alt="Trains ran this way" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbHxrFVHkzPAOEKnNczRyrpK9bxyucigrcYgc4qgqjF0vU-7jFHnNo9_4Evsh0Exdzy-gCJ8wcJQMR_aNKhEQpnv_aNiQR9R98q2ayCeeFSXo3E6WDeyg4QBvXP0Ept-0PADav1hmRjU/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="129" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_Okt3jNcQl2FYuWX8fXeiIKaFl3-V4nlwVAllj74RDIOl01w74luMTUZr4uYb8VWtK_qNT5sk255BlD-4IjD9eA6dZXI_bT4QYxN_ukB88hqgjiA6Scty_OOT1l_w3qoDsznIhKU-08/s1600-h/DSC00815%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Note the water towers on top of the appartments" alt="Note the water towers on top of the appartments" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sRytkLJGe0ovN9Ecno9K9UtMPDxPiCArTwiqqGEqSs4OT2oOWjJd4NYyJ3zCNruEq93aBbUK0lJT0BYqrJpwjSIOv7AY232fQbvSnjY7sfBhhFJfExVyGh6AVMC9EuCqeUzwk6Goksk/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="129" width="192" /></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxHikLatQWyGDW02Xn_3o08Q20O4NNTcgVlWgaLTNwH1sSlZanWtwj6ANwYl8_KJOg4-fhF-VCOmDgjrKQlPJzaZX6frBKExbPL7xANbY2JgesP3PICpnSDKkhk3d0H7cSUI42_xWk8w/s1600-h/DSC00812%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Cross town view" alt="Cross town view" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1Cse0kmaleQ/TmbIFx8FTZI/AAAAAAAAEYg/AbuxW8mb7ck/DSC00812_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="244" width="164" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWF88-rpFKcAEHhbmrNk-J0HalgQ1gNqVfeaZTIzKihRYNz5YSVRynqIJQq4qrvs3dQ8Su3bQATXcJW3KYHf-vJe8DMbTp_CpAnE5SySgMmc_umUUpvkUUwgwUqhwt8oB0SGCvQrMNCCk/s1600-h/DSC00814%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Art is a key feature" alt="Art is a key feature" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemylOe_6sqE5hGHi_4beeKT6b3SBi3AuANI8DIdpuTnSdDfH-wSAwObGOwXXGZHljKLOkQEP9dNzxrorB1mcRKE5O9gGTGy79MHnfYnu_PiCUOfGG7XjikJX8dv6oB3cqGr9Zx4oKJZQ/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="244" width="164" /></a> </p> <p>After a well deserved lunch we went off to explore the garment district and find <a href="http://www.moodfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Mood Fabrics</a> of Project Runway fame. Given that I have no interest in the series it’s odd that it was me that spotted Mondo, runner up from last year, waiting at the counter, fabric in hand. The place is an Aladdin's Cave for anyone with a creative stitching bent ……. I dutifully followed along at a distance.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjCtoh4llHRuqcm7PqlcyyzCl7PXVDtAGuXC9fzX4KRWPDp-OiWkwPy_gK-6CkQFimI3A2nJchSULJlWNPG5PqOpYXTBa_9hGrUmFHzVSNyDhswkmrBWn9sP4wYI8eem40evDhNyl9RY/s1600-h/DSC00824%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="The main plaza at Seacaucus Junction" alt="The main plaza at Seacaucus Junction" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LCmrwlfzamc/TmbIHhbbdjI/AAAAAAAAEYw/eijMCzQKyms/DSC00824_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="164" /></a> We strolled across town and gradually made our way back to Penn Station for the trip back to the sticks. We were quickly away on the first leg to Secaucus Junction where we discovered that we had over an hour to wait for the next train to Middletown (NY). Still, the modern waiting plaza was cool and had seats. The time seemed to pass quickly …. maybe it was the company? It was a fine day out in the big city and we will do it again. Not via that line for a while as hurricane Irene has washed out the tracks in several places.</p> <p>And that brings me neatly on to the wet and windy end to the summer. Hurricane season is always well reported here but doesn’t often make as big an impression as Irene. The signs were there and people were being warned to make preparations well in advance. Low lying areas of New Jersey and New York were evacuated for the predicted storm surge and flooding. As it turned out, the main destruction came from the very heavy inland rainfall and subsequent flooding as water took any route down to overflowing rivers. Some towns had 4ft of water running down the main street. There are some <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu9djEpUUwk&feature=related" target="_blank">crazy scenes</a> on You Tube. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6P2qQXqxaPkYysydYIRUEz44YTRgbgQ7PtcfZdu-JDnx-U4W0wC4DwDgqq8D-ipkYaCnZ_028O0xKP6YcX3XlhiVjKpLo-ns3CoK7vbDKA-Bf9z5HhmmckqPeaqmQ_5gZST73KD4nJE/s1600-h/Interactive%252520Local%252520Weather%252520Map%252520for%25252012566%252520-%252520weather.com%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%25252027082011%252520211920%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Come on Irene" alt="Come on Irene" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaEKO_iTV9P-xxsJIPaSwksu2J5DUfpRiJdrbNAlx5suOEBgh1SGa6uLmlOHPre8p6q0AxNsxsBKm7uQwD9sNQR8pAeNUP574h30lSZUIOMaJVA9VrmhPdebiub8hBNl87dQTR_vmi8Y/?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="162" width="244" /></a> The weather radar pictures looked ominous and it was raining hard as we went to bed that night. Everything had been put away or tied down. We knew it would be windy but the worst was expected on the coast, 80 miles away. </p> <p>We woke up at around 3am and it was raining hard but blowing harder. All the trees were trashing around, the electricity was already out and all we could do was wait for the sun to come up and the wind to calm down. When it did, we were pleased to see that there were no major trees down and apart for some very minor water in the basement, we were unscathed. I got the small generator running and we had the fridge, freezer and some lights going. Our main issue was the lack of 220v for the well pump so there was no running water although we had filled up the bath and stocked up on bottled water. We had radio but no telephone, internet or cable tv. By lunchtime we were beginning to understand how lucky we were.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiR39JAU6rmS10aCAMuTE5VUK1t2YntY0rQPUIR9g2VAXxnvgYVDVhjLTpWaGHfkadAo4WJUxn9EsYJR6uWlIJYRrhzkG8-hFhNOrYb3tBnYyasCvOT-gVEvxUYpO8MdreC1PLLtzCMA/s1600-h/DSC00835%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Truck" alt="Truck" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qrsaUAC5JKaN1Nw-siCDI2onw98K4W8Tp8TznCffU1ePEJUbKFmE0qI94xDo-7pQtOU6GWLgfFZIHZD3nLxmudW906As4nA205MVQRiWjlwsrM9s6r9FfSl79ALFl0x2wH_vNIaJM8c/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="130" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEgUcN3IS4qpge8mqiaENvt6wKvBznh0AjLjG2hHZLLqr7mnrXlffv4AtYG-lDTwEY7iYw2yILWkHYzIUkS0Z3s9e2nrptdmNiOyqRcS5zyNqjiq5gRXnEtxAN6oUCkVDJ03Fm2mNdv8/s1600-h/DSC00834%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="RV covered in debris" alt="RV covered in debris" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53Xzw0-W12A4viDX7fjBvkjRE08ywMNv3zA4cS9xpI7Feo_n4aaqzLCpfzbv7xg_qpTNyiv_Peui-nluTrcoZSAcGQyCoN7WTeKkQ6whIRJTWHVZeoXPF625cA_w-wnObJbEQlZHSxIc/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="129" width="192" /></a> </p> <p>We took a trip out to see how the local area had been affected and to see if we could gauge how long the power was likely to be out. We soon started to see trees down and roads flooded. The river through town was raging but runs significantly lower in the valley so was not an issue there. We travelled to a number of other bridges and road crossings to see the scale of the run off. There was a lot of water!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIQ2eQycfgGYljSMnE5QlfDhFM6hFlOo3ZR3l6YhxTyyNqhcAsQxFIN5dz9frTLZP-kmlm-E6yS_U8wayBMKQU_lbXPwT8MwKog3Op1IC17Kuis0SpJYlSCT7S2kLE5RJjx1MNg4XYMU/s1600-h/DSC00854%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Walkill river rages" alt="Walkill river rages" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjot04c-uvKcaGhH2Cyb6SDtEavurVeUHMG3LJ2DTi1F_5s57P6vaoORY4zILzjueRQoAreMa_LVAMACVpHcCf7RhD8Y9Jzmw7IaZzyXUjmt2PqNWbnp05RPeyag5cBUmsf7ltJ4x2ujz8/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="129" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPDdJnkDMUicq2TTv0FTYzrgy-Ip_BUu3flE4PMP46c8lpCXpExJTJXY8EoJiH7O0Kbtarrns4q7H-_Yf18W2NxGPslEQh8WHzEdx0QVm7Bg-VujN1QzgT1tDURV3CUz3-a5b_UrWMfg/s1600-h/DSC00856%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="The weir is almost smoothed out" alt="The weir is almost smoothed out" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTBJil45I4pAwnmu5cpXdEQKX_yBmC7bTEYz6YdmLv5hiU8kLcecUb7gPgTtBW5dGBlK6zsToVpZxSkRn8bEFzCk1nwR8MVM5xXbB0VDPoJaQz_Ae6QkyTReCM9cluLQ_7kXPveCNN8Q/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="129" width="192" /></a> </p> <p>The fun started on the homeward loop. Every way we turned there was a flooded road, a tree down or power cable across the street. We were all over the place before we reached home. We eventually got power back by Wednesday.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YtfE-M1tyJ4/TmbIPc-VxfI/AAAAAAAAEZc/TEvrbDxTzgA/s1600-h/DSC00872%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Route home seriously underwater" alt="Route home seriously underwater" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJABPVqA0svJFkSwYRERJBKwowwehdCn4ZcS3FSxVLVyf1y5tgEKbRL1xC5__QZanTe6xqPEj_K8sxyfG3LzRXLOGdumLjEHqondXJfejtaJyIGJs6EFLoq82GXa9mmvk3aMgMlihQKXk/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="139" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sUrTDSIjl6Gi8-HAU2pYNrgFPDwlUg_UAmpQhPQ6uNADmBtInfSp-ZB5WSamGB9fEvdl_ZZbbKctHwYHxhIniYYjNJMrbNsWp67uTwkiFmyIXb9LhinvfYNN2-25ibypJTlLp77Cuc8/s1600-h/DSC00873%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="That should be pasture" alt="That should be pasture" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJAvw3uR4gDn34EBhxU1qjAPdQM_Apu1IZDdvFHqBHdV8_sJWhObi4hJi5VNucHVerUzHD_Aa5Y-G8O2rEWswCrGEGEQVTcgXq17ZajNRTD8LezTU9GUX8vmdLM7deJYqvBaLe4n03_I/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="129" width="192" /></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBXD55UykR5Nu1SQaxLDvxXpiKEBDxh5D2FdGMpBR_o51NRDOotSMTX1r0gNVlE5ui9ZL94OOEggVptYQ3fWxyRd_rp0OScc70qzBgK-0_8dKInbEfbgfbk0GfwfE4LywiBllg_YlPo8/s1600-h/DSC00859%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Typical tree taking down power situation" alt="Typical tree taking down power situation" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OMFZAXCaWXU/TmbIScfZb2I/AAAAAAAAEZw/t4EaS-YVKDA/DSC00859_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="129" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTJwL478DiWY0sitRzVk0XcP8z_RxA-aTjY1PYtGegCrQtm7xJoCHsgnaCB5WlZN-JrPyW8lM-4ShVD6N0pZVmyzdcgRmRS-IpiL_v680VniG_T44fJ_cQLVOfjg0vimYlds2iICSOA0/s1600-h/DSC00938%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="This one kept us out for more than three days" alt="This one kept us out for more than three days" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JeQU6a7J8ow/TmbITVg8NMI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/_IFK9fiz_Zk/DSC00938_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="129" width="192" /></a> </p> <p>On a much lighter note. We had a great evening out this last Saturday. We went out with friends to <a href="http://www.briansbackyardbbq.com/" target="_blank">Brian’s Back Yard BBQ</a> for a meal and blues music. So good!</p> <p>Cute critters in the collection have mainly been deer, hummingbirds and the odd snake. I also saw a skunk scurry through the trees.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPliofEVIMlNR8sAETB1pDGnrdMUGCnz5DylefrDcZR-v7eD5VVcxLAani7lhjIQFKLh1BPAcKI39v10iT4ra1R7TkeStVXJQtRgznZLu66B4Pt1Ykawushm-0b4isyHKwv9A0DKdE88g/s1600-h/PICT0770%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Our regular family visitors" alt="Our regular family visitors" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnjPjkQepJSHu_UaOsG3-wx7hiYZe5pN8yqLS_MOPTrnLGTExJ3Ka4ImJJSZRLOFV_gQTFISGXksjMIN9lfPO9VEP5J2A11-YXi5pGolM0dT89xAGrnuyuYv0z-C5AYgiOtnXSFGV7lw/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="129" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsLsDHGZGM91SbpwyjWl1Xo9FUgFENqkkcoAzCwBYJegcuRb4m2RXa7rWhl4U8nN3z-CY_I_-n1knFb341mMJ99WRJOchSlHZY9iv57UZh8kBHI9pMSVKc3pok8GQTn0auVPuWLr9UzM/s1600-h/PICT0742%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Ribbon Snake" alt="Ribbon Snake" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e7qdj1pVdL4/TmbIVY339RI/AAAAAAAAEaI/opmCDwcefNQ/PICT0742_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="129" width="192" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>*<em> All photos by Lynne with her new Sony SLR (except the last two)</em></p>lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-45180684916319731482011-07-27T18:38:00.001-07:002011-07-27T19:10:55.802-07:00Maine coast – New Hampshire mountains<p>With a break in contracts for Lynne, we were able to get away and explore some more of this great country. After the crazy heat of last summer we thought it would be good to go northeast and towards the cooler coast of Maine. With no other plan than to enjoy ourselves, it was a bonus that we were able to add on some time in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In total we covered 2025 miles.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQ0qrH3avYdZ9gC4C9Gr4ZwBilFb-VjRnxellTvDgw4mBo64NXXX_Tr9x9T2lUIDgkb8S6XMZ_hqfIRXDW3AxRlkeMcvojNuPI5mHuKjGfl2M9xe0N0l4qI1nvitq8baMGUFMaTa-xsQ/s1600-h/Maine%252520Trip.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Maine Trip" border="0" alt="Maine Trip" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv24tBFhCGelrzrGdKeIfqTkZaZOr3REbGO6Rg2dVehz9poYApKPb7QtOoqx8J7xZigWTmecri_VlkrcbN1pl1IfCXUWv2xZyt8eBkEw_DReHCEPC-tgO5VYJZZxBlw0evyV7IYyA-sr0/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="320" /></a> </p> <p>I had spent a few days checking over the RV and loading up ready to go as soon as Lynne had delivered her final project. The dogs had an early session with the groomer and we were hitched up and rolling by lunch time. 290 miles on a mid-week afternoon got us into the Kennebunk camp site before dark. That’s important to me as I like to see the space I have to back the RV into.</p> <p>While I unhitched, connected the services and walked the dogs, Lynne sorted out the interior, pushed out the slide-outs and organised the food. The great thing with having a bunch of solar panels and batteries is being able to have the slow cooker do it’s job while we are driving. Mexican chilli chicken …. yum.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugbfu7fvyDLx755kzRxikQcCV3PUe6SLlgET7mkKUy_fU0kSLQySI5xVo08tHHsxIflt-L2j5Kr4VxYAIdz8kSbu7dV3-wUpAY93DTsfjBGi4kUYtQJQ4NQ3oA0W2bMKdC0L_heCPhtE/s1600-h/DSC00415%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00415" border="0" alt="DSC00415" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qbOAjSI2jvM/TjC9EW_jjbI/AAAAAAAAEUA/WQ_mL3YsII8/DSC00415_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="189" height="126" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilJnYYbi7eT-q84OSFz7DeNfYP-h84rQZ95XQaYXceLH94by6iVOnRvi0mnOAhnpXs4FN7oTMG64TPRqmw2oUUVsryPjAvR47IhL1o-IcEQTwyM-k_VWODpicF2Dj1ynmw9OI_VJojvc/s1600-h/DSC00425%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00425" border="0" alt="DSC00425" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KYM9245P8ig/TjC9FYiHbdI/AAAAAAAAEUI/XZjOuFWiUAs/DSC00425_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="189" height="127" /></a> </p> <p>Cagney and Lacey are great travellers are are quite at home in the RV. Of course they also enjoy hiking with us. For the first week we were on the coast so there were lots of opportunities to get wet in the Atlantic. Generally, the beaches have to be clear of dogs by 9am. This meant an early start each day to make sure we were on the beach by about 7am. It was well worth the effort. It was great to stroll along the shoreline in the early morning sun and watch the girls run amok with all the other dogs. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7UmYLVGr43nIjV96xVHAYTe9ytsNTngyu4r_tVarv1XARy5TRrsWLyLpA6_LQQtspb6664rlFxtIV-8Wu2lwcS42hWgpgdfYtJsYhG0lARE3k8xP9WKmB8os7OnLlPHpg0JRyY5R650/s1600-h/DSC00394%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00394" border="0" alt="DSC00394" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzIpG0OW_4qQ36209mAFmh9vbZqJDMa0RBDMGkYvCtxovS5YcKovkuNgmCLf2TmdUJVUoKq5zW-j0PJW0ByWn-rjeUh_QaucN5KCNneLdcV71VEWvmuOaQNtVj44OpNe4U_whWS364pEs/?imgmax=800" width="189" height="127" /></a> It’s funny who you bump into whilst walking dogs! As we came to one end of the Kennebunkport beach the girls ran off to play with a group of people coming towards us. They were roundly seem off by the two small yappy dogs and we stopped for a brief doggy discussion. It was only as we walked away that I recalled why the white haired old lady looked familiar. It was the former First Lady, Barbara Bush. As we looked back holiday makers were walking up to her and shaking her hand. She seemed to have time for everyone.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyTB0uPntc57c1UYwZbRIIWrCcvd_HgRcSuWhOfOFFXRmyF3JHkXTFp-F54bgGbKP666LAMu8kW8EQu1_VZHdxMiE5nEFaos5Mber17Dew6jhVSP7IBgWKIYkluqYDCaJ0b6zahfrLns/s1600-h/DSC00371%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00371" border="0" alt="DSC00371" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Tdux9oZ7uNE/TjC9HRmskuI/AAAAAAAAEUY/d5_X5p-bicY/DSC00371_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="189" height="127" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksaqGAWwvSvUONBnOpZwyOmqrpzvJS_zoYO7GGs6cqND7wjwzP0P8sYdOEPNaBxPGGceI4s2NlG8SXkRw2hZv0Oy_s_zejjTkLaNkALAU_AHoBYvgUTGqQvb7oh865SYoxS5YsYfBltc/s1600-h/DSC00374%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00374" border="0" alt="DSC00374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zcFdeqYfhvCGcr81Wr9jIn2Vr7h4hFj7aFLRqDKxP2t9MEAonaqCW6LwjnDu-ZUB_wqPN26zE59UUxtMPTqjYuTLg-jIRWeuv-YTPaxT88fbxSounwtK9aaXNSKNuJNB7uWT3-67BX8/?imgmax=800" width="189" height="128" /></a> </p> <p>The village of Kennebunkport was more “arts and crafts” than “kiss me quick” but ready to take the tourist $ none the less. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0n7DRs6qGOzGNZFoFjI_1LgJ5GWLvy7V04_Xf-cBLQk02bCmJ2TXOYEzbLB3VHJvGQ7usb09fixFxPUGFLXLNK-6sn9plP9qypjGPu5x1SjTtpqwW4b-jyNj-yS0ajxnCRYTr9TeRRaM/s1600-h/DSC00340%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00340" border="0" alt="DSC00340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQLUY6AQ0Qyagh53DMzr_u1VGcvk3GcduXw-cdlHuYz5QM1VhjUiqhmX6XU4V_BPgzqn3Li18wxU4cd-nfiLUIIXICqWtU5bJF8jU4ZxPX5o9-kftRA9xsIDeVwusIcai_zps3MvWREA/?imgmax=800" width="189" height="127" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDya-Nor20ye-hOrZCSQYKGdqAFhpgRzrfBb98cgijnSUz0Uvjier6nUMzFVKlm9AC0szKV_yJDoQRmikO9Sm2sWXF-iVYZDoA-J6jKVrrWQdQAsbT4nJNvJS5_VWqFGFxcj3CTKKPpP0/s1600-h/DSC00360%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00360" border="0" alt="DSC00360" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sxB1T4AOedk/TjC9K82g2II/AAAAAAAAEUw/oxFYoLSAHLE/DSC00360_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="189" height="127" /></a> </p> <p>The local seafood industry was all around and I’m not sure it would have been possible to get a steak. I’m pleased that we went early in the morning as traffic was heavy later in the day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qb1-5D0Vlhg/TjC9LexQ_DI/AAAAAAAAEU0/mLDf4L_VaZk/s1600-h/DSC00190%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00190" border="0" alt="DSC00190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaA2_1At5661z9zJx2j778bLC7CfU0mVTsWILySm98Kol2dt2RmObFErQHt2EZZKZFMub6QItwRyJNGi-02HDWWt9kLIsLqEPrUUB_dXGynFMV1g1mLfsysO_NpUXBE4ZGKmaOPE57Wc/?imgmax=800" width="137" height="204" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjplBZCfUAVuSJ5OsDinMQO1NicdyQEP_-XqIeBI-voxfu8EKxlGBqnlp02KpbAp13NTjLsJHiIZY9DIwTHAmvDP4BAAYjP9vCxrqtHDlCByiBfxdo2jEEsCHU3XXDjrCh1MM90oeZub4/s1600-h/DSC00189%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC00189" border="0" alt="DSC00189" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Bizsw7vgjRU/TjC9M_knm_I/AAAAAAAAEVA/qe806GaBXDg/DSC00189_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="137" height="204" /></a> </p> <p>Lynne planed a road trip north to see some other parts of the coast. Funnily enough, it seemed to take in a quilt shop! On route we got to see a truly huge globe at the <a href="http://www.delorme.com/about/eartha.aspx">HQ of Delorme</a> and a giant boot at the flagship LLBean store.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZ3vH6l1FFpvdk4VmLgfZk5Xhvbjpl0Yo5XIwAzw7quk_40i3FV0paL4m4a9_g_OSCY-w8Ak4GCwS0fuW-d8NZhAjOTz9ixZx-Tx3C0lwSRR0vLBjtIJIkG5A9lVAcOJDjzdIIbNDamA/s1600-h/DSC00292%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00292" border="0" alt="DSC00292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbI5zhDxj_akP5NXlSVYFUMJ038s0fROfGgOqVrZF1XmwJQsPC-v3G_ATL2T5yr07zuSi5Yp6QyvRiLeou0-6ruayW8ZZybaGk9lj-F1AW5H4svVQ0ybP4wCIx9XHhoKPm4RHEJ3RLSo/?imgmax=800" width="189" height="127" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGC_NrAmtJBnvOpbTOrxolrUcJdYMPZmOtdTrDlXxzCSVImp1CZaYBRV8vePPMZ_JJwIP3FRS2WA7D7xjX3h-NNvjreJzMDOnHlwMSZAyT43wFPWaQesb_XGeHQRckmDwj3YyZVhxETg/s1600-h/DSC00198%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00198" border="0" alt="DSC00198" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3-HEArcsEZM/TjC9OUG12PI/AAAAAAAAEVQ/qC_yB7XXiFc/DSC00198_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="189" height="128" /></a> </p> <p>The main point of the trip was to take in the rocky coastline around Plymouth and to see the <a href="http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=546">first lighthouse in Maine</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeojzuk6TMIreT1Xxx1Bfbs-vg3LIGh5SQDVz5Tvun9ocNrEMrpBs_92zIyjeNdAHezE2e2rCWtnWBJ8j4H7Gi4eEQbKUj34xDxsvgZmnfe9zRBb3YLMqDleA4th33GKZxuvZv8LJu84/s1600-h/DSC00265%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00265" border="0" alt="DSC00265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwHRNDeqhyphenhyphenBeklueb-dMtO5e6LXBtPkYT5q26nXCi54h4WuxkVE5Mvnz_H2HZ5xsYLDi6AuAkMFuX89R40qwdDvcjAY6cHNVd5m67P39poJlhLW3LtBD0TyShxeykEKlXtsnBniOz3tA/?imgmax=800" width="189" height="127" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtPHnCNxeoUsOkYZV4nT8eV5PAtkoj6lSW58cygDvKEMg2FH4_Ono_qx6Y_pRtHDSPpGg0FMHp94bnzKbjPIXnEmEP817hiYXLXiEctSdeOBleGbOJNQMuGoHA21Kz3Flhap0Ng3cSZc/s1600-h/PICT0456a%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" alt="KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBZz_CXVWtXmVv3n_3AWrpbAdHaesFvvtL241gkBC4IhcUDoGlqEUvV-GoigZgSkw7sJ2ZbokVtonndlwBpe9J3rHgej2eNjTCk2uAGbpOpgiZPZ4Y-PR_BZzKfdtflMi1t4YECBrdk0/?imgmax=800" width="122" height="127" /></a> </p> <p>A real bonus was this Osprey family that had built their home in one of the marinas. Apparently dad was out fishing …… typical!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1m-28ojV4nmWqNrvAGRxPqS-azQlGlfD70ito0xWkvACzRmc2Vxoc4vHU3yx0VGlKiUx3lj3K-15fI2aoDs9peTil8QneywNx1Gvy1h8sJ3RltVO-DSOP_jSE9VDPEXyR_GyfY-wMVc/s1600-h/DSC00557%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00557" border="0" alt="DSC00557" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYaqsKOXJLxzwLDXKA200L1PpjhOnI7RKzGzDWAWD52stO-9gAeIo2txOgGCkiqM72DEPCzKKg0o-bmKkNZkus029zNxQUzghtQTCzotA87LaRMxmES6zbozXQTWGp9GPU_wfqqApMUo/?imgmax=800" width="401" height="93" /></a> Time came to move on to after another early morning beach run we hitched up and travelled 146 miles up to a site just north of Bangor. The main attraction for us was the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm">Acadia National Park</a>. It was an hour away but we were able to get a much less commercial (quiet)campsite. The hiking in the park was harder work than strolling on the beach but the views were worth every drop of sweat.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtjbkoSTWXWWy6NrYhM_KcyRr9e68LTmXBGytk-LqQX8G82E_KRs7cPBH88qWLnjJcdFbG1Iuq-UI1m2mFUkdlBk5mfSSLy8fiMY-Jt426vclIyptRScMwnB7YUjkEKMUHf6EPRTN9Do/s1600-h/DSC00522%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00522" border="0" alt="DSC00522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3PkKJCpjFP5qJ0phNjaIMXcV6OhlXpvLxaDBPJJjaqM6agztw__i1BrGzR0PoLBktEBVJKQiBzIiCG53ymzLcKB7Gmh9iZxC9ID1c-OciPF4V7FxXmpkousyhBAmw34eUhF1CNmlwdU/?imgmax=800" width="189" height="127" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqVWq1jjg2Y3_YD2tjZSRFlcm8DefOMa9yBSvcjur4EJlkJp36zIzGqX01WjpG4cU_ywuAerptKfdVPSwmNRWL90auUUkryZxCJEMHggnz4d2CDWclHpVIz3pStFmDWI_ryIKxzNMIvg/s1600-h/DSC00578%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00578" border="0" alt="DSC00578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMLK3qkEGdOU1zEEs17k245xnblzs3LSr3JI5kHnVIL9sBcV1Uyqx_r6SauTW6twCeVWaQMocO-Q5r9VB3Iu_qIzV7Q5efJjeUErDiWXTVSAu9aylTq0Wt2u-8rRR5JgUY6QYZc8uZpk/?imgmax=800" width="189" height="128" /></a> </p> <p>It was hot and painful work at times. We carried lots of water for the girls and they found shade whenever possible. We found blueberries.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L-2dv9UiKf4/TjC9UKv2rAI/AAAAAAAAEV8/4p3jvSOj5cU/s1600-h/PICT0543%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT0543" border="0" alt="PICT0543" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqfMZTed02_3x6KrNAjjr8PCo1ggWprDRR7zchUN7MIm2-M3h6Drxtd6oYblhLxbYYW8-83vQSqCvEu2ebOryFM0fraJ7uJcesqOMrdG6TdDmAn5_BMIpWwVUXu03ibyqHYUUS6LQ2WQ/?imgmax=800" width="189" height="128" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mnjmaioRYSA/TjC9VHPtHuI/AAAAAAAAEWE/Tkp7Abb7LNQ/s1600-h/PICT0542%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT0542" border="0" alt="PICT0542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjle4Xnsqpx6oOLqu5cClCwVlrnvDhDsqa_SoGFDcKGlcW3PyJ0_R4nPUsKqTE0viV5owfqGL3PEWhyphenhyphenrII16I4hK8GjhbcxIVro39VFmt5cPN5eay-mNDEEiKD3ThidOs22H4WtZ6DDHlw/?imgmax=800" width="189" height="127" /></a> </p> <p>One of our first hikes took us along the coastal path and across this gorgeous beach. Sadly no dogs were allowed so we couldn’t stop.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzghXRGCxuvft-ynkBF5vJVnhjf1y8iIGsIqYrDKEohUXM7YuE3RurNVUR7rVhNn6bnA5-qoLdUp6yv3cdvjzYorIpKZkKewWGYzY1Nlg5in8c_YfNQADS_o_ZBN5z94Y-JqBRoIbrU54/s1600-h/DSC00592%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00592" border="0" alt="DSC00592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjqX_I0UdAPgqsYelxdPfoUeC0SK59fu0XAkYvnqLX6yUKWYYTM2UNhS2Ft5AhgY7n46V0bQVB8yw45BY8q-essBAshJNaZ3585e0UC0-Iyp5nB3SjW69JyzSMRUJqQx9I1TJi4BQXXw/?imgmax=800" width="401" height="94" /></a> </p> <p>The park is best appreciated from the top and we took the long hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain. It was a hot 7 mile round trip rewarded by great views. The only problem is that we were joined by the coach parties and others that had driven to the top.</p> <p>For our next hike, Lynne managed to find a recommended route up the adjacent mountains of Sargent and Penobscot. That was much quieter and gave equally magnificent views. It ended up being about 10 miles around (we  took an alternate turn on the way down). We all slept very well that night.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nbARGrLiWIPNqT0dIAxYSBx7qX_6J0vy6k32utfu9NgI6J4U3tL_JID-gEjHm5ODyLRlZaEOaeDtJMZS6HMoDF2nzhO7DsrJTz1HoKmNPTOl28Z86GxfpZxUTwurD4U7NabgMP1iXDI/s1600-h/DSC00587%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC00587" border="0" alt="DSC00587" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpVuRaj4Vip44rQVxLZbJg4AYY1M3iQmF065QckL2P54ixYqntB3QGmo3S2qdNmx8Q2bkK2qD12FkP8ag9cItk88pSqy8ad7AO1gsAwtkxFSc4TlQ1XAS-oPBePQuJMY-ii8lzCN6hgs/?imgmax=800" width="189" height="128" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmdphpUejamwAUHMHfX2_2BWJm2X_eaL3yCUG5ji5QxQJaVS1ZqE6VLVYrrmiKrOP5_0Hzs72DQjLVer5A91rjMvOzlfmkIJ4gCwGOszD6o_z4OeDn0S8Q8LRtKw8Nvsr5aqFJrX_LCo/s1600-h/PICT0662%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="PICT0662" border="0" alt="PICT0662" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0I8tGv5WXxpp-_8Y9DZLGTDdZ8XJu5j32n6MBjVV13WDjOoJT-zpLmoHiILd1LcOFAUYofseRQz9UGb0zOFbxBxYyuVxtg-h3Eo5cbJapaCSAoXJHlDWyXO3lKeLtGWMHxAgrDQ-q70/?imgmax=800" width="189" height="127" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Sea food was everywhere and delicious. There was clearly a curry house somewhere but we never saw it.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0D76SgU2zg6-LtUFGTXqe4rYxe3Lwr0KBZzM2UmG6wXLOKKcOC3dedDLFA3chm1OXfVU5UTmp7JRIRl78Wig53TAwCaL0sKdw9nR_cA8gW-mCVU3VTP_4mzLGA9LTx_F2B9LIxbwBQE/s1600-h/PICT0622%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="PICT0622" border="0" alt="PICT0622" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZulnsyQJ9iCG4sg7MNouZJ3BD-1H6IXr37V7JPrDKlqFlomO7Ipuagxee7iLpo5AqrTc__jl82L8WHBQEiKJBOBrAulM6L4ipcuZdZdyStJk6wFeiGxjjuGUtC9dcJIDzoDVbKGVXdA/?imgmax=800" width="189" height="127" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9y1D_d4X7pYJFNPv4XcTow7LUqYJiyMWak_vACm4GvbQ0x_41FParqM94VE0iCWR2xw2mldK_lhCrLa4OhHXei2YeBLDKpqhIP3ZAXYgKYFLbjTLEgU0KrZKBjtBzzKvSpiy31WV7aKk/s1600-h/DSC00485%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC00485" border="0" alt="DSC00485" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTUzE3piOlPDWOEjDYNf7W_FO9T2fe6a7wnAK6OguxfogvvjIJgpoAZoU1OIdLQ9ttEdoWjs01nIUrmoOAOcVnYfGs1bOEmmQF5Y-5z7urZ5GH9shTXSKTElEtbao2hpzdMbkfsRjoSQ/?imgmax=800" width="189" height="127" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>We could have stayed in Maine much longer but we had to begin the trek homeward. We didn’t have a plan but had figured that some time near the Appalachian Trail might be fun. We ended up in a camp site in near the Town of Gorham, New Hampshire. This is right in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Mountains_%28New_Hampshire%29">White Mountains</a> area.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_TIAD1_UD2M/TjC9c4l_5SI/AAAAAAAAEW0/QJFmVtUVtlw/s1600-h/DSC00680%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00680" border="0" alt="DSC00680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVZ7uTZEttyuqtNqHDFQUhal2m5oKz8dRexEK4KXQ_-Fuw9eSNI7kapIeOs9-w-unWaNOqj0jEuTd2WYnFvEAXKMutXqCakCWbaMvyVyQfPqb5gvBgJr0hrmoKBhiCQ2NeOMvmXJbUcA/?imgmax=800" width="115" height="171" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWopshsVU6Xju9hKxMcH8PW9GXUXKfmfGqpv9NVup2HffZH3rCkJgeyCfPZDuaF4YfGS6J90XXqU4h4EkmrgO-VzOY6BKeJ6H0d2lGNMOzaOvn1in7xDS3j_6uO1hVOdc2Mf1F0VyKluw/s1600-h/DSC00693%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00693" border="0" alt="DSC00693" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuFDnvTKvawBuXPmKce4cz_5zKMWkN_iYbi9ZkuGRz8HgtKgnDlZbWK5yYq8y9zt-0bo01Dz24TwlvyWMGdq1trcsKgH1TvtwSUCo11226fjPC050gyxrpgzylB_HkasszzEMKDWOzqM/?imgmax=800" width="254" height="171" /></a> </p> <p>Hiking here was a physically tougher but the trees did give us more shade. We did a couple of hikes that took us to the edge of the tree line and the views before retreating back into the cool.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmIC4M9edigty1mO5HZgs0QhZBqpKx2rkgDJ1mqjVc0yTyIEV6qbZmIZeBaKl63ckUhyphenhyphenZRdFaF-F-9Sb-3ZvVXPL76hoYDwgajtTlxBJ0DnsbjP6Lwc0Vk4tOJdioEqhnHwqziPHpQsc/s1600-h/DSC00688%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00688" border="0" alt="DSC00688" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC94RLnIFegK22V1V-VvoAUpSugQS1Y3J8eAyLOpz10ULKBqgwnS3QyWV2GCgatH-cEoN8GjXe3xxkaPQFxCQFynZBzr6Ph0FjPc852Z68TyhXfDhYWhr0UBRFrB5UQsJXrVDbNcfA7w/?imgmax=800" width="191" height="129" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-7MgmlSAdBKheUtW7Xn3XymzhO9UT8nRtC7SXZ31rWxdj-9ATi1qfUXMqKZhgd1tlUg-xob8MCs76s1WXHHDrZnj1z4G4WO0bERSeYie8Vfuloh7LfEhnKb2s93hGC9Xc_NNxdMQIls/s1600-h/DSC00736%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC00736" border="0" alt="DSC00736" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9yibFTk9-Hs/TjC9gtndjJI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/ksVyo4WKSUk/DSC00736_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="191" height="128" /></a> </p> <p>We took a “day on, day off” approach to hiking. Days off were spent sewing (Lynne), lounging (me and the girls) and general sightseeing. The camp had provided a very interesting map of scenic routes to follow. There were waterfalls and covered bridges to be seen.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WN_T0L023OU/TjC9hff724I/AAAAAAAAEXU/kMXRaLsk7H0/s1600-h/PICT0703%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT0703" border="0" alt="PICT0703" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_awH0rleoA-ZYRSUQl5-ot727wmITOHPvpBQ-raqb6AIrD4fgKpDU01EMPkcqCZw5vUhlE_fz33pit7lUq0sIvuHKrjjgLMnag8UdMoC5Ir7EHdf4_-Ex-c6aTPn1mIm7EJRnKpVoeA/?imgmax=800" width="191" height="129" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkEzjfnvg1iptZzbrZOpeWrkUMJFN6-3cJ3JjELN3Tfa8q_uF7MCH1YaIeia8Osab4Pa_XYWgpUmllUo-O_0QB3kEn3MaVfHm5dRUxM99Ie40s4N0odmsHkq1qU6R-5JUNZ7Wg943Zo8/s1600-h/PICT0711%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT0711" border="0" alt="PICT0711" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u8aMz24eJxA/TjC9isHDlVI/AAAAAAAAEXg/YupI_mdCx2Y/PICT0711_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="191" height="129" /></a> </p> <p>The highest peak in the area is Mount Washington. There are several hiking routes to the top. We wimped out and took the easy way up. Easy, that is, if you are ok with very steep narrow gravel roads with steep drops and no barriers. At the top, we were literally in and out of the clouds as they blew by. As we watched the cog rail train climbing up to the summit, I was reminded of Snowdon.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiP8yimsl0u8dlWYf1PwAf6t4Lqo0X57Juks3a-PdLFnH_RUiJfc_0Ws1nctWlbvL0dXqI7t0xirwWcmN7NoxDru7drpah30a3VJct48C0HIHv8eNyZuHafRbaIhgB5mY8dqSOWIUNVo/s1600-h/PICT0694%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT0694" border="0" alt="PICT0694" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hbK3qxypcFNpWJrh5Wed9UYnaQfdzqEmCpZEZQI54Eax-KsmtRrTWKfJVllQEtxAMvze3-8z1InhPknmQmdqXgyBkX3tzOr1cc6O_if_DDmBczACBUT-PVwQlvxzRhUaOA47krpOTpQ/?imgmax=800" width="393" height="263" /></a> </p> <p>Lynne wanted to see a moose ………. I told her she was already living with one but that didn’t cut it. We were directed to a lonely back road called Thirteen Mile Wood, just before dark, as the best place to see them. All told it was a 50 or so mile round trip. We passed many “brake for moose” signs but did we see a moose? Lynne’s convinced that they are a myth made up by the tourist people. It was a lovely drive into wild country though.</p> <p>And so our road trip came to a close. We packed our gear, hitched up the RV and drove south through Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and back into New York. We saw lots of places we’d like to go back for next time. It was great to get away and see another small part of this BIG country. </p> lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-6715986404639042612011-05-17T12:11:00.001-07:002011-05-19T06:15:56.183-07:00Rob’s first post….<p align="justify">It’s a husband’s job to get nagged into doing “stuff” that you promised to do ….. eventually. But when other peoples wives start chirping in … well I suppose I should not have left it so long.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjrxfyatBPx278fTV_JrSuDZMMdH7XYGI1uWTkdwieliCiiC3rSFrAGkVKNDL4KPqbC3ma3atPGChF5y69wu_5jTcmeA4W23plf3k23xAdHfiqBMC-gu2MxggAvh6LSiyYowlz1QazyA/s1600-h/PICT9550%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT9550" alt="PICT9550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBHl2oWcphEqPbt0ZuTfe2cI5rs5a58NQ28pEQ62_JK8AeS1mDXa8DLqhB671J1HL-So0BYjE1BmCRe73Nvdmkc8g_pCwuvMJGxEcKWZ66ED_7lI19pIJSj9HAiCKa7wvUkaImJgoloo/?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="187" height="126" /></a>It’s only in the last two or three weeks that I can say winter has left us. It’s been a long, cold New York winter. It’s not that we had massive snow falls. We just seemed to get top ups every week and then just as we thought it was all <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPLpjo7VxQCZ0NusuGt2HsJna1267Xis6uaea6F7WEiyJ6PfnC6V0aDX-IOZ67oWE2bTUSufjGJIldanhr65_az86i6T-CGVPLlYXT7BF4n5shg-gecUNn7JkAu1Qj_dfq24SXh7nXdw/s1600-h/PICT9338%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT9338" alt="PICT9338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBugSDHZkQQrfdXclhleaaO8GZxLlejJrE9U88nsISyhXxOEpCMviHWOYDmom2avm-0ojB6Orgaw1EhE_0Iv4H13p9YqoaQk8HkXi91k1m5gB3xSU9nHkctvFXOYsFwew6PtJU5ogFJM/?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="186" height="244" /></a> melting away …. down it came again. That means lots of shovelling for me, to keep the back deck clear, and the eventual melt water away from the house. There was so much build up that I had to get up the ladder and clear the roof at the back. It’s a long way down! I always get lots of help with the snow jobs though!</p><p align="justify"><br /></p><p align="justify"><br /></p> <p> </p> <p><br /></p><p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTmf9tAXuLumnx5-H8wgyWjPIVVkOJ62i-6F7_S-okUBv0uLsqzx7vspX90FQtznMer0D3bm4toa9TURY6nomPl24WTM2WZ7DEIB-rEcIgwZxq2FfZLyHKgBsNJCqOlzD_9etsfpgBNg/s1600-h/PICT9504%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT9504" alt="PICT9504" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLHYzT4DaI/AAAAAAAAEIM/XqIOyInth_U/PICT9504_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="133" height="198" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLHZ_9oHlI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/HNbMGJR2ROs/s1600-h/PICT9882%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT9882" alt="PICT9882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7af6CyYG0_cLHWHqbdoIhaRJux3L2sHV_6TV22AlRxYmJQs8tm8Z2S7q1ocb22ruv4rpQTvd62OeRGNrJUNlyC5I1rACDQUNeYzzoBxwSMHxpscpWYR_6bVDww6dJmbR9Iegn4CeEG8/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="243" height="199" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The snow hangs around on the ground but we do get lots of beautiful blue sky days. It’s still much too cold to go licking lamp posts but it looks great. We try to help out the birds. Well the do put on a fab show for us all year ‘round. The Cardinals brighten any bleak winter day. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLHbuvavWI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/XPjNNZCvOeg/s1600-h/Hunter%20Lynne%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Hunter Lynne" alt="Hunter Lynne" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLHfI9YjvI/AAAAAAAAEEU/ajm-go0ocEs/Hunter%20Lynne_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="401" height="196" /></a> Winter does have good bits. We are only an hour or so drive from skiing. We really should make more effort to ski more. The resorts do low cost lift passes mid week for locals.</p> <p align="justify">Lynne has been flying off to Florida most weeks this year. The relief from the cold has been tempered by the hassle of flying in the USA. On the plus side, we have a local airport, so avoiding the trek to a major. The down side is the need to make connections – mainly Atlanta. Given the seasonal storms, the journey has been a little incident packed at times. Blizzards, engine failure, wild fires and tornadoes have all played their part in an eventful life as a travelling business consultant. The “sorry” letters keep coming offering more free Delta air miles. It looks like the Florida gig is over now so hopefully the girls and I will see more of her.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLHgAHng0I/AAAAAAAAEEY/Sx-Iw7zlXxk/s1600-h/PICT9577%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT9577" alt="PICT9577" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBwZJjFNkKgHbWagZPzODyA5Dk5JQ8DVboP68gHNNOSKCgs4IJnwU9td1TuNpKPihZTZ8hUFubYt6yNxl7Mn6-V7Mx0qpbclcMe4cjtB-V2nt_RIgspV1hFLljJd0sPpWlcXfwBofjkk/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="396" height="192" /></a> After a nudge or two, I was persuaded that I should take a trip back to the UK. Well it had been over a year. Right up to the last minute, the weekly snow storm kept me guessing. The weekly dump had fallen as rain on the coast so the airport was all systems go. Car rental problems aside, it was a good journey. I got to the pub with my brothers and sister – a rare event even when we lived there. As always, a trip back to the UK means a frantic road trip. Up to the Clacton area to see Claire and the girls. Then on to Peterborough to visit Michael and his (now) fiancée Claire. Sorry that I couldn’t get down to Wales but I only had a week. It was good to see long time friends and enjoyed the visit to Sue and Malc, and walking in the New Forrest with the dogs.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_vjkqd13FIiw_qvKaKSgb9ynb61yCA5AidCgRDRjdIhpCWE-uxN_7AnqourulqKPO4uk4gOt0wYcgd3ymrc9RU7SrwBQ8OwmSa5M9fC9hQ3QhbN8akXlySV5aGvfOTmNPngnne28sZs/s1600-h/PICT0016%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT0016" alt="PICT0016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWluE9Tr3thI6YEkGX6DP2GGqnb_dPXYksLf1eTqITwN_6xRtNlTxTS3IOUkcwY405soaEQPRh77hKIcvE4nxbXusXy8px5_ma4nCMLVIH1zrU8v3TV7hdCUYPkXr5j4zdr8mPRBB7tA/?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="185" height="124" /></a> Back in Pine Bush, the winter was still ongoing. Our last significant snowfall was in the last week of March. Spring time usually kicks in quickly here. Like somebody flicked a switch. Well not this year. There were a couple of teaser warm days but the cold weather persisted well into April. Eventually the daffs forced their way into the light but the trees didn’t get budding until May. The critters were pleased to see the back of the snow!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLHjcKMD-I/AAAAAAAAEEo/a49myDVK0Oc/s1600-h/PICT9873a%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA" alt="KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLHkOQQ1aI/AAAAAAAAEEs/QA8rTEQAgDI/PICT9873a_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="397" height="163" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">We’ve become strangely social recently, falling in with a local crowd and have taken trips out to “sound alike band” <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuB5qrm_TOdkzXU7kT6pKim3jsjD_SON6AQnx0Osrwi86A0R-53IKcoybiAlw8TiQKJwv4BP73fzCe26DSoD7HeyqOPFlZsGLhVaWb0vgKDMmWf56OYkaAQpWri_5yfsA3VPhWk7Ta_GA/s1600-h/PICT9746-01a%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Valentine roses" alt="Valentine roses" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLHl_fRvtI/AAAAAAAAEE0/mPdYSxjZ2nI/PICT9746-01a_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="159" height="181" /></a>concerts, wineries etc. At times, it’s difficult for an atheist, socialist to hold his tongue but they are gracious and allow me the occasional rant while poor Lynne just rolls her eyes. As a result of all this new found congeniality, I was completely unable to ignore Valentines day. We went dancing. There were flowers, chocolates, donuts (hardly traditional, but a commercial reality) and it’s all done for another year.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkgXefuUdWGC6vra8ZiB98n64HS0KNq-XwkVwGq5fqIJ6mVkTSQQbzfPcsJpnjp9qHiYGFKwP2h_F3daBG2EKSle8BqJJF7SBqBueqUPS8TVR9Ojxy4Dc-jzpVbgjTk7DQXXntO09sKA/s1600-h/PICT9895%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT9895" alt="PICT9895" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxASXEurS2IW8shM8VJ774U0LfuhemwJaRJLY4l8hiXsBw2Tf0-agohHBTdCDhby1e-gTQv35YZkfvIih9ANoqRCuRMgjkTBtQ8s75d6UHVwm3Hy9TG1rmZydMKAuRVRj8S3UQFRlppoY/?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="168" height="236" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_5WK952R-U83e90E_S786IENC_D3ajNMmbrc8qtYGRl5PA_IhQ3L031hxR4_iYCKpNQYbwa-ZQBjouekgpwEUKHCJCBEAkP6xO8M6iGmJ651lvFVmB2rA-CF-qRjykXI4mPgUALrXpk/s1600-h/PICT9911%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT9911" alt="PICT9911" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OPESdlEboQyAxyS2CkSRbIMw13DhoOIz2abuHhrs66G0rto4my4TXto4xTuBUTJynC7eIMiLzAYhi8Ru-rdClZfIpuCXTfv8AWf9JLbDO7o_93BuGmtkpa1KhJgfDdXxbg34fzduwsA/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="237" height="237" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">With the final retreat of the snow cover, animal life started to become more active. I was surprised to see a coyote in the back garden and, a few days later, a fox sunning himself in the front. Meanwhile, Cagney was just surprised by an encounter with a skunk! Luckily I stopped her from coming back into the house and, as it was gone midnight, she spent the night in the garage. Lacy was upset to be separated but it was for the best. The following morning was bath time for the “fluffy” one. She was not too impressed but accepted her fate and even enjoyed the towel dry rub. Photos were taken by Caitlin who I’d collected from the airport the day before.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj059jjkJhPguAvnUKrr6JW8f4Zi3wqMaklgwOp-LOBe-FPiFKQ2YBsOlbLwS7mGM6iiQdilqt8xNq01ERa0RreFSVNu2bkkVZuYwSvWe-A_uptkE5LhQsnBFZF4xORtri52WQ0vQ-Z4gE/s1600-h/DSCF0134%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF0134" alt="DSCF0134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAw10ofi41nNpre19xltRf9zDiGKSc3ssD6t6qL2SoRjrQcpsQSgCUwP8mPlTh_uuN4BpsY1rcRvPVcvEKworXajN3P5KF306ln-iwTgZ_324CfsOXWIpgJJN0drNz02sm3VCZi2MyWFE/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="184" height="139" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jDgIiXzTh6zW2sofhETN0_4_wH_daN8Krt0Y-yoM1oQIxpgBM-2MeVLlR7xOPPV-D5pOLYpN_UNfGbNgkKRwhlnHdkWxiVpll1WyneYg_ofAZ05PkHoGteq98iZb8PVGQqxCIKNBCPk/s1600-h/DSCF0135%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF0135" alt="DSCF0135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXQNXos3A6rqvSnVaJnNLsPYUFpf8VVvXuXq2gOtmSeC3n3UVxqvWRzDOK7IUPPFNh1O8gt01n5A5td8N3_6aloX7wwyOKctSUr-faKTj9RT6fsE-s4BdIMNPhDwJzYpEshRs8KkQjE0/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="185" height="140" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8cYYT7VDCi5ISYZBWcOkkAypO2F3CGnfA_sgVHIPuo3h9ke34MtmNl3zaSrnPEKOQCKCzznxzmDl8S-3Olq_4depGmn4gE4Ychm-PlHY1Xm5NhyphenhyphenayNjSSBvZfEq61klb5sooyLymZYg/s1600-h/DSCF0136%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF0136" alt="DSCF0136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrV7agh8Y8Kr4bT5__PFD_O8stpd5WNuWBZtbNwniti_3oI0SAtKUa7icd016pDYyf2FjKcWiqaSrgrYM9Zft8k9PxehfAfX9OKJpedCnRZa3yRFZKXeL5jEPZhtRo1eQDu_92-sT5-KQ/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="182" height="137" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigD914V7nO_ACaZUl11GnEAguG-Qlf0zixJfEIsnX4qljnstzFnssBd4tzg57qqF0h1VQiQ1qPHaruT2OZhISQBQ1ma4z0ck6aSGgQ55vDvhfGlKKMy7sJytdEhSOjuP5ciIB0HswyoFs/s1600-h/DSCF0158%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF0158" alt="DSCF0158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuriuNay6UDFxNOji8mtfv2FBFOUbLFgbgjvEAtpbKj3nPhnHZlOH-JP6d_LtHqonm3BhgFrBrwLLxvRKmut2AHPAv3FbGPDJIFL9DmiccGmRh9L5UIgp7GqxWjU3eARdIFc38VLNAXCU/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="181" height="136" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">So Caitlin came to visit from Scotland. Meanwhile Kat and Iain were on their way to join us via China and California. We had a plan to do lots of hikes and photography but that was a little disrupted by lots of rain. Still, we did mange to get a couple of trips in and I can definitely see the change in her later photos. Ever the adventurous type, Catlin was keen to get a “different” view! We also managed to get out, on a very misty morning, to visit the home of former President Franklin D Roosefelt. I missed the Library last time so it was good to see some of the history. Hopefully it also helped Caitlin’s school project too.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZQ7h1IoNbY3ig-hTX9Ht-n5WU5EV2rl-CH5QqhLH4ZX5XRZJv3BEI64li2KEQkt62fdfEr0LpGIOLY7GNOqFKctNVk_dDvkXhEATwcqGICa0QUJS8Vg21gfYXmqYfPoihJkRA-QwQAQ/s1600-h/PICT9961%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Brave" alt="Brave" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbNqBvglGUwRk3am76ukppYeRg7JbWeDNYdki1VyYSxlz8vY967eCvvsVlVs7NCEv-Gqsi-UjUDL7uw7eeEefRX1V5aljMGzmZ9F_wZuvvL2ow8-L0lPi1YxJpqg7hYnSQCYq0appkx8/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="128" height="176" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzSz0dzurdljhm0QItP2DNhxnFqv8w-WfFNIF3PVbYm3wYP-8t5e8ZmaJBD3VJFc0D8Rv7jcAht1-D9RsVwHYWFaiZQvUn5z26V7xjqDjgXMjvtFY9e8bhvTQSz-X-flem8-6jQ0U69k/s1600-h/PICT9954%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT9954" alt="PICT9954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8b4DKPiwtpOz7f_TcUEu33AYiXDRXJvTknvX7j5rcWvhY55TLXYGMq-PRvWxgOotDNExeeYlMOuPuX3qzwgqbt5oOL3tVmY9Z4hP1sM68G8rXxr3Xwr-DkDPOgFHrahl_TYV5B2rdOEQ/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="267" height="179" /></a> </p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7IGkVHX60FE0J8FTBbP4pg0HzLl3P3dd4wbyy8CeMlHDRZL5z2M33xPjj4v-LE5cTPfJ6xwAQ46eb87P0qcbWeZaG1ZvFSEWWQKctdBLPB1N9JfOOZT8qxvKVN5YfI4LRmg5JsQQoJk/s1600-h/PICT9944%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT9944" alt="PICT9944" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrbiKUltXYLAG8ugGu4mlhkDdUORb1XwLGu0Id4rQlB4AHGfued9OMZR_1wbXDQzWztfYLAcveynxq8Yh10C848nSMcVx9rNCWrIbyjYrjrZjbOB7hilxcB0EZz_YcKbRR6ndgAsI3A8/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="164" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLH2jkGzBI/AAAAAAAAEGA/ch2tcz9FOaA/s1600-h/PICT9986%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT9986" alt="PICT9986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukMFG8lRIM7_iht4t0ttCDNidNf10TJ_cnfjIUdhPJn3uHp2EzZfLPkV_sNAABwzmmBH9utG5RXTIv6Mxtnrx85kIfzMmr8c-S2iDpK0TbJy2GiJeaz3Mhhc6d_hbu_UoIZJ7THc_GbA/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="164" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLH4EqS6rI/AAAAAAAAEGI/lTAhQVO8NmE/s1600-h/DSCF0389%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF0389" alt="DSCF0389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK65PgNyUkNJ1La4tszWlX2HjMxO7HmcCfB8FDKu6uHgli7wbGJLZD0WHpowhs5Df5FBnzpUYw477ZBAI2cjzICsTMtxi4dNDENKcMKuvhR38uUKosnDu0k6dW5K9NuHR-JO0j2imgVa4/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="146" height="193" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShomtYA0ibU4nG4wjFPPvcUUCtKrs2wuRBKBOqgEC0nm9XZ8mdAc6zGi8wPWTFTl8_fCfvfzAXkFDUUBQDl8QcR6lIj_UmLL-TDCrhlvnNIOWguRN6EkZvhyn4QvNQCECqxA-YhUe1TY/s1600-h/DSCF0400%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF0400" alt="DSCF0400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFWDXyj-jA6bC4zeElrycm4BeO2wMQw2qlt7j1bJsYS6fwWSpfaOjKqRlgax8t6qBqnDGnutwmlHVY71NV9JmPagkilSbFcIPBeEODOH5RWQ45Ffu_2Lf4sUxK_4XFPVOsZg0KGXzIdA/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="254" height="192" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI26-YVOQHZSx4qg5qPOKzIEdUqSa2kawUIgp1wwIdc5TCl-nnH4wVyXe8hodAGLLjFGUNs8Fh5yxHXr2F-vN05AIvarX5Qm9cI9vyAHB8KTntY0JKUToIylYe1hN7DGN-fK-AxGmcBw/s1600-h/PICT9969%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT9969" alt="PICT9969" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwaamZUD-NB1PCpG7GWo1XK8B7OgcRxmXs3-dFBk6pCwnbJKl15CDT5Zyl5dnsF0wCf7TKlNUC7p6No-_4JTMEeK5Pn9rCojuD3vIRNsePP_5rBmsnOZ9qPEWmkOV15pKGKPXBun7EzI/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="196" height="133" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4PUYdVyk8sO_jyGJrrW2HIlF2d_e7fiM6IhRB3Riy9fgqcfcLv_FUb9G3h5WLH7haD-ugUPDjPa99_7ean6u6b1LTsTgahsI-A84bUx80-RK-SFor-PH33vabwqm-UXQy0n9tUImSVg/s1600-h/PICT9974%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT9974" alt="PICT9974" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLH-0t_ecI/AAAAAAAAEGk/1Q_-GESsuf8/PICT9974_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="199" height="134" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74Yj0UlUVLnInkDyljfh85cvUutBY8IgxLcozmWEB3xWa3pmfURSlu5tpDuMCIm0q-7eUEIlbg_wzhKhgDl2WZdLHDkCVJybxvLV_stoOWRC-U_osuECRaaXrNbUzdq08it_ZQoPv-yg/s1600-h/DSCF0203%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF0203" alt="DSCF0203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimI6RLs6c0r__ZJuj8Gvml0AnnLGnf8LUtslnG9RtqK11wn0tMh-k3kMlEsE_WCS2vdA9qtZQWWt0-LwAz0EJNJGGuUfIt1pNb1PsxgCkyooFH4AZCe1nwSPhcNYcd6HUnjP4kjrau184/?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" width="162" height="215" /></a>With the big spring “switch” just about to be thrown (the daffs), it was time to do some garden work and get the grasses dug up, divided and replanted. We couldn’t get down the front path by the end of last summer, they had grown so large. So we now have four grass plantings at the back to help fill out the beds.</p> <p> </p> <p align="justify">Kat and Iain arrived with treasures from the east and pictures of bulk tankers and other nautical tails (it was a working trip after all). Thankfully, the weather had improved and we were able to get out on a number of good hikes. Iain and I had done over 30 miles by the time they left. It’s a good time of year to walk as the temperatures will make it more uncomfortable in another month. We walked the popular “rail trail” for a lunch at a dog friendly cafe in New Paltz. We also took walks around the Miniwaska Lake and mountains. Young snakes were about sunning themselves. Walking wasn’t enough for some. I’ve never understood this running thing. Their time was soon up and off they all went, back to bonnie Scotland. Come again soon.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0jh8RvtwmG92sjafpXDHVsuj8eHyslNlVW7pP0THfq_SGRr3QHVB-AYr7_5453XOSAMMH1Q-9kVmOwgPiVlLZkTHoT-5Bh5A1wcWX9wR1ZwPc7mnFHvBJScusclSFZUKqz3Jfs7eQrY/s1600-h/DSCF0466%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF0466" alt="DSCF0466" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLICt89joI/AAAAAAAAEG0/YRiWDEou22A/DSCF0466_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="194" height="147" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixliEulZe9tnpQS6exnsdOl6SP4q9RmX-TzGbOFM2ISch5cgifeILcbD-95OuttQaRB7nbwaWt2PcZcVdEUkh7QwlcIfq9IXEupfDUan4yIlvzCUtX_FT-MnHo8rB2u7XbhD4Mvfc_O80/s1600-h/DSCF0485%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF0485" alt="DSCF0485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FJIRzs0YexDTWZfxfhSkbHSlJVEWWgYmrXHjXXNBdNX3HpNG05q609UN6EST3BQnGBSfIbv54NmbwGIpST-vaMe3yZrsgrqUnJzBCcXH1b_tnrAkc7t-wV3sDXvcY9MOhnrO9AExE_c/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="196" height="147" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-d5BwU_W6Id9qc7nLctl5hHE4KV4Njmgoujj64wcS7WHL6TUbLDbQzKCG7d5rad1kCf0UDZpIGtyYuWfgpg1mP2q7qtS8NQ4HvYNrjcvRu32gqYL99QkoT4bISvamFwb1AfuFoCEYLTU/s1600-h/PICT9980%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT9980" alt="PICT9980" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLIGVsv1wI/AAAAAAAAEHE/5c7BY2ipTCQ/PICT9980_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="196" height="132" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7-w5S-kbuZpLrufqVRlS4Ws3p-h-712QJ_eoqyqlCz8GZqhtGpLOsBYdYbZ1J5D02EQq3lH9nOGqV2qvraL7baiVYQiR6OlAvypmG_-JJvImwjTcxqEcBxqIllP8FWn5uwPHMEYh8zo/s1600-h/PICT0028%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT0028" alt="PICT0028" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqj82KaeDKtcfGeDvAF_WgUn6ZWcmLtaOHGkmq4OBRvtNUKlL4KwckX05uJdlcXD8mnnPwHn8M8LGs4iFSXrKw7Acc-i-YvZqumdh2TIT3QAxa0zUHSSGxWEsVLVYWDs6iwx9Be59vssw/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="196" height="132" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">Not wishing to get out of the walking frame of mind, Lynne planned our first walk in the “Bear Mountain” area, south of us down the Hudson. It was a well marked circular trail that took up up and around the mountain for a good view of the Hudson and the Bear Mountain Bridge (completed in 1924). Over the last century this area has been turned over to park land with a small village community gradually being bought up and the houses levelled. There are still traces to be seen. A very pleasant day out.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYa-I2sfyEOzWnKmYYcoPXP1TZWdKWNyg8h8DbO-eKYMZYlHI27Ftl4ZSRp_ur96A4N9u4hJwOGBUvihSY2FWGf1SEGprOXQ6sKbeAM-dQjVWgadzJfg_jfqmuDPibutqsjL89sCarr9E/s1600-h/PICT0042%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT0042" alt="PICT0042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOI0QOEhk52pv7KjfPxScKLFNYDm7yS5FOeBq4vSo9cC9iCqj0vra0dKuIkLk-8S62B9LYPkIFD3o9yyHxLo6xPFrSfQXrYtNiSW3x2WR_FrRyGUbvAe0a4ldsFEOmDtX-ittteNRNmQ/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="200" height="134" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNh7tXgaMJ5FK-Wf-IIucb1ZGN5FIIzlqNGx0JfYXLlJIxt5kwOf66notlmDVo7IvtlaaceS8kWl4wBsHSeJuylAiALYivnbE23CPiOqNVXiO1-vP1NErWKGjy8exhrYjgxkFoV45YDBY/s1600-h/PICT0044%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT0044" alt="PICT0044" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUi1GeSHbpbu87jRqGmxHOQLCGek3D3QQ92txRqXd8Nbkfe6vlDnEONrd3UfmG7qijzDEMERemdk1-A_viEsy9ICKNPk2oQRUkmQAgy99lGl0Kfi6xO5LO8AzE_FoDzh3hiEcxpX6KH0I/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="199" height="134" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjf1FQbJkXFD49B1aD4K2QDb9J7ZYsIlpnIZd7-j6P9S8u4fzG6dU15dcxVx0kZ8h35O4i-mIRoqlPbK0fLUpLPgiPlZ2uCekh7-hVnIt7bk9Ru45UeTClzshnfUu0V_o-oIG5fxuKqA/s1600-h/PICT0055%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT0055" alt="PICT0055" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprEoKJp144p3BUzwbjxVjqo6KRTo3aS6jtlDT94y52Z7pdjg3JoCJrb_4scOE92DVLVi3tRJJZy0C3vYnKioVzrsiVOiQ7B6XFzdpQ0TS9vPXJSEZ8ugHqRpkO5y9UvRD8oTCRJMUC-E/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="199" height="296" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKDS7Zyo85W2xsa4TSByok4Nek5as9kW3-xo0ggVvdc64ARv9i-yvthhl8QUqmmaBMPLB8Ei-JraNo9XwvepC6f5WVmofkChKF9905qhZoXbxmmbTv1QiIn1xl3UJ_uH3fjxS95DaqCQ/s1600-h/PICT0074%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT0074" alt="PICT0074" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLIPrlWUtI/AAAAAAAAEHs/O8_qU8WgNwQ/PICT0074_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="199" height="297" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">As spring has rolled (not really a switch this year) into high gear, and with lots of rainfall, the grass is growing like topsy. (what is topsy?). So have the dandelions. I have resorted to getting on my hands and knees to dig them out but I suspect that it will end up being a thankless task. The daffs may have been first but the remainder of the plants have been following on quickly. The bushes that I had pruned back are full of new growth. The Hostas are suddenly giants and the Allium are all out. We have even made some time to get outside to relax. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLIQe26oaI/AAAAAAAAEHw/PxGmj7fkMPg/s1600-h/PICT0120%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT0120" alt="PICT0120" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLIRJS1irI/AAAAAAAAEH0/ZhzV2Je_idQ/PICT0120_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="117" height="174" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnszl0xatvF2p7iaMXNM75SV-YyA_Khsuy-A5ZZxBSNxV-CC8C7aFaeP0SYew7wVpRZ5yMlvPN8Tnug5ZL816EUkQKaLc6bPzbxlcA67qS-6QKX7EaNgrrJmbmdhGyFoyGUj9DoaZGiA/s1600-h/PICT0129%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT0129" alt="PICT0129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip9aDFcqhCMGlHE28lmAeDzbI1XKVilO-eKAPxFdKJsK1rcndo_77DZeyPhQTpPpKpPZbLClxoTzO19GPkue3iGNlnOWpsYXm0OWHtykbO_o-46d6sDsexOW7_iNdeKCl09eF-XGChYc/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="258" height="173" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRdfkwtww1-M8_OIZjUyUDrVLgxm9jsftEqR9pKEjs7a90QPScPL9T2sja_8Eq4Ivy86FzjCHlA9OFXQncQxegB3_dauWsUmSkmp-abRGSdFpPpP9ORtsqna163sazSfIvvpEd45waXE/s1600-h/PICT00851%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="The old camp fire" alt="The old camp fire" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TdLIVLRexpI/AAAAAAAAEIE/kDWN5TNe2Ys/PICT00851_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" width="387" height="259" /></a></p>lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-71204663566464336252011-01-01T10:46:00.000-08:002011-01-01T14:37:58.603-08:00It's been a while.......It's been a while since I last updated this blog so I thought that I'd better write a bit about the last few months.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEWPf_q9v97_-1HehXDfc807dqOPyANQBBQ8fhRw3k-M2bRu5H3LIhCJ3oGB-Y_QPFdJTln-T2WjRLSJTm3Q0XvrB1aNF-5MYsWBkrZ1c9Nnh2IDeRDHxdv8fsnpg_bIlhwuhnZ8fupg/s1600/PICT8449.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQM4bbNTMvUvuwPl5RcMMYv29_JeGwVQifUnOfQzABDY6sCdsMakslLyrpud8yf0qEn9W3F5ZZ89P6dbvFia59aAn9YhdgX9H7bkxI4ie_wwYtnILUxUHeMfrkp0vpopEW31qgzm-k5c/s1600/PICT8449.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQM4bbNTMvUvuwPl5RcMMYv29_JeGwVQifUnOfQzABDY6sCdsMakslLyrpud8yf0qEn9W3F5ZZ89P6dbvFia59aAn9YhdgX9H7bkxI4ie_wwYtnILUxUHeMfrkp0vpopEW31qgzm-k5c/s320/PICT8449.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557293389436669234" border="0" /></a>We really enjoyed our last outing with the 5th wheel up in the Adirondacks. We had pretty good weather and were able to get out on some fine walks. The photo shows the general views across Lake Placid. The air was good and we could see clear into Canada. The journey back home was a little slow due to holiday traffic but all went well and we were soon back in our own bed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTGoU_gW47Ng_4x24I3oygX-E41RYV1Z5wQPUAKHbYm0VTNGDiIBTTIBoUSUgtIx_UuvN9VVhWUqc8olNjKiNQCirFRHrbdzcJi9yiTtrbFFVMK6qdMLyCXwT64eQxqJawLOAP8-AjXg/s1600/PICT8743.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTGoU_gW47Ng_4x24I3oygX-E41RYV1Z5wQPUAKHbYm0VTNGDiIBTTIBoUSUgtIx_UuvN9VVhWUqc8olNjKiNQCirFRHrbdzcJi9yiTtrbFFVMK6qdMLyCXwT64eQxqJawLOAP8-AjXg/s320/PICT8743.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557300227155766402" border="0" /></a>The hot dry summer took its toll on the lawn whilst we weren't around to water it. Quite large sections had dried up and died. Rob had to get to work on re-seeding it to give it chance to grow before the cold weather set in. He tells me that the secret is in the straw mulching to stop the moisture loss. Whatever, it seems to have done the trick and we should have a green lawn once the snow melts away at the end of March.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS24w0-pc4_CEdbfledtGcv-5Z6b1Z_1lVCku1rKkg-NR5yT5oVXatCabTeO4HVUdQRCvtIcQnAhmZ3VdNYaWSsaptzvVQOe6HWqAqAULZa5HAZLyT1bZSXshD3QAp74ulCycEcVvMGl8/s1600/PICT8736.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS24w0-pc4_CEdbfledtGcv-5Z6b1Z_1lVCku1rKkg-NR5yT5oVXatCabTeO4HVUdQRCvtIcQnAhmZ3VdNYaWSsaptzvVQOe6HWqAqAULZa5HAZLyT1bZSXshD3QAp74ulCycEcVvMGl8/s320/PICT8736.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557301275685765346" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5hIJRMDjuDoLOgq8O38eSVcZkKQUHEZ-_v8XXjt-Hg8NowY7U1u3ipVxAuV5QM3hQnT7_X9veFhUePJ8rcQUskJBZABHP_BnlS9vUwGF1ezAyT6yCVYQNlDK_75LT8wPt_L8aHdryf4/s1600/PICT8735.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5hIJRMDjuDoLOgq8O38eSVcZkKQUHEZ-_v8XXjt-Hg8NowY7U1u3ipVxAuV5QM3hQnT7_X9veFhUePJ8rcQUskJBZABHP_BnlS9vUwGF1ezAyT6yCVYQNlDK_75LT8wPt_L8aHdryf4/s320/PICT8735.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557301273970172834" border="0" /></a>The girls were pleased to get back to their own patch.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Late in the summer, each year, the local car club puts on an outdoor show not more than 3 miles from us. We were determined to go along this year to see what it was all about. There were custom cars, vintage restorations and hot rods of all kinds. There was even a fair smattering of old British cars. They were blessed with a beautiful day at the foot of the Shawangunk Ridge.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc908xljtyKA8d7SJwAei6o7JNSngyBys8Z3gXk9qN2nK5bXUI8cdUuAimIxfrWdQ27VNER2n8vXaDpt8vAavUNT3gGeoVS23iAhI62bcnxYjgBRTvbBlDaHB0lB171lCi3MobVO6ULg/s1600/Panorama.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 412px; height: 90px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc908xljtyKA8d7SJwAei6o7JNSngyBys8Z3gXk9qN2nK5bXUI8cdUuAimIxfrWdQ27VNER2n8vXaDpt8vAavUNT3gGeoVS23iAhI62bcnxYjgBRTvbBlDaHB0lB171lCi3MobVO6ULg/s320/Panorama.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557303518119074274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI7rfmUv82f7IF6XYhy9njYbDdQFo20B4u-su729TYWlP_H7xs8unOp0aeSBazN2XP2GcVGaLquk5LsLdxTnD1MIWT3WYk30AOrd1splgWJnc76a_pTsUhcnQnEj8INo3_wuADeMeTCs/s1600/PICT8764-01a.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI7rfmUv82f7IF6XYhy9njYbDdQFo20B4u-su729TYWlP_H7xs8unOp0aeSBazN2XP2GcVGaLquk5LsLdxTnD1MIWT3WYk30AOrd1splgWJnc76a_pTsUhcnQnEj8INo3_wuADeMeTCs/s320/PICT8764-01a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557306772561060946" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14JYvvMotnx63iUOCfcvPF6VX5RPx47Vlp7CdRjxZSdi_uNvos49asH3uSxV9yDmb9KnANv2TXR7IfJNZSbfJykwi7qYA8CUUuPqSIyS4Sx1GEPxXRLUIogkftW54LkZmuknTY_XTOtM/s1600/PICT8869-01a.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14JYvvMotnx63iUOCfcvPF6VX5RPx47Vlp7CdRjxZSdi_uNvos49asH3uSxV9yDmb9KnANv2TXR7IfJNZSbfJykwi7qYA8CUUuPqSIyS4Sx1GEPxXRLUIogkftW54LkZmuknTY_XTOtM/s320/PICT8869-01a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557306772437283442" border="0" /></a>It was good to be back at home as far as sewing was concerned. There is only so much I can take with me when we go travelling. I had quite a few things to finish off and a few more items that I'd planned to get started. These are a couple of things that I managed to complete. The wall quilt would eventually give Rob the inspiration for our Xmas card.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1V65vKE_LtOyKeaQUPwrDWxuMfzNI04czVUHhM9aLzoDlPM7hBcx0YZ5xsKg6b8Lg0gjairIUkqUc6esLtsmoNFlk2b7g-vCq7WmrzV1m3Ez0ASpN8EiG2IWqBP9pW456nBxTHXcE6ZM/s1600/PICT8507.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1V65vKE_LtOyKeaQUPwrDWxuMfzNI04czVUHhM9aLzoDlPM7hBcx0YZ5xsKg6b8Lg0gjairIUkqUc6esLtsmoNFlk2b7g-vCq7WmrzV1m3Ez0ASpN8EiG2IWqBP9pW456nBxTHXcE6ZM/s320/PICT8507.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557309572221795970" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NW0lctcNY5m3dwpXq_mDuZic8QMMHkBtAjrWNkfdVDHvbmC55y5J9zzOID59MpC_0UQ8jw60Qz1HDu8DkJTBb6I9vHwTiiOYi-Gs_xpsP8Qub3ruXgs4EMU8Nx4l9Fv9gxbKXygyALE/s1600/PICT8604-02.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NW0lctcNY5m3dwpXq_mDuZic8QMMHkBtAjrWNkfdVDHvbmC55y5J9zzOID59MpC_0UQ8jw60Qz1HDu8DkJTBb6I9vHwTiiOYi-Gs_xpsP8Qub3ruXgs4EMU8Nx4l9Fv9gxbKXygyALE/s320/PICT8604-02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557309575369726482" border="0" /></a>One of the very best aspects of living in this rural part of the country is that we have lots of visitors to our garden. Some, like the deer, are pretty regular vistors. From time to time we get a eal surprise. This young Coopers Hawk was sitting up in the tree overlooking the bird feeder. Luckily for our regular feathered friends, he decided not to take up residence.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWLS3tWo5aPg3nstClbBVLzl0T5Kew8CnUB-TP2GvyKzTMeKk0oL3f9iuKx_TQEyE32eFLdOTwlekHB7mx3OfniUs_vgXOWAxH6puAI2fTK0UXfTjND7G4szUXo8YCX7rTout82HZZt0/s1600/PICT8712.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWLS3tWo5aPg3nstClbBVLzl0T5Kew8CnUB-TP2GvyKzTMeKk0oL3f9iuKx_TQEyE32eFLdOTwlekHB7mx3OfniUs_vgXOWAxH6puAI2fTK0UXfTjND7G4szUXo8YCX7rTout82HZZt0/s320/PICT8712.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557314284707206114" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIQP8qEUzaMe17K9p5OO-2OX8qwivsHcKzFX8gIf-UkMEWhf5FFpD8qXigbTAXjmEpUAnU4ey1DUWQLyxXbHofNDRxYlPQawxhW238EUlSGByEf7dXs6itPilAp-l445loRQWLAd3bZ4/s1600/PICT8697-01.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIQP8qEUzaMe17K9p5OO-2OX8qwivsHcKzFX8gIf-UkMEWhf5FFpD8qXigbTAXjmEpUAnU4ey1DUWQLyxXbHofNDRxYlPQawxhW238EUlSGByEf7dXs6itPilAp-l445loRQWLAd3bZ4/s320/PICT8697-01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557314277265714226" border="0" /></a>Our friends Gil and Sara joined us for a Sunday outing to a craft fair at the Woodstock site at Bethel Woods. I can always get Rob to drive me out there. It touches his inner hippy thing (he's older than me :-) There were various crafts and local produce on display but I particularly wanted to see the llamas.<br /><br />Autumn is always a wonder here. It brings beautiful colours and spectacular sunrises.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxpzILJR-CdLCPY8HO2NAZ-X-HFBqkkYDjJ9fvkdPaUHiZ8LTHigTgLyTCOoCyfNKhMdlm_98v7ahYfbmHhXcIEEdZwWo-wdt3NsMYlkHI5E48vldJjYRrcgYHClrSzSdhKPMo8Ph2D0/s1600/PICT8887.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxpzILJR-CdLCPY8HO2NAZ-X-HFBqkkYDjJ9fvkdPaUHiZ8LTHigTgLyTCOoCyfNKhMdlm_98v7ahYfbmHhXcIEEdZwWo-wdt3NsMYlkHI5E48vldJjYRrcgYHClrSzSdhKPMo8Ph2D0/s320/PICT8887.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557317737564521714" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglVeGYBZIsbdInm3GLYHsd8tqDkBcoZ3cQRVGvA_4yhVKNXOL6TX8nqnPDi8-f5ebE4v6pkSzpeEleJ4nFLlk9OIxEv-kOq2Ny2KSgCzmu3UKRaddr5-NV9Dzi5BahUwwHF85q91FjXU/s1600/PICT8829-01.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 101px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglVeGYBZIsbdInm3GLYHsd8tqDkBcoZ3cQRVGvA_4yhVKNXOL6TX8nqnPDi8-f5ebE4v6pkSzpeEleJ4nFLlk9OIxEv-kOq2Ny2KSgCzmu3UKRaddr5-NV9Dzi5BahUwwHF85q91FjXU/s320/PICT8829-01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557317734050894194" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhxghfyd5hbz6QAg6Mkx4c0EcAyBuERS07ysEMiTdZTYqpZDO0kE5tWOfZ2KsxYTdc5QY_qdKYH1Ki9mh1Tx2ywjUwb4wqQYyu_gJugrxlpnJXQH27HfDEz_NOTs6sUs2GBB5SzeTfl0/s1600/PICT9286.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 84px; height: 115px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhxghfyd5hbz6QAg6Mkx4c0EcAyBuERS07ysEMiTdZTYqpZDO0kE5tWOfZ2KsxYTdc5QY_qdKYH1Ki9mh1Tx2ywjUwb4wqQYyu_gJugrxlpnJXQH27HfDEz_NOTs6sUs2GBB5SzeTfl0/s320/PICT9286.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557317745312681234" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPTYZYsIY0YDIZnnuw-5DfjkErW4ST-CzR0P3gjio3XcoutBTL5YVZYVoVR8V64S78rFzs56W-HQ4dg46gXxdEldvWp_yF55jrGMJ8t_6EuQriLInQnw3tZ_WEqcF5GIeoX-QS8nNoXA/s1600/P1020322.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPTYZYsIY0YDIZnnuw-5DfjkErW4ST-CzR0P3gjio3XcoutBTL5YVZYVoVR8V64S78rFzs56W-HQ4dg46gXxdEldvWp_yF55jrGMJ8t_6EuQriLInQnw3tZ_WEqcF5GIeoX-QS8nNoXA/s320/P1020322.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557323056216737650" border="0" /></a>Luck was on my side when I had a big wish granted. I picked up a contract that sent me to London for a few weeks. This gave me a chance to see family and, of course, to be there for grand daughter Alana's 3rd birthday. How can it have gone so quickly. The work aspect was long and hard but it was all worth it to be there to see Alana's happy smiling face. It makes me so proud to see Sarah doing such a great job with her. I can hardly wait until the next opportunity. Oh well, thank goodness for Skype!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-9oNjybbsdXpxfWcfXPprlaiYQ0oHDM0CCviZuiFdeF8ZE5u2wjE489LpA0TCOPeWahj9jOTi3WMp04KMynrAGmIOWFk_TPrB54Yhy5WjyFqSLwJoCaTG8U5fbHU8jzcqWx9CbPmZ0A/s1600/PICT9297.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-9oNjybbsdXpxfWcfXPprlaiYQ0oHDM0CCviZuiFdeF8ZE5u2wjE489LpA0TCOPeWahj9jOTi3WMp04KMynrAGmIOWFk_TPrB54Yhy5WjyFqSLwJoCaTG8U5fbHU8jzcqWx9CbPmZ0A/s320/PICT9297.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557329055409448738" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGej5azY1i7bLb26ooCXyV4_iCU8WHKOxHqGm8V5F5QXmyRUOahyphenhyphenyYLUHLvchkAhbZfBKhA-Thk0NmJ8gsy1FQr91y8WYEX9SQTdta3CKqNEdCpW4_rbMhzgMMXXhaVWMFYyAEtxmpemE/s1600/PICT9308.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGej5azY1i7bLb26ooCXyV4_iCU8WHKOxHqGm8V5F5QXmyRUOahyphenhyphenyYLUHLvchkAhbZfBKhA-Thk0NmJ8gsy1FQr91y8WYEX9SQTdta3CKqNEdCpW4_rbMhzgMMXXhaVWMFYyAEtxmpemE/s320/PICT9308.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557329054086590642" border="0" /></a>To round out a wonderful year Kat and Iain joined us for Christmas. We managed to combine just the right mix of exercise and eating ..... perhaps! The weather cooperated to allow us to take a couple of good walks on the ridge and then, right on queue, the snow came in to give us a white Christmas. This gave us a chance to use new snow shoes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVzK68i1Us7csdRcrUXSWs36t_DaC8SAfAL95kgfxYcQhoybyAQDzZmBXIPtTK09npQ8DJQ7OL4_Z-z_XyUDN4TFXlOU-P071TmEmPJvE38fKFBmS3Crt5r-Bs5jg6bNC9adTwDfQ2Tc/s1600/P1020333.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVzK68i1Us7csdRcrUXSWs36t_DaC8SAfAL95kgfxYcQhoybyAQDzZmBXIPtTK09npQ8DJQ7OL4_Z-z_XyUDN4TFXlOU-P071TmEmPJvE38fKFBmS3Crt5r-Bs5jg6bNC9adTwDfQ2Tc/s320/P1020333.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557326339340641346" border="0" /></a>We also got to try out cross country skiing up at Mohonk Mountain House. I've been trying to get the "grinch" (aka Rob) to give it a go for a couple of years. He couldn't find any more excuses and ended up liking it. Who'd have thought it. Anyhow, we all had a great time and it put the icing on a really lovely Christmas cake.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTSs6RsGXMXCBW5YixXfBEfmztSO9Um0dJVvzoMKFSDAWzjFN7IX1d533Yk0FX0I1qF6p_Oum8lOm2ahdrYwNdmbnhnFhXddvdsiLkSLHtFfLN38Wb4ryvje86PjWJANWUGmHUiZ1xxo/s1600/P1020338.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTSs6RsGXMXCBW5YixXfBEfmztSO9Um0dJVvzoMKFSDAWzjFN7IX1d533Yk0FX0I1qF6p_Oum8lOm2ahdrYwNdmbnhnFhXddvdsiLkSLHtFfLN38Wb4ryvje86PjWJANWUGmHUiZ1xxo/s320/P1020338.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557329065468116258" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkE42-pBgiT-0wjjeD34C_fTwEc9KyITAibuSPZn22mnprw4IWWcU4unzmy3CkbrLtzCBfnaY1dBsjwyzj2nYoV3_bWn9YtbcWVf4aFf72cFUm7b4ja1CCw7dOVW5y4ASw3jNno9MGHzY/s1600/P1020344.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkE42-pBgiT-0wjjeD34C_fTwEc9KyITAibuSPZn22mnprw4IWWcU4unzmy3CkbrLtzCBfnaY1dBsjwyzj2nYoV3_bWn9YtbcWVf4aFf72cFUm7b4ja1CCw7dOVW5y4ASw3jNno9MGHzY/s320/P1020344.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557329057889994610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A New Year and a new blog. I'm doing so much sewing related things that I have decided to start a new blog at http://sewfarfromhome.blogspot.com/<br /><br />Rob will keep this one up to date so that we can keep everybody informed of travel related goings on. Happy New Year to everybody.lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-33479739991442821722010-08-07T14:31:00.001-07:002010-08-07T14:31:41.761-07:00Fun Guy and Fungi<p>Tuesday started off a little overcast so we stayed at the camp ground and had an early lunch – there was a break in the weather so we took a quick 3 mile walk from the back of the campsite up around to the start of the Wilmington trail.</p> <p>At 4.30 Rob decided it would be a great idea for us to walk up to Coopers Pond – It was just over 2.5 miles each way and given the time and the fact that is was through the woods we needed to really step it out so that we could get back before it got dark. Given that the trail was rising 500ft per mile on the way up, it was quite a hike. Good job the view was worth it.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDlkQbW7lvgxt01NC52KVI41v23H_0VGWyMGvGseGA8iwcroV_4D1hJDLAhdz0hyphenhyphen9pPL5-0Au2DbWlziimOe5H-H2FzCpYzdEPxY3UeCc349-ZNMbRiiUVMZh1RmIOtCFgwDvkireLws/s1600-h/PICT8380%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT8380" border="0" alt="PICT8380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnXZ814Hs2FpgHkXCQ0uA2utTfFHarOyHK6md4-Lp23YX0li6-OKW39o3Yka7hDxDR5_ebw77z4nPox5pfHOoVKd1-MeGsIDo6UkhSvZZa7RalErGsvioQ6n8LP30XNlstwfSx3ErtcU/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a>  </p> <p>Wednesday we decided to try the Wilmington trail – we had quite a late start and it was even steeper than the previous days trail it rose 1000ft every mile ! lots of great views and and lovely plant life we ended up doing about 8.5 miles and were exhausted by the time we finished.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TF3QlYAi8lI/AAAAAAAADKY/Yahmn1f8j7s/s1600-h/P1020240%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1020240" border="0" alt="P1020240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNzrsWeoJDxOJic1qul_nhiIkAYj6H4TDlRhaW1g70iPi_iBRR4ZC9emziSrhn3Nji3M5XwFiNKASVQStSAqfzmzqLPARY8SOVbSREEFdZcUFh6G-uUtFd1ARbGl-zHI411z6WeWX0hA/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQombmpzWs7mzfdTizJenoqLZQznMlPeJfmFLCEgB6sW8_fA6IVNrZyIT7JcBeRZLq6abJHMct5qO2qT_dwLiw3xGw7u3sHZ5xtpGTQDkf1jVNzyaipgBRZJyulmJqigxpXwKaZLYbsrM/s1600-h/P1020195%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1020195" border="0" alt="P1020195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwi8R1xBCGt4W9CM5ZTtpHIsukaXm0vJnMmSFE3bPihrXkoZwZyvwvltbav2ezETclPnKjajf2lyocmG_KDIjiqDtNLt7821R4hKdp6E04iXadyzyUOlKTIQKvsoo9v6lp4n3wkrBSiE/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVD-qnga2J2pNTwCGwhWhH4uUxzft-tmgr02aptogrcdHFma91Ls8Lr0G8Mou-nfPeBeLmobZjU5qM2Xp_EFxfne29l1JIC70OYZo8dF5xVkI_FmyRHd8GNnc09h1TxrhDO9UL7YSRfzI/s1600-h/P1020198%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1020198" border="0" alt="P1020198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdWd7rwFvU9pJ_7u8hsnE6x6niFuOg3NgWrQAxfGId1AXh-pBU9rA6rUZbBPmUbASrimngqkYiYrJDalifF1gJZwL0Wjb-sC_RDrn4zU0bnPYp8PaM4H7r5qO429B-imFryxOqDwWMNk/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TF3QpiIApPI/AAAAAAAADKw/Smn6kd-XrGc/s1600-h/P1020211%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1020211" border="0" alt="P1020211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10bfHhaTOMFYPbKCku0BqRT6UlWwxKhwT0GUGEaC8bOQGWYQeXeev9hKqqdA9OEufe4vPmyoshyLlslOXAjzf8IoyVndu21Zly0q4iI_uoAwTCnJkf4LrZWytjOfYmQumtghaAEsEvd8/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWzLZLdsgypsQqZzNv2-4iM8YdWAkhHlEd0PiR5QvbAuCAe6Ao7NictcTYM31xOxvGw4Xsg6f4fuDMrPdJfMLfvtKYkG_P6Cuvo3dTXwlQmKZ7jrzBLgY4GCFLu_wLzZsrf1pmFDVUno/s1600-h/P1020215%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1020215" border="0" alt="P1020215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCbROaBHJWwxLqijkXHVJfGj_RC46mrsi7ffW1CyfvklUXf7b2S0gAzpsGkwM9ZmbSqE7R8sVahV4Amx8BJkYUmmRfNqCVOY8zgwPW17Q23PBC6ldli2P930_fXEGAfPjLExvVWtZCEU/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Thursday we decided to take it a little easier and just took a three mile hike around by the bottom of the Whiteface ski resort. Part of it goes along the local river just before it descends into a small gorge.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4ry8C49V-w44taJZgYxB9LeJFrqSYMsLvYW1ZBGK9t1hS6Uef3uYeJNMqdwIhlvPDLoWv-9x9YxbHvq01i4LSlMkKc8WgqNcvbTAJquBBR9r2UzEoEmufNEqnnJgrZizcoQSC7nlq5w/s1600-h/P1020223%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1020223" border="0" alt="P1020223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyui4avNM76pWX8vDo7XmK954UvKmx9KvZNnagqwc-zJHcLa7HHoCWlzCJCeruEARitiLNrhyQSIKtbrShS5feBDlO9kumhIS1dvX98sFVpDNvj94HlBUgNrwRQd_r9fFJ2VwGobwMaJ0/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Our friends Gil and Sara came up to Lake Placid late Wednesday as Gil was taking part in the national lacrosse championships. So early Thursday evening we went over to the fields to see some of the games. It is certainly not for the faint of heart, very fast moving and aggressive game.</p> <p>Friday morning was overcast so we waited till after lunch before we took a 5 mile round hike to Lake Placid. In the evening we went over to the house that Gil and Sara were renting and had a very nice evening, gourmet food followed by microwave S’mores .</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TF3Qu9L3SCI/AAAAAAAADLI/-4luLObMO1o/s1600-h/P1020231%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1020231" border="0" alt="P1020231" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TF3QvDGvvPI/AAAAAAAADLQ/eLQdZFpybRw/P1020231_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-42891831528332785152010-08-02T18:33:00.001-07:002010-08-02T18:33:03.839-07:00What is Black and white and smells awful ?<p>……. Lacey !! although not her fault. I went to bed early Saturday night and was just falling off to sleep when I smelt the most awful smell. It was a mixture of burning car tyres, garlic and body odor. I went out to the living room convinced the house was on fire to find a very distressed and smelly dog. Rob had taken them out for their last pee break of the evening, when all of a sudden Lacey came running back with her tail between her legs, coughing and frothing from the mouth. Rob not realizing that she had been sprayed by a skunk brought her into the house! you cannot believe how that smell permeates every part of the house, nor how long it takes to go. </p> <p>He gave her a bath and thank goodness we had already planned to go north in the RV for a week. Hopefully the smell in the house will be better when we get back.</p> <p>So Sunday afternoon we arrived at our camp site, we are staying in the North Pole resort at Wilmington in the Adirondacks. It is a good ten degrees cooler than our area but that is no bad thing at the moment. </p> <p>This morning we took a trip down the road to Lake Placid then went for a hike starting at the Wilmington Notch and walked around the Owen, Copperas and Winch ponds. It was about 4 miles in total not too hilly but quite rocky. I had bought the girls their own back packs so they could carry their own drinks and treats – don’t they look cute ?</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIH5CicPa75czJPBvr-irfsdYE2cTH2Klv_XYweLJuahDWX4iJFxOGJI953M8qhDPJxA1BNETR6qlVkFWZxDmxzHR86_kuH6sgtng30YOeWBy3kWlMCBNnkEkJAGhAdWYmkMSVebGtSI/s1600-h/P1020166%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1020166" border="0" alt="P1020166" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TFdxvWKsI2I/AAAAAAAADJ0/XsOe5YMe9cY/P1020166_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>The rock they were standing in front of has this amazing tree growing over it – that took some great “will to live” on behalf of the tree.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TFdxwLvI1LI/AAAAAAAADJ4/9fA9DAnHZyA/s1600-h/P1020161%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1020161" border="0" alt="P1020161" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TFdxw8ZI4CI/AAAAAAAADJ8/UhLKFqcODi8/P1020161_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Here are some views from our walk </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCLog6uweLDbaE0bhz1fDp6G2ud13_W-Ags4wXOYTJ6w64c7UwM3uIEJNF-qmKy3sRsyNwisRhRN4nzFMWdRAwzhthf10YIQfshQBXq_XwfqFajdumsav3-K9z847r_BCP102WJ_Xyig/s1600-h/PICT8369%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT8369" border="0" alt="PICT8369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenVyXCItnzJoilvqQSryacWAjuhbn2UN1tZOTBWBd-n5Citze4qgwWwuPsnR0wBqrWQyaaVCQp3g9XMx6Fi9DieiPw-ZXMsQbYATIhUvoUEq48CdpyNirs09yGkbRG1y4RkkWptq73fs/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4G8SBEhSs8RcYWrkvbnEyzsht7ashdSacuAV9dwISl5Q1zD0MmvYvCXOYSN71yN7G7_vcrgtEGiUB6aAdUhLjyvbNmDHYTR-Ns-HGvk_abDIOh9m9NFsKVA1rVy6SY-hGv1j1du6bHeQ/s1600-h/P1020176%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1020176" border="0" alt="P1020176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE14P1yt0zGGn3PnyEs0Q3qS2QfGtTpKc1X_KD0AQX8Hip4tpGPq2Ew0s66xKAg9zivxRRA3wVvZqFTJq01ciPkzdyhzm_SSw8TAUAYa1pb-mSb3R4NBIHeO7EtNy6lAZAVhW-eCpH_Y/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>late in the afternoon we took a trip into Lake Placid to have a look around, we bought some back packs at the outdoor sports shop and then on the way back to the car we spotted a ski shop selling off the ski boots ready to get the new season stock in. I went in to try them on and we were there for 2 hours while the guy made sure I had a comfortable fit. Corey ( the boot guy) was a bit of a character and kept us amused. He also kept dragging Rob into the pub next door to do whiskey shots. Finally we were ready to leave and I got a very good deal on my boots and Rob was very “mellow”. Needless to say i drove back to the RV. Tomorrow we will go for another hike – longer this time though </p> lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-10411657787592930042010-07-27T19:10:00.001-07:002010-07-27T19:10:25.471-07:00Esopus river and the Delaware/Hudson Canal<p>For those of you that are not based on the east coast of America you probably don’t realize we have been going through a heat wave here that has been breaking all records. We have had about three weeks of 90 to 100 degree weather with high humidity. Thank goodness for air conditioning !</p> <p>Last Thursday they were predicting that the temperature would be in the 80”s so we set off for the Catskills and went tubing down the Esopus river. We started off in the town of Phoenicia, collected our equipment and then got a ride on the bus to a spot about 5 miles up the river.</p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-N2MVxsH5bM5lGMRl7w5OgBbUmuLoYahn1CbB9R0U-INK3prGwno4Vu4Kko1V9JYkj85at9cppY2pYv-0HhbKYwz5Fx8aub85t6fgFGAvi3kNOUeng1E1OD96Vw8vPvx1ArAUxhEp9I/s1600-h/0609tubing1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="0609tubing1" border="0" alt="0609tubing1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ferWdRXtbgH8a-gwDxDTfYeFCN8P2OKkS9-OAbG7nUOFcvWwlpIoTQpdUMAYavoBNQlhPD9xzR_RFi0d9Uxoc5sJAx4aBC7fFAYGJrR_L86kdOjOgn9-UwP6Hn3IrU6ynTu2dGxCWGY/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="155" /></a> </p> <p>It was so much fun, the river temperature was perfect, cold when we first got in but then very refreshing. We had a hoot avoiding rocks, negotiating small rapids, seeing the local wild life and just enjoying the day. We got soaked but guessed we would so had taken a change of clothes. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQL_bKOKV7BTn5XjHGBhinyqQGBejFHxekubrazSk3ymZAPVlRpSpid3cFWcJNPrVrgQoUuBMew-5gmvozIEfYpsd8_lFoeInj3jWPhj80SNgXcy53UIIFVXiIuOum3gSLU2O6d-6m98/s1600-h/TownTinkerTubeRentals_CultureV1_460x285%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="TownTinkerTubeRentals_CultureV1_460x285" border="0" alt="TownTinkerTubeRentals_CultureV1_460x285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizT5uSvvWajGQPYUklxd_WbsAdp-_gmLpqat8CtTFhDTMkW9m_uqf5u0WiRfOpIw3Y2QwmgUM4UzUHvYxTid7LlGccG8artevZweb7iyezVB46zX48QB1M0bM-cg62jr0t4JD3Intb7OU/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="153" /></a> </p> <p>A quick walk into Phoenicia to get a giant ice cream and then head on back with a a stop at Emerson country store which is the home of the worlds largest kaleidoscope. It is 65 ft tall and we lay down on our backs in the middle of the room it is housed in and were treated to a 10 minute show complete with music. Very surreal.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTSTqBmIrf0IZH42gOyFiUvndj_20bCs63GwYCdWj0a5_CgA_smE4QKva4tiqsoNSuAcyrgnP489W9ehuU8LwHmmtm6XMyTmZCYfGKcFyvUczBmdjaHBCjtaWDbTTLstPo4Y2tuJkyYM/s1600-h/Scope%205345792%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Scope 5345792" border="0" alt="Scope 5345792" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TE-Rf4x8SyI/AAAAAAAADGw/iiO9tdYZGuc/Scope%205345792_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="185" /></a> </p> <p>I have been trying to catch up on a lot of my sewing projects, 3 of my mystery blocks, only one left to do. 12 embroidered squares for my crazy compass, bow tie quilt for Sheena, Boogie monster quilt for Alana, cut a 1000 squares for another quilt and completed a few smaller projects :-) </p> <p>Today I had a quick lecture on finishing my compass quilt and then an early lunch before we packed up the dogs and headed over the ridge to the Delaware and Hudson canal. There is a project to first get a pathway extended so that you can walk the length of it on the the former rail path and then phase 2 is to get the canal itself dug back out so that it can be used as a waterway again. The weather was really hot but we had a lovely time and probably walked about 7miles. The dogs have slept since we got home.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TE-Rg4aCznI/AAAAAAAADG0/EYKJ3TMdBrg/s1600-h/P1020129%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1020129" border="0" alt="P1020129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtpRw5umWU_HvJJHcpCM04_mqyJTZ0f5QqArRyJVcKDKXQrUnHPs-28jd0iaUkPREt303VN_KeB7BcnfCZbUdRQxhanq6eQmn0PQuffHsjnccbr0z6v9HuNBdiyAfGW4USHy9PVikuWs/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeGOH4ES5NM0qv31xeLSYQJHYlGXIpz7slocTNOVOQ_NEI6QoML_6z6D8fchaAaZ7GJK8f5ZAKGwwWE4k9edSQ_1Or1y2F88g5Gkz3MGEX8OBCMgy6XfwgNsN8dPhHcnI7vax1GVI6kk/s1600-h/P1020154%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1020154" border="0" alt="P1020154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8Omox3Rpt5AIkyOV-90kpoOUIb06IR_XK786TNe7OcWMbVRNTPQVbtKWf3hmfPy3EinRwFbgdG8wA-jxFDymoLCqIT5-fvtj-GUokS6ZP0hvMQY4uaHdf3Z0oiPaGwl1ayYu14hmzzk/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="185" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6FoKUSdeXIiRI8rfTpjobh-pv2KCiUq_ujln4q49o7UDuWjn2GVW4az5yMfq6gSAbHTvQRfwpEIROa03gOSo1lxP7Nu1GuPD55CsfQCRIyJ3Spck-bLn7-fPCbxNvQ2GUF3Q0twgdHE/s1600-h/P1020153%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1020153" border="0" alt="P1020153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXf6YBHGsanXvul1g_QjmCOECbCF9rvGNt0a_Mz0nu79Y0V6el9DQugxe2Nbq-_ZjkfY1SGYqiBUKD5u0KEoY4wSWicPryukDSprTUwHlaz8B3CWQNOpNuAhwQatp08KZHsdbqSQImc5w/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEide6fKfPeXOLy4IICIQBLma5Gn2YXmDKITjbcSyyZIVHw11qNZaMWaKz33VSZ0tpFDWKvc4xV0ttpvi_mdIKE8R3V_ij_lAK1wZ2eVXUXwC0siCC7hv8jZz2CwBobCTKNFlNxTQkkuaXk/s1600-h/PICT8325%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT8325" border="0" alt="PICT8325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZfZ2q4yztmW4_qR9v2SxfwiF84IVYj14g5HtMH7hOHdHAFxF8S7h8yen-PGs3Rr5Xu9RTlpbkjdsa3sXOVPBf7a1f7MPtSHVPTZ3wmEOHGqqnGbQ78nysYPfMyD8Dhq_xHWa5JvJzjI/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-14505193489114640192010-07-05T04:52:00.001-07:002010-07-05T04:52:42.721-07:0018 Miles north of Myrtle Beach<p>Up early last Thursday to drive a little over 400miles from Northern Georgia to a site just on the border of North and South Carolina. Here is a picture of the rig just before we set off </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uzbhyphenhyphenfkD_5Qxfzy37UWdcOBc984Kbe3iSOWThcyXatZVnWOnLGUWH324EdAUkemQp8V0Vn-HFJ516uBzP78rnSARlz7qaPu4y8xD89UuLsUWlSZ3QLy9emiieMTC8IrxRq_0kI9s0P4/s1600-h/PICT82172.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8217" border="0" alt="PICT8217" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TDHGhm5t3OI/AAAAAAAADEo/QydTGnO-CSg/PICT8217_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p>The trip was a little challenging for the first and last 75 miles as we were hauling the RV on some pretty small roads. Plenty of time to knit though, I had already finished knitting the bunny she just needs to be assembled and stuffed. So my latest efforts are a shrug for me. Here is the first sleeve and the start of the back.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvvnIx-YInTZBFm3xeXz0k0_JtKGM8uEE5uz5gtw5m57FfGDGTABmP_9LtWIB37-_yIGiTIZ6aKgkUAAfG2F6Jim4f0WLPMqnNAVKI52UECHirmqF-DU3bh4uTQDrTa2yzEW95owpn24/s1600-h/P10200912.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020091" border="0" alt="P1020091" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1bjRd4tXSi09o1CLyX2in1FS841cG_uH3tBkzGPNWvmkgonCp-craeZZ_pIygOal9aPkCB0B0b7jD0dyV5MATtQgWRvcCTW81VJX7dPV9RrNhED1b4bFMn5yI4wHSxAmbuhwfShIqiU/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Our campsite is right out in the countryside set in a small family run vineyard. They have a pond with a family of geese, who also seem to like walking around the vines and a frame with many gourds hanging of it and lots of baby birds housed in them.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysTt91ODsNUVSLLkPSkSVYsYncdNt6vXsRGm1Yo4pqUIK0igsva7yh1ME6sku4XWaNhDN6PiyXGNlaQ9qrJeHG7O1qKJx48o_H_9vDWVP-ekz06HbKYS1uiovpaz7fnvyppulGWaPe8o/s1600-h/P10200952.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020095" border="0" alt="P1020095" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TDHGqzFvK9I/AAAAAAAADE4/bne84arvYIA/P1020095_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsmbI_Q05Fc5UcBaIFb5tF3I-37av9NnHWtZzvQ9GBlUiAUEdEJhkTr5Oja-PVlZuf69uvfh9riwVsIL2jcwOEIczYTceEtDxBNfFKp85uZ7pwyQu5pWNs2TvQD_RUE33ZOkfmC3DgBA/s1600-h/P10200812.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020081" border="0" alt="P1020081" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOD6ZRw39n_5Fk3WXg0C3ENQevfoG4dlHGyDGhnhLyzLjcZXbdjeEWGCOpZRc6gATRGu_WMEIFHGtkTAb5VoLiScZg_C6Y34MWz4dM15cs-4cFUFX8VAR-eJt_cpxXQJKIPLTpx-mpDQE/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>On the Friday we drove to the town of Calabash, famous for its seafood eateries and then on into sunset beach. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the sand between 8 and 6 during the summer months so we just had a quick look and then headed off down to North Myrtle Beach. We will have to come back here in the off season.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC20RUgkaZrGB5tCuB7BkHPb7VKa01eYci0gWXiI3aYBhFsGyxN815mg6gSKup_UaZyge9r4wd7DWqEaW6v2wFY7IGNvd0pSHLDKjG_B3UG31UPRKrD82TT7aKJ6PCpySO-O2qQrktbBI/s1600-h/P10200852.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020085" border="0" alt="P1020085" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TDHGzWU6qOI/AAAAAAAADFI/-AzwBbw4370/P1020085_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>The main road through the area is wall to wall food and shopping so we stopped at a local diner and i got my first taste of grits, I have to say I quite liked them much to Robs disgust. We had a quick walk on the Boardwalk at Myrtle Beach and then headed back to the campsite ahead of the crowds.</p> <p>There is no cable connection at this campsite and so we had a nice evening listening to my ipod playing in shuffle mode.</p> <p>Saturday we were up bright and breezy as usual and drove to a place called Murrel’s inlet, it is a small fishing harbor with a boardwalk and some nice pubs – so after a pleasant walk with the dogs we sat on the patio at the Dead Dog and got treated to some good food and a live band.  It was funny to see a small island opposite the pub that housed a family of goats.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsu2MhpQyALzWQKIX1yuiT6LOHxfVNODx_e-n-nyDscb1A3CTPa_bLfmilrSiAdoLQB1jacv3t0Zo4fgWV1c4fDkTmOQ9NxwUuJ8ssRMdYJXPo_lAyiBN9ZzViSMLaWw6VTjZaoFNILo/s1600-h/P10200972.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020097" border="0" alt="P1020097" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAAwMsLeycnYeOxRP0ckHVKD8n8TLqatsQ1a7GD2xbcPwhodp5XrHCdqJLi6f6xPCwlARQaMzGz77mW5u5dzqPWImfmqx-kNLqsBFjEbyFFNEhOCmCPDlbdsxPVdJuMo6R3uwf1mhxX0/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZeMlvJ4HdtN4z_nb03lHa5fTbHep07-1qYiqHK9qZz8YB4JI_rA7YMD3Bo6CzDVlFFnevumsbrMuWjQQuMtSOtH3MM0twnhEQ20E-vUHx22haTlzbMqCRQu_MGKDItCD_AfLM6BZanE/s1600-h/P10200982.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020098" border="0" alt="P1020098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncXIRUpfX5Ntxmkvo-RoQESYrXRk0ruGeWVs71iPmIik0sXg5X3-dojuy9TCDa2Qg0e9WXf-oUzx8G8yX7qtvx-tXPuyvBlRlBzBCGMjX6XOCVFYg03K9EFISWdKdDvr4YJ4qx7V402g/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>  </p> <p>By the way Rob has not shaved for about a week – so he could have passed for one of the local fishermen – What do you think ?</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3dUMHP1UlA633uVP_RTA1Ahe3L-DMpaZD4su_CAurW5qP-sRgU2LYFZrlCDvNkRFk4pnvs-OM-y_oDhxKCYOjJSv1h5OERBJI5IljAZPvv7AsFHYZICYXB_DigDbTFjA9YyJrEeMJL4/s1600-h/P10201032.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020103" border="0" alt="P1020103" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TDHHCJ8HwWI/AAAAAAAADFg/LQpG-tBOyyY/P1020103_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Saturday night was one of those times that you have to pinch yourself to believe your own eyes. When we checked in to this campsite they asked us if we would like to join them Saturday night as they were having live entertainment in the park. So there we were with about 24 other people being treated to a 2 hour performance of the local Elvis impersonator. He was actually very good and we had a really fun time – go figure!</p> <blockquote> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9hjpx3xxOsTBpaX6oU70tDiMu-kqofCPynSTnKwq7Lu3tRP_RXRrkChIQZXC7oVUuPNy__jjShsTo0TDr5A1G6bM1ihQZw9xPVbYROYq_NASnvHDK3lZJICUnXzd7_O2zI9Ljl-SiYQ/s1600-h/P10201082.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020108" border="0" alt="P1020108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPoFzub6x3efphib1UHt6rAGueEIceLfybSuE9jxbhKiUa3FNwL9xGDJyOHUz8_bcgYqdYjX-BN16_02QBFHRmSD2uVuMBsx-Cgn2RQf5aGKecj-nvFttdMQZeRhODoaR_2L12phHBVcI/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-1xTSil8fZrnRE9tSKf3_-jTtIz8jVBaXDY1EnEEb1sXVW__qHsl43qchLc1yJM-1cPYZFz_nu_PmJt7Q2ddNNsCgMjtafkc9uQC_1ymjmiew3PdANPoVKUaQkpmykhRNsOHVqBVIf4/s1600-h/P10201052.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020105" border="0" alt="P1020105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdUsOE8grd8xpylGOUHryZnjs8351Gx5i-RewTDPojqrjVoqMjpSjryicc-Y_nPCcRzkArJo7Phqw7dyt3pOj0WU5KsdBgwW4qld7xj_jhlBeKhDj2Wo8e8nW7T8x9tpIX3cvC08Stcg/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> </blockquote> <p></p> <p>He also wrapped his silk scarf around me as a gift and it was still a little wet with his sweat – we are thinking of getting it DNA tested just in case he was the real deal</p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8e8gvW0n-LiibRrvJCKqfroOBd52c9g7M6WWYLjA7d7xEpcdetlG0G22FolfIAz3vpIiNwzyI1WElCpgmpY9s8k49mellJHxEQ34ohsuF1yajJF7_x3rIOpswbj2mzD0RwyWnJzIolg/s1600-h/P10201252.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020125" border="0" alt="P1020125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94rJZkNHW8Fuo27DPMNEKCD6iwDRW11m9DL4_D8iTahyphenhyphenn6lni92aHrx0Nt3IvY-Z69ivJDyeK4uY9GdE9pydvtx9u6a71IdZGdBYZh69Razd8TNcrww4duVWt3S9Mk1c9ktGOa8Wq9F8/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Sunday we stayed around the campsite and just relaxed until about 5 then we drove back to Calabash to try the Seafood Hut which was listed in out travel guide. We had to queue outside in the sun for about 40minutes but everyone in the queue assured us it was worth the wait. It was a no frills place with about a dozen cafe style tables inside. The fried seafood was amazing sooo fresh and certainly worth the wait. We had flounder, scallops, oysters, shrimp and crab all deep fried and served with coleslaw, fries and something called hush puppies which are deep fried corn bread balls. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TDHHRhSvYqI/AAAAAAAADF8/SfICTedqXwo/s1600-h/P10201102.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020110" border="0" alt="P1020110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XFSE4m-xqzO7iBeAPMwG4klhFJBd3F0_EoKSCqqACJdKQSJ1GmVRM-LIYaKkFHZFTh3s7spyL4eGRl14lFtqrF208Ayvr-37-_vZuf7fRLmXEKLvcLrphKLfTJkNwe-t7KHgLmo_Ae4/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>We walked on down to the shore – watched the crabs dancing on the mud at the waters edge and people starting to go out on the boats to see the 4th July Fireworks </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4paiZlBhpFcQu8SwG7FzrAYhL4AsiyRegbOeiQZbwXmOV65_oEA3EylZHkj29ZEtrMAYFscoAj9sQLJRTLTy3VBeYzpMOIN8mCDOtFKmmcW6yBdi2DX287NMR6lSBhvOzWCv9rtTKl0/s1600-h/P10201162.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020116" border="0" alt="P1020116" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TDHHYf_Y6yI/AAAAAAAADGI/608pulE5AO8/P1020116_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEk-ZYTwahzxKcomk39uni_cS9Hwe0FJaBsTyqpTxUS3KZYYP9arvEKMQuuubt5BfEBG9kZEsGjpEyVVesKPldRf-C0FSzgC2NAzCCZXvVRCtahgTNn_r4o6TeeWAo_gsN4rJuS655cA/s1600-h/P10201192.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020119" border="0" alt="P1020119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Xf-aJAGmDMaP-Xpmw_VhpueoR3I_b9g6WyYSEP5z3LP0xJ4uprm1In2YONnqOTpwwyElsU4bQ0Ouifeu1qAqxG5v4ecglXr6SYcDvdj3hIBnL_jwBXzQGm2CV3cvF99PxeHDjMEjkJ8/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>  </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>There was a small public field just off the waters edge where a seven piece band was entertaining a large crowd of people for free. The Carolinas know how to celebrate  Independence Day in style </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJ-y0K6YqSXL6pXs03f-MIMqMEuwZ9JMgB5XLve1UXVdDu6JLwWJbCJfu3T7O9eq8Cg1lHhn16xyBtsTXvgeXUoDu6o5npJFwHHr_r66xps-bUu32EM-dzCPSoC9494i_GInRdEFCk4Y/s1600-h/P10201232.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020123" border="0" alt="P1020123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV7DBUn8-AHy6706spTf-Po_mv8EqE71UjpuIn-zDamgE7a0HL85bvEXngdBK7LYQPFt9eEwh2yNOIe_vsIFYRe5vHN2ILr-rYYY4aznlcSWTLHGJ-896E3qkQ3E5tbGFqPXiRe2uDvs/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Tomorrow we start the trek back to Pine Bush – we will stop in a town called Petersburg just south of Richmond Virginia Monday night roughly about 250 miles away.</p> lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-65280005606874262032010-06-30T17:55:00.001-07:002010-06-30T17:55:32.884-07:00Dillard - Georgia<p>The park here is really nice and it is nestled in amongst a mountain range with fantastic scenery. We decided to go out for a scenic drive in the early evening – First stop was the Popcorn Overlook </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpAbTvSD9R3JljQFWJTn6CVstDJ_KYMmRHCHN-4gwR8v85IZjVVaJfdtoHOZIzlvkyg5gLqfiOfoy_nsrLX0YhoAVkX6qIW9hjNrbanrsbh3OQJedWkUhIg1vXaVC2gFeCjy0S2ul5jY/s1600-h/PICT81302.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8130" border="0" alt="PICT8130" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TCvnBxxoxjI/AAAAAAAADCM/V_PSzaIALQA/PICT8130_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6u_IHwFyWVAdXocyEoiDeHi6KntgdFIb9BLQuJee6-w3fuvTuYuobJs98KtbGFpbN-6weRmSxb0Phf_YhyphenhyphenNtlKN5EVx0ZJ8UDepdforyz0OYUK3T98wQvxK4BKTnmM4WNh_AJl78vx5Q/s1600-h/P10200132.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020013" border="0" alt="P1020013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TCvnCzXGH3I/AAAAAAAADCU/hE1s4YYz-p8/P1020013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TCvnDb5iZNI/AAAAAAAADCY/q3IPb3NW4ak/s1600-h/P10200142.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020014" border="0" alt="P1020014" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhr8RwosFGvUlw2I2le0eFwX_IFlJ8-3mh8hL8hw5B27cOPUrSIdeESAWic4LNjV2lP-qh47bNhcM-gNmByp7MCoIc5KpAGeMWCA1OB1yGgNPBKepK-1OUpuJPw2hzjkyjQvzHpUEus4/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Then a short stop at the edge of Lake Burton to admire some of the houses of the idle rich.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45Cwo6SseYYgwXs7t2EYtNdHAvtAgkdfCHYAE8yuIvIUxrB-Y5T5xIyGzfL61PvS8fCCnH1p3lDNDtY-jiZfaWOEWao3MRIpQqrD1p0c7Dh4G6PsNDJDEGlCsGK_cGw1sciOQHVKLxzQ/s1600-h/PICT81432.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8143" border="0" alt="PICT8143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPHsh24RimQQVri9Jc4rfvxE5Y15haK17K4HaFyJJgnNm_L7Re5rkyxaFtiWETQ7ssD99y0CdsSWx6kZeWeoCNOWHiNfsZevRyDhX9bLhTpOb6Gc8n2LzMMOVSDqytv5UG0WbkyRZViY/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_txiKHbWV_eoB6p_crSUqCR75zCQnBr9FOnAVlv-oRGDOtwOjZwvCap6pKbQpIzMchVH37CMUaqt0sfxdkUpdDKYkOfuFECQjfjBdV7jM4KFceOAM4PT5CDSzFzS70kC1bIkXLHFJEYg/s1600-h/PICT81362.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8136" border="0" alt="PICT8136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeJ8etPKDY6_MWMP-GVbNjIanffEaIDz1fiKFgAzuXwUvRBUeZq1jaE1UCEVYYqWnnJe8oh5cyVLlPiYipRN-vvt3817UB1tNV40Niu3e70XV571W1tACp9WgfDO5qIJC3vIc6JA1FxI/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sPgMxS1DK3XJZ-jQ1_PTUTnxDtO46T2BZjg-1V-l93ckeCFUyoqLfIrBuIoJ06LmgZaOtu2KH03z5UGXbO1ihBbs_2_aQ6Y2Ln06JfTSLF592AMMnVdjqbR6gSoebPtRyc9xB357NY8/s1600-h/PICT81402.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8140" border="0" alt="PICT8140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlo8WSkqB2X_oxnkMsFhVIrlsv-shgvHRvMbiFJ8MEnxXfjwu4hXv5O6pUEO9wayrs3ENLnkP4glpe4qUYOgYqU-Vdjjbma0sQrhlUAtfedtv-nesfm6kO-V2MxTF1rJt_iwATcpTvSA/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>One last stop, we read that Tate City had good views, the bit they left out was that we had to drive through the forest on a dirt track to get there which in the truck was a bit like being in a dinghy coming down a river. To cap it all this road was nearly ten miles long and the views in Tate City were not as “spectacular” as the write up said they were.</p> <p>We got up early on the Tuesday to go and hike the Tallulah Gorge – they only let 100 people in per day so we wanted to make sure we could do it. We ended up being the first there. You have to go down over 150 steps cross a rope bridge across the gorge then down another 230 steps and then the adventure begins!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPioQWlIOm-TzMeTiyMlbkooClt59YW544pqE-o2mjex5aEqN_FHstigvu2maKx1fyisj_sGXbFO0Sw-qTPuBYrebjk__X2_qlJgXxBRFe2gUj301ls2D-_g_AZabYg8NRgMfH66MoZg/s1600-h/PICT81602.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8160" border="0" alt="PICT8160" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TCvnOHivsCI/AAAAAAAADDA/gLX-Xx43-_Y/PICT8160_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7v-zPALk06EmAR_jfyBHtdtOqCIyuUc4eOko2Rwx7QnoaedlDUQwX46P_hIKkzN_7-w8dV_-ln2U5RadJ1gQgq1SU5GVC8vHEVqmiYT_RGg_mIKZr5CkHp0bCSAH7Tun0SMVVzrtDbRs/s1600-h/P10200342.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020034" border="0" alt="P1020034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfId-s-k-E5HOeaj4VqkoLqBsbBcoS_rL7SZPuareLVKuhsafC2wJFTPAh1K5a_mzjzvVLhDH2URQGrPb4HxDNl4cvxMyaaZW_8xUjC43m6NPJYVBDVydo4wLYmnsOi0jlpLBivy08IX0/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAX6xi9hI7Cvyyq1W62vswZhUkhEbID_vmg3lUXpJ0xz_XhG-0jLKpXDfHjPHcNu1X01ArKSN86dbYKvNFngpaSd00s31Jb4bk-jByUbgb7igcizRhV8hn-ISrq9iGJ3S0Fi6iW0SI7oM/s1600-h/PICT815812.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8158-1" border="0" alt="PICT8158-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TCvnSd5M1DI/AAAAAAAADDQ/TviwTE3rljo/PICT81581_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>The adventure begins with a trip back across the river by scrambling over boulders in the river ( which are very slippery when wet ).</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZL81d_WpXT9f4IkFQt2dSNfrdGujyY_7kNIDKKLreilfyXxUmyzHhRw_94Xx4_TiYPkSCjgpzOtjUsjIiQHOsRox7SbTnMOcolLP-ZNuD6vYDsjRIZ6u2geWWHsxNc5LP4k7Y415nxQ/s1600-h/P10200592.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020059" border="0" alt="P1020059" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7frO1MYO3JUDbEPVcyXjj6H0P2qCsOmJ1pkwZQavbDE3ODN97sopKU98asunykk2VNREEh8l8M6Y21whHcoaIo8gxgj1J7bLq6XgxaM8gA5FWc-p3lTeQYpG-Hzsp8-_MdNyg6l-jMSo/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Did we make it across dry ?…….. no we both ended up with one wet foot, luckily the weather is still so warm it was hardly noticeable. We then had a scramble down alongside the river past 4 waterfalls. The last of which is called the bridal veil and people slide down it into the pool below. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlm4lCeK-yugiIa9zPrm6Bilhni17EWJEazISHLfj4_bCoM8doLageMd9KjMPeTHDZJXJStkKFOqgtHrwOpYX6Nv3jzoZXo7b6vSiWl-8HkFzGGmuT_IXRzf0K_Prp6UtzcwxmRKXmx8/s1600-h/PICT81672.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8167" border="0" alt="PICT8167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgHuSFQ4Vxgq-vhlytgtVqdSeh67q004wJZk-7iOdutTDQ_NIadJY_tzv-XpigH_WXx4Ya5JrLbsfvtv0VMr-toJFzaEI2ER_9EHINNX1tvWe4xWYzFCM-bxP5Y4GjMjh-tGYFSyMShA/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuYU4YZnHAZoY856zNrfBiKR9Fgp0dNiqt4YFkH04lWhcCzrhyphenhyphenjJW14LrQeoP1HdB7HbFGGyzEmsBP2S_aOaMniJNzpfQOmRXybmEaDroZ0aexUZ8OBPCL5LQfrgJVHgDWjfhu2b9Hvo/s1600-h/PICT81902.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8190" border="0" alt="PICT8190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq88zaYIdKqPTpdyEnnbmqu9Vya7A9ahOq1-FZd6iSnxL3uprROio-MuyMEUZ1d41lKAk_jsXd-LqPOu4drSEQUYGM8px_TXD2AgwUiYo4-y7l-6ZhUEb9i0XhUAtkYQrGT5JIZwJsbDU/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a>  </p> <p>The way back was just as interesting with chances to stop and enjoy the views and also prepare ourselves for climbing back over the river.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5FtPGQbg-y0jEga7agYFuxAAKCvbODOhPnrHmlugVtLlh0RbKcpcbzF9M9QapPhNSXdvO0qQ33rgA8omKi6Ri2sJEalhBnTruivD6N1FUjI5Ct9SKQhib2ai4Sxkwb2sYgdpuL9LmCk/s1600-h/PICT819812.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8198-1" border="0" alt="PICT8198-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LJVOPmLSKHHPlw7vtAmT3jkspOlaGaO-N-H7ci_V2qCa6F-_iw0GOsxpWnXvErtd_fb9aelCAyxLnd6drQNauXvDtFRRlMR7dDT6h1Ab4pS8ZJL0pNFdcY1jBEPuHkKAI_00Qthh1-c/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p>So did we fare better on our return trip over the river ? ……….. well the plan was for Rob to go first, deposit the backpack with the cameras in and then come back to help me a bit. He did quite well, just the one wet foot. Me, not so good, slid down one to the rocks and was wet from the waist down. Rob grabbed my sun glasses then 2 mins later slipped again and dropped my glasses into the river. Ever the gentleman he then went back and tried to retrieve them, without success.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TCvnZnjYamI/AAAAAAAADD0/wYLM9Gf6m5Y/s1600-h/P10200612.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020061" border="0" alt="P1020061" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0zOTD5izyIdUR_i0bRI7H_ttl7G_MRvLmwqISlMyAdH9YEIR_jjaKATf_OIVioPJHzbm-YTZQshw-qNTlVhB6zXxj9GPMyeZhhMtEWvisM8m6QBmvxKN_nbBSufARebeYJnXJqwFQBY/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>  </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Now deep joy, we just have those 350 odd steps to climb ! on the way back we passed a shop called Goats on the Roof – and that's exactly what they had. The roof was covered with grass and they had small goats wandering around up there. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjykITfkZINQmtcOixe1xSlb5HT-g9Ojvs7uLCE9RWcL3hLypbUVtXrxtprgX_rRVNUBkP37wgqFsxvxtDCh59J3wFV9VXEOQIfjHn3gFS0H_gWNz5p0kjLIx8Xptp5ifRyng3pAzlApg/s1600-h/P10200702.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020070" border="0" alt="P1020070" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpwlQHM_mVkBKq2N2HXExT_fFEzlgXDlG1pYzr4qWIp9yMKw7OVBSabUgQLkydaHTxUMdE4MC7lksRby3-Syu7W19LsrYTWQQXvqZXXEfMJxjGskJ-PgAE_FTFGgFs6MFL6Y1auMKDTk/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>I also found perfect T-shirts for us in there but <strike>the old goat</strike>  Rob would not let me get them</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPq20RNSPGCo9a1yH8jLUjuMeYtovrjLz1gFcMPJ2ZFsrvuUI9tlgxqfoyGT0FOjpWbyK0vxB6qfY476LKIUAXb1JHkSUv3aoGsX2MlGf7sxJG6HqZpgDx_4iBSDczNpfFOR1G28fZKI/s1600-h/P10200682.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020068" border="0" alt="P1020068" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPdFAXwD-n7nRgmCasAyzWzTmptbY2O6Qq9EbKyiLBWkD4uIQIWES1TgRAvcvGqFREPCo-NiSMOtatiDl0QdDLBznBjW1xX3JuHn35CT6Eb1zfzX1YIU2NBJUFjYIrEW7QpCDIH4oPfo/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Wednesday started with a slightly overcast day and no internet or cell coverage to the site. So we changed our plans and went for a hike on Dicks Creek it was a gentle mile down to the Chattooga river. They must have had some severe weather last week as we could not join the river trail ( bridge was out ) or the Bartrum trail ( trees down ).</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVx_tFiZtpAnkgL7AiOBqn0f9DJS0gOJnu3ygis4Al9Et4vVpFNwLRJqqwo5073twp6z4MJavK27JrhcjePN1B-tci6CfUsFIbuurRZOvpPxcxZvAjgoLblFIVt0f3rJET8mPLeJaooIA/s1600-h/PICT8203%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8203" border="0" alt="PICT8203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuSe1JlMItNsbQ8oQrcBIIgYCX4_3akWYB8jOCHLv-r9ukWGiPMmbNvHF4HCLDdRSv_mUBKqOICh5Zn_VosbDzqCXpDLQkamNZt833SkA2qaYtfxMQmCxgr57fdjlPvmpqYu-d-lI6yg/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyXnteaPyiJOO79HN3uAZLNGy2Jl48elA3ZNBcN2xx3-GbAsKIjZ-PEksG8IktFX0So8cagokFaHd-FVF61nwNcw1RO_NbOSs42Sg5qlnHvKNsw-hdPyV9ILfILwKzRexo-FXMjdnC40/s1600-h/PICT8209%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8209" border="0" alt="PICT8209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCTMgPMcswdyktbQCT03apMOQ18xmIWs62-8dBanGZV_oGEfY7SDYi6e5Ifk51H53cP143SdbcuTKpYajFArcg7Xs8WEqddn6tEWfwbI5jg-ewiNbEvySYvYz9FXHObS4sOwfMgkdUDg/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJw7ryJAQVl75QMOUxc_5pE3o9HL2v4LQYZ_7w3x94v-dpyJB7LW8PODux3Zel5SAeSYKSjlkBpbIBLAYq9X86qk2S9voDJzdLEwyav9JjOdcl9jCa9Gz31HGaNv1-RlNYSo8AGvXXgDM/s1600-h/P1020074%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020074" border="0" alt="P1020074" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TCvnfhCTOMI/AAAAAAAADEg/bFAeVZvNitw/P1020074_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>On the way back to the camp we stopped at a great farmers market. We went swimming in the camp pool and then a nice BBQ outside before packing up as much as possible ahead of our next journey. Tomorrow we head for Tabor City NC, 20 miles from Myrtle Beach and a RV park within a working vineyard. </p> lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-28576760434220929012010-06-28T06:31:00.001-07:002010-06-28T06:31:10.781-07:00Allatoona Lake - Georgia<p>We got up early and were ready to leave the RV park in Virginia by 7 am. We had only got 2 miles down the road when we stopped at the traffic lights only to fine the brakes on the RV had locked on and we could not budge.</p> <p>Luckily Rob was able to reboot the system ( see even in the world of RV – if you have a problem, reboot ) and we were on our way. This is the longest journey we have done together in one day in the RV. We stopped three times but still made very good time and pulled into the camp at Allatoona just after 5. Honey Bunny did not get a sister but she did get ears, arms, pants, bobtail and a dress. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEIR_2_TuDcZV-sKHKdiOaTZFPZM7a8nBXyMuw6zHosdfrWhsDLNxQwYqE3vlvlYPedVpdBw_DUDLwREB9lGn6BOeZ9JYgu-EzsM9NCGY8HpO_whoi8c97ls6NLQAa6Bl-YxQ6LcS4zk/s1600-h/photo%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="photo" border="0" alt="photo" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoWegm1TfIRTBjKIRm3tb1hktNNlDdIVs_MDEqNbzx7O9DgWdhlEQYZ1qIZxJlBUfGN1bFKuUSnKYxdt2TQTkw6wBVn-0LalL8qbPvuByW9VrWs5VD2s5Tetzpb5XAp_Och3TrrtTLX0/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>We have been here for 10 days and have had a really great time – we are about 30 miles from Paul, Robyn and the girls. We were sorry not to miss Blake, who is currently cruising the Med. Lucky Boy!<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TCijGnXYahI/AAAAAAAADAo/44PcNFSSi2I/s1600-h/PICT8077%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8077" border="0" alt="PICT8077" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcE3QeeXGSp82uRymJwagtDPsoFdbvPPH_Eml8tPnIA32sERp8RX8PWBrkXuylRw1gGCHsvrfbr0mS5w71sRavGx2_JEZds3O7fWy2sfUeQSuEfnLRaOTA3Q8PaCbXoskRjOjLjLSeEDQ/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLGjTIbAAzEFoaspPNbqTIaU0nOL5hlKZ_FlQ-vGqm4qF8gvqi0I3UfWaliiRjOcIcYCsnlRC_tN_k4tFACf_rox3SxkZuo2BKnF94FcJ-WtO4jkQwVLIJqzuHHE5D5LeGyWJ_VBIXxI/s1600-h/P1010959%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010959" border="0" alt="P1010959" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TCijP65FmwI/AAAAAAAADA0/0erCkRvAdYM/P1010959_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>We have had a great time relaxing at the camp walking the dogs around the lake interspersed with trips over to the Pinto household where we got to swim in the pool (yes dogs as well!) trips out for some retail therapy with Robyn, incredible food ( with care packages for the RV for the days we were not visiting ) even a trip to Church on Sunday. Needless to say we were made to feel like part of the family and had a great time.</p> <p>There have been some strong thunderstorms here but they have been a welcome relief as the weather has hit the high 90’s on a few of the days.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TCijSVxFJ2I/AAAAAAAADA4/89uTBKXjbjM/s1600-h/PICT8101%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8101" border="0" alt="PICT8101" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TCijT_PJMtI/AAAAAAAADA8/Xc21R80CzvQ/PICT8101_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6KKaEKOv_lYfvIRHEBDOMKggcTiaRF_Q29LbK_ePa8GBb-y_UNFS0PFhDw62bpkZk1VFJiodUaxfs8w51WpveGWOFzwbQGxzRRLgg0kBu2q3s-W6I0DN_2Cx5IEWRN_LqtL8BNU8sog/s1600-h/PICT8112%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8112" border="0" alt="PICT8112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFu19Dq-d2_mD1Oe-7DE-TGWNK2op5vJ8MaDmE4AYnyjbjk303mOk7CcoC1W062TYmeB_bzVtnVlQLGJZsUzUjWaSVYfp4eqo_aG4PZsXnLnbAp56o2g8LLE5x0yhBpjcqFC9BM_tJxE/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p>We are looking at maybe buying a piece of land on the brow of lookout mountain in NE Georgia – so we also went up there to have another look and see in in the summer months. Rob and Paul went up there on Sunday and took some great views which minus a few tree tops will be the view we would get out of the windows. There is a ledge about 100ft back from the brow so we would look to build the house on that and have it as a architectural feature of the basement.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MYAlIK-lSVCSZ5yRoV4Zad4TzZWVUuWMoaIStzufFW-WO-oaiwkX-470e3a5mSNqWFiap8czpWPuxdUPtYrZDj9vQrB-3TBxNqakPN317iep3znn3G3kJs1_8qdZnnzx1Msf5Crw10c/s1600-h/PICT8121%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8121" border="0" alt="PICT8121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqy7jeOeqwo2Gy2W2hzDGIs_MMa9Sxg-qHgJAaEzChsCC-1g3jQEo_lx4gmopR8Ixyw3-UwNvNSXgCc1Kl1lIzhe4PhyUaxhjhRBc3fGhL0Wd2_ipQ9cIW7GRXXk35l0J_GUTZEsxtipw/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW98TdJHSUhLGaYCnp9oJxrDps84_ed3q70ueEwNTknHAWKc798WS-aYmSYWsNdGYvAGPMK4ekDmiRN-EMEI8QFF6JL_zmCQhYjq94f5pknsTZ14Hx_yOJNa2c-WnN7lqmKY373s8ktY/s1600-h/PICT8119%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8119" border="0" alt="PICT8119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_7cUpS28NtU989Ol6NfMU-xoYVIWzVKl8aFmJbhDIPRDIqd0gteOZS617OQnWYCB6suyWnBhhc5wIlwEHHJE8wwAaEqNGMRJVkT8YCKhNUDv_Uv-_b69MMAf1UIXjOITfxfTIDfzgh4/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>They also found the remnants of an old homestead on the land – it will be great to keep it and use the chimney as an outdoor fireplace. We should get a metal detector up there, I bet we would fine some interesting things.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eLA4AymtixEbVxiNmRrA-23KnOMQAdSr_pi70V4uCLFbETqBxATct-1Kltuc6vAjjK28mTjx14ibDKkDBCi4qILxPSoIFseH5Ke0rCnAqWhfgl9y6SyE5Lu5e6OQdpi4roDSgUJBtm0/s1600-h/PICT8120%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8120" border="0" alt="PICT8120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7lV22_EeyZ3IdhI2lF9J9V4Fez66dOXFYVCLFwy9XJeZ2nBLe4GObYNQwbfVpGzUATvKGI1AuMMW0_CZyNl7lmvipSOLxXYZROoKHgJ56X9D7ExZZsgmDr8S7P1kOllOLNEKjKq0kHE/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p>Today Monday 28th we are going to move the RV to a camp park near Dillard NE Georgia.</p> <p>Below just a few of the animals we saw and also motor biking for dogs !</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0syf9FG_9kD4OSVNZUcr8iNTu0LqngWhmsBh9dNT-j8_PXC2rp58KJIwpGw3HQnnH_HHdfmwpTkckSGgX2QEgVvp4u504ThdNcIKSPOSwCE2dDMXi7eywBvlkhY7ZCEOEDugrsGO4rA/s1600-h/P1010958%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010958" border="0" alt="P1010958" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDgz79pLPX-gFqOI5GUIpY08gDnt4ecuhbRXjgjT-71WDuw6alFeETUD6TvamzztPPSx35UQ6sGx_ilF0V0z5_s4_ScSy_zi8DT_klildcFmZiNFxQwT6u-uZhH0bpZM-YdgjX3iLtCU/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVFYRuPQ1krATr90kZaQBo5d0R2Or2nIcK4F-dW6DZ2KE2YaN4xp7OU5Hr96lEg41Ylsc1m8iDL0EKTSFYBIXTG9gV6r4vQfwxArfuYOErbfsON7xpuyoQ6KitiHwYr4MkhjRjhpggI8/s1600-h/PICT8069%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PICT8069" border="0" alt="PICT8069" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmaakgWXuMy3ZJyBCs-lxzZMDSrKId7NwUFtxOSOhqbhI5rdktN7hzgbrUt5rCIFOGJRYo25R-z7UH-nZMY3pC6J9rBF9IouCWmabOq13NUWcTMuVObXBiZS3Kd1G8dqOW_mwbUBuceI/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmnCi9NoK_5PLer7TO5RN60138A0G-DXMh_tkW7_g3nvrItUOy2ab_-C1jWZre8IhCjMEQa0Kbn1GNyBL2jS1e3ASdO3xzPofpvZbIF4yZFbbJw2zQqqlPNC0CWYkd4yNY2_hXhCbgSQ/s1600-h/P1010955%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010955" border="0" alt="P1010955" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJ_0i-an6GqUyHWVHQ2KtVpUYO93dNS6YcV3o4jt76xlwK0cA68IhHZ8OqccQjdzWpfnuFZzhs8SeE_qZw_YYQ93IVCXtwZ8RgwUmAY4Il0wkiQD1iBUK-6c8oB6pPOkcRGN69F7u7Qc/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0N5XJbt4xtMYDdYZqKHsrPfJ-SeNo6-pAyPRVpN-N2u-PzX2rWzPw1UDE9rsHBrl99jki7irDAbavGr49-wgGoQ2NEintOUDa7GKUapQw8TlpNIdUfXUCWH5Ox_pYShbbI-VGmhHoH8/s1600-h/P1010995%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010995" border="0" alt="P1010995" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGkEjJvxyBYM-U1mw2rBuDEnlBQIaYyHWT9Xm71I1btNMz_yADtWBku_VCVUXwOELLkgTXbw83f4-r9b136kuvg71MrIHyxk5lfmCoTo8uDWZebbn0UWwTGxCxJsqhKWsJdXf4CKtyi4/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsleGCFhxxOgXLkA1xCXyf53AZm-bl4QbeCdPVjR9rr1oHQkcGeTTFmsh5hJUOKFH9bZddVePW9baBSIoN_9gr0-xW72-KHABVOitl-tDKHvLUbHgRg1FPO_Ccj2AOAVmVHC0yaKdX_gE/s1600-h/P1020002%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1020002" border="0" alt="P1020002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyX_TppwvFKYIH9uuTLM5JvC9NjVeJ9cKwXxjWg5jiGy7r-MJoOWSMV7h6vg8XiXPnsrY1MdFvAsNnpOtlyIiKqXarDQi6lRno4iW0IZTlesnZNqPlgQ2e7uBoXqhKQjyag0e_q7vtKJU/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-4823767368087398592010-06-15T16:10:00.001-07:002010-06-15T16:10:40.839-07:00Shenandoah Valley and Skyline Drive<p>Monday we packed up our RV and left Lancaster county to drive down to Waynesboro Virginia, Some 260miles. We stopped at a truck stop to get some lunch (They are the only places big enough to haul in our 55ft of body length) its really funny to see us in amongst all the Lorries and to realize we are the same length- Must take a picture next time. We arrived at the campsite running on diesel fumes as Rob had insisted we did not need to fill up at the truck stop, that made his heart race a bit :-) </p> <p>It meant I got to do a lot more of my knitting, here is Honey Bunny’s current status. That’s her legs body and head done <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixvzw74e31QItJXrGNz3gW7dRRcOvqX0_WrHaTf3jGStxjIiwhpKwfV9uMXwRDtM5Xh1nqoBACuj94bQW_aJcnMXi5ws20YpWEIfztEaQR4VdeXtd0VNIfA4o9lAEJzo_E17QIGWXGXU/s1600-h/P10109472.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010947" border="0" alt="P1010947" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMq99yZvVQFVe2sdcWXWBjwlTHzdSDR_W8mX_b5ekhyphenhyphenW69v8OPThhEVBCqABitG_N1XiCpLjFY-axcHtIYIvSo3CmKF7VMHw9wkYiNmZUCLD5GqD-tDLA87YF88a93-LgQdVawa8Wb0g/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Last night we took a trip to the local Walmart – they had a RV section so we were able to stock up on a few things  then off to Mickey D’s to use the free wifi. Rob takes me to all the best places ! </p> <p>This morning the weather is hot humid and very cloudy but we are only here for one day so we took off for Skyline drive and the Shenandoah National Park. It was really beautiful and I can only imagine how much more spectacular it would have been if the weather had played nice for us.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHvRyJ4SEQLfGynVhLf9rwgPjPAsi_f_Nr9KPnQXrbNeJoQaX85fOhlzEHdm7EHFnPCDeJMV3sn65NTl8ksraEuWOAG5joutUyCFnW4P7heCyLtNE471sl7lBxHdEnZUuoy1NR5DMvec/s1600-h/PICT80492.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8049" border="0" alt="PICT8049" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEv1Ym11le6OnGKRAW3wbHElMekSfW1JVln_ktm2qWuqN3um2y8SLFq9RGnEv7Q0cIWYusku8gcqArQ571EcVdm9N9qo7iUJnsVpvhwrPGI9ckC63s7WJWmaVJ1lpOE9mbSVnDzGK8w4/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TBgITgfRopI/AAAAAAAAC_8/usBQMbSDd2k/s1600-h/P10109442.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010944" border="0" alt="P1010944" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TBgIVBVldRI/AAAAAAAADAA/kFVhHy5Pdyo/P1010944_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>On the way up to the Byrd information centre we spotted a hiker looking for a lift to the next highway. He had been walking the Appalachian trail since March and had arranged for a fresh lot of supplies to be delivered to Elkton before he continues on his way up to Maine (another 3 months of hiking). The trail is over 2100 miles long and runs from Georgia through to Maine. It has long been an ambition of Rob’s for us both to walk this at some point. Me, not so keen ! but we may do it some day. It is not the distance or the time, although they are not making me super enthusiastic. Its the fact that you have to sleep out overnight and carry your tent and food with you – there are stretches where you spend days not passing any form of civilization.  I took a picture of Rob on the trail just in case it was his only chance <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZDRnuBvYUeqN9TsV9N7scPdQTDROgUCxvhoDbhD5N8R7yme90oZ-tuWHAgq8KZdP6f4OniHdu0ilRr9AUw3vhinYTaoaXTjgDIAiphwa7CnoXRlfwjtogRO4EMrT5nLQCxoudGeZbuU/s1600-h/P10109402.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010940" border="0" alt="P1010940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEYuQpmNVbtiMOkdlZLpI9G2UMtRS3AFTsiy8qmShwN0TdK268W72zbyg_ZTKUqJDGf11n-Au9uyRFOesDUl84GU4rAi2iwBdUyDJYUO1iuNR4wb_YfBZYoGTCwX45KyU4s0H92sKQTg/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Tomorrow we have to be up and out very early as we are planning to drive 550 miles down to Georgia. That is our longest trip to date and there is a strong chance honey bunny could end up with sister after probably 12 hours of driving !! </p> lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-67861085978325275162010-06-13T13:19:00.001-07:002010-06-13T13:19:29.050-07:00Lancaster County PA Saturday<p>After a nice leisurely breakfast we headed out to explore the local countryside. Everywhere we went we were passing horse drawn buggies as the Amish got on with their daily life. I must say the children all looked very happy with their lot in life. The “Men of the House” were busy working in the fields ahead of their Sunday day of rest <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TBU8wxxp-LI/AAAAAAAAC-o/Ow8X2PS9Ggc/s1600-h/PICT8002%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8002" border="0" alt="PICT8002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-EorRb3oN9L6XpDpX5kkc-BbVOht8BAeQmyVl1cjKS31-tWFGlFAk-mPo_f-i7kiwcg1FMQaACiJ0rQRUi3_UkzVIC-LaHSXSJMXcCyFVMRQvrXw7c10v3BxRPvf9PJhCqzX21tOd1o/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p>We drove through the towns of Strasbourg, Paradise, Bird in Hand and Intercourse. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPTBh6kSrbVyq414PXM8X-mABYMh0OfmkijfDzyKi8WVrABy1rSUv1DV8WDrcYKl_21j509dZ1p3U3h0TX-zU0zpP5k1DJ4SZRzN-bqurSedemqfYC0xpj4S_Ra8BOJzCjd0rTymhyWg/s1600-h/PICT8033%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8033" border="0" alt="PICT8033" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TBU9CmY-D5I/AAAAAAAAC-4/p0evJmCx8ow/PICT8033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> Then arrived back at the campsite for a late lunch. Rob watched the US versus UK football match until the goal was let in by the British goalie and at that point he decided we were off out again. Saturday afternoon is really busy for the locals so the drive was a slow one. We headed up to one of the local farms, Lapps, where they milk their own cows, pasteurize it, then turn it into ice cream. I had chocolate and almond and Rob had raspberry. It was delicious and no of course he was not sharing it with the calf.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TBU9DOGiYlI/AAAAAAAAC-8/9HjeDCA0F_I/s1600-h/P1010922%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010922" border="0" alt="P1010922" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TBU9EMuDI3I/AAAAAAAAC_A/j2Ag2FhmLIA/P1010922_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>On the way back I stopped at a  house where they sell their own home made quilts, they also had a very nice cookbook that I bought. It contains all their family recipes mixed in with poems and information about the area, a very nice keepsake of the area. We also stopped at a farm that sells hand painted gourds – they are used as birdhouses in this area. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeL-_jm2GTsR7GCyY8fEGiS9liX40HiH7P2Y3RHqIoaPqg7cTwp5_MpGd6wPaX3p4OrOpuJQnntHRlx46ZPYiQldj9dzr3duTK10Kh7chOGNO0wnuMKOwwZZTwDoc-3aQbQmV56d9-SI/?imgmax=800"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PICT8029" border="0" alt="PICT8029" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPlgUDd_1Jo2icN2cACP8uxQjYpi51aY1XGJPZkcuvNJppYHPn-PncVoggIQZQZco42xPmEG2rZAXtEYl2krO8f9qxb-dlWfbH19MCrMGVXZ-Q3xCzHbv78kZeBob47XcD5L3rctlw8c/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p>That evening I felt inspired and finished the binding on my latest quilt. Toni, if you read this, the “T’s” are made from the reproduction fabric that we bought when we were out  wandering around the woods. We had spent the day looking for covered bridges in New England and we just stopped to check the map and found we were outside a quilt shop in the middle of nowhere!</p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhYp2aEQZ9OuBHXO0sZVBXsHuopDGQiATZIW4sUqNHtm-Zn1jQmzf-SX8uDInr_RIuDEJ42ohlboFRPJLirZ8bbVGLRDzK878QRRiDnQbxVulzyj1l7jgBpvOUyQbaqgTKctior6vUEM/s1600-h/P1010937%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010937" border="0" alt="P1010937" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcKg6WtYAV4xaUkNposG8PWGzVUh-eCtU3GdzGKaqRe8goI8wiuvw1NUNRXOSUPZnjP2xf3poemkiAtu8yd0m_6tApfd3iPYqqyn2Hu4MTbNJlx-JDjRO3GOOkWOghGwVUHdIWNUqH-8/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>This morning it was very hot so we just took a run down to the town for a quick walk around and then drove around and spotted some covered bridges and old mills. It was also lovely to see the Amish gathered together at various houses – when we went past one house there must have been some 20 plus children all under 10 dressed in their Sunday best and having a great time playing in the garden.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZSm0RWDvBqVlvZPl8wK52huhTjonFA7fSyUskhXygfhbAngZX4_DqmwJMOzdt9HTFGIL-ukzgXRaqKCs00UdPLABvvTR7M5T9eb32ZBZ4T9UUttw3s2AAk5JhYEDRLHS9C7npaWJxyg/s1600-h/P1010934%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010934" border="0" alt="P1010934" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx-zL4fmq5DTyoPal-eT7T8mluF6lUGwQ0laGF8chUGU6jgvZEWrampyyV3jE-IC2TEEqpVAYu78SXoBFyRpKwmKKn7e0zh3UnS2ruH6_MAyYFhqHjiwQ2nIqD87K6p7v9HK68mMB8D4/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5X8XpjFijZjVNDj_u5khpWqZEO67Uq6KrTzjc758MBVPiIVHqkwh_z0rAKp4eGg7HMmNVM7kwEzmyt3lwTt0GS4qvAwaS-krNri_-kok6uHGB8gqMWjwjnWds0o65w253e-0DU5M4Hsc/s1600-h/P1010930%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010930" border="0" alt="P1010930" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HprpJ9tWqDI/TBU9QYDT7JI/AAAAAAAAC_g/cJNFDra4j9U/P1010930_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdaMpkYIzt0jrjuOeMK0NUbfBtgc9AabxUTb8kAYHkfpVTtR4LahIv4DrieW0JpEC0JCMXQgzZt5hZ5Z5pxHcEBmobpI7jOa5azp-VDWM0su-kna0BL_EyckHNt0-QZLPHvFo0taXYrM/s1600-h/P1010932%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010932" border="0" alt="P1010932" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eMJmI7tAI4QHmsVgLMUeKz9up6fojlI9_3VYC9chVhCNMTNBIoqmCWFYjX7WRIDDpyHVc8pgZ4wzYkgzTOz9e3aOLbXbascPhTb6fYMTyszG1UQVXEZfDIV_ZFZUKKteNqj7M-GH0No/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Tomorrow we are going to drive on down to Waynesborough VA. which is in the Shenandoah Valley.</p> lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-3699983421854473242010-06-13T12:24:00.001-07:002010-06-13T12:24:09.445-07:00So much time - but where does it all go !<p>I thought not working would give me far more time to do "stuff" but in fact after working so many years the lack of structure to the day means I am actually doing less ( including writing my blog) . But... this is my new start. We decided on Tuesday to pack up the RV and hit the road.Late Thursday morning we started the first leg of our journey, down the 87 through New Jersey and into Pennsylvania. Our last 50 miles were on minor roads through local communities slow but very pretty. I spent most of the trip knitting a bunny for Alana, I worked out on our last trip that if I am focused on something other than the road and Robs driving it makes for less "discussion". I managed the legs and the start of the body<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3UJjSZEa9F8Xk08zWboFhNXZ5l_oDIpg2EyrXpDIpb5QgnrDil8aUtasqerXt0StQtZHW35xfoApppAvZhATKl1uHqdHXQEa4ZBzO-fUaBo7mo2Kg6Z5zNqbkssy6oKgAXt2KIrOW5c/s1600-h/P1010912%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010912" border="0" alt="P1010912" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9VZhDVIHN5kjh92A9eASO6WaloBn0XhrbzlMQEuYDh5Mz5XcPoVkz2uIHyM6I0Y_8HV2OqqTjW-JGpbVSV6Kh34VOMuzqbubU3xk8AdTmYXio0GDffYbXWeZ63uAEqTalFYpI_ITngc/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Our Campsite is small and quiet and nestled right in the middle of the Amish farmland. Beautiful rolling fields with farm buildings sprinkled as far as the eye can see. In the farm right next to the campsite, the farmer spent all day on Friday turning the hay in the field, he was using a horse drawn plough to do it. What a great way of life, if it was not for all the many hours of praying, I am sure I would make a good addition to the community and Rob should be a shoe in given he wears the same clothes everyday already..When I was based in Latvia - the fields there were all tended by hand. I was imagining trying to explain to them that the Amish are doing it out of choice not because they are too poor to buy motorized ploughs. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVJSBbMtYUOM5Lk2xu5UIfyn8k4ShW37CrY-TIJcurnmLzl_LPlBF2Sh0WjAV5rsKeP_OSq4OkeRWQA09omtT7naWsMiFf0nI0cFjixy_IWatkngCCXLgb0YJy4N5E_Uc7OhJUW0M_7o/s1600-h/P1010894%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010894" border="0" alt="P1010894" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFgMpphkOaCbpBkTmTIujP9MrMbAh9_G9FFng33aXu91wPweqh61Ep-uW1rFxSKhlHN0cKDfcye5QJysZqI131rWSHs-8GBkYIRAock63y-G5HbBzDhNx-P91j7Nm-pQFD86NTQ4ESvw/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Those of you that know I am an avid quilter these days will also understand that this is a fantastic place for us to visit. We drove through all the backfields yesterday to a barn right out in the middle of the countryside filled with quilting fabric -- over 12,000 bolts YEAYYY. I was reasonably constrained, I bought about 30yards of fabric and 30 fat quarters. The fabric was about 2$ a yard cheaper than I normally pay and then they gave me an additional 20% off as it was my first visit. Rob took the girls for a long walk while I was in there. One of the local girls was sitting outside the store with a table of home cooked cakes. The double chocolate cup cakes were delicious. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmLKtHWrkfI3Ce8nxboQXEjE6SejZed_lngSMCpymGr2POL0mcvXWVFJkGcGFT_qsFcBcgbHq1PILhWx_MZ6mgaErx4Hv-6zZWd-CSGKEebjrkJzQI9Jm6vBMfmIhJ7nr38v59XHZ0Kw/s1600-h/P1010924%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010924" border="0" alt="P1010924" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcOAd8MJUxdaQ1fml159Te61ASW02brDLRTEulE6EEANWeqjjj-0v4h2dUh3bsCIBjfBPOeMIIws8U8wFYy4q8NUcvjrJzdCWJPtXgx9ORSLS5SYN_aa2eBJxd_oAfORBCqDKi4pcTNk/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>We drove on down to a town called Lititz, famous for its chocolate factory ( Wilbur's) there was a museum there so we had a quick look around but given how hot it was outside we resisted buying any. Then took the dogs for a walk in the local park. They were a little disappointed to not be allowed in the lake with the ducks.we rounded out the visit there with some home made ice cream. Further on down the road we came to the main town for this area, Lancaster, we parked up and I took a stroll through the central market. All of the stalls are owned by the local farms so we were able to buy some great aged goat cheese. Fresh lettuce, new potatoes peas and miniature peppers. i also treated myself to some almond butter and rhubarb and strawberry jam. As we were walking back to the car we saw a shop selling all things British so we took a quick look, I bought their last box of oat cakes and Rob reminisced with the owner who came from Lancaster England some 30 years ago. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXiwR2GR5oi8er8fMxv38yZ14BwdQf8nu-9GJfcUPmmdvk2LwAt2J7PqIIS31IulmLkpJhfiQnK0MyhREX70DN91YemiyUeoFg3Mn59AjP1xLudEGzyDnlrvfPf5xnFkfzX8HLvbZSXE/s1600-h/P1010904%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010904" border="0" alt="P1010904" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhoNLBNGzHNjJxSnUp3K0NhO9xQkqQSJO-Tgj-nxCMkas5Hf1wvLeCTlz_cNQeVk9qAntnAh_EwhcCNsl4oi3NNKc2vh24cUuSq2G1Tkv0MKpOc2B6DjbL1Z5mq4IfIrNvuzHw5NLaHw/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Tomorrow we are going to Bird in Hand, Intercourse - where Witness was filmed ( movie with Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis) and Strasbourg.  </p> lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-25254922852168370692010-03-26T06:23:00.000-07:002010-03-26T10:10:43.757-07:003 Seasons in less than 5 weeks !!<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnWT2_nD70iQXcBtuFqJEkYLo2Xjj0bPsU7QMoODE7D8EZe81FVVNgNnHeVu1qAzMz-NX8O3wQHpbEFElsfy3gZl7w7kDbCL8ic6ApFni3NQzLrjQ6XizRyGnYs3rOwkFfbEznsUUGLA/s1600/PICT7135.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 73px; float: left; height: 110px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452957304750621682" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnWT2_nD70iQXcBtuFqJEkYLo2Xjj0bPsU7QMoODE7D8EZe81FVVNgNnHeVu1qAzMz-NX8O3wQHpbEFElsfy3gZl7w7kDbCL8ic6ApFni3NQzLrjQ6XizRyGnYs3rOwkFfbEznsUUGLA/s200/PICT7135.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlE5HocKVv8BzZj4BfzUJsZ8Y7H7eLC4juqsoCIL8G9qcIuGKzK9lpyd8HmSToZUz4Fxq150_qXljPcKpYOIom-Bjaxq1GqnM7WAYS6q4kgVG6W5E6GGrd2Sgolb-T2tn9CsLgqiAC-Q/s1600/PICT7139.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 73px; float: left; height: 110px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452957309017701522" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlE5HocKVv8BzZj4BfzUJsZ8Y7H7eLC4juqsoCIL8G9qcIuGKzK9lpyd8HmSToZUz4Fxq150_qXljPcKpYOIom-Bjaxq1GqnM7WAYS6q4kgVG6W5E6GGrd2Sgolb-T2tn9CsLgqiAC-Q/s200/PICT7139.jpg" border="0" /></a>It all started on Thursday 24<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Th</span> February, it started to snow and snow...... and snow. By Friday morning we woke up to 18inches of snow and no electricity. Which in our house means no water, no heat, no flush in the bathroom, no phone, no <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Internet</span> etc. We thought it was an adventure, well for the first 6 hours, it started to get boring after that.<br />Rob lit the fire and we were able to burn logs to keep warm and we had the generator from the RV to keep at least one light running and the freezer so that we did not lose all the food. We contacted the electric company and they had no idea when the power would come back on. To cut a long story short - it kept snowing till Sunday ( up to 4feet in some areas) the power came back on late Saturday night then the cable company service fell over on Sunday so even with power still no TV <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Internet</span> or phone - oh the joys of country living.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQrHhJJZHr1MLsV6rHO07TYqZG3egkkJsDX8DILRdfCgaCEXUs-kmst9jSDe4FaqpMojMvDhkgxIvbQUgsmuaUMMo2tzqXySTYoIq2zyLQxSWGc9tsRUxmZarz7ay8ZheauswuPYahJU/s1600/PICT7146.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 133px; float: left; height: 88px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452957828155657522" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQrHhJJZHr1MLsV6rHO07TYqZG3egkkJsDX8DILRdfCgaCEXUs-kmst9jSDe4FaqpMojMvDhkgxIvbQUgsmuaUMMo2tzqXySTYoIq2zyLQxSWGc9tsRUxmZarz7ay8ZheauswuPYahJU/s200/PICT7146.jpg" border="0" /></a>The following weekend we had mild weather and 3 days of rain - floods everywhere except in our area. Thank goodness for a high plot. Then last week we had beautiful sunshine and blue skies for the whole week and the temperature went up to the low 70's. As I said in the heading all 3 seasons already -- all we are missing is Autumn. For those of you that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> know already, I resigned from my job in February. I was really fed up with the politics and all that comes with a <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKuGKfertHbVVm-71wf8pXIJ2Kv-EWlj02DTTLrrOWSM8kW8HOxG2j4Rkn1mYB2vu37LKrLp94fbTmtThEezJpDiX5NYY4imDsecu1uGtYvmfzz9wWm887ZfFkuWJLbZaT5C0E0tR994/s1600/PICT7148.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 133px; float: left; height: 88px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452957831802761506" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKuGKfertHbVVm-71wf8pXIJ2Kv-EWlj02DTTLrrOWSM8kW8HOxG2j4Rkn1mYB2vu37LKrLp94fbTmtThEezJpDiX5NYY4imDsecu1uGtYvmfzz9wWm887ZfFkuWJLbZaT5C0E0tR994/s200/PICT7148.jpg" border="0" /></a>company that is running in cliques. At the moment I am considering freelancing - I have already worked a few days up in the city which was a lot of fun. I just need to see how it goes and consider my options. The upside of this is, I have at last finished a number of my sewing and quilting projects as you can see from the pictures. I have also been busy making <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">cushion</span> covers and other quick craft projects.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9TDmQELr9hH1PTCWWUh8PjJpq9aB4lxlCvXqsFqhME4-ISuyUe9k3xTEA2OyfIPuNqygZNStrZlNZqrdU10jxcuNJ189f2sjw6bm2T5mjdL_aDtsAluGNKSsy021Bhq6-NLoluJfvXI/s1600/Pan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 237px; float: left; height: 98px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452957302566119138" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9TDmQELr9hH1PTCWWUh8PjJpq9aB4lxlCvXqsFqhME4-ISuyUe9k3xTEA2OyfIPuNqygZNStrZlNZqrdU10jxcuNJ189f2sjw6bm2T5mjdL_aDtsAluGNKSsy021Bhq6-NLoluJfvXI/s200/Pan.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALz_QGZnhwa0A2y8QioY9jHODNymY7T5oXPCCUS3tVI5JqkJo4buBzaIAdYdhY1yWbcP9PNgEyJamb4SdmZyIKWo883xUkmJKUKLNLhwFRg-gETTNw3sOCruKy3th1Uo7KpYe0TYTivw/s1600/P1010815.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 133px; float: left; height: 98px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452957294032368610" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALz_QGZnhwa0A2y8QioY9jHODNymY7T5oXPCCUS3tVI5JqkJo4buBzaIAdYdhY1yWbcP9PNgEyJamb4SdmZyIKWo883xUkmJKUKLNLhwFRg-gETTNw3sOCruKy3th1Uo7KpYe0TYTivw/s200/P1010815.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A week after the snow we drove up to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bellayr</span><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">e</span> ski resort, it only took us just over the hour and we were met with the most fabulous conditions perfect snow, very little wind and not too cold. We were able to ski every black diamond run they had. It was a great day that was only made better by the fact that the lift ticket was only 20$ </div><div> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphPYHfRoayDn90lVNRLNF2Of63q-wV-hdF78wDlhTP1vmfk5u3FL_nShTRF_EumHFfYmgDy41dmkLinpGKiK3NZOZU2ADIlqr-b2t5gTj4Hf7JoASqTkuOVkByNENlo3oq1LmB7dCXgs/s1600/P1010827.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 132px; float: left; height: 99px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452957297652532962" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphPYHfRoayDn90lVNRLNF2Of63q-wV-hdF78wDlhTP1vmfk5u3FL_nShTRF_EumHFfYmgDy41dmkLinpGKiK3NZOZU2ADIlqr-b2t5gTj4Hf7JoASqTkuOVkByNENlo3oq1LmB7dCXgs/s200/P1010827.jpg" border="0" /></a><div>On the 8<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> March we were going to go hiking in the reserves but they were still closed to hikers because of the volume of snow left ( they had about 4ft ) so we hiked the rail trail instead - the dogs enjoyed it as much as we did. We took a picnic and sat on the bench looking up to the mountains very nice.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIG7FykujpUAFeNBExgO4l2Wpvc8FqyHe1WYbi_s1uc53nNppM3tXcwhCa9XGKUt7Jq6KcEA6j9M8C1L9MxMrRuvi46gSJmNOKOFdiQe15SMhIX7pSUgP-8eBLtv0pvOfWaQdFSynf98g/s1600/PICT7167-01a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 73px; float: left; height: 111px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452957852963091666" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIG7FykujpUAFeNBExgO4l2Wpvc8FqyHe1WYbi_s1uc53nNppM3tXcwhCa9XGKUt7Jq6KcEA6j9M8C1L9MxMrRuvi46gSJmNOKOFdiQe15SMhIX7pSUgP-8eBLtv0pvOfWaQdFSynf98g/s200/PICT7167-01a.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1VUSBNYTaRnaVmI-LBRcMCLM7cAZuDL0Nbi9UWzGGVMZpNGsRXHvo0WvaRTMWPJuy4dRTeVZ7gK1fZfqCEYBYBcqomSmo-aLt42rZS-8wGdPrej-HszGHMM9-mzlecNMV5_g6slbGlM/s1600/PICT7186.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 73px; float: left; height: 110px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452960706060377234" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1VUSBNYTaRnaVmI-LBRcMCLM7cAZuDL0Nbi9UWzGGVMZpNGsRXHvo0WvaRTMWPJuy4dRTeVZ7gK1fZfqCEYBYBcqomSmo-aLt42rZS-8wGdPrej-HszGHMM9-mzlecNMV5_g6slbGlM/s200/PICT7186.jpg" border="0" /></a>19<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> March we went to see the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Awosting</span> falls - it was funny to be hiking in snow while wearing short sleeved t-shirts. The Falls were great -- with all the snow and the rain the river was at full tilt and the falls were fast and furious. We carried on around the trails with a few missed turns ( hard to see the trails in the snow). We did about 4.5 miles and decided to go a bit further afield next time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOqayYWPs7v7lRzFzLqGWVn3RW9HkiU9-87PW_5w1B_eZJhWQ14ONT-q6jvphkCK7RHJN8xYNE5PGoDkHXT6AVpwZXFXhEvnLy9uwgaKYZ1yU2sOylloT6vtgOzOIUMMbUKTkgxnN_Ok/s1600/PICT7192.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 133px; float: left; height: 89px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452960711613860002" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOqayYWPs7v7lRzFzLqGWVn3RW9HkiU9-87PW_5w1B_eZJhWQ14ONT-q6jvphkCK7RHJN8xYNE5PGoDkHXT6AVpwZXFXhEvnLy9uwgaKYZ1yU2sOylloT6vtgOzOIUMMbUKTkgxnN_Ok/s200/PICT7192.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYW2UWelB4DlQbMrCTKgclY6gvp95HKJfFa5DxcGIBjDb0BY33AkToLPRU6TZVxkmiHSUHiTzSIEuJgzp0UrWFmMWdU99CZJkqY80_8fzAmmcO19BTBC3BGtC8dh6u0ikvP7YuMT0574/s1600/PICT7198.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 133px; float: left; height: 89px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452960715718140354" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYW2UWelB4DlQbMrCTKgclY6gvp95HKJfFa5DxcGIBjDb0BY33AkToLPRU6TZVxkmiHSUHiTzSIEuJgzp0UrWFmMWdU99CZJkqY80_8fzAmmcO19BTBC3BGtC8dh6u0ikvP7YuMT0574/s200/PICT7198.jpg" border="0" /></a>It was such a beautiful day over New York State. As you can see, the lake is only just begining to loose its crust of ice. In a few weeks all the white stuff will have dissapeared and the park will start to fill with people travelling out from the city to see it - if the govenor doesn't close it as he has threatened.<br /></div><div> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOtoR-Dai34r9KcHu4lw0EofRGCZvhyphenhyphen8sN0SG85sSie_2dIelcd2M5GnqLA6kxM5F0wAXcVvZxVGn3v1pJHgcEN4KbK8zewRZouvCuFxTXI8UrZiQ2jggJgY2qIEznEat8qsytbaMiag/s1600/PICT7241.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 133px; float: left; height: 88px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452961247894962498" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOtoR-Dai34r9KcHu4lw0EofRGCZvhyphenhyphen8sN0SG85sSie_2dIelcd2M5GnqLA6kxM5F0wAXcVvZxVGn3v1pJHgcEN4KbK8zewRZouvCuFxTXI8UrZiQ2jggJgY2qIEznEat8qsytbaMiag/s200/PICT7241.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumgnLCqS7C6pOr6xQfLMU8eBpdgKXBxrCR9LmpF-esa8yCvdJHuSE6maiZk4YIgURvKErzV8pmIhsBbkm1GHhmK-OLe9bHdp9epp9kbsKtiNFJfKqTPSei96sZvG2aNKYs6jlAsNz_0c/s1600/PICT7230.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 133px; float: left; height: 88px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452961241660897330" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumgnLCqS7C6pOr6xQfLMU8eBpdgKXBxrCR9LmpF-esa8yCvdJHuSE6maiZk4YIgURvKErzV8pmIhsBbkm1GHhmK-OLe9bHdp9epp9kbsKtiNFJfKqTPSei96sZvG2aNKYs6jlAsNz_0c/s200/PICT7230.jpg" border="0" /></a>On the Sunday we hiked Mount Taurus - It is over the other side of the Hudson from us, between Beacon (where the train comes in) and Cold Spring. It was a hard steep hike to the top with some great views up and down the river. We had a picnic at the top again and we also realised the dogs must be part <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">mo</span><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">untain</span> goat because they just bounded up and over all the rocks. By the time we got back to the car we had done about 6 miles<br /><div> </div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbq2Oq9MThyphenhyphen_kQEShJGRX4mRqTdDg8t-JcaNqoSDH01UfvG9YNf4pMwBo6SXncAZsWF-pihYECIQYqpJzoE-3Q0orB21uWLr6VcbS_JMpPwmvgjfIpEpkdXO4k0OH9gdohb0GVZRD6Bo/s1600/PICT7254.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 73px; float: left; height: 110px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452961486059210370" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbq2Oq9MThyphenhyphen_kQEShJGRX4mRqTdDg8t-JcaNqoSDH01UfvG9YNf4pMwBo6SXncAZsWF-pihYECIQYqpJzoE-3Q0orB21uWLr6VcbS_JMpPwmvgjfIpEpkdXO4k0OH9gdohb0GVZRD6Bo/s200/PICT7254.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZ3zhcqd2wubUieYYkCE3k12jaYmxKX8BkH7rEc1TZPyk0gl4jgUvOJtYg9-iUA2nZXLRKdvfP0_f90Nufmwc4bYGBPIRrOLjvkNAyuTS3FuEadba4oE1wUe8cEo9l5r43UHE3DicBJg/s1600/PICT7256.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 164px; float: left; height: 111px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452961491668692306" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZ3zhcqd2wubUieYYkCE3k12jaYmxKX8BkH7rEc1TZPyk0gl4jgUvOJtYg9-iUA2nZXLRKdvfP0_f90Nufmwc4bYGBPIRrOLjvkNAyuTS3FuEadba4oE1wUe8cEo9l5r43UHE3DicBJg/s200/PICT7256.jpg" border="0" /></a>25<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> March over to Spring Farm at last the snow has melted although that did mean that the fields were quite soggy. We walked over to table rock mountains and then up to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bonticou</span> Crag, our pet mountain goats did a great job although we all balked at the almost vertical drop from the top of the crag and elected for the longer path back down. Another 5.5 miles, the dogs really slept well after all that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">exercise</span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPkISxzA6pPUJH3XUho3Ul4MKcJI8XoCgqeYnY9NH-IEwUaE1egxP_0LgX2cVBAy5GO_J8aIjx7fFbkbApyVcxEP7PVjY8mEALaVHMwMQLCfgHQ9Jf9pVRJkspP3gz0KVIfUo7IYrREs/s1600/PICT7250.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 133px; float: left; height: 89px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452961258095579330" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPkISxzA6pPUJH3XUho3Ul4MKcJI8XoCgqeYnY9NH-IEwUaE1egxP_0LgX2cVBAy5GO_J8aIjx7fFbkbApyVcxEP7PVjY8mEALaVHMwMQLCfgHQ9Jf9pVRJkspP3gz0KVIfUo7IYrREs/s200/PICT7250.jpg" border="0" /></a>and so did we. This was a good walk for spotting raptors. We surprised a gaggle of 6 or 7 Golden Eagles sunning themselves on the rocks. It surprised us as well and Rob didn't have time to get the canera out before they were all gone. We did get to see a couple of Turkey Buzzards though - just not as pretty.<br /></div><br /><div></div>lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-85073631914428007362010-02-09T13:00:00.000-08:002010-02-10T08:52:38.745-08:00A new year, a new decade<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKwGXqnl8nspV2i3jviS5RGH8tmtT2e90IYSdDwpdXoZeSGn8kuo2xEVTlk3RqWtWIUR-Vz-whI6xOiZvj55S5ZI7ZGucIQYyAFCR5vWXbODtIpsz4UWT2XRWvQ5px6QBA4LufDvzqLA/s1600-h/PICT7086-02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 126px; height: 115px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKwGXqnl8nspV2i3jviS5RGH8tmtT2e90IYSdDwpdXoZeSGn8kuo2xEVTlk3RqWtWIUR-Vz-whI6xOiZvj55S5ZI7ZGucIQYyAFCR5vWXbODtIpsz4UWT2XRWvQ5px6QBA4LufDvzqLA/s200/PICT7086-02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436649171009519042" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTebt-PwvKA7mm-jytyg_em_tT8OTb6Qgf76J6MRplKrfvAF8HBvUN6YIfSGTkpRVIQmDzNr_lCAFYoHCQBlb1tDuOANtURODowRHh6vykj6v2Uq9cRxl-gS3cnBV4d6WGyFsgX5ZXwA/s1600-h/P1230077.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 115px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTebt-PwvKA7mm-jytyg_em_tT8OTb6Qgf76J6MRplKrfvAF8HBvUN6YIfSGTkpRVIQmDzNr_lCAFYoHCQBlb1tDuOANtURODowRHh6vykj6v2Uq9cRxl-gS3cnBV4d6WGyFsgX5ZXwA/s200/P1230077.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436649165884149746" border="0" /></a>So where did January go? Well it started by catching our breath from the Christmas trip. Work was a little busy but nothing major for the first week. The most important appointment was for Cagney and Lacey with the groomer. They spend most of the day there and come back looking like new. That's not quite how the old boy describes it - but I'm sure the girls like it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN355BV7tdgNAk8s45s_soESUBBQyM2-GzBkCNrv4wnSzWQV46pXJ3XExWk9mDF7flqzEcPAqFTD9Mnl2JiBqrK89n1PY0kuGooCXoIwODZv0ziGCJYwTQ7SHLFnIrj779WgY9Ev2n6zo/s1600-h/PICT7113.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 126px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN355BV7tdgNAk8s45s_soESUBBQyM2-GzBkCNrv4wnSzWQV46pXJ3XExWk9mDF7flqzEcPAqFTD9Mnl2JiBqrK89n1PY0kuGooCXoIwODZv0ziGCJYwTQ7SHLFnIrj779WgY9Ev2n6zo/s200/PICT7113.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436649173830712786" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI5Gckjxk7ESyPGY3wWyULny0iyiWeAMkkI8hXIsyLO0kB84RKiNlJfcXT3IJchUSjJCwsjBPJZbC30g1Ps6upGSEt_tTFpB1MgEaG9xK_pZ-h45blZEabGlAwB5E0GbjiZ-E9ecySvY/s1600-h/P1010786.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 117px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI5Gckjxk7ESyPGY3wWyULny0iyiWeAMkkI8hXIsyLO0kB84RKiNlJfcXT3IJchUSjJCwsjBPJZbC30g1Ps6upGSEt_tTFpB1MgEaG9xK_pZ-h45blZEabGlAwB5E0GbjiZ-E9ecySvY/s200/P1010786.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436648794670287234" border="0" /></a>Rob's sister Ruth and husband Charlie became our first visitors of the new year. At least she managed to get in at a reasonable hour this time even if it was just as cold. Still, the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlM31Isf0T-s05eBlq9FRIrQejtqvNZ7EqdMF_gYVN82Xzeqg3OkVhXymjNShWnNZ_yDP9nYSPmox0kD_Ed2uksvRN0DmNDBR_lNaT7FWW6vW4NTQW0rqEV7AzFtaglMXZG_qysvhEHw/s1600-h/P1230071.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlM31Isf0T-s05eBlq9FRIrQejtqvNZ7EqdMF_gYVN82Xzeqg3OkVhXymjNShWnNZ_yDP9nYSPmox0kD_Ed2uksvRN0DmNDBR_lNaT7FWW6vW4NTQW0rqEV7AzFtaglMXZG_qysvhEHw/s200/P1230071.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436649161397467794" border="0" /></a>weather did stay clear and dry so we were able to show them a bit of the area. Mountain house is always a good place to see, although the path up to the skytop lookout was closed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xtYTgsbXJqlaGzEBw-JvStuTErbcrJhmtkXTkbstWl-XP9X79j0i_n98UM9q0nThU5K5kQzm4AsG2HDNmqiihxBCazgQBm1T22bW7OYYxQ-6FWCaLVTA0P5ojaP4OGz_OM5js51hOro/s1600-h/P1010783.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 101px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xtYTgsbXJqlaGzEBw-JvStuTErbcrJhmtkXTkbstWl-XP9X79j0i_n98UM9q0nThU5K5kQzm4AsG2HDNmqiihxBCazgQBm1T22bW7OYYxQ-6FWCaLVTA0P5ojaP4OGz_OM5js51hOro/s200/P1010783.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436648790866595858" border="0" /></a> because of snow and ice. We were able to get a different view of the house beside the frozen lake. There was even somebody fishing through an ice hole. This was also the first time that we had been able to see the skating rink in action. It's in a big open sided barn like structure with a giant fire at one end. It made a <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6cEXhu_xecEL9zAdf_2bNStwtNoaWpCPlTy1k9Z06-FGF5QDlfIEukMASNFyZlai6Th_jgFEYFK1uNJBjP-IX2yox9OBA8i1GgLKPobNpRbyMYbxth2voZ2-zIlKgj6H2sKKTXhKS0c/s1600-h/P1220065.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 139px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6cEXhu_xecEL9zAdf_2bNStwtNoaWpCPlTy1k9Z06-FGF5QDlfIEukMASNFyZlai6Th_jgFEYFK1uNJBjP-IX2yox9OBA8i1GgLKPobNpRbyMYbxth2voZ2-zIlKgj6H2sKKTXhKS0c/s200/P1220065.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436648803516175474" border="0" /></a>pleasant trip along with a lunch in our favorite bar in New Paltz.<br />We only had a short weekend as I had to Travel up to NYC for a conference on the Sunday. We did get to see the big HQ show room of Orange County Choppers. I think Charlie was impressed. My trip to the city did come in handy though. It meant that R&C could take a day in the city and stop over at my hotel for the night before continuing their trip to Jamaica. They both snore!! So while they were sunning themselves, I was flying around trying to sort a few things out. ten days later Rob picked them up from JFK, to stay a few more days with us before returning to the UK.<br />This year had already got off to a very interesting start and while R&C went east, I flew west to Oregon and California and then back home. Busy, busy, busy. All work and no fun.<br />To make up for it, I decided that we should take a trip back down to Atlanta to see our friends Robyn & Paul & the family. This time we left the girls with their friend Elizabeth so we knew they would be in good hands. We caught the same flight down as Paul (he'd been in Connecticut visiting family) so it was a straight forward trip at the Atlanta end. It's always a warm and culinary welcome at the Pinto household. I swear it has the biggest and best stock fridge in the whole of America. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaLuKAfFj14_gAa8inJkf7HIGIflB268iJHYlwK1Z2EvMFE6tTx8tAfgg5fRi_kZ_nI4k3c42VrE0oLvk1GbAI1Ienrsdye3ki4yu4jaQ9voguGfHJwvZQw5vU4-zb7aid_8NMYc9Q0o/s1600-h/P1010792.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaLuKAfFj14_gAa8inJkf7HIGIflB268iJHYlwK1Z2EvMFE6tTx8tAfgg5fRi_kZ_nI4k3c42VrE0oLvk1GbAI1Ienrsdye3ki4yu4jaQ9voguGfHJwvZQw5vU4-zb7aid_8NMYc9Q0o/s200/P1010792.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436648801012327682" border="0" /></a>There's no chance of starving there! This was the first time we had visited outside a holiday time so it was interesting to see how the school routine affects the day. Basically its a very early start and a not very late bed time. The girls took us to see a great acrobatic basketball demonstration. Young men running around, bouncing in trampolines, shooting hoops, all athletic. Meanwhile the girls did their cheer leading stuff. Very cute.<br />P&R kindly loaned us a car for our visit and we got to travel out and see a little more of Georgia. We travelled north for a couple of hours, up to an area called Lookout Mountain. There had been freezing wet conditions the night before which left the trees all covered in ice. It looked spectacular against the bright blue sky of a new day. Not so much fun for some trees though as they collapsed under the weight.<br />It's always lovely to see the Pinto family and we hope to go down again in the summer. Meanwhile it's back to the frozen north and wait for the next big snow.lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-53238996019665310462010-01-07T09:00:00.000-08:002010-01-21T09:54:05.530-08:00Xmas 2009 So many visits too little time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlG_Hh47fi3zezETub8dieNMTxQKMsgQyjaYcEV_MFNVyH-vRdz9GRtKXAXciNPXpM1FZLfUEpHRJeyKz33hAhGki_m5YYyBsZHFJRaqeFrmScRgGmOgDdsvCfFVH6ZGu86a2i2Or-VyY/s1600-h/PICT6990.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 81px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlG_Hh47fi3zezETub8dieNMTxQKMsgQyjaYcEV_MFNVyH-vRdz9GRtKXAXciNPXpM1FZLfUEpHRJeyKz33hAhGki_m5YYyBsZHFJRaqeFrmScRgGmOgDdsvCfFVH6ZGu86a2i2Or-VyY/s200/PICT6990.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428839792351969250" border="0" /></a>There was lots to do before flying back to the UK for Christmas. Presents to buy, cards to create and quilts to finish. I delegated the cards to Rob. That kept him quiet for hours on the computer and it left me to get on with the knitting, sewing and quilting. Nothing like a deadline to get things done!<br /><div><br />Of course Cagney and Lacey did what they do best. They didn't know that they <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgPDldyol9ySDrNcioiyR7gdBgFL7OQxijkGZb1qPBL8AACkfQnu59SyKVODHTJ9iagAA0qTMiwXgnbKJPRvml7FY5BkmKpSuUhNnKtqvEbqoU9yeBUjDC47XWKyyoJgrwS1a3LZ9Ed0/s1600-h/PICT6993.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgPDldyol9ySDrNcioiyR7gdBgFL7OQxijkGZb1qPBL8AACkfQnu59SyKVODHTJ9iagAA0qTMiwXgnbKJPRvml7FY5BkmKpSuUhNnKtqvEbqoU9yeBUjDC47XWKyyoJgrwS1a3LZ9Ed0/s200/PICT6993.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428839789873211906" border="0" /></a>were about to have an adventure of their own with their auntie Elizabeth who helped us with their training. She picked them up the night before we left. Rob was much more upset that they were.<br /><br />It was a very early morning start for Newark with snow on the ground and<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSFGLvsphg6AcM_WNiwJk7GWCVMVB52OxrGF-vqZwLMZyW6YlXXtQizk6t3O4Xr6pb2DOuD_XYbhjGZZGVJbHSaFlJUMFnXPlHTq6nu9vK44lnCVot0rfuLHSD-jTFqsdDhiJ4h-HO8k/s1600-h/PICT6981.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 76px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSFGLvsphg6AcM_WNiwJk7GWCVMVB52OxrGF-vqZwLMZyW6YlXXtQizk6t3O4Xr6pb2DOuD_XYbhjGZZGVJbHSaFlJUMFnXPlHTq6nu9vK44lnCVot0rfuLHSD-jTFqsdDhiJ4h-HO8k/s200/PICT6981.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428839800029421538" border="0" /></a> very cold. All went well and we were soon through security and looking forward to our Virgin Atlantic flight. We had always been told how good they are. Oh boy, were we disappointed. OK, we were flying "cattle class" but there was so little leg room. My knees touched the seat in front and I'm a little person! The food was sub Micky D and to top it all we had the kids from hell sitting right <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8R8kuh4_OpsSxpm3RJSjiKwddDW2xpMVL6C1ADvCWn7HIhFX6zuZFYx1tqHSop-nN3CT395_-TYP5dnVio8sifB9S9aHJhv9-h93hnNI4fpZid-7CgbAWZOXgeIhTRdAOE_OqRQPIntw/s1600-h/DSCF0044.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 121px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8R8kuh4_OpsSxpm3RJSjiKwddDW2xpMVL6C1ADvCWn7HIhFX6zuZFYx1tqHSop-nN3CT395_-TYP5dnVio8sifB9S9aHJhv9-h93hnNI4fpZid-7CgbAWZOXgeIhTRdAOE_OqRQPIntw/s200/DSCF0044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428842449613744450" border="0" /></a>behind us. Rob also complained that the Trolley Dollies must have been the original crew or even their mothers. I thought that was a little harsh.<br />By the time we had landed in a snow covered London, collected baggage and picked up the rental car, it was late in the evening. The roads had earlier been impassable and as we drove further into the countryside we passed lots of abandoned vehicles. We inched along the icy lanes and finally pulled into Sarah's driveway a little before mid-night. She was waiting up for us but Alana was, of course, sound asleep. I had to wait all night for a cuddle.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKfivXa8LtpN9qmBRnk3dsuY8BRRP3ceS8PYKlFjXGWpscH0yaQN6bJiA4_Emgc4kXUt59k0zNv27-17oW6_ZkyQrpJVY428da-vMdeo6u6S2Ehm7OUNi-iTeazgQ-o8GsNGy3h9jhsI/s1600-h/DSCF0002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 85px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKfivXa8LtpN9qmBRnk3dsuY8BRRP3ceS8PYKlFjXGWpscH0yaQN6bJiA4_Emgc4kXUt59k0zNv27-17oW6_ZkyQrpJVY428da-vMdeo6u6S2Ehm7OUNi-iTeazgQ-o8GsNGy3h9jhsI/s200/DSCF0002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428839803984335890" border="0" /></a>Not that I had a lot of time for cuddles in the hectic time between getting up and getting the two of them down to Reading station to catch a train to Wales and the Celtic clan. I nearly got stuck on the train as I helped load all the "little person" paraphernalia. I finally waved goodbye from the platform. We would meet them again, in Wales, the next day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4c2RWjqfXXLeD-HbUxt6ky-vuIcET66UWm2dGIL8e79zHiTvUP5BOGHj6-XsMIjBz5KlDQM8ywbrfeTL6hXGVf00UiQv7em4Py1X1M0oqtaDTg74-bRFqtVDQy6Per9q5Bnze30aTr6o/s1600-h/DSCF0008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 85px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4c2RWjqfXXLeD-HbUxt6ky-vuIcET66UWm2dGIL8e79zHiTvUP5BOGHj6-XsMIjBz5KlDQM8ywbrfeTL6hXGVf00UiQv7em4Py1X1M0oqtaDTg74-bRFqtVDQy6Per9q5Bnze30aTr6o/s200/DSCF0008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428839805881922626" border="0" /></a>Next Stop Basingstoke where we spent a restful afternoon catching up with Claire, Lee, Georgia and Indya. Goodness, how fast the girls are growing up. Michael had battled through the snow out from London to save us a drive. I'm sure he's put on a little healthy weight and looking a little less like a starving student. Anyway, the usually Grumpy Grandad was very pleased to see them all. All too soon we had to load up and hit the road again and set off for South <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL76spmS9UXbUBx_fatLPj8kJgK37Q6Bvp_2ScoHM1b2nM7EUinX-T4I9XEBz-ngAvhVopgcrhL2k6-smyZiVoCgnQd1I0STVb1CbwMAz8YZVmOyTmWeoMwZUqGryjffjgFaAaBLVuasI/s1600-h/DSCF0001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 85px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL76spmS9UXbUBx_fatLPj8kJgK37Q6Bvp_2ScoHM1b2nM7EUinX-T4I9XEBz-ngAvhVopgcrhL2k6-smyZiVoCgnQd1I0STVb1CbwMAz8YZVmOyTmWeoMwZUqGryjffjgFaAaBLVuasI/s200/DSCF0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428842439328291970" border="0" /></a>Wales.<br /><br />There was lots of snow around and it was well below freezing but we had good clear roads all the way and arrived to a hot cup of tea and supper. That's the great thing about going home to Wales ..... you know that you'll never go hungry, no matter what time you arrive. There's something special about <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUl0ResHmUXfn4MsPKCMzQni7Yx5IcK-oCIVE0Mc4vYDGDPXWUi6o_INfax8zLEnVTG0cY2x4dlpTqxcuwNHoaYWjgSrVVQ8c2KS40tgtEvUmdBfHZr2Ek1jk0sko8yHQItJWhdK4RWWc/s1600-h/DSCF0039.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUl0ResHmUXfn4MsPKCMzQni7Yx5IcK-oCIVE0Mc4vYDGDPXWUi6o_INfax8zLEnVTG0cY2x4dlpTqxcuwNHoaYWjgSrVVQ8c2KS40tgtEvUmdBfHZr2Ek1jk0sko8yHQItJWhdK4RWWc/s200/DSCF0039.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428842442844815682" border="0" /></a>catching up with your Mum over a cup of tea. She understands and appreciates my talk of Sarah and Alana in a way that no one else can. That's being a Mum I suppose.<br /><br />I slept in for a while the following morning but Rob was up early and was treated to a cooked breakfast with all the trimmings. I don't know where he puts it all. I had a lovely day with Mum and other family members popping in. Later in the day, Bill dropped of Sarah and Alana and the whole place was transformed in a way that only a 2yr old can. She is such a happy little thing. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZVErLAanveZbeMu2hmMsyRefbIJZfbKn527Fr1j2DI1BDk1nwHYHfQPb9HKrRvrY8PSbMjsLGEp4HLUwZiswXnGmXLNchBlSk_kPc01KSKfIANNhfs1AldGIlhIL87M6tJwpA67V-Dc/s1600-h/DSCF0023.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 85px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZVErLAanveZbeMu2hmMsyRefbIJZfbKn527Fr1j2DI1BDk1nwHYHfQPb9HKrRvrY8PSbMjsLGEp4HLUwZiswXnGmXLNchBlSk_kPc01KSKfIANNhfs1AldGIlhIL87M6tJwpA67V-Dc/s200/DSCF0023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428842451476681298" border="0" /></a>Sarah is doing a good job and my heart fills with pride again. All to soon we have to hit the road again and head for Sarah's place in the southern tip of Oxfordshire.<br /><br />Another all too short a sleep before setting off for Southampton via my old hair dresser. She knows just how I like it. We arrived with Rob's Mum & Dad just <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGA2fRn7a-01kmRtc9cIeYVa4Kno0NQeGIdd6tVIx2fHrT_WrrDJtFD5BBq5QLZp20T4ytC-_7-vFo4ehylHcXkVy37RJLJOVHoqDJm41WSaWr6iNu0WXYzH7du8HQLnr6tSrGzJDkd8/s1600-h/PICT7002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGA2fRn7a-01kmRtc9cIeYVa4Kno0NQeGIdd6tVIx2fHrT_WrrDJtFD5BBq5QLZp20T4ytC-_7-vFo4ehylHcXkVy37RJLJOVHoqDJm41WSaWr6iNu0WXYzH7du8HQLnr6tSrGzJDkd8/s200/PICT7002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428842455619840082" border="0" /></a>after lunch. They have both been ill in recent weeks so it was great to see them on the mend. It's always relaxed in that house and there is a constant revolving door of brothers, sister, grand-kids and great grand kids. The teapot never empties and the pantry is always full. Rob had his usual in-dept discussion on some political scandal or other with his Mum while Me and Dad just prodded the fire if things were dimming. We sent Rob out to fetch Dads favorite fish and chips for supper before nipping out to the pub. Rob had arranged to meet up with friends Garry and Kim. We spent a pleasant evening rummaging through old stories of motorbikes, bands and the fact that it is nearly 25 years since Rob was the best man at their wedding. We were joined by Rob's brother Dave and his wife (another Lynne). Also Charlie and daughter Jess.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kc3bKtW8lK2ZPHpyc2dT8mJhGyQe-IjTspTg6uVm-D3A1jrho89W7unSHZ-1VGPZEJXNF1wG5Oi0R85j7AL0pGJKW6pkmjClLilS2GR1Vd7UkvdjHh-bNfVuYFdCtKFaUtbm8eDDwVs/s1600-h/PICT7006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kc3bKtW8lK2ZPHpyc2dT8mJhGyQe-IjTspTg6uVm-D3A1jrho89W7unSHZ-1VGPZEJXNF1wG5Oi0R85j7AL0pGJKW6pkmjClLilS2GR1Vd7UkvdjHh-bNfVuYFdCtKFaUtbm8eDDwVs/s200/PICT7006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428849650775979042" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We stayed with Dave and Lynne that night as Dave and Rob were off to the hospital the next day. Dave has been diagnosed with a pre-leukemia condition and the search has started for a bone marrow match. Lets hope things work out well. While they were away it gave me a chance to relax with another cup of tea (or two).<br /><br />Next stop on the frenetic journey was, just on the other side of Southampton Water, Hythe and sister Sue, Malc and the dogs. There is a new puppy on the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqygxsc1MjrySM324FMsWMtGa93AX8a6afk3NZOKKD6ms9t8DQQqeSHFb40bEHGF4zmeRGPm4vYTrSAkHOXQADa5p9Y9py4NgBsrTIzamxg7QbMAwMTv1h2SqRnvjI4o67kC0HXWrGB7s/s1600-h/PICT7029.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqygxsc1MjrySM324FMsWMtGa93AX8a6afk3NZOKKD6ms9t8DQQqeSHFb40bEHGF4zmeRGPm4vYTrSAkHOXQADa5p9Y9py4NgBsrTIzamxg7QbMAwMTv1h2SqRnvjI4o67kC0HXWrGB7s/s200/PICT7029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428848290638147602" border="0" /></a>scene to keep the old boy active (Dap, not Malc). Things were pretty chilled and clearly ready for the Christmas festivities. Rob was acting as a mule on this trip and handed over the goods. He didn't even have to hide them about his person (not a nice thought). Paracetamol are so much cheaper in the USA! After even more tea (can never have too much) we set of again for the snowy <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTW3eypVLpsmblXccziYEXBZEQb5gisG1lRgMWUEnpSnOm26vU94oBZgu_ZDtm23G4knlx44EpI8H86KrfHmeN4dVVYg4drzGw3QO2IARvyDdLP14twq55H8SPQOyKYc69tgFD0m2Qm8/s1600-h/PICT7007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTW3eypVLpsmblXccziYEXBZEQb5gisG1lRgMWUEnpSnOm26vU94oBZgu_ZDtm23G4knlx44EpI8H86KrfHmeN4dVVYg4drzGw3QO2IARvyDdLP14twq55H8SPQOyKYc69tgFD0m2Qm8/s200/PICT7007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428848290647652082" border="0" /></a>Oxforshire countryside.<br /><br />There was more snow on the roads and yet more forecast. We made the decision to collect Sarah and Alana and set off for Scotland that evening or we might not be able to get there for Christmas. It's around 350 miles from Sarah's to sister Kat's place in Edinburgh. We set off at around 5.30 in the evening with the hope arriving soon after mid-night. Once on the major roads, we had no weather problems and the general forecast had frightened everyone away. We made very good progress until the snow started coming down heavily in Scotland. With about 70 miles to go everything came to a grinding <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmLopQELLnCCsHzqOkYGRXnyfh5hFpzXViuIkJINRAbSkiY2MHjiM9AfvvzL-H4bgVuzbqwcPAOAvgEzcQDhESqnerphdMD1u6woT-IWZvFlBLm-WSpioN5JebiX3KYhWs-WGDFFrckU/s1600-h/PICT7009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmLopQELLnCCsHzqOkYGRXnyfh5hFpzXViuIkJINRAbSkiY2MHjiM9AfvvzL-H4bgVuzbqwcPAOAvgEzcQDhESqnerphdMD1u6woT-IWZvFlBLm-WSpioN5JebiX3KYhWs-WGDFFrckU/s200/PICT7009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428848298679537186" border="0" /></a>halt. There were trucks pulled over to the shoulder and others struggling to climb slippery junctions. We had been wondering if we were going to be stuck for the night but after about three quarters of an hour, at a stand still, the column slowly crawled away behind two snow ploughs. Fortunately, once over the high ground, the road was relatively clear again and we slid and slipped into Kat's place at around 2.30 in the morning. Thanks to Kat and Iain for waiting up with a warm welcome.<br /><br />For the first time we were able to relax and do nothing. No travel for three whole days. We were very well fed and watered. Amongst many delights, the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAuGkywnLG8HUVuf5RuulInZYvzDUDMmXLz9XRulKMmTus_uPaBQSCGmnq-XsncSE7NJdV2P4xolcf67omiu3cnT7Cy3Kn18AoMHyejgYsTRpmyXNURUQyr6CxgARStkZeoM6kZhcVbI/s1600-h/DSCF0009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAuGkywnLG8HUVuf5RuulInZYvzDUDMmXLz9XRulKMmTus_uPaBQSCGmnq-XsncSE7NJdV2P4xolcf67omiu3cnT7Cy3Kn18AoMHyejgYsTRpmyXNURUQyr6CxgARStkZeoM6kZhcVbI/s200/DSCF0009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429252305347325186" border="0" /></a>bird inside a bird inside a bird ...... was scrummy and Rob said that he really enjoyed the fruit. Christmas morning started early and we enjoyed our first Christmas Day with children for many years. There was Catlin, Calum, Abigail Sarah (still my little girl) and Alana. So much fun. With dogs to walk and books to read, even grumpy grandad enjoyed it. To top it off, the snow was falling outside. I think it's the first really white Christmas I can remember.<br /><br />With an eye on the weather and knowing that there would be more airport security, we decided to set off South on Boxing Day. As we drove away from Edinburgh, the sun was shining on the beautiful Pentland hills. The snow <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayGT8Y1hCB2RrUnUnDt0XAI_oNMOfPsW1LCSwloNUGKFAmYgzQmjDsym68gQd-bFE4tDoQ7dEy05urcLZtfLOoXz2HG2ObC4-4hKShIcmApf9i2AtOIACfauXYvJc6qtx6oo93hwwB08/s1600-h/PICT7021.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayGT8Y1hCB2RrUnUnDt0XAI_oNMOfPsW1LCSwloNUGKFAmYgzQmjDsym68gQd-bFE4tDoQ7dEy05urcLZtfLOoXz2HG2ObC4-4hKShIcmApf9i2AtOIACfauXYvJc6qtx6oo93hwwB08/s200/PICT7021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428851579688247330" border="0" /></a>covered hills were dotted with cold sheep and crazy walkers. The long journey south was without incident and I'm glad to say that the temperatures were a lot milder at Sarah's house that when we left. Having the extra day allowed me help Sarah get sorted and Rob to spend a few more hours with Mum and Dad.<br /><br />That evening we (I) said an emotional goodbye to Sarah and Alana and headed off to the airport hotel in readiness for the unknown security adventure. It turned out that we all had to be searched at the gate. We eventually got away. I have to say that the Continental flight back was much better that the Virgin one on the way out. And so, back home to rural New York State.<br /><br /></div>lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-84901198262670899112009-11-30T18:00:00.000-08:002009-12-02T05:23:07.235-08:00Give Thanks - Atlanta here we come<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFjiPPeFlKuHXncV4gElEgqx6bCwhXteAFkKc-9tXApF08ZECxYXfimsvAd0nj6uYC41dsJGWJimvloMEVC9XClhhyphenhyphenggWzD3tN0TIk_NElodWNzNQTlD3yv9uaGWriCFyen0C8QeMj-E/s1600-h/Map.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFjiPPeFlKuHXncV4gElEgqx6bCwhXteAFkKc-9tXApF08ZECxYXfimsvAd0nj6uYC41dsJGWJimvloMEVC9XClhhyphenhyphenggWzD3tN0TIk_NElodWNzNQTlD3yv9uaGWriCFyen0C8QeMj-E/s200/Map.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410628638205563186" border="0" /></a>After 2 days at home relaxing from my round the world trip we set off for our 950mile trip to Atlanta. With the dogs in the back we left Monday at about 10.30 and drove <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">across</span> Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and part of the way <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">across</span> Virginia. We spent the night at a hotel in Lexington before and early start the next day. Tuesday we drove <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">the</span> rest of Virginia into North Carolina, South Carolina and finally Georgia. The girls were as good as gold the traffic was fairly light and the scenery was very nice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAjpfO1Zue52Bm4NzfS3WCl7_UCf4p1F265AW6aD4pIbzR8h65KeHlstpUwpTUmGxiiBI73NeqcQmaSbeErzFsvV5O86zrY6TAA94O-SxRkuWohJDseFVbDXDeOe_MiruzynN-N0ZNVA/s1600/PICT6926.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAjpfO1Zue52Bm4NzfS3WCl7_UCf4p1F265AW6aD4pIbzR8h65KeHlstpUwpTUmGxiiBI73NeqcQmaSbeErzFsvV5O86zrY6TAA94O-SxRkuWohJDseFVbDXDeOe_MiruzynN-N0ZNVA/s200/PICT6926.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410100990428887746" border="0" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8Hor5ezFQstDt0XiIpO-Z_PenHYyNEfJ-327bIKcFH1quZOgk2jff2xtXXRzwAuu9aaUBRSvL6e7e_8qC8WQ40TCwVV8U0HL9Ty5uSCul2R8AEaF_FQ-ODtZkfYnQ7vDEqLWYL3XcfA/s1600/PICT6922.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8Hor5ezFQstDt0XiIpO-Z_PenHYyNEfJ-327bIKcFH1quZOgk2jff2xtXXRzwAuu9aaUBRSvL6e7e_8qC8WQ40TCwVV8U0HL9Ty5uSCul2R8AEaF_FQ-ODtZkfYnQ7vDEqLWYL3XcfA/s200/PICT6922.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410100989496185314" border="0" /></a>Paul, Robyn Allie, Missy Blake, and the dogs <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sarah</span> and Parker were all in good spirits and pleased to see us - all of the dogs quickly settled in to their own little group and Cagney and Lacey had a great time tearing around the garden and <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHpE_-iUgtrOk7ZTCV6UpjCUUg02JOQu0M8IACW1X_ifJTEy8ChTSGkDKKT3k-j-gMJaBfj2Zz8VdWhWw-WmYZZPxxKP2t9EeLvaQNzlcAI9ioKd-Wkhje-UkZQSVmGUfIgaEZVTXvhk/s1600/PICT6927.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHpE_-iUgtrOk7ZTCV6UpjCUUg02JOQu0M8IACW1X_ifJTEy8ChTSGkDKKT3k-j-gMJaBfj2Zz8VdWhWw-WmYZZPxxKP2t9EeLvaQNzlcAI9ioKd-Wkhje-UkZQSVmGUfIgaEZVTXvhk/s200/PICT6927.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410100997617101154" border="0" /></a>especially playing in the sand pit. Robyn and I had an early start going to collect the Turkey and then we spent most of Wednesday preparing food for the Thursday. Got to speak to Sarah and Alana by skype it was really great to see them both. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7loM4pDo0xusyko7uzCBgwBLCOKyQ5vTiyJmN11uGA4Apyvu9YBKPe6sb5qR_kbI00W4YXYFyW_KdlJecXjQ1DABVOq2K7sfioSBSSwxCYjWcI8_eZlAlpdrphyw7luesS8977yckPjg/s1600/PICT6949.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7loM4pDo0xusyko7uzCBgwBLCOKyQ5vTiyJmN11uGA4Apyvu9YBKPe6sb5qR_kbI00W4YXYFyW_KdlJecXjQ1DABVOq2K7sfioSBSSwxCYjWcI8_eZlAlpdrphyw7luesS8977yckPjg/s200/PICT6949.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410101004022671634" border="0" /></a>Alana was a sweetie of course.Wednesday evening we went out to the local BBQ place that also had live music, it was very down to earth but the food was great and we had a really good time. </div><div>An early start on Thursday to get the Turkey in and then a leisurely morning ( thanks to all the prep the day before) Paul and Rob took the 2 smaller turkeys down to the neighbours to be deep fried. 15 for lunch and another 9 for dessert, everything was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">delicious</span> and the company as always. </div><br /><div>Friday the boys went to see the <a href="http://www.bodiestheexhibition.com/bodies.html">bodies <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">exhibition</span></a> and us girls went shopping, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">leisurely</span> stroll around Jo-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Anns</span> with plenty of bargains then lunch and off to the mall to Build a Bear and the tea shop. we watched movies Friday night and then started the long trek back to NY on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Saturday</span>. Our third Thanksgiving at the Pinto home and we <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">thoroughly</span> enjoyed it - thanks both !!</div>lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-9182961929925026932009-11-30T17:35:00.000-08:002009-11-30T19:04:32.562-08:00New York to New York - The long way !<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj93r1jhs1WF-3BXyoCKpqyC0t1uDyIv-YulhYFOVRflWO7ILQ6DsIOJjwzwLVgzbARBVfKbtTKDQcrNxirYPbjy_tyFK-tuhGbeyXq4McPnsLs0tTJKmEs4aHoz-hIKltj491WgnDUII/s1600/P1010680.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 106px; height: 79px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj93r1jhs1WF-3BXyoCKpqyC0t1uDyIv-YulhYFOVRflWO7ILQ6DsIOJjwzwLVgzbARBVfKbtTKDQcrNxirYPbjy_tyFK-tuhGbeyXq4McPnsLs0tTJKmEs4aHoz-hIKltj491WgnDUII/s200/P1010680.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410092210543021634" border="0" /></a>On Sunday 8th of November the adventure began - NY to LA then LA to Melbourne arriving Tuesday morning...... Who stole my Monday ! Wednesday, Torquay surfers paradise. Thursday, Sydney. Friday, hurray no more work I flew to New Zealand. Arrived in Dunedin at 5 pm and was met by Toni. It was so good to see her again. Friday evening we had a quiet night in with her parents and sat up talking to way past midnight.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pasK5EasKhly9aYoTMlCaAjHN_4D9Lh-XXp_sI6UNU_9SxrTv_qXVGTfrbDnMzjhSnRbVj7KuwYGOEwvMNpNUk4Dsq6WZ6hBwYz_pe3JQSuY1FnBq8D4_rEnd36J1lCc7xr3ps0PK_g/s1600/P1010764.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 92px; height: 123px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pasK5EasKhly9aYoTMlCaAjHN_4D9Lh-XXp_sI6UNU_9SxrTv_qXVGTfrbDnMzjhSnRbVj7KuwYGOEwvMNpNUk4Dsq6WZ6hBwYz_pe3JQSuY1FnBq8D4_rEnd36J1lCc7xr3ps0PK_g/s200/P1010764.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410092233054195234" border="0" /></a>Waihola ( the small town where they live) is a pretty farming community close to the sea. Toni currently lives in a cottage in the grounds of her parents house but will be starting on the build of her own home very soon.<br /><div>Saturday, home baked muffins to start the day then off to the beach for a a walk. Late morning we drove into Dunedin for a look around, great curry for lunch and Toni bought me a lovely charm for my Pandora bracelet - Thanks Toni.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbu5yhzXSNXF8ky26_mrOkgdBaNYtbqV25RqX5ayXXjHcFAoMuzUcTMOMZqfBTMRtvU4qRrdd5rdnk4PpF-Clu3uUe1igOa3e3HqhBpF7l4iyzfwqRgq_9FzdAfyOHVAEelHWx_42UYdE/s1600/P1010707.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 106px; height: 80px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbu5yhzXSNXF8ky26_mrOkgdBaNYtbqV25RqX5ayXXjHcFAoMuzUcTMOMZqfBTMRtvU4qRrdd5rdnk4PpF-Clu3uUe1igOa3e3HqhBpF7l4iyzfwqRgq_9FzdAfyOHVAEelHWx_42UYdE/s200/P1010707.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410092215049955650" border="0" /></a>We then drove out to the headland - a very long walk down the the beach to see some sea lions sunning themselves followed by a much more strenuous walk back up to the car. Further along the road we came to the Albatross colony, fantastic to see them floating on the wind. On the drive home we stopped to pick up fish and chips for tea, yummy. </div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFhAr_Wz2l-8t_HqLDJoZCKywWQ19WU7Ep7NZK-bprjRPZcdDNeoZQjWzomuWf4XODK0rpTsM40oblEjFPVJY17aEO-rCzQTJsLPDIyLeVwG4ToU1sMCivwoaGzFXFrNbR1iUWKIfu8Y/s1600/P1010711.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 121px; height: 91px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFhAr_Wz2l-8t_HqLDJoZCKywWQ19WU7Ep7NZK-bprjRPZcdDNeoZQjWzomuWf4XODK0rpTsM40oblEjFPVJY17aEO-rCzQTJsLPDIyLeVwG4ToU1sMCivwoaGzFXFrNbR1iUWKIfu8Y/s200/P1010711.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410092217815575490" border="0" /></a>Sunday we went for a walk along another part of the coast after stopping off for a local speciality, chocolate dipped ice cream ! Sunday evening we had a great dinner over at her parents followed by a couple of hours playing dominoes - perfect. Left Monday morning with just a few tears.</div><br /><div>Flew to Singapore and then back to New York on the Thursday, 27 hours without sleep lovely </div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzHmtz5At038F_ynpA-4x_duvd3-iewRkwUIytZg9JasEXvTTJdl6oT6BgiBY1Vwlxbxdhj8jUVQMgO2FPR' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-39994173674444896012009-11-11T15:41:00.000-08:002009-11-11T17:35:56.504-08:002 years living in the USA -- Wow that went quick !I was just reflecting on my original move over on November 1 2007. Toni was good enough to come over with me and help me settle in. We had so much to do and even the very basic things were a real challenge. Like finding a grocery store..... after much driving around we thought we had cracked it only to find that we were in the Latin American store wall to wall Goya products and Pinyatas!<br /><div>On the Saturday we were really pleased to find a quilt shop. Quilters Attic based in Pine Bush. We went in and the staff were all so friendly that I decided there and then that I needed to find a home close to Pine Bush. So here we are 2 years forward living in Pine Bush with my second home still the <a href="http://www.quiltersattic.com/">Quilters Attic</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKWYw2tEaJTAqtgAnxvxG16WfGGYb3IuucLVe__b6Q309siq3Ac-4Z1MbxDLcqE18uiF8UcMOSyCzuvmn6yGLBDXkVfCRepcwiDPJHTKLKaB4husw0P7Ez4MXd1tjcehphn8qyHNgvf8/s1600-h/P1010643.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 181px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKWYw2tEaJTAqtgAnxvxG16WfGGYb3IuucLVe__b6Q309siq3Ac-4Z1MbxDLcqE18uiF8UcMOSyCzuvmn6yGLBDXkVfCRepcwiDPJHTKLKaB4husw0P7Ez4MXd1tjcehphn8qyHNgvf8/s200/P1010643.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403017073536320274" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK930cefsWuNLQq-tWCDpG3uelzEwPbZyfkDrJ2gsO6rvRz9nGSx4PHNikgBR7IuZFtnWayIcck01kkcM_GsMZI7VtVGR6j8Dl67HOgxDHCU4w0gqaMkgx9sjZbMLfAyZuuY3zhWwj74Q/s1600-h/P1010642.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 181px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK930cefsWuNLQq-tWCDpG3uelzEwPbZyfkDrJ2gsO6rvRz9nGSx4PHNikgBR7IuZFtnWayIcck01kkcM_GsMZI7VtVGR6j8Dl67HOgxDHCU4w0gqaMkgx9sjZbMLfAyZuuY3zhWwj74Q/s200/P1010642.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403017068743112578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I decided this year that the Girls and Rob should try get into the holiday spirit a bit more and so I bought them all Halloween costumes, Don't they look great and you can see how much they all loved it...........NOT !.<br />We take things much more seriously at work! The place is decked out and then the staff bring their children in for a "trick or treat" day. A good time is had by all.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidP3MyS1dfGKjrx1MEQBjWj92xD8NuCrKZPTdjwy1VF8BJ_TIMa0AIyIi9A0X7asU6DjSQMzEvDL59LXpMvUZFbrmF1-mdRiL5A4p-sZDtkpny55sa01Igudnc2gnD9o64NwPww-oNDDo/s1600-h/P1010639.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidP3MyS1dfGKjrx1MEQBjWj92xD8NuCrKZPTdjwy1VF8BJ_TIMa0AIyIi9A0X7asU6DjSQMzEvDL59LXpMvUZFbrmF1-mdRiL5A4p-sZDtkpny55sa01Igudnc2gnD9o64NwPww-oNDDo/s200/P1010639.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403017061021483474" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQwm-076BfDCsiPAV2ck7MhhyphenhyphenkvQtc0XoNhXR5gYhN29wK9W85rP-prlsTi4nyKXWHMw38P2ZrphXi7IRjR7EH4eEGegTLVZDxdL7JZyMDj2yBMjFSbF_mnuuvexsoc3Y8BTe5lXFi38/s1600-h/P1010640.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQwm-076BfDCsiPAV2ck7MhhyphenhyphenkvQtc0XoNhXR5gYhN29wK9W85rP-prlsTi4nyKXWHMw38P2ZrphXi7IRjR7EH4eEGegTLVZDxdL7JZyMDj2yBMjFSbF_mnuuvexsoc3Y8BTe5lXFi38/s200/P1010640.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403017064061612082" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f_M9ixpuZicyHrGjzK-0ERzJfqJAIiRMxds2yyPC2uACMFBWS9jL6KXn4fmoCsGFXUHnWazLp7DPQ1O7A2UYVunFmDTZa89wCl2Nv89CRuA06ZybAX851MPOpUnNgram7tt8u7Sh7iA/s1600-h/P1010655.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f_M9ixpuZicyHrGjzK-0ERzJfqJAIiRMxds2yyPC2uACMFBWS9jL6KXn4fmoCsGFXUHnWazLp7DPQ1O7A2UYVunFmDTZa89wCl2Nv89CRuA06ZybAX851MPOpUnNgram7tt8u7Sh7iA/s200/P1010655.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403017085300125682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2fWe2uASYHDrhzu4h6S4pwrVuLS0WfdpU8lmiZ2oeD3Ad51kRYggxn1XYgiAG5Ats4ntPeWi6Eh4OrpipiF4jxzHYmDdnUlgMw5TEJSSugvpo0KKYHi8NyyUQ0S4vV649N7Bg2sTEnE/s1600-h/P1010656.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2fWe2uASYHDrhzu4h6S4pwrVuLS0WfdpU8lmiZ2oeD3Ad51kRYggxn1XYgiAG5Ats4ntPeWi6Eh4OrpipiF4jxzHYmDdnUlgMw5TEJSSugvpo0KKYHi8NyyUQ0S4vV649N7Bg2sTEnE/s200/P1010656.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403017266716092178" border="0" /></a>Two years on and we are still finding little gems on our door step. This stone built church is tucked away near one of our favourite walking areas on the mountain. Rob discovered it when he flew over it with his hang glider. It's very cute with a great view of the Catskill mountains beyond.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwXIhnlDKRV1bw8NDv_ebDX0hYHR6hxGzbmC96tHhDCuwKQrwQuejEanl92MR6BXxbL4F5DKnrTUBevxfgbRS26Jiy4JH13zDM-hFagwbFcQqpofAGXsNxudKlFlW3e2MaJipbJ324-I/s1600-h/PICT6896.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwXIhnlDKRV1bw8NDv_ebDX0hYHR6hxGzbmC96tHhDCuwKQrwQuejEanl92MR6BXxbL4F5DKnrTUBevxfgbRS26Jiy4JH13zDM-hFagwbFcQqpofAGXsNxudKlFlW3e2MaJipbJ324-I/s200/PICT6896.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403017263698333730" border="0" /></a>This blog entry "critter of the month" goes to a reptile of some description that scared me half to death as I was trying to do some floor exercises in the basement gym area. I don't know what it is or how it got there. I let Rob deal with it .... in a nice way!<br />This weekend is the start of a long road trip with work over to Australia and Singapore, the best part of which, will be a stop over in New Zealand to see Toni. I am so looking forward to it </div>lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-35086178386017089642009-10-23T11:27:00.000-07:002009-10-24T09:41:44.090-07:00October adventures<div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3IX29DoB-Q83f9I4tRIDmfw2N8XE4u7bRGFN0hVBrsP623lRykRL8zEp4ZNlAZrXxeo0xLf0IcOpcUDJjE2TlI8dAgUos7qwLj99MH-Of4Pi4HtZfoV030Aix7HWfizaShAO8L4hHWI/s1600-h/IMG_0046.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395871350943523922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3IX29DoB-Q83f9I4tRIDmfw2N8XE4u7bRGFN0hVBrsP623lRykRL8zEp4ZNlAZrXxeo0xLf0IcOpcUDJjE2TlI8dAgUos7qwLj99MH-Of4Pi4HtZfoV030Aix7HWfizaShAO8L4hHWI/s200/IMG_0046.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmRXMpDXuIUYh4YrazP5CHq8HtFoxVbUIAn_9D61u17q3lq7e7rp6V1xKfCFtd8PybbPyPTzcaZK5zdqm6-CHaHo66-wuK8CGr5_pq95z7W1aeD_BTxmt08PYGentlPEN_fwq4HlljyM/s1600-h/IMG_0063.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395872071892379570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmRXMpDXuIUYh4YrazP5CHq8HtFoxVbUIAn_9D61u17q3lq7e7rp6V1xKfCFtd8PybbPyPTzcaZK5zdqm6-CHaHo66-wuK8CGr5_pq95z7W1aeD_BTxmt08PYGentlPEN_fwq4HlljyM/s200/IMG_0063.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:100%;">It's been </span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:100%;">a </span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:100%;">busy </span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:100%;">month for v</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:100%;">isitors. We </span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:100%;">wer</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:100%;">e so pleased that Robyn managed to drag</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:100%;"> Paul away from his</span><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:100%;"> laptop</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> to relax for </span><span style="font-size:100%;">a long</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">weekend.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkjYon1E3BUKObjIpgPA5ppPM7RsUVlOEgIG4zj2cqW3s7lMJPDoX5YEJqdJgrm0kTR9992IDN1I0NgUAZVcSEJQDxxPTgN69cfC-DfdEo3QrPR3lLfE-psoNPWU2p4VbJFoAxmzw8U0/s1600-h/IMG_0036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395877947757918962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 79px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 106px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkjYon1E3BUKObjIpgPA5ppPM7RsUVlOEgIG4zj2cqW3s7lMJPDoX5YEJqdJgrm0kTR9992IDN1I0NgUAZVcSEJQDxxPTgN69cfC-DfdEo3QrPR3lLfE-psoNPWU2p4VbJFoAxmzw8U0/s200/IMG_0036.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxxFGGNBYtZhQIv8IZtRhs0ZumCWdhRxvz1XAE17Us4ulm27ADSZ9EKX3NS2j6meynx62ynRGL6v8jGk0DtZ8pUT0BFxE9C33omEZlUVUeK0B-7wEfvdOFHAqzF5FvczpfNckj1UWPMI/s1600-h/IMG_0049a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395872941659759730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 79px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 106px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxxFGGNBYtZhQIv8IZtRhs0ZumCWdhRxvz1XAE17Us4ulm27ADSZ9EKX3NS2j6meynx62ynRGL6v8jGk0DtZ8pUT0BFxE9C33omEZlUVUeK0B-7wEfvdOFHAqzF5FvczpfNckj1UWPMI/s200/IMG_0049a.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">W</span><span style="font-size:100%;">e knew it would be fun</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">when the </span><span style="font-size:100%;">advance consignment of wine arrived! We spen</span><span style="font-size:100%;">t the whole weekend </span><span style="font-size:100%;">w</span><span style="font-size:100%;">alking,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> e</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ating and drinking. I wante</span><span style="font-size:100%;">d </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to show th</span><span style="font-size:100%;">em the <a href="http://www.mohonk.com/">Mohonk </a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.mohonk.com/">Mount</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.mohonk.com/">ain House</a> and Pa</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ul decided </span><span style="font-size:100%;">that he wa</span><span style="font-size:100%;">n</span><span style="font-size:100%;">te</span><span style="font-size:100%;">d to to do the "Lemon </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Squeez</span><span style="font-size:100%;">e" </span><span style="font-size:100%;">with</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Rob while Robyn and I took the "easy" route to </span><span style="font-size:100%;">the Skytop look out. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The boys enj</span><span style="font-size:100%;">oyed the </span><span style="font-size:100%;">climb while Robyn and I had chance</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> to c</span><span style="font-size:100%;">hat. At the t</span><span style="font-size:100%;">op is a look out </span><span style="font-size:100%;">tower </span><span style="font-size:100%;">that </span><span style="font-size:100%;">gives a great </span><span style="font-size:100%;">photo point. The are</span><span style="font-size:100%;">a</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">looks so </span><span style="font-size:100%;">good at this time of year with </span><span style="font-size:100%;">views out </span><span style="font-size:100%;">over the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. The </span><span style="font-size:100%;">skies could have been a little clearer but at least it </span><span style="font-size:100%;">wasn't raining.</span> Still, it was a good chance for Robyn to get arty with the camera.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SpHMA1iUFBOoY7Mr8m_23bRtLSGakahlPyLlomQt4qM3MTcTOlyVzj0rQKGLHbcSr7DsNRVQnqtyT43QaHgI6JfYmhnkQNH_P-A0gDKAWPzEUmAHZqCR5fZrSQAax7c-MYcs-SWoZ_s/s1600-h/IMG_0027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395871337004748146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SpHMA1iUFBOoY7Mr8m_23bRtLSGakahlPyLlomQt4qM3MTcTOlyVzj0rQKGLHbcSr7DsNRVQnqtyT43QaHgI6JfYmhnkQNH_P-A0gDKAWPzEUmAHZqCR5fZrSQAax7c-MYcs-SWoZ_s/s200/IMG_0027.jpg" border="0" /></a>Meanwhile the girls were a little disappointed that they had to stay at home. They went crazy (as usual) when we arrived home but soon got back to napping .... it's a dogs life!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8JrjJYPBhRj5cbTA3WGxUy56l2GdiEjtxVzumD-wgy653FVaCri5u5Tl5XvVq0XRNdRFgikI4RGXHVUqgp9vTHebL-g4um8JhPV8zyYX5Jo0V-UJw4J7QzcFN5hGmIYC2epsH3eVnV4/s1600-h/IMG_0085a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395872081339555682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 56px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 106px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8JrjJYPBhRj5cbTA3WGxUy56l2GdiEjtxVzumD-wgy653FVaCri5u5Tl5XvVq0XRNdRFgikI4RGXHVUqgp9vTHebL-g4um8JhPV8zyYX5Jo0V-UJw4J7QzcFN5hGmIYC2epsH3eVnV4/s200/IMG_0085a.jpg" border="0" /></a>Pine Bush is blessed with quite a few good eateries but we discovered another one! <a href="http://www.culinarycreationscafe.com/Web%20Site_files/page0004.htm">Culinary Creations</a> is mostly a cafe and cake shop but opens up as a restaurant at the weekends. The owners were trained at the <a href="http://www.ciachef.edu/">Culinary Institute</a> and we are so lucky to have them in this small town. That was the only posh nosh of the weekend although we did take in bar food in New Paltz, Panera Bread in Newburgh and Friendly's for ice cream in Poughkeepsie (Robyn's special request).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQ2RIq8FcHLUGremj4aV7oJXbwv4WCYWxtBGiztbeqKm3HvkoU-RPJ3lPuyrnYlF9OfG5-VNnR4Aftb6fhyphenhyphenb-OIufUbLwtTA8YV2udAX8muDVfDD5h3_jlxaIIaJWeOJ-vk9heDXG6TY/s1600-h/IMG_0078.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395872079168430498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQ2RIq8FcHLUGremj4aV7oJXbwv4WCYWxtBGiztbeqKm3HvkoU-RPJ3lPuyrnYlF9OfG5-VNnR4Aftb6fhyphenhyphenb-OIufUbLwtTA8YV2udAX8muDVfDD5h3_jlxaIIaJWeOJ-vk9heDXG6TY/s200/IMG_0078.jpg" border="0" /></a>Of course, no visitors could go away without a trip to <a href="http://orangecountychoppers.com/occ/index.html">Orange County Choppers</a>. Their big shiny new "World HQ" is packed with examples of their handy work and also new Harleys and Ducatis. Mainly one for the boys!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpi1bJDls288eRZOmCeaClF36f1t9mwypjiyqK0DW8SqTndDjxQGNT8pgB-uZfr3hfJv5ErueGh-CYWxBP7fQYuAzxqKypNrOMsb831YyZqvhxcUiTh-O3aGG3-DkuiMU9PXs03MveLCk/s1600-h/IMG_0098.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395872086485728146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 142px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpi1bJDls288eRZOmCeaClF36f1t9mwypjiyqK0DW8SqTndDjxQGNT8pgB-uZfr3hfJv5ErueGh-CYWxBP7fQYuAzxqKypNrOMsb831YyZqvhxcUiTh-O3aGG3-DkuiMU9PXs03MveLCk/s200/IMG_0098.jpg" border="0" /></a>We couldn't leave the dogs out so we did spend a fair bit of time walking them but that also gave us a chance to show off the mountain in our back garden. We walked up to <a href="http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newyork/preserves/art12207.html">"S</a><a href="http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newyork/preserves/art12207.html">am's Poin</a><a href="http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newyork/preserves/art12207.html">t"</a> (photos in earlier blogs) and also took a wander up to the hang gliding take off. There was no flying on the day but Paul was impressed by the "facilities". The time just flew by and we can't wait to take our (now annual) Thanks Giving trip to Atlanta. We are taking Cagney and Lacey this time so there will be lots of excitement when they meet Blake, Missy, Allie and the two mutts Parker and Sarah.<br /><br />With barely time to draw our breath, Sister Kat and Niece Catlin arrived at JFK. Rob collected them and after a middle of the night hello they were able to catch up on some sleep. I still had work to do on the Friday so Rob looked after the girls (all four of them) with a long walk around the mountain. The weather was very kind and Cagney a Lacey had a special test when they met horses for the fist time. They did themselves proud.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJwkpV0PPAn4ttXhZ_S9R46IXuqQKCBVwPg9cJjlsqMxgJ95dOyGFf3Xtm7KQFu4GhTAStQXykxnECs2RmojGd_Lk6TRqCEoEdl18nZie63OT_Vnjd-2tvHBPWdeQfdRhVIKPxoc9FCQ/s1600-h/Pine+Bush,+NY+to+Niagara+Falls+BlvdUS-62+N+-+Google+Maps+-+Mozilla+Firefox+22102009+125108.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395932080963140818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 118px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJwkpV0PPAn4ttXhZ_S9R46IXuqQKCBVwPg9cJjlsqMxgJ95dOyGFf3Xtm7KQFu4GhTAStQXykxnECs2RmojGd_Lk6TRqCEoEdl18nZie63OT_Vnjd-2tvHBPWdeQfdRhVIKPxoc9FCQ/s200/Pine+Bush,+NY+to+Niagara+Falls+BlvdUS-62+N+-+Google+Maps+-+Mozilla+Firefox+22102009+125108.jpg" border="0" /></a>The big adventure started on Saturday. <a href="http://www.dogobediencegroup.net/">Elizabeth</a> came over to collect a very excited Cagney and Lacey. Rob went off to the RV storage to load and hitch up the fifth wheel. We met up in the car park at work and then set off on the 350 mile trip to Niagara Falls. This was my first big trip out with the trailer and was a bit of a nervous passenger for a while. All went well. The roads were not crowded and the views were gorgeous up through tree lined hills. The Fall colours and the sunshine gave us lots to look at .... but not Rob as I made sure he was looking at the road. Towing a 40ft trailer means that fuel and food stops have to be thought out. You have to think like a trucker. Luckily ...... there's an Ap for that. (much to Robs disgust - he doesn't like Apple) I was able to see the truck stops along our route.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGslzR2wrqUW3KSAq6Wk5Dn0ZdKdXlOdneT7Wr6uaYMCEtlRxfHsvVcXueMTVHHQgO_mGDmkNde1XnJEoBLYkYSJrupCGuw72Aq8B5gjr5E3-D6H8TRudLWu8FK1aJl1S3oSz_A0Wa940/s1600-h/PICT6585.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395872939222632466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGslzR2wrqUW3KSAq6Wk5Dn0ZdKdXlOdneT7Wr6uaYMCEtlRxfHsvVcXueMTVHHQgO_mGDmkNde1XnJEoBLYkYSJrupCGuw72Aq8B5gjr5E3-D6H8TRudLWu8FK1aJl1S3oSz_A0Wa940/s200/PICT6585.jpg" border="0" /></a>We arrived after dark but the <a href="http://www.niagarafallscampground.net/">camp ground</a> had left us site instructions and it was an easy "pull through" so no problem getting set up. That gave us plenty of time to go see the American Falls lit up at night and then a treat for Catlin at the Hard Rock Cafe. By the time we got back to the RV the oil filled radiators had done their job and we settled down for a toasty night.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgS2L445vwfXR6lYyOFRwMUtVQ_FnpDCq73-gzGpuwsDABsp0e0vJYULgorPtnxE5Cwiu7Kj5PgH8VTDLbcxQdA_sIrPsw_U01ZfQr8-dwVutxJc-F9_5qam8bX2UjLTh2ohKqmLwc9I/s1600-h/P1010591.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395936308884173634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgS2L445vwfXR6lYyOFRwMUtVQ_FnpDCq73-gzGpuwsDABsp0e0vJYULgorPtnxE5Cwiu7Kj5PgH8VTDLbcxQdA_sIrPsw_U01ZfQr8-dwVutxJc-F9_5qam8bX2UjLTh2ohKqmLwc9I/s200/P1010591.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BN-oobJS7fVPxTu0Ub9dBRvGCdv-I25lGT_wrKENsqRtCETmt-Lglb4Elx-546w4e6bxvy0VMLXdBPR-HL0JcnX6_vuLhwdVsylX2KcVkODAR4_NAjCL7gVwtkTASjUxhjJQFx5ERAw/s1600-h/P1010543.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395936311181169938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BN-oobJS7fVPxTu0Ub9dBRvGCdv-I25lGT_wrKENsqRtCETmt-Lglb4Elx-546w4e6bxvy0VMLXdBPR-HL0JcnX6_vuLhwdVsylX2KcVkODAR4_NAjCL7gVwtkTASjUxhjJQFx5ERAw/s200/P1010543.JPG" border="0" /></a>The next morning brought a bright blue autumn sky. It was chilly but a perfect day to sightsee. First breakfast at Catlins favourite dinner - Dennys.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWPuxXV8wKn26KZVeN2qTRmR8NczCb4Eh2ogBy1879gd3_YUqC4Wkxpei9aH6SzqHHmwai3zcVbgx3zgeDEyTck5Bcx1NhzxuvXeA2yNjRlERypYujOxwDATrjeIDoYgbYGw7et_8Tpw/s1600-h/PICT6682.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395936309261341682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 119px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWPuxXV8wKn26KZVeN2qTRmR8NczCb4Eh2ogBy1879gd3_YUqC4Wkxpei9aH6SzqHHmwai3zcVbgx3zgeDEyTck5Bcx1NhzxuvXeA2yNjRlERypYujOxwDATrjeIDoYgbYGw7et_8Tpw/s200/PICT6682.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3csRSHZwhhnVBnoG0IWJFNougE4Oo4yhyZSFFYP9ihF4-a5emqa5d90Xnj7XmiQt7Vn7bFI3gHp_aiYBNR82JtY3ZLdLGgeA6fIj0S-zteg_8o6ZBLLgtZrIGR4Fa9u6LxxuJYvKufdA/s1600-h/PICT6642.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395945839164173714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 119px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3csRSHZwhhnVBnoG0IWJFNougE4Oo4yhyZSFFYP9ihF4-a5emqa5d90Xnj7XmiQt7Vn7bFI3gHp_aiYBNR82JtY3ZLdLGgeA6fIj0S-zteg_8o6ZBLLgtZrIGR4Fa9u6LxxuJYvKufdA/s200/PICT6642.jpg" border="0" /></a>After few more pancakes than is strictly needed, we headed off to park at <a href="http://www.niagarafallslive.com/goat_island_in_niagara_falls_new_york.htm">Goat Isla</a><a href="http://www.niagarafallslive.com/goat_island_in_niagara_falls_new_york.htm">nd</a> and then to explore the falls.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYC_QjkaSusJuW4DzjgCNc2U9DxdS0RXe7TaY_uPSUZf5eeC3v5HL3HI1NGIP8e0wDB38ehJYmFJ6cnRudZhEmx4FFoy6KcJbzNxAUGvfbtEOdQd5cX6z4qQZ60I8rpEX-bOQ_onURg4/s1600-h/PICT6718.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395873424375014018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 71px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 107px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYC_QjkaSusJuW4DzjgCNc2U9DxdS0RXe7TaY_uPSUZf5eeC3v5HL3HI1NGIP8e0wDB38ehJYmFJ6cnRudZhEmx4FFoy6KcJbzNxAUGvfbtEOdQd5cX6z4qQZ60I8rpEX-bOQ_onURg4/s200/PICT6718.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgDOBQU_wv7H8gGY1fZDWpoA2ec9yhjcB9U7vzTcFvQBbaF59IenLSOd5hEGNBiBTXk0A7VDRsEUtQ9XbAhwm-LK1v4slEfAnVIGQrA0BFcUntKZBINHrwRnkUpw3NQ9ueUXZyqFX4VA/s1600-h/PICT6756.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395873426111372706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 70px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 106px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgDOBQU_wv7H8gGY1fZDWpoA2ec9yhjcB9U7vzTcFvQBbaF59IenLSOd5hEGNBiBTXk0A7VDRsEUtQ9XbAhwm-LK1v4slEfAnVIGQrA0BFcUntKZBINHrwRnkUpw3NQ9ueUXZyqFX4VA/s200/PICT6756.jpg" border="0" /></a>From the overlook at the US side of the Horseshoe Falls, we walked along to The American Falls and then over the rapids to Rainbow Bridge Where you cross into Canada. Catlin thought that it was funny that her Mum had made her walk all the way from America to Canada.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTKBqa2ZT3ZnQWovXQX-4uYQUVJCqudwIjQIHs8RNY80amvtiZLlu6Qho-S5a7JhGUn22hCsVHCiRUPotiPyEKfsOF9QfTNCImR6Yh_Iz4t2b16-ekAyrOjsz0gX845CMqcfQmoPYPqg/s1600-h/PICT6768.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395873437750207890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 119px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTKBqa2ZT3ZnQWovXQX-4uYQUVJCqudwIjQIHs8RNY80amvtiZLlu6Qho-S5a7JhGUn22hCsVHCiRUPotiPyEKfsOF9QfTNCImR6Yh_Iz4t2b16-ekAyrOjsz0gX845CMqcfQmoPYPqg/s200/PICT6768.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoP9vqndkEmjAIIOGdyReor75j2JZY60OSlmCUsSDfRPwKpwdhYuSXdRnlhYWfXwMnFgVn1lHqIFZFexm_oMfss5sSVIR53BD8fwfGwENq0lO8jO9Xo8WfrSHijzT8fQa-qJCbt1RnH6Y/s1600-h/PICT6698.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395873422083072258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 119px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoP9vqndkEmjAIIOGdyReor75j2JZY60OSlmCUsSDfRPwKpwdhYuSXdRnlhYWfXwMnFgVn1lHqIFZFexm_oMfss5sSVIR53BD8fwfGwENq0lO8jO9Xo8WfrSHijzT8fQa-qJCbt1RnH6Y/s200/PICT6698.jpg" border="0" /></a>I had always been told that the Canadian side of the falls was "Tacky". Whilst the seaside style amusements were <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_ySXtKY85TQqVBQieAoPE6KeAyKimZJ6dfLaD2jY8Wuq90xE43_8BHhMM6PUxLmXiJ5qGM0vYSBZwwtT-gmbK9XwBMAEdWPIVGUUxNnQGUeWQ99hVxVtLllDZrlgel9R7_IZb79yaCM/s1600-h/PICT6608.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396180423701009474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 119px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_ySXtKY85TQqVBQieAoPE6KeAyKimZJ6dfLaD2jY8Wuq90xE43_8BHhMM6PUxLmXiJ5qGM0vYSBZwwtT-gmbK9XwBMAEdWPIVGUUxNnQGUeWQ99hVxVtLllDZrlgel9R7_IZb79yaCM/s200/PICT6608.jpg" border="0" /></a>more evident, the parkland around the falls was clean and very well presented. The views are certainly the best. We were all glad that we made the effort. After a very long day we collapsed back in the RV with a carry out pizza and sore feet.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZCrsHkSW4eMwik_3ZsFibdpNnYtdIvOtmTXrnYgylVlXVSZRsA5mFD6mjuzDdB-NY4XNUnbBkq6CyCqBtuCY2prCw9MjNlDqfCrRxm7BwqRICBKT7w8h9fmx4fB6nyOuOHpgJbkhyFo/s1600-h/PICT6797-01a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396180434471566034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 79px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 119px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZCrsHkSW4eMwik_3ZsFibdpNnYtdIvOtmTXrnYgylVlXVSZRsA5mFD6mjuzDdB-NY4XNUnbBkq6CyCqBtuCY2prCw9MjNlDqfCrRxm7BwqRICBKT7w8h9fmx4fB6nyOuOHpgJbkhyFo/s200/PICT6797-01a.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8bgimPiQsu9S_TUIXPLAsn75MIwsM4-3RP5McdTrgOXuY72a4a9khS0-0jZa4q6Ke6L5Fgo5RS25IdGriLkh2MkRZN4uJXVussTo1U0zxaryw7eiBSg8_krTer0revZx9LZ_DNyFNX8/s1600-h/PICT6788.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396180429474216706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 177px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 119px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8bgimPiQsu9S_TUIXPLAsn75MIwsM4-3RP5McdTrgOXuY72a4a9khS0-0jZa4q6Ke6L5Fgo5RS25IdGriLkh2MkRZN4uJXVussTo1U0zxaryw7eiBSg8_krTer0revZx9LZ_DNyFNX8/s200/PICT6788.jpg" border="0" /></a>Next morning we were all up early and off to <a href="http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/79/details.aspx">Letchworth State Park</a> with breakfast on the way. It was an hour and a bit away through more <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zP5-Evccm-lpSF-O3bP4yLExg6-_uWOrwf2h9rcCVCN2Zi8LO-_cZdKJI6S9rSh2ptC9g1AIKbnSAci-AWlHJkknFxgiCS19jAYTcrKZR0AzUkcgphB5QSOE6szKXK7QLeAEWJeVo1E/s1600-h/P1010626.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395872523293666690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zP5-Evccm-lpSF-O3bP4yLExg6-_uWOrwf2h9rcCVCN2Zi8LO-_cZdKJI6S9rSh2ptC9g1AIKbnSAci-AWlHJkknFxgiCS19jAYTcrKZR0AzUkcgphB5QSOE6szKXK7QLeAEWJeVo1E/s200/P1010626.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oqPGmmc7g2V39e_ieBzAQ3n4U38EYr46i1i1HWAypJWO2LaC7rNAomu495lwUK758CHL78buao-WFe6aeNdLKYs4TSu3pMN6yq0-FW4cBH4XVaPPAyTeRNRQpm9BDg3BVAF04etk-38/s1600-h/P1010628a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395872527163665410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 64px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oqPGmmc7g2V39e_ieBzAQ3n4U38EYr46i1i1HWAypJWO2LaC7rNAomu495lwUK758CHL78buao-WFe6aeNdLKYs4TSu3pMN6yq0-FW4cBH4XVaPPAyTeRNRQpm9BDg3BVAF04etk-38/s200/P1010628a.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXsPmhmb4F1-66TIWoguyY32F6HfihuAfLqnaflCHFmRRa27iprQICJHiqPaw6Er26pqIjM568Zi_0BdGIQz-7r27tDF9HUz1d6yN8LnIJiWW3ub9OC7nsfO-7E6AEWDsxVF65HcI4Ss/s1600-h/P1010629a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395872929263291026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 58px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 78px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXsPmhmb4F1-66TIWoguyY32F6HfihuAfLqnaflCHFmRRa27iprQICJHiqPaw6Er26pqIjM568Zi_0BdGIQz-7r27tDF9HUz1d6yN8LnIJiWW3ub9OC7nsfO-7E6AEWDsxVF65HcI4Ss/s200/P1010629a.jpg" border="0" /></a>lovely countryside. Once again the weather gods were on our side with beautiful blue skies.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDkWPCZsBwzd2S1oxqqEJ51I0d_S6TpHb5I-aaIdSvWQHd7d1gsorcBMAzjqklC-NKXmtn7lZ1Et1ndjdELSwdTNstGc5ZQLCeJ-AS6Fq3di6dvjz9g7ox5FTfVC4HVS5exLAQ4IKAyo/s1600-h/PICT6866.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396180423816517746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 70px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 106px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDkWPCZsBwzd2S1oxqqEJ51I0d_S6TpHb5I-aaIdSvWQHd7d1gsorcBMAzjqklC-NKXmtn7lZ1Et1ndjdELSwdTNstGc5ZQLCeJ-AS6Fq3di6dvjz9g7ox5FTfVC4HVS5exLAQ4IKAyo/s200/PICT6866.jpg" border="0" /></a>The park is centred on a gorge and a number of waterfalls. There are a bunch of paths set out through the woods with great views of the water. This must be the best time of the year. We spent the day at a gentle stroll while Rob ran around taking a million photos (of the same thing :-) There was even an ice cream stop deep in the woods. It is also possible to lodge in the park. We came<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNtD9bnHpHtBYjA4kjvBeUS6sloG6q58TySjJJtGkr3hjXuL-4_wUvMIPsMjIf_0MUHRqyyG2bNMl50XhIlqeopI3ytEUoUMkbE_QJOtLwTn2dj-G5OxMT8dx7B6KFRhsxuwRAQRs0Bg/s1600-h/PICT6869-01a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396194290512452594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 119px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNtD9bnHpHtBYjA4kjvBeUS6sloG6q58TySjJJtGkr3hjXuL-4_wUvMIPsMjIf_0MUHRqyyG2bNMl50XhIlqeopI3ytEUoUMkbE_QJOtLwTn2dj-G5OxMT8dx7B6KFRhsxuwRAQRs0Bg/s200/PICT6869-01a.jpg" border="0" /></a> across the old place serving up afternoon tea on the veranda. Inside was quite ornate with stained glass set in the windows. It was lots of fun to travel with Kat and Catlin. Catlin even had time to carve up a Pumpkin. I can't believe how quickly she is growing up.<br />Looking out of the window <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gkrycZObkbmnPm1moHOiuItSnRqFF7OF78sv1iCWeOHK3Qg4HOzX0oHwyBxzhfyAp79MhB_4JWt2CbxIdzEhKsxy1S_ZtngYzjrnrKG_0a6x_srqnJB1QIEkAkCcdHSP7MPHHB3aafk/s1600-h/PICT6530.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395872936478520770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 79px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 119px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gkrycZObkbmnPm1moHOiuItSnRqFF7OF78sv1iCWeOHK3Qg4HOzX0oHwyBxzhfyAp79MhB_4JWt2CbxIdzEhKsxy1S_ZtngYzjrnrKG_0a6x_srqnJB1QIEkAkCcdHSP7MPHHB3aafk/s200/PICT6530.jpg" border="0" /></a>today couldn't be more different. The rain has been falling all night and there is a very autumnal smell in the air. The old boy has been blowing leaves around this week although they seem to be blowing back just as quickly. He asked me to include pictures of a couple of the wild creatures that he has found in the garden.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotsru750A70gxdKMbmDpboS8warKl-L2rxuyzjLIDZbmcqnB-IigGqMeAqb4srSeSXNgIG07H6rOl7i8Z2bzXzSHJF81XpgLPkYcH1DqShOJ5mfprZatVUaOx1PJA-SqwbOuIfLwyd1E/s1600-h/PICT6878.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396194283669967090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 119px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotsru750A70gxdKMbmDpboS8warKl-L2rxuyzjLIDZbmcqnB-IigGqMeAqb4srSeSXNgIG07H6rOl7i8Z2bzXzSHJF81XpgLPkYcH1DqShOJ5mfprZatVUaOx1PJA-SqwbOuIfLwyd1E/s200/PICT6878.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div>lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-82815450848064008002009-09-21T13:19:00.000-07:002009-09-27T17:40:47.591-07:00September went sooo fast !!!<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhtK2ZfwMXLfyG5bBfAZtB3aOC7vFYVCuzwFfIrfZUVShjelkZlpjSgeMo0HRvfBCb18PJVsb4Rq_cKa6MaGU80JLkB3luaJTU9F6vaWCzFhb4B_CfPynk9O7jzx1F0BBLrnoJqsIBA8/s1600-h/PICT6527.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 155px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhtK2ZfwMXLfyG5bBfAZtB3aOC7vFYVCuzwFfIrfZUVShjelkZlpjSgeMo0HRvfBCb18PJVsb4Rq_cKa6MaGU80JLkB3luaJTU9F6vaWCzFhb4B_CfPynk9O7jzx1F0BBLrnoJqsIBA8/s200/PICT6527.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386304665749537586" border="0" /></a>We started with a bang, Sarah's 22nd birthday a move into a new home and Alana starting a new nursery. Add to that all the training courses she is doing and life is definitely changing.</div><div> </div><br /><div>Back here in the US it was labour day on September the 4th and I took the Friday before off so that we could have a nice long weekend. Although I spent the Friday running between my long arm quilter and my embroidery machine not sure what part of that counted as a rest ! except for the fact it was very satisfying finally getting the chance to finish some of my projects.</div><div> </div><br /><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxH7QI1o1PcOHq6_zeL4ZDiPTCczJqcI9GZ4_GNuEN4MVDDOiNQ8lGXSmXchyphenhyphenBWLOG3dp7cezh88IAA9PSvFvenDWeDb-x1XcKUgWZRN8ZzzBsqUWaH8v9ZGmqRwA5BcZDIxM7UXl5-wQ/s1600-h/PICT6523-01a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxH7QI1o1PcOHq6_zeL4ZDiPTCczJqcI9GZ4_GNuEN4MVDDOiNQ8lGXSmXchyphenhyphenBWLOG3dp7cezh88IAA9PSvFvenDWeDb-x1XcKUgWZRN8ZzzBsqUWaH8v9ZGmqRwA5BcZDIxM7UXl5-wQ/s200/PICT6523-01a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386304663083530194" border="0" /></a>On the Saturday we had a lady come to the house to help train the dogs, we very quickly realised it was not the dogs that needed training but us and after about 3 hours she had us working the right way and sure enough the dogs were doing just what we wanted them to. She also taught Rob how to clip their nails without inflicting injury and left us with a pile of homework to make sure we did not go back to our bad habits. Sunday we met Gil and Sarah at the dog park and proudly displayed our new found skills they were not as impressed as we would have liked!</div><br /><div> </div>Sunday night was great, we went to our very first "drive in" movie. Gil and Sarah came with us and helped us not to stand out too much by guiding us on where to park and what to do. We watched 500 days of Summer which was a lot of fun. We will definitely do this again in the future.<div> </div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TfOZDAOA8VHCvVVrRWCkGMBXKvcQKTAVp0c_jI4qFbvRYEyOztl3cM5JiOnEqK62tf6IpkY3e1WCqPWI8bvRbtvKIl-YP7ZkTF0-qyVGFs1okzCHkGDWhmARyfqARfZPmIaH_YjaXxQ/s1600-h/P1010503.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 71px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TfOZDAOA8VHCvVVrRWCkGMBXKvcQKTAVp0c_jI4qFbvRYEyOztl3cM5JiOnEqK62tf6IpkY3e1WCqPWI8bvRbtvKIl-YP7ZkTF0-qyVGFs1okzCHkGDWhmARyfqARfZPmIaH_YjaXxQ/s200/P1010503.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386304319637464018" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKbhQM5-UopeKVW-Pfhyphenhyphen3JlrIdKXtBkPbHrh1403zEpoShrQ1Hmtr1AoHKEx3DfHRC47yWXw2GG_EnxtkOm4QSQbHENPF26bNVYB0s44cyYyKJ3bTfIzZzl6daeu5qhYIOHJc0JsKlKo/s1600-h/P1010504.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 73px; height: 121px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKbhQM5-UopeKVW-Pfhyphenhyphen3JlrIdKXtBkPbHrh1403zEpoShrQ1Hmtr1AoHKEx3DfHRC47yWXw2GG_EnxtkOm4QSQbHENPF26bNVYB0s44cyYyKJ3bTfIzZzl6daeu5qhYIOHJc0JsKlKo/s200/P1010504.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386304325988655426" border="0" /></a>The following weekend we finally got the chance to try out the Fifth Wheel - we booked a space at a site about 10miles away just to make sure we could get back home if we had any teething problems. We arrived on the site at about 6.30 on Friday evening and thank goodness everything worked in the trailer and we were able to settle in very quickly complete with the dogs. We were also really surprised to see that Brian from the office was on the site opposite. We had a really nice weekend, very relaxing and we had some fun looking at the early hallowe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4HhGdC_r80gswALqVeFyBbX56VEAf7qKDaeM9HrAHfKBc4n9h3UMT5yzDCah00vkZqtA7X3IZaMVTw46SlJjOFXEj6Gsc60EXx3Te8nVfhEWlIm-yYmx_V35C88OYDdnDQ0hPt76eE8/s1600-h/P1010500.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 88px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4HhGdC_r80gswALqVeFyBbX56VEAf7qKDaeM9HrAHfKBc4n9h3UMT5yzDCah00vkZqtA7X3IZaMVTw46SlJjOFXEj6Gsc60EXx3Te8nVfhEWlIm-yYmx_V35C88OYDdnDQ0hPt76eE8/s200/P1010500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386304311692131282" border="0" /></a>en stuff that Brian had added to his site.</div><br /><div>We packed up on the Sunday and took the trailer back to the storage location only to find that the electronic lock was not working. We spent a very interesting 45 minutes trying to manoeuvre the 40ft trailer into a parking spot - I think at the last count, it was probably a 32 point turn b<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0FWrscftzJk9Ht_ODt4ntDaydvO4NPtVyr0KlO_8C2Y6RQ5K16ktcqlX7_qy7xy5pppODqrXZGqxy4CEJCSU0QtBLLlJrQFTG-rJdv763cQAWKKtaFtYSO_ONUzmANR3tKzk8-hLRMI/s1600-h/PICT6501.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 88px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0FWrscftzJk9Ht_ODt4ntDaydvO4NPtVyr0KlO_8C2Y6RQ5K16ktcqlX7_qy7xy5pppODqrXZGqxy4CEJCSU0QtBLLlJrQFTG-rJdv763cQAWKKtaFtYSO_ONUzmANR3tKzk8-hLRMI/s200/PICT6501.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386304649640939442" border="0" /></a>ut we did it and then w<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHZhnRqxOUWAYa0fqmixfGKQmd2i26eCpfEJtg4QSve9evu6-mLdZa-mIE1Ww9xlrUZuWeiFBq8TYsAVmI2q7tdrxxV9tjIqYnk0AX73Dsv8Iq-h1eqyD568xkRKbIfyvgqb3TFLyFoY/s1600-h/PICT6506.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHZhnRqxOUWAYa0fqmixfGKQmd2i26eCpfEJtg4QSve9evu6-mLdZa-mIE1Ww9xlrUZuWeiFBq8TYsAVmI2q7tdrxxV9tjIqYnk0AX73Dsv8Iq-h1eqyD568xkRKbIfyvgqb3TFLyFoY/s200/PICT6506.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386304656024453442" border="0" /></a>ent back the next morning after they fixed the lock to store it properly.</div><div><br />This weekend we have had beautiful weather - but Autumn is arriving very fast. We walked the dogs up to Sam's point and then went to buy some plants, pumpkins etc. to create a nice little Fall tableau on the front door steps ( when in Rome do a<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuf_qQ1qYC2exksqKm7cp4TwpoUFNbAuaDGuxGUYWutJA32xhqlX_MflGNikk7qzhecsg7z9ESHzlJte__qBX_SnWJfmLNhiQTzTIqEsYg3eoqbIqisWLdl7eXcZL6yHlU09uInnD4RUQ/s1600-h/PICT6495-01a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 66px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuf_qQ1qYC2exksqKm7cp4TwpoUFNbAuaDGuxGUYWutJA32xhqlX_MflGNikk7qzhecsg7z9ESHzlJte__qBX_SnWJfmLNhiQTzTIqEsYg3eoqbIqisWLdl7eXcZL6yHlU09uInnD4RUQ/s200/PICT6495-01a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386304854172670914" border="0" /></a>s the Romans ...... :-)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ev-cAkeGKO_ZJX9GNaIfjcspvKoTE5iA1RYDXBM8pEXQ-LRSyjkCnduJQgYOWv-eQfwb3K1dRvtZEOyS6FSO7d0UvWdv3dLWucNef7VFBCLNm6AvXHvIE3C0SNZOQbSogGP9vG6lH84/s1600-h/P1010515.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ev-cAkeGKO_ZJX9GNaIfjcspvKoTE5iA1RYDXBM8pEXQ-LRSyjkCnduJQgYOWv-eQfwb3K1dRvtZEOyS6FSO7d0UvWdv3dLWucNef7VFBCLNm6AvXHvIE3C0SNZOQbSogGP9vG6lH84/s200/P1010515.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386304333488491666" border="0" /></a></div>lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-33547948467865652992009-08-17T17:47:00.000-07:002009-08-21T07:40:44.564-07:00Go West Young Man (artistic license with "young")For some time now, we have had a plan to travel this country and to see all the wonders it has to offer. There is so much to see that a lifetime of "normal" vacations could not do it justice. Well these vacations will have to do right now but we are gearing up for that really big adventure. We have been looking for something we could call "home" no matter where we found ourselves, summer or winter. Our search for a 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span> wheel travel trailer has reached a conclusion and so I sent the Old Boy on a mission, halfway across the country to drag back our very own "big rig". He was gone a lot longer than we had planned for and to mark the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occasion</span> for this blog only, I'll let him tell the story .............<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiHrHmuW2IDbL1kN8ymBBRHthwn1U4-lBA9oqfJOWEU4V0Ze2a8K2GHxk38WLw55qFKkXGaV2Cfpo7g6HFcP3nHXITTCM5xmTStXAueRkY0kLYHJxysEttBRvTXZNzy0OL1mHUyZd4CQ/s1600-h/PICT6441.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371100703840469538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiHrHmuW2IDbL1kN8ymBBRHthwn1U4-lBA9oqfJOWEU4V0Ze2a8K2GHxk38WLw55qFKkXGaV2Cfpo7g6HFcP3nHXITTCM5xmTStXAueRkY0kLYHJxysEttBRvTXZNzy0OL1mHUyZd4CQ/s200/PICT6441.jpg" /></a>We had been looking at a very specific make of 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span> wheel travel trailer for some time. The "Americana" brand specialises in 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span> wheels for "full timers". If you are going to live in it all year around, it has to have a more robust build specification to cope with four seasons and the greater mileage that would be expected. After lots of useful email conversations with the factory, it was clear that, although we were on the right track, we would have to wait a couple more years to save enough to get the one we wanted. Just as we had resigned ourselves to a couple more seasons in the "pop-up" trailer, Lynne spotted a second hand Americana on the web. These are as rare as rocking horse manure and so we decided to investigate. Lots of emails and phone calls later, Lynne packed me a small bag and told me not to come back without our very own Americana".<br />Well, it wasn't quite as simple as that because, although we had just taken delivery of the new Dodge 3500 truck, I still had to order and fit the hitch. For those who are now lost, the 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span> wheel hitch fits in the bed of the truck and allows the trailer to connect just like an articulated lorry does. Instead of the trailer weight being right at the back, the 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span> wheel arrangement positions the load right over the back axle. This gives a much smoother and safer ride. To complicate matters, our truck has a short bed requiring a special "<a href="http://www.pullrite.com/superglide.htm">slider hitch</a>". I ordered one online and it arrived a few days later on the back of a 40 foot lorry. I had to meet it at the bottom of the drive as there was no way he was getting up to us. The three packages weighed a ton (not literally) and I was beginning to wonder how I would manage the install on my own. It was leap of faith to drill holes in the new truck but it all worked out with the timely assistance of our friend Gil who supplied the extra muscle. Just a Monday wait for the UPS man to bring the <a href="http://www.brakecontroller.com/prodigy1.htm">brake controller</a> and I was ready to leave. I waited for Lynne to come home from work so we could eat together and then I was off. I didn't know it at the time but I would not be back home for nearly two weeks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Burgvju_LWu0AJbDmnJiOFbUr63ozHN6cHJ9wzGsdIDfpnZpsLmRsEAbtuuPPzjitreabtLwz65QvuihaIhLbmpSQRaoO2G_NqydP_UZKdbye0zrKGBtYR8FHRdtydFpOr5FMqIQP-I/s1600-h/Pine+Bush,+NY+12566+to+County+Rd-452+-+Google+Maps+-+Mozilla+Firefox+17082009+132052.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 144px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371513986706473650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Burgvju_LWu0AJbDmnJiOFbUr63ozHN6cHJ9wzGsdIDfpnZpsLmRsEAbtuuPPzjitreabtLwz65QvuihaIhLbmpSQRaoO2G_NqydP_UZKdbye0zrKGBtYR8FHRdtydFpOr5FMqIQP-I/s200/Pine+Bush,+NY+12566+to+County+Rd-452+-+Google+Maps+-+Mozilla+Firefox+17082009+132052.jpg" /></a>The "Americana" was 1250 miles away near the small town of Winona in southern Missouri. My very first all American "road trip". All 2400 miles of it. Just to put it into perspective, that's over a third of the way to the west coast and back! Google maps gave me two different routes to choose from so I decided to that the hillier route down and save the flatter one for the haul back. The first evening took me around 230 miles out of NY state and well into Pennsylvania. The Super 8 motel had all I needed and I was up and on the road at 6 the next morning. It would be 15 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9JKY90pe_oPVknit3PnOqCOIp4coZNZbaOujSyBREsSzi5wckhl5si2uyeZ_17Idj87LcQ8GtEIXiR_zntPqyPhhx11CsV9A-rYWGG6t-4NCnei0iJm8eDM_GNv2PJKPNZjzYXb4iY0/s1600-h/Pine+Bush,+NY+12566+to+County+Rd-452+-+Google+Maps+-+Mozilla+Firefox+17082009+132018.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 114px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371513975421379730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9JKY90pe_oPVknit3PnOqCOIp4coZNZbaOujSyBREsSzi5wckhl5si2uyeZ_17Idj87LcQ8GtEIXiR_zntPqyPhhx11CsV9A-rYWGG6t-4NCnei0iJm8eDM_GNv2PJKPNZjzYXb4iY0/s200/Pine+Bush,+NY+12566+to+County+Rd-452+-+Google+Maps+-+Mozilla+Firefox+17082009+132018.jpg" /></a>hours, 750 miles, Maryland, West Virginia and most of Kentucky before I would pull in to the next Super 8 in the middle of a thunderstorm and power failure. I really enjoyed that days drive. The hills and valleys of Pennsylvania looks like South Wales on steroids. This gives way to the rolling farmland of Maryland and then the wooded greenery of West Virginia and Kentucky. As the day and the miles rolled on the skies darkened and it was clear that I was travelling into bad weather. I didn't know, until I saw the night time news, quite how bad it was. I had been watching the developing storm cloud for well over an hour and could see that it was dragging air in from all directions. As I approached Lexington, <a href="http://www.weather.com/outlook/photo/read/weather/CAA36F9E-79D7-4B6E-9841-5ED9108731B8?from=photos_search_results">the sky</a> began to light up and heavy rain and hail started to pound down. The busy four lane highway was at a crawl and the wind had now become fierce. Leaves and small branches were now littering the road. <a href="http://www.weather.com/outlook/photo/read/weather/D1F88C87-7BCF-449B-9AA5-21DB2584281A?from=photos_search_results">Low hanging cloud</a> tendrils were moving fast across the sky and I began to wonder if I was close to a tornado. People were stopping at the side of the road with hazard lights flashing and the space under <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Bridges</span> seemed to be a favourite spot. I was in two minds but figured that the locals might know something and pulled over with thunder and lightning directly overhead. In any case I could hardly see. After ten minutes, or so, the wind and rain moved on and traffic started to flow again. Wow! I have never been in such extreme weather. For the next 10 miles, or so, I saw broken trees and passed numerous emergency vehicles on the way to help some poor individual. I arrived that evening, at the next Super 8 on the edge of Kentucky, with more thunder and lightning and a power blackout.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJjw1RWO6B13C_IYbqBE9gilihTAHnNF4V3bobmt2ONT11nJpI33K7vncWewG7fTDtX5m9s5HR2YyNCMGBfzaVHPKpVmddvsLhpnWgxZI7XhlaKWPZ4tTX52jeDzBcMfse-CYe09S64s/s1600-h/Birch+Tree,+MO+65438+-+Google+Maps+-+Mozilla+Firefox+17082009+140532.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 297px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371099948187536994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJjw1RWO6B13C_IYbqBE9gilihTAHnNF4V3bobmt2ONT11nJpI33K7vncWewG7fTDtX5m9s5HR2YyNCMGBfzaVHPKpVmddvsLhpnWgxZI7XhlaKWPZ4tTX52jeDzBcMfse-CYe09S64s/s200/Birch+Tree,+MO+65438+-+Google+Maps+-+Mozilla+Firefox+17082009+140532.jpg" /></a>It didn't matter to me, that there was no power. I just went out like the lights. I was up early and on the road again for the final leg. The GPS had me doing a big loop and I figured, from the old fashioned map, that I could cut straight across and save miles. I worked out just fine and was another reminder that the GPS cannot be followed slavishly. The short cut had me going a very interesting route that took me over two very narrow bridges and through three states in less than ten minutes. Out of Kentucky, over the Ohio River into Illinois, over the Mississippi into Missouri. The last 100 miles to my destination seemed to fly by.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5If0efn1B6YxAr5dBYKFllQ5kB3qIPgTZyMUpqHu-JvgjWE4NDx-DcPW-z5DS1C-NmNOEXm197rxOmppwaKvGlpVKyf7-d5y7yOT6V6ycA72_9X6AwZ_2ajJeDUiQ53LuJOqKnd-gxw/s1600-h/PICT6461.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 105px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 142px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371513973918386866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5If0efn1B6YxAr5dBYKFllQ5kB3qIPgTZyMUpqHu-JvgjWE4NDx-DcPW-z5DS1C-NmNOEXm197rxOmppwaKvGlpVKyf7-d5y7yOT6V6ycA72_9X6AwZ_2ajJeDUiQ53LuJOqKnd-gxw/s200/PICT6461.jpg" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkMlqtW11nKSaRsEJf2v1C8zQdHodr7jV2eevbgQDf2xj9LoJUSN9aUTb084le5OwANw1MfDqmypNPkG-vg6T4erV1WkLCQYuOQEgKRjG5EcnrEHu2CxPNz-WOYuo_d7S36CGosX2vHg/s1600-h/Rob+%26+Oscar.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 143px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 141px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371513987890106258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkMlqtW11nKSaRsEJf2v1C8zQdHodr7jV2eevbgQDf2xj9LoJUSN9aUTb084le5OwANw1MfDqmypNPkG-vg6T4erV1WkLCQYuOQEgKRjG5EcnrEHu2CxPNz-WOYuo_d7S36CGosX2vHg/s200/Rob+%26+Oscar.jpg" /></a>Lee and Linda had given me great directions and I found their place in the forest with no problems. The RV was just as described and, having agreed the sale, I set to work making the few mods needed to match my tow hitch. The original plan was that I would take a couple of days to rest, make the mods, familiarise myself with the unit and then head off back to New York. Well the mods took a little longer than expected and then we found a more serious hitch related problem that needed spare parts and the use of a hack saw! With the weekend disrupting the parts delivery, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Branums</span></span> found themselves with an unexpected house guest. I was fed and watered very well, made two new doggy friends in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shoben</span></span>(?) and Oscar and had a chance to look around the area.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ckd5z0wQI13YRfeziReQFB3Xb98xQuPzr2DcsXNZlTnaZFqJjq58dX8NZ-nAvwOsb7hhIaW1d_zz8Xdo5EXOuAjHFGNVOwYpHCP27oMl4uFQpJ0Yo1MBt8ndwoxfDRJtoKU_PTHRaRY/s1600-h/PICT6415.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371100350616451922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ckd5z0wQI13YRfeziReQFB3Xb98xQuPzr2DcsXNZlTnaZFqJjq58dX8NZ-nAvwOsb7hhIaW1d_zz8Xdo5EXOuAjHFGNVOwYpHCP27oMl4uFQpJ0Yo1MBt8ndwoxfDRJtoKU_PTHRaRY/s200/PICT6415.jpg" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-49WH-CFDjoBWpu6-AUFfjw27lKmJNWCM4ED84iM4yClOa3yo_qFd7i-UA0QT2L78fFh9ehC6vfgOxoaN4NRyHKAYEB18EeyDhorYf6EjOyLNSCAIaWKF5_EbnzaXBiDUOymEj_Um9o/s1600-h/PICT6416.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 88px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371100356695524242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-49WH-CFDjoBWpu6-AUFfjw27lKmJNWCM4ED84iM4yClOa3yo_qFd7i-UA0QT2L78fFh9ehC6vfgOxoaN4NRyHKAYEB18EeyDhorYf6EjOyLNSCAIaWKF5_EbnzaXBiDUOymEj_Um9o/s200/PICT6416.jpg" /></a>The area grew rapidly with Americas rail road and the need for lumber. Thousands worked long hours cutting, chopping and sawing timber into rail road ties and roofing shingles. The lumber industry is still important today but it is a shadow of the boom days. L & L volunteer at a local conservation centre. It helps to educate the young people of southern Missouri to the history of the exploitation of the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OZiJ9hTNw-SVdHdJPId-3eMnjrRnAe1ZqVeMG5c5Wy5gXsOB4tBaBEt6EGhy31dQxmxeINV4rBrMHj1Y6sTUq9DAAO9Lfngx1Bj_f6nOYlp-TqtpovluK4LM5k0XOtqKWxH18zX2Nqk/s1600-h/PICT6420.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 146px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 95px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371100368213575074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OZiJ9hTNw-SVdHdJPId-3eMnjrRnAe1ZqVeMG5c5Wy5gXsOB4tBaBEt6EGhy31dQxmxeINV4rBrMHj1Y6sTUq9DAAO9Lfngx1Bj_f6nOYlp-TqtpovluK4LM5k0XOtqKWxH18zX2Nqk/s200/PICT6420.jpg" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNdRoQ_Fp46zfizs8GaDjnHXvMpgeEVmEGJEf0re8k1YprR7QyoY_eGBRzFxa5jo76diKE6eqHCRO9e3t45ny98dZqaemJzbMYwzCQ_hWuz09B8-b1qNqxPc_xytO8v1aPY_THKeNFUw/s1600-h/PICT6417.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 145px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 96px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371100364486014114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNdRoQ_Fp46zfizs8GaDjnHXvMpgeEVmEGJEf0re8k1YprR7QyoY_eGBRzFxa5jo76diKE6eqHCRO9e3t45ny98dZqaemJzbMYwzCQ_hWuz09B8-b1qNqxPc_xytO8v1aPY_THKeNFUw/s200/PICT6417.jpg" /></a>forest and the importance of environmental management. The Twin Pines Centre is an excellent facility for school field trips. Amongst the exhibits are a typical Missouri cabin, a single room school house and many reminders of the machinery associated with the lumber trade. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmMcW004BXsbPO1Os0nwvfXEERvp2Vv06m6hQM2OdjCYxBDgZNiU91GK05Vysp4f6JF6I9kVJbZOEFrNNshsa_bPkzpzZjP8ehB0urZDS_fqw2Z8LzXMIriu7yU5c8oJWcY-QNF98eww/s1600-h/PICT6433.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 143px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 96px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371100695666288402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmMcW004BXsbPO1Os0nwvfXEERvp2Vv06m6hQM2OdjCYxBDgZNiU91GK05Vysp4f6JF6I9kVJbZOEFrNNshsa_bPkzpzZjP8ehB0urZDS_fqw2Z8LzXMIriu7yU5c8oJWcY-QNF98eww/s200/PICT6433.jpg" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDvqCq9lTCHMT8wUanCttwu66dAl15CugeLBIdFKi8x21qwvvpSETlhCJE8EWCqO4YmkfMLsemFTnsnWkCUNsok-Q3RYo9TtGlNeWKHIFoaZpcGTR2d0reebZh9QZS0VwXKXlZ-GDq2k/s1600-h/PICT6427.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 144px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 95px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371100694830844850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDvqCq9lTCHMT8wUanCttwu66dAl15CugeLBIdFKi8x21qwvvpSETlhCJE8EWCqO4YmkfMLsemFTnsnWkCUNsok-Q3RYo9TtGlNeWKHIFoaZpcGTR2d0reebZh9QZS0VwXKXlZ-GDq2k/s200/PICT6427.jpg" /></a>The centre is a fine facility and a lot of hard work goes into it.<br />The decline of the timber industry has meant that whole communities, that once thrived, have now disappeared. One example is Alley Springs. The only thing left of this once busy village is the restored mill at the edge of the spring which surfaces at this l<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">ocation</span></span>. It's <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SoY9HdMQDO7GuHF2TOreNg4ogk1zMW45DIWFCOYColRNVtClCWzC1TmifJbUBgvjW13GqtmexWJ9_F6c86dJgHEyLqw42XskW-o8W4fq8ji3Oc5lgB02s1tZvDC79Wa_3UpdR3q5dFI/s1600-h/PICT6405.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371099967344751202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SoY9HdMQDO7GuHF2TOreNg4ogk1zMW45DIWFCOYColRNVtClCWzC1TmifJbUBgvjW13GqtmexWJ9_F6c86dJgHEyLqw42XskW-o8W4fq8ji3Oc5lgB02s1tZvDC79Wa_3UpdR3q5dFI/s200/PICT6405.jpg" /></a>hard to imaging the volume of water that just bubbles up from the ground. <a href="http://www.eminencemo.com/springscaveshistoricsites.html">This part of the USA</a> is a long way from the sea and so people take advantage of the the rivers for recreation. At Rocky falls the river cascades down a natural water flume and into a large bathing pool. Families were out enjoying the sunshine just like being at the beach.<br />As part of their love of the natural world, Lee and Linda help to rescue animals that have been abandoned or lost their mother. One of the highlights of my stay was the arrival of some possums. They were so tiny that they hadn't yet learned how to pee (I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">di</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDz5U5dkyE6fY_IKFhuc1a8jV5Rv6_A2sqRCUnGWlNFRwoyudobxfEckW3FNQImAKR1vTVe7A33ToiL8701NdazVnhcLnAbcvBHU713svjtl1ASi3F1L8hjic-jaNa9Rz7E1gReZvmXM/s1600-h/PICT6442.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 151px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 117px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371100710152046290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDz5U5dkyE6fY_IKFhuc1a8jV5Rv6_A2sqRCUnGWlNFRwoyudobxfEckW3FNQImAKR1vTVe7A33ToiL8701NdazVnhcLnAbcvBHU713svjtl1ASi3F1L8hjic-jaNa9Rz7E1gReZvmXM/s200/PICT6442.jpg" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">dn't</span></span> realise you had to learn to do <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrymhXiTERigqVL4txBTsqYkMLtDMz30Ad5yKL_E9IywNFRWAkuyl9bYdOvFXyXH0O-sb560hIPi7qiLAHlVl4oHTenOO8-ZqKpfHii_MUTwlepZNsOldDkQIw-eWT4l4wHgH8jE3wtk/s1600-h/PICT6458.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 103px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 117px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371513968893587954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrymhXiTERigqVL4txBTsqYkMLtDMz30Ad5yKL_E9IywNFRWAkuyl9bYdOvFXyXH0O-sb560hIPi7qiLAHlVl4oHTenOO8-ZqKpfHii_MUTwlepZNsOldDkQIw-eWT4l4wHgH8jE3wtk/s200/PICT6458.jpg" /></a>at ..... but then I am male!).<br />So after being well looked after for over a week, learning all about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bargain</span> tractor on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ebay</span></span> and Ham Radio, the truck parts came and I was ready roll. Lee had bravely offered to give me a trailer hauling lesson so it was off to the local truck stop to gas up and practice reversing the 40ft monster. I certainly knew it was hanging off the back but, with the 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span> wheel arrangement, everything was <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK485zT9IoCsiJ6QHTiBwohSfFVULzHx7Wv7hMWWaOWD38h6oTmC_aG8ndDAreyUmXnl3jwTQ49hAP31Oflq8a-4S70tkSnQBnpHCWEitB8OHrkx1-rMIv9D4Ovv-SY4EMvCcLD9AlpUE/s1600-h/PICT6402.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371099963947415266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK485zT9IoCsiJ6QHTiBwohSfFVULzHx7Wv7hMWWaOWD38h6oTmC_aG8ndDAreyUmXnl3jwTQ49hAP31Oflq8a-4S70tkSnQBnpHCWEitB8OHrkx1-rMIv9D4Ovv-SY4EMvCcLD9AlpUE/s200/PICT6402.jpg" /></a>smooth and predictable. And so, with Lee's wise words rattling around my head, I hit the road for the long journey back. I knew that my first major challenge were those two narrow river bridges. I had around 100 miles to think about them but by the time I got there I figured that if semis (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">artics</span></span>) could pass then I was fine. With that hurdle out of the way, the rest of the trip back was pretty uneventful barring a couple of tyre and suspension concerns. Rest stops and refuelling (lots) have to be well considered with a 40ft trailer and low bridges must be avoided. The most troublesome part came right at the end of the journey when I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">over confidently</span> thought I would reverse into our driveway ........ no way! Having held traffic in both directions for way too long I had to give up and drive in. Turning around in the garden ......... well perhaps I will leave that for another blog.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZZwsMm6OKx7ln_fTqCquW2QW1q-d8afdczU2eKVK2BUR8ceU2XpuDn75Gir7mP5wjHfOWD719in-x0spsps5rD_u65fWUKbzsMmRH-VQ3uFlr9pxCWDfgb2Dd6l3B8O-rFJEWbkXXXc/s1600-h/PICT6406.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371099970659705106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZZwsMm6OKx7ln_fTqCquW2QW1q-d8afdczU2eKVK2BUR8ceU2XpuDn75Gir7mP5wjHfOWD719in-x0spsps5rD_u65fWUKbzsMmRH-VQ3uFlr9pxCWDfgb2Dd6l3B8O-rFJEWbkXXXc/s200/PICT6406.jpg" /></a>lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-61696905620295154402009-07-21T17:31:00.000-07:002009-07-27T14:30:12.524-07:00July ..... and the Sun has come to NY State<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI3OI7GH7a8LvNreI89LSI7JA7TD-k4AFGovdon8o780lIx9WUm9VusGMNhlA0I8Q6MjT8pXYiqczd3BxXoUUTvRzJDGIYDo9s0tcWk8_R1M9FRjn33krfYWoMX1UwGYNi6dcM0o7mds/s1600-h/P1010410.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361076435360434642" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 154px; cursor: pointer; height: 148px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI3OI7GH7a8LvNreI89LSI7JA7TD-k4AFGovdon8o780lIx9WUm9VusGMNhlA0I8Q6MjT8pXYiqczd3BxXoUUTvRzJDGIYDo9s0tcWk8_R1M9FRjn33krfYWoMX1UwGYNi6dcM0o7mds/s200/P1010410.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8jhi9DutTsqOC2CamPWVbHIG7naWafcY8bvDT4sss1WTzYSNdk6k1livWBYRu58aBvLHyDoSuUUzjWwqG18_2llK91ku9m6pn4HpYjGA0Xmw-NKptI76Pn1xk2iL8B8GVYaIrInVbtQ/s1600-h/P1010418.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361076443812760146" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8jhi9DutTsqOC2CamPWVbHIG7naWafcY8bvDT4sss1WTzYSNdk6k1livWBYRu58aBvLHyDoSuUUzjWwqG18_2llK91ku9m6pn4HpYjGA0Xmw-NKptI76Pn1xk2iL8B8GVYaIrInVbtQ/s200/P1010418.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So who amongst you can remember Rob declaring emphatically that we were never having dogs and who on earth needed a big US style truck................... Well................ as you already know we have 2 dogs. Although I have to admit neither of us <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">realised</span> how fast and how big Cagney would grow! They are both doing really well and calming down a little, Cagney was spayed 2 weeks ago . Cagney was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">completely</span> calm about the whole experience, she loves going to the Vets. Our biggest issue was Lacey, who was heartbroken that we took her sister away for the day. She was so glad to see her back and was very gentle with her for the first few days. They are back to their normal rough and tumble selves now and other than a shaved belly there have been no after effects</div><br /><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRoLTP-RFqZr3B8j-3NEQZNAIPINgP-0LxdW_JEhDJkSRzIeGWKcUIU5CeFEQbVWBrCeb8P41tPUB_35495dooSY1GoKaTIYkQNWiPh6iBSM8bULhUv8_r4_FpjgDib3EaUlmuX4CpJU/s1600-h/PICT6370.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361076818534230338" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 91px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRoLTP-RFqZr3B8j-3NEQZNAIPINgP-0LxdW_JEhDJkSRzIeGWKcUIU5CeFEQbVWBrCeb8P41tPUB_35495dooSY1GoKaTIYkQNWiPh6iBSM8bULhUv8_r4_FpjgDib3EaUlmuX4CpJU/s200/PICT6370.jpg" border="0" /></a>And now that truck!, as you can see it is truly huge. Thank goodness it has a step so that I can actually get in. It has 6.7 litre turbo<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"> charged Cummins Diesel</span> engine, four radiators, two batteries leather seats and GPS. All we need now is the fifth wheel to tow behind it. More about that very soon .......</div><br /><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPT-VULo388FnGc6N9LmUGkL8HC6VmceVeRMm5pvnp1GvN3yAZEoGdlHLF8-RLtMc8Qm_j_JaZbcE5GPUZPcyF8O4cE-GlGtKqqeGxl_kfxZTvTJt99W7zExHZFzqyFY1OcwJYTAC9Bc/s1600-h/P1010492a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361076800058381010" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 147px; cursor: pointer; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPT-VULo388FnGc6N9LmUGkL8HC6VmceVeRMm5pvnp1GvN3yAZEoGdlHLF8-RLtMc8Qm_j_JaZbcE5GPUZPcyF8O4cE-GlGtKqqeGxl_kfxZTvTJt99W7zExHZFzqyFY1OcwJYTAC9Bc/s200/P1010492a.jpg" border="0" /></a>I decided to get an image update and I now have a very short bob cut, best thing I have done in a long time. So much easier to manage with all of this humid weather. Which brings me on to my next topic. After the wettest June on record (26 days of rain) we are sad to report that July is just the same -- we have thunderstorms most days and when I say thunderstorms I mean really <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">powerful</span> ones that shake the house and light up the sky. We will probably have webbed feet by the end of the Summer. Boy it is making the plants grow though, We have loads of flowers and shrubs growing very well as well as some tomatoes, peppers and salad leaves. Rob is also having to cut the grass every few days. This year we have very few Japanese beetles but loads of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">mosquitoes</span> and midges</div><div> </div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZtTjQCblJF7PD0H9ZhV9eJrgnK75C1KGjtZIrLNPPJOm3561JcTgYAVr_0rY9l8mWllmtR1jc0plF3x7lmyAJW7OBNfH5zNb-UqpuZYeTVnTZtDKyvYnkS9NmUvpiEZzj7oDarDERqQ/s1600-h/P1010483.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361076454328321618" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZtTjQCblJF7PD0H9ZhV9eJrgnK75C1KGjtZIrLNPPJOm3561JcTgYAVr_0rY9l8mWllmtR1jc0plF3x7lmyAJW7OBNfH5zNb-UqpuZYeTVnTZtDKyvYnkS9NmUvpiEZzj7oDarDERqQ/s200/P1010483.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6upTMFaRCLRzF6QSoEoOvPsvEKcPee8mmuULPJNnvavjKlGRFx041xGd-VbMsgv0u7_Ymt7ySD8xHRnxybHifSMRFKnLve0cKcOF1KoHZvvWndEFljSZuPV9GVx207aaKYr1ezVjUFtQ/s1600-h/P1010486.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361076452262064274" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6upTMFaRCLRzF6QSoEoOvPsvEKcPee8mmuULPJNnvavjKlGRFx041xGd-VbMsgv0u7_Ymt7ySD8xHRnxybHifSMRFKnLve0cKcOF1KoHZvvWndEFljSZuPV9GVx207aaKYr1ezVjUFtQ/s200/P1010486.JPG" border="0" /></a>Despite all of this bad weather, Rob was able to take off from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ellenville</span> launch site and had about 2 hours of flying in the local area. He also managed 3 hours of boy talk with the local hang gliders so he was very happy although tired and aching when he came home.</div><div> </div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuY-T9rhXTSvD4aCf3l_1Niu_IbSQcFyoS9SBTHyLuJgE7H1H4NfGZxMZycQpg07RfZcOJQ7qoCB366YvYqCKqmNmlAPc2dTlvLNWAvWbuPT-CZOXGp6A3jwkHpWqdmBt_7D4J0b4yecE/s1600-h/P1010415.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361076446826193586" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuY-T9rhXTSvD4aCf3l_1Niu_IbSQcFyoS9SBTHyLuJgE7H1H4NfGZxMZycQpg07RfZcOJQ7qoCB366YvYqCKqmNmlAPc2dTlvLNWAvWbuPT-CZOXGp6A3jwkHpWqdmBt_7D4J0b4yecE/s200/P1010415.jpg" border="0" /></a>When we are not actually getting rained on, the weather is sunny and hot and as you can see the local turtles were making the most of it and getting a few rays - there must have been about 30 of them. We are doing are best not to get over run with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Field</span> mice ( now about 7 less in the world) and squirrels ( about 10 less in the world) Ah the joys of rural living. We really do feel part of the community here and are enjoying our life as much as we can. I even made it into the County magazine, I was interviewed and asked why I chose Pine Bush and what it was I liked about the<br />area -- I knew I would be famous at some point!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9xgUcHkegHVywNKqfrEWlz7G4xDAimmu1tt1IoAhUXZLGO3GNXDRvVMC5pjKFw8OYTs7OXnR32Y214Q5c6MhcaSf0lY_lp2DnNdjlFGKYEHUTTOzT_4dXhdoXRnfxfGt3Rz__WU_yVk/s1600-h/PICT6342.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361076805089273682" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 133px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9xgUcHkegHVywNKqfrEWlz7G4xDAimmu1tt1IoAhUXZLGO3GNXDRvVMC5pjKFw8OYTs7OXnR32Y214Q5c6MhcaSf0lY_lp2DnNdjlFGKYEHUTTOzT_4dXhdoXRnfxfGt3Rz__WU_yVk/s200/PICT6342.jpg" border="0" /></a>After we made them promise not to pick on us Brits and assured them we would not be turning up dressed as red coats, We were invited to celebrate July 4<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Th</span> with Lisa and her family it was a really lovely day and we were able to relax eat good food and Rob found some kindred spirits to explain his views on the medical system, local politics and anything else that he could fit in. I was able to use my super duper machine to make some very nice hand towels to take as gifts.<br /><br /><br />xxx </div>lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48692179136623943.post-28202497601877660862009-06-16T06:35:00.000-07:002009-06-17T18:39:38.326-07:00June already!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJXiCarikXqf43OcnfdtYNIEGrzMUSXTrptXHHLH80vXKmBl40b9M5fJyFTyWD093BrYAxvcrOcj5FtSIBGwhLddOfOdk3OnZYZJWWrsN5Ukx9K_quqphUgNXNwFfn707XKFxCF1XXRE/s1600-h/P1010343.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJXiCarikXqf43OcnfdtYNIEGrzMUSXTrptXHHLH80vXKmBl40b9M5fJyFTyWD093BrYAxvcrOcj5FtSIBGwhLddOfOdk3OnZYZJWWrsN5Ukx9K_quqphUgNXNwFfn707XKFxCF1XXRE/s200/P1010343.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348337475005884082" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7Zfr3SaSXULY7Taq545fKVwq3dOjy_O1Wt3C1c3H4LPccDT7KBTxVKfTSr0iljLxwOYCVD5mGvuxT7R93hXtwZvVWB43r9_lQegAJsvv5_Vt9RsfyhMwZLlhEgjWiJWDLnNGZarf3eo/s1600-h/P1010306.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 112px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7Zfr3SaSXULY7Taq545fKVwq3dOjy_O1Wt3C1c3H4LPccDT7KBTxVKfTSr0iljLxwOYCVD5mGvuxT7R93hXtwZvVWB43r9_lQegAJsvv5_Vt9RsfyhMwZLlhEgjWiJWDLnNGZarf3eo/s200/P1010306.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348337471387181986" border="0" /></a>I was lucky enough to be sent to the UK for a few days with work <span style=""> </span>at the beginning of June and managed to spend time with Mum, Mike, Hazel and of course Sarah and Alana.<o:p> </o:p>Sarah is doing really well with work and has signed up for additional education – life is a little easier for her now she has a her car and she is hoping for news about getting a house out in the countryside by Sonning. Alana is of course a total poppet, she looks so like Sarah did at that age, just as happy and independent too. We had some professional photos’s of the three of us taken so that we can capture the moment. I really can’t wait till I get them.<br /><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTaAxj6k9alhKKJ7x3WZH6A9R_VaA4vrjSnTNU7iHjXAa3Tq1-ZppOzsjp80Gphrp3Z0bMcGMlMrS0DQMceVZIsEHGIvP9AIiJI99YsXPLszSsFzrWk08nraV6ULvwWAwravvT_J4yQc/s1600-h/PICT6296.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 181px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTaAxj6k9alhKKJ7x3WZH6A9R_VaA4vrjSnTNU7iHjXAa3Tq1-ZppOzsjp80Gphrp3Z0bMcGMlMrS0DQMceVZIsEHGIvP9AIiJI99YsXPLszSsFzrWk08nraV6ULvwWAwravvT_J4yQc/s200/PICT6296.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348337472326835314" border="0" /></a>For those of you that don’t know, I have been very busy supporting the local economy by attending (and spending) time and money at the local quilting shop. I have found it very relaxing and a great way to meet people as well. There was a small article about me in the local magazine this month, it was basically about the town itself but they asked me why I enjoyed living in Pine Bush so much so I decided to give the shop a good mention and get them some advertising. Last Saturday we had a town wide “meet the local artists” and the quilt shop had a stand set outside and I was one of the people that exhibited some of my quilts and other crafts. Bit of a change from the day job don’t you think ?<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoTmn1KpnikB9L9Dc2-LFI36ZrKp8vuHXjcQBhE3lY-dsUpmsz65Awvt0KU2A6nCE_PioOML0E6D619OW37RB7nIIu0N4ataQtiXRdxHQ9Wxw3MnBAQzWRDjBTGRdedWxbrDumKwn9Zg/s1600-h/Google+Earth+16062009+103352.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347935425431157906" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 132px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoTmn1KpnikB9L9Dc2-LFI36ZrKp8vuHXjcQBhE3lY-dsUpmsz65Awvt0KU2A6nCE_PioOML0E6D619OW37RB7nIIu0N4ataQtiXRdxHQ9Wxw3MnBAQzWRDjBTGRdedWxbrDumKwn9Zg/s200/Google+Earth+16062009+103352.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ckbFKzsZGecq7gV8ken63SpaKRTR_TS9WlnLsCc_gdln8Pm7_biDDypWq8ENMtsDC23fXes3-RxziGU8EzCKmKerNy7ox9nX-7JJmnhvaqroJHy5hG0gLYqNcgboYB4vZGdjhpNaifg/s1600-h/PICT6208.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347919745213498242" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 94px; cursor: pointer; height: 131px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ckbFKzsZGecq7gV8ken63SpaKRTR_TS9WlnLsCc_gdln8Pm7_biDDypWq8ENMtsDC23fXes3-RxziGU8EzCKmKerNy7ox9nX-7JJmnhvaqroJHy5hG0gLYqNcgboYB4vZGdjhpNaifg/s200/PICT6208.jpg" border="0" /></a>We've been trying to get the girls out walking as much as possible. They have lots of energy to burn off. We took the short ride to Sam's Point. It's the high ground on top of the 'Gunks behind the house. We started out early to avoid the heat of the day and arrived before the car park was open. We also missed the crowds. The girls are good off the leash and wont run off. They get a bit excited if we meet <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yGhboRrf7VHFA2cHoUZX7MEjr1OT-lIgCHzVqG1Z2vSjWQJbT9MQ7c7zFgE9XCQRdWGMlNAo_f8CQkTmAKHB0HlJezOpvpH0TYGAzXKtxS3f_s2QtHdUi4nShWn8B3j3vEDFNOLRCeI/s1600-h/PICT6243.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347920458355123986" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 149px; cursor: pointer; height: 131px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yGhboRrf7VHFA2cHoUZX7MEjr1OT-lIgCHzVqG1Z2vSjWQJbT9MQ7c7zFgE9XCQRdWGMlNAo_f8CQkTmAKHB0HlJezOpvpH0TYGAzXKtxS3f_s2QtHdUi4nShWn8B3j3vEDFNOLRCeI/s200/PICT6243.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFYhwGEbR2iitpiEhqoHq6FRwSU0ykjdnGbVdWq5pEr6I-VJHEWCzBtA8C39wat7llcmme3OR7279YX_VTCFu4r0fwwf_86Q3L1-6BH9yqgcI_aX09Wu0UUR2hx2eOOcqV9YoeRCpnKo/s1600-h/PICT6206.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347919743434389314" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 133px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFYhwGEbR2iitpiEhqoHq6FRwSU0ykjdnGbVdWq5pEr6I-VJHEWCzBtA8C39wat7llcmme3OR7279YX_VTCFu4r0fwwf_86Q3L1-6BH9yqgcI_aX09Wu0UUR2hx2eOOcqV9YoeRCpnKo/s200/PICT6206.jpg" border="0" /></a>other people and go really crazy when the meet another dog to play with. Ah well, they are puppies and everything is still so new. From the car we strolled up the gravel roadway to the high ground, passed the transmitter tower, looped around the lake and down again via the cliff look out.<br />On the way up we passed a number of <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-Hls_ULSZlpB1R981uMcNyBBhJOlindIOSMcnGaJJO7_jesL4VvlrHkMc_obhQOkWlZ4UT5WOlRS1bn2bah9R1A-7cM5vDaa4r6aUOlnQ2sMK9ftQBJQ8N3nVO32vEJ5xr2aMIa1kPQ/s1600-h/PICT6217.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347920093394646066" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 88px; cursor: pointer; height: 132px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-Hls_ULSZlpB1R981uMcNyBBhJOlindIOSMcnGaJJO7_jesL4VvlrHkMc_obhQOkWlZ4UT5WOlRS1bn2bah9R1A-7cM5vDaa4r6aUOlnQ2sMK9ftQBJQ8N3nVO32vEJ5xr2aMIa1kPQ/s200/PICT6217.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KjWj6dyV0id592sMd_AOCBYPYlHsDPJjSC1cC-j7ZLQmDYKqELJRM_nUXOEvlF0SUJ4rKqxOoDjLXKXJBAwWbiPH8sDNp_WjFPM0SMfvNlTPjl7ScfO9HRha58RKXEfpeW4GG0ais1k/s1600-h/PICT6225.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347920097427135570" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 87px; cursor: pointer; height: 133px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KjWj6dyV0id592sMd_AOCBYPYlHsDPJjSC1cC-j7ZLQmDYKqELJRM_nUXOEvlF0SUJ4rKqxOoDjLXKXJBAwWbiPH8sDNp_WjFPM0SMfvNlTPjl7ScfO9HRha58RKXEfpeW4GG0ais1k/s200/PICT6225.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fY43iiGFr6MfkpBHG3_Cp59oYF-cfxwAv2_9LPaC94vzH5VzEZYIFEe_uWD_Qt4T5weGv8G-etG04weu39yXNTOh4O3SrI_bN5Su41F6zqYyRGDgRuYf4uy2WojJPz1C2s3Ydroztv8/s1600-h/PICT6231.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347920096851256322" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 133px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fY43iiGFr6MfkpBHG3_Cp59oYF-cfxwAv2_9LPaC94vzH5VzEZYIFEe_uWD_Qt4T5weGv8G-etG04weu39yXNTOh4O3SrI_bN5Su41F6zqYyRGDgRuYf4uy2WojJPz1C2s3Ydroztv8/s200/PICT6231.jpg" border="0" /></a>abandoned and derelict workers cottages. There must be about 10 - 15 sites that were once lived in. None are habitable and are in various states of decay with cookers, fridges and other items scattered. They were originally used by the seasonal huckleberry pickers. But it seems that is no longer <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfos_SLlVSrTAfj6_-TaAt_kGrSf6QWQehTcmudry4qjYRtgBPSgJyHVgZ-S0p5OwCtDXVxuRtTUflFm6_5JXHm2TZD7dTPaB-ttv2x5iK6QXDmC87K8DvE78fj-tOaXGGVJXdLrvF8E/s1600-h/PICT6236.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347920105060838690" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 133px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfos_SLlVSrTAfj6_-TaAt_kGrSf6QWQehTcmudry4qjYRtgBPSgJyHVgZ-S0p5OwCtDXVxuRtTUflFm6_5JXHm2TZD7dTPaB-ttv2x5iK6QXDmC87K8DvE78fj-tOaXGGVJXdLrvF8E/s200/PICT6236.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSw1XjK3nf_q9M-obY2ERdcVPpTqUwqChxB7X_LKz1Fl52PfeoWE5a4XXqmmoQO88PAc0MWfZG1Ywywicc5MXVGKFUlfrd9aWza6XeBmgpmPHPiN9nhjGlBh_xUDWtnaXqoPZxkW3KrGw/s1600-h/PICT6234.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347920100381487906" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 88px; cursor: pointer; height: 133px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSw1XjK3nf_q9M-obY2ERdcVPpTqUwqChxB7X_LKz1Fl52PfeoWE5a4XXqmmoQO88PAc0MWfZG1Ywywicc5MXVGKFUlfrd9aWza6XeBmgpmPHPiN9nhjGlBh_xUDWtnaXqoPZxkW3KrGw/s200/PICT6234.jpg" border="0" /></a>viable ...... although the berries are still here to be picked.<br />The trails are flanked on each side by dwarf pine trees. Very special ... apparently. Quite pretty, anyway.<br />The girls really came alive at Lake Maratanza. They are just coming to terms with the idea that their paws go straight through what they can see. Every <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxgNoYYXu2yNnOOmZ5ZpfKjbktaiESIRudH-kgje6P824jHaOtown5g1Z0uT6SoDDbU2YgrGfDzrTTBNzyxLwHZHpwgWzHw6voOSjwdK2-sg8iW0Kj7YvF6II4O01IKKthCj0QLZ9j3Q/s1600-h/PICT6247.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347920461214535794" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 133px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxgNoYYXu2yNnOOmZ5ZpfKjbktaiESIRudH-kgje6P824jHaOtown5g1Z0uT6SoDDbU2YgrGfDzrTTBNzyxLwHZHpwgWzHw6voOSjwdK2-sg8iW0Kj7YvF6II4O01IKKthCj0QLZ9j3Q/s200/PICT6247.jpg" border="0" /></a>splash is a trigger for excitement. They are still a bit unsure if they don't feel the bottom and run away to safety. A family of ducks made a rapid escape out of harms way. We decided that we would go back another day with a picnic.<br />The trail back down took us past the cliff top looking out south across our valley and the Hudson valley way beyond. We sat there for quite a while watching the soaring birds. They came almost close enough to touch (until I got the camera out).<br />We had a lovely walk and the girls were pooped by the time we got back to the car. They were soundo when we reached home. The garden had a surprise for us. In the time we had been away, the Iris' had bloomed. A lovely welcome home.<br />More info on Sams Point http://www.nature.org/popups/misc/art22206.html<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lyprwewlDK3IO5DMzWrEX5IHZ9-RMYX-Nf3jBlaJGr-HL8Nf_4VFbstQgmGKXKtUnc-y2xX9cWl5ALGjC-5ACojhO1athq1Ud6nK-Krhcogw4OJX3TkTiuSeL28UZWFlzaaSuckZhhI/s1600-h/PICT6266.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347920470892322066" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 174px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lyprwewlDK3IO5DMzWrEX5IHZ9-RMYX-Nf3jBlaJGr-HL8Nf_4VFbstQgmGKXKtUnc-y2xX9cWl5ALGjC-5ACojhO1athq1Ud6nK-Krhcogw4OJX3TkTiuSeL28UZWFlzaaSuckZhhI/s200/PICT6266.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMqgbsCS02j93o1HShn5RkerLKRhZQyyOWPEEb0c_ESEy3TjMk5L_6eKCq7GKXTw6Hu6FLHTxI7IQRYKiml7td8Zv101L14_9F072PV-3XI1aLY26Cc2QDG22G_vSsQL4sHsXwonnm-M/s1600-h/PICT6281.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347920772336991250" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 116px; cursor: pointer; height: 175px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMqgbsCS02j93o1HShn5RkerLKRhZQyyOWPEEb0c_ESEy3TjMk5L_6eKCq7GKXTw6Hu6FLHTxI7IQRYKiml7td8Zv101L14_9F072PV-3XI1aLY26Cc2QDG22G_vSsQL4sHsXwonnm-M/s200/PICT6281.jpg" border="0" /></a>Cagney and Lacey are growing like topsy. Lacey is still the heavier but Cagney is growing into those long legs and now stands tall. Their rough house battles have become a much more even affair. Sometimes I worry that they are being too rough but Rob says that they are just playing. I suppose he's right but it doesn't seem very lady like. We have had a run of wet weather in the last few weeks. It doesn't take long for Cagney to get messed up!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEsCmuvS9-8DlZkMlLVFwPvHJzFxhjoGeBfVOWJ1F9g9f_o1xetYGLoUlLjYhxyl_EjdKjESE6eiRWCrity8HNDo1A7KJbsma-Lb2pEloi4YT110zDoFkwC_vGwhbB6J55CnVe5g3qsg/s1600-h/PICT6256.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347920468349215298" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 133px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEsCmuvS9-8DlZkMlLVFwPvHJzFxhjoGeBfVOWJ1F9g9f_o1xetYGLoUlLjYhxyl_EjdKjESE6eiRWCrity8HNDo1A7KJbsma-Lb2pEloi4YT110zDoFkwC_vGwhbB6J55CnVe5g3qsg/s200/PICT6256.jpg" border="0" /></a>Meanwhile, in the garden, things have been doing what they natually do ....... grow! The iris gave us a nice surprise on the day of our Sams Point walk. When we left in the morning they were all wrapped tight and on our return they had all bloomed. It was a lovely welcome home. I've also had Rob out in the back putting in a whole bunch of plants around the patio and hot tub. It still needs work but is getting there.<br />Did I mention the wet weather. Well, when it rains here, it really <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiencUdf-_ik5oDO6n0SicOzcNMSOHE7M9uCrU3g5x74zr3qK_XLzzHtNydJHycQ9PJPoc3Hv2iZCiHn7KE7NrrVqghJxDX8_QMJW18earMVsLP7_92KM-yDBQ4EW5FZtZjMXb665b_t7I/s1600-h/PICT6284.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347920771207345506" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 133px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiencUdf-_ik5oDO6n0SicOzcNMSOHE7M9uCrU3g5x74zr3qK_XLzzHtNydJHycQ9PJPoc3Hv2iZCiHn7KE7NrrVqghJxDX8_QMJW18earMVsLP7_92KM-yDBQ4EW5FZtZjMXb665b_t7I/s200/PICT6284.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKQ9AqcxGlfXhyg4MdPG6bJ7ffYYr4yGg_DWJK4ft9e786mk1KqAFQTW1OKfYm6bSgBPSf78YvsFrQ3O_n3djCOiFPhuQ8ipZyEzKxpQG4C6LuXSrI8jMpqthw7LKEal6tRcr3sgOGyE/s1600-h/PICT6288.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347920775508439522" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 88px; cursor: pointer; height: 133px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKQ9AqcxGlfXhyg4MdPG6bJ7ffYYr4yGg_DWJK4ft9e786mk1KqAFQTW1OKfYm6bSgBPSf78YvsFrQ3O_n3djCOiFPhuQ8ipZyEzKxpQG4C6LuXSrI8jMpqthw7LKEal6tRcr3sgOGyE/s200/PICT6288.jpg" border="0" /></a>rains. Thunder, lightning and 3/4 inch hail did its best to destroy the tomatoe plants and wash out the driveway. At least it will keep the old boy busy.<br />Now that we have the dogs we really need to be self sufficient is we want to go off for the weekend. It's a pain trying to find pet friendly B&Bs. Long term we intend to get a 5th wheel trailer but for the next year or so we have bought a pop-up trailer tent. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslnAV5_DDGClOo7mFOAC7i5c0dgOd0kE9oaMmw3bwiBGL2pyv2PvWxhjTKXbhsxeJDG9vZ6UR8FacL-8UkWmpVw5R_tvzaLqsYWholv7dlJ2UTpDoLC2h986p82hEEtcqtSVyZS9RdFs/s1600-h/P1010375.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslnAV5_DDGClOo7mFOAC7i5c0dgOd0kE9oaMmw3bwiBGL2pyv2PvWxhjTKXbhsxeJDG9vZ6UR8FacL-8UkWmpVw5R_tvzaLqsYWholv7dlJ2UTpDoLC2h986p82hEEtcqtSVyZS9RdFs/s200/P1010375.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348473653879691954" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1MLqXm8-ycQTNdE5H42ie_N36xu9tdhnGVAjz4q9WtlaRDaew9pJjBX2MtuEybgktjXuJUWFOnoa4WtyJ4dgyk8fANuTxJRRUmfdhFd8H2mbqaZMcNbgQs6Hhc_50I77rvuSYEepy8w/s1600-h/P1010368.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347919361448433970" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 120px; cursor: pointer; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1MLqXm8-ycQTNdE5H42ie_N36xu9tdhnGVAjz4q9WtlaRDaew9pJjBX2MtuEybgktjXuJUWFOnoa4WtyJ4dgyk8fANuTxJRRUmfdhFd8H2mbqaZMcNbgQs6Hhc_50I77rvuSYEepy8w/s200/P1010368.jpg" border="0" /></a>There is plenty of room for a short break away and makes for a stress free trip. For our first trip we went to a woodland site in the Catskills. We chose it, not only because it's a lovely place, but it's only an hour away. That meant we could get back it it was a complete disaster. I'm glad to say that everything went very well. Even the girls enjoyed themselves. The camp site was well organised and maintained. We had a pitch <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtquRLP84UvOcKw1Siu4Wqd4n1x6u9tGFsC_iz4JLEoSOSQxmYL22TCKz5PAWWpbZdcSF9CUb7kj6gCT6T87YNX7g1gG08BaZZ5uXwfvTf13v4coB662bGbPd024r1vioTFt1Vb6Ug1SI/s1600-h/P1010402.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347919737937364946" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 124px; cursor: pointer; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtquRLP84UvOcKw1Siu4Wqd4n1x6u9tGFsC_iz4JLEoSOSQxmYL22TCKz5PAWWpbZdcSF9CUb7kj6gCT6T87YNX7g1gG08BaZZ5uXwfvTf13v4coB662bGbPd024r1vioTFt1Vb6Ug1SI/s200/P1010402.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMbNLbCmOcLIHJN8Dwy8sOXsbzp2jnMFi_02maup03jaT5On4nWr7tfQ08saajg0DLPu33ZWJD2XztmJmonZ_-t1CELwkcxOJGk_KiMDNJ1Nn_5jwDGAXnuXdULrfYfadF245hyphenhyphen4KzUs/s1600-h/P1010398.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347919734289395458" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 150px; cursor: pointer; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMbNLbCmOcLIHJN8Dwy8sOXsbzp2jnMFi_02maup03jaT5On4nWr7tfQ08saajg0DLPu33ZWJD2XztmJmonZ_-t1CELwkcxOJGk_KiMDNJ1Nn_5jwDGAXnuXdULrfYfadF245hyphenhyphen4KzUs/s200/P1010398.jpg" border="0" /></a>close to the river but within easy reach of the toilet block .... most important! Taking up residence at the toilet block was the biggest moth I've ever seen.<br />With the camp site set in a gorge, all the walks had a major up hill component (ok, it was down hill on the way back ... but still) and it was tough going. Even the girls complained after a while. One benefit though was that the tree cover extended all the way to the top of the hills so we were at least walking in the shade. It was very peaceful and we met very few people in the woods. At least we didn't meet any bears or snakes. The warning notices were everywhere. All in all we <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisisRArwYO-6DzMzs1K12HSey6hqoVtYldzmGLL_H33dr0ETF4-wSOfQ1G8polzwJ2X6TBaECEY_o4BCvOdoTDfbV3bj2scTqmLHi8RhkIcDUDYWa1MSMSXE5jx_V6cVlJ-eMtZFEiz0w/s1600-h/P1010397.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347919375950396594" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 102px; cursor: pointer; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisisRArwYO-6DzMzs1K12HSey6hqoVtYldzmGLL_H33dr0ETF4-wSOfQ1G8polzwJ2X6TBaECEY_o4BCvOdoTDfbV3bj2scTqmLHi8RhkIcDUDYWa1MSMSXE5jx_V6cVlJ-eMtZFEiz0w/s200/P1010397.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpOjBBBOPYcADN1LuHPoxXB9Tu2-9bD4Q57GA3KaDz2LdW666wksBdEWC58Ef6e0TM04XzaOqJXp5WSytUXNczSrZ5vd35DZxW_i1FsDlOzvEyFKB-B1ud-baTCVi2mxUEcHr7hpX3B8/s1600-h/P1010379.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347919368512839154" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpOjBBBOPYcADN1LuHPoxXB9Tu2-9bD4Q57GA3KaDz2LdW666wksBdEWC58Ef6e0TM04XzaOqJXp5WSytUXNczSrZ5vd35DZxW_i1FsDlOzvEyFKB-B1ud-baTCVi2mxUEcHr7hpX3B8/s200/P1010379.jpg" border="0" /></a>had a very good weekend. The pop-up is just right for a short break and the girls took to it well. We are all looking forward to our next trip.<br />While we were in the camp site we were told about a bunch of butterflies to go look at. Apparently they are attracted by human urine (eek).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>lynneUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791158093414054008noreply@blogger.com1