Wayfaring Wanderer

Honolulu's Most Popular Hikes

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:09:00 +0000

It's hard to go to Hawaii and not commune with nature. However, there are some really great things you can do to immerse yourself even farther instead of sticking to the white, sandy beaches. My favorite way to do this is by taking a hike! The island of Oahu is riddled with trails if you know where to look, but there are two trails in particular that get all of the praise. So popular, in fact, that these outdoor adventures can see hundreds of tourists everyday! The two favored hikes in Honolulu are very different from one another in the realm of landscape and atmosphere. Now, two hikes in one day may sound like a bit too much, but I chose to do so because they were very close to one another. And since I was staying on the other end of the island, I figured I should hit them both up on the same day.

My first stop was the Manoa Falls trail located just outside of Honolulu in Manoa Valley. I am a sucker for waterfalls, so I had to get a glimpse of this 160-foot tall mammoth. Since this unbelievably lush rainforest was deserted at this hour of the morning (7:30am), I decided that I would forgo taking pictures until I reached the end only because I thought that it would stay that way.

I walked amidst the gigantic Banyan trees flanked by the everpresent stream. As I made my way up the narrow pathway, portions of the trail were framed by bamboo forests. I found this trail to have a very gentle grade, and at only 1 mile each way, it's one almost anyone could undertake. One thing to be careful of on this particular trail is the mud, because it can be slippery! It receives quite a bit of rain from what I have read, although maybe it hadn't rained much lately, because the cascade was meager. It wasn't too terribly disappointing though, since it took little effort to get there.

Remember how I told you that I saved taking pictures until after I reached the falls? Yeah, well, that was a HUGE mistake! On my way down I passed numerous guided tour groups that made it nearly impossible to get a shot without someone being in the way. That is the last time I wait to take photos again!! Seriously. Who needs a tour guide to take a hike? I don't. Nature is free :D

Parking, however, is not! I didn't find this out until I got back to the Jeep where a little yellow note asking me to see the attendant regarding payment was stuck to my window. Be forewarned that they charge $5 to park in the parking lot at the trail head. I got away with only paying $2 because I claimed stupidity. Sucka! Seriously, though. I didn't see any signs that said there was a charge, and I certainly didn't overlook an attendant!

The next stop, Diamond Head Crater, is considered the most popular trail. It likely sees twice the amount of hikers that Manoa Falls does. Unlike the gentle grade of the last trail, this one is much more vigorous. Even though you start off on a concrete path that seems forgiving, it quickly morphs into switchback city!

From the crater floor to the summit you will climb 560 feet in less than a mile (0.8 to be exact). By the time you weave your way through the switchbacks, you are begging for mercy as the sun is blazing and the sweat starts pouring. It would do you good to be very well hydrated before attempting this trail unless you are a fan of fainting.

You begin to think that the worst is over, but that's when you are met with a steep concrete stairway consisting of 74 steps! Afterward, you get a chance to cool off in the tunnels that take you below the surface. The closer you feel to the top, though, the further away from reality you are because after stepping out of that dark tunnel, you are standing at the foot of yet another staircase! Some just stood there, mouth agape, staring in disbelief at the towering approach. More steps!?!? Yes, 99 of those bad boys :D And just when you think you can't take another footstep, they make you climb a spiral staircase!!

At this point I felt somewhat tortured, but the end was getting near. I could feel it. Okay, well, not as close as I hoped....More stairs?!?! So, let me get this straight, we've scaled a windy path of switchbacks, a 74 step set of stairs, burrowed through a tunnel, climbed another staircase with 99 grueling steps, spiral staircase with 52 stairs and last but not least a 3rd set of stairs with 54 more steps! Holy mama!! Lemme catch my breath......

I suppose that this trail wouldn't be so popular if the views weren't worth every drop of sweat shed along the way. The vista was most definitely a stunning sight with the Pacific ocean and Wakiki coastline in full view. As a matter of fact, this is an ideal spot to see a panoramic view of the Leeward side of the island.

One good thing about hikes that make you work so hard going up, you know it's all downhill from the top! Despite how horrible I may make this hike sound, I saw so many different types of people trudging to the summit. I even passed a lady who was wearing high heels! No lie. And she did make it to the top...eventually :D

A Place of Peace & Serenity: Byodo-In Temple

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:56:00 +0000

Located in the Valley of the Temples, at the base of the 2,000 foot Ko'olau mountain range, is the replica of a 950-year-old Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan. The Byodo-In Temple was constructed, without the use of a single nail, in the 1960's to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants who came to Hawaii to work in the sugar plantations.

Byodo-In is the quintessence of tranquility and I was fortunate enough to experience this place solely. The only other people around were the groundskeepers, but they don't count.

Before entering the temple it is customary to ring the Bon-Sho (sacred bell) by striking it with the shu-moku (a wooden log). The five foot high, three ton brass bell creates a deep resonant gong, sending out a wave of calm said to cleanse the mind of evil and temptation. One can't help but be overcome with an extreme sense of peacefulness while roaming the grounds.

The most intense feelings I exhibited were upon entering the temple and getting my first glimpse of Amida, a golden Buddah, carved out of wood that towered more than 18 feet tall.

As I stood there gawking at this immense figure, I began to weep. I had no clue as to why either. All I know is that I was filled with an overwhelming array of complex emotions that I couldn't begin to decipher. I just went with it, especially since I was alone and could do so without prying eyes.

I walked along every inch of these grounds as slowly as I possibly could so I wouldn't miss a single detail. Took a peek in the gift shop and picked up a few mementos (post cards and incense). I also bought a bag of fish food so that I could sit at the edge of the expansive koi pond and feed the eager fishies. Little did I know that every species of wildlife here at Byodo-In would be attracted to the scanty handout.

I was surrounded on all sides by feisty fish, curious swans, a tenacious turtle and a flock of swift birdies. I thought that must be what it felt like to be Snow White! It was too much fun dispensing those goodies, I had to go back and get a second bag. And I was probably stalling, too, because I hated to leave this lovely place. Can you blame me?! Alas, I had other sights to see.

By the time I came full-circle (2 hours later) there were groups of people entering by the dozen! I ate my lunch of leftover sushi (how fitting) in the parking lot before making my way to Highway 83 for a leisurely stop-and-go drive up to the North Shore of Oahu. I had a few hours to kill prior to the evening event we planned to attend for my birthday. If you missed it, we went to Germaine's Luau, which you can read about here.

As I left with thankfulness on my mind, I thought that having this magnificent place all to myself was my birthday gift from the universe. What a great birthday I had (Sept 29)! Lucky, I am :D

NC State Fair in Raleigh, NC

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:05:00 +0000

I nearly forgot what it felt like to walk through the gates of a fair. It's been so long since I've been to one, it's no wonder. The lights.....the smells....the sounds. They all compound to cultivate an evening filled with good times and lasting memories! It's almost too much to take in since everything hits you all at once, kicking your sensory overload into hyperdrive. I swear that I was on the brink of explosion as I attempted to take it all in.

Aside from making our minds up about what we wanted to do first, there was also the dilemma of trying to gain your bearings in a land where every corner looks exactly the same as the last one you passed. We were completely overwhelmed by the amount of options they had available. Between the food, rides & other fun stuff, everywhere you turn is a sea of potential gluttony just waiting for you to give in. Giving in to your whims in this place is unavoidable!

The NC State Fair in Raleigh, NC is supposedly the biggest and best fair in the state. While I haven't been to many, I can definitely say that this fair takes the "deep-fried cake". It was positively massive! We walked all over the place, and got a pretty good workout, before finally making a decision on what we would do to jump start our evening .

Since the best place to survey the entire grounds would be from the air, what better place to get a grand view than from a ride on the Ferris Wheel! I was hoping that we would get stuck at the top for a moment or two so I could take a photo, but we didn't. And to think, we almost waited until daylight hours on Sunday for our fair fun. I'm glad we didn't because I am a huge fan of all the lights, it's much more dazzling in the evening.

After our ferris wheel foray, we elected to get some grub. Good thing our insatiable appetites are only met with these indulgences occasionally. Otherwise, those deep-fried delectables would greatly lower a persons life expectancy!

Our pattern seemed to be ride,

food,

ride,

food.....you get the idea. At first, our reasoning was that we didn't want to eat too much all at once or else we would get sick when it was time to be thrashed around on a ride. Thankfully, our tummies were tame and didn't disagree with any of the tasty tidbits we were consuming. You know, to have as many vendors and food options as we did, we were quite subdued compared to our normal ravenous natures.

Our favorite fodder was most definitely the deep-fried pecan pie! Yep, you heard right....deep-fried pecan pie! They deep-fried just about everything in this place, mac & cheese, pickles, butter (?!?!), candy bars, it was pure ridiculousness!

The only reason I can come up with as to why we didn't have anything more than a foot-long corn dog, slice of pepperoni pizza, roasted corn & cotton candy (for the road) was that we were off our game, or maybe just spending wisely, or perhaps we were just crippled by indecision, which might explain why I didn't get my sausage with onions & peppers and why Cody didn't get his giant turkey leg?! Who knows.

Make no mistake, though, no matter how wisely you try to spend your money in this place, it is expensive! But it was well worth the expense to experience "A Whole Lotta Happy" because I was sporting a perma-grin the entire night! I can't wait to go back next year :D

N.C. State Fair Website: http://www.ncstatefair.org/2009/

6 Sights to See on Highway 83 (Part 2)

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:06:00 +0000

Not all of the sights to see along highway 83 were quick stops. Some attractions required a bit more time to explore. One of the coolest things I got to do while in Hawaii was snorkeling! My friend Tawny took me to Shark's Cove to get my feet wet. Apparently, it is one of the best places to go snorkeling for free on Oahu. Even though I don't have anything else to compare it to, I can definitely confirm that it was an incredible place.

After a brief demonstration from my good friend I was ready to take the plunge. As I meandered atop the surface of the clear water I remained in a constant state of awe as I caught glimpses of the amazing little underwater creatures in their natural habitat. I have always wondered what it would be like to poke around and peek at the aquatic life living beneath the surface. Snorkeling is definitely an adventure you shouldn't skip while in Hawaii. Oh, and don't be like me and forget to bring an underwater camera!

There are, however, some hazards involved that you should keep in mind when you get the urge to submerge, like the crazy sharp lava rocks between you and the water. They are a little tough to navigate barefoot, so be careful! You should also avoid touching the reef as you can severely threaten the survival of those very delicate environments that many species rely upon to subsist.

Don't forget to slather yourself up with sunscreen because you get a lot more sun than you realize. Trust me. You'll be sorry later, I was! Be careful with the type of sunscreen that you use because chemical ingredients in certain sunscreens can cause coral bleaching. Here is a link to more information on the most eco-friendly sunscreen to use while snorkeling: Coral-friendlier Sunscreen

After our fun in the sun, we headed over to the town of Hale'iwa so that I could try one of these famous shaved ice sweet treats from Matsumoto's that I've heard so much about. You can tell that this is the place to go by taking one look at how long their line is. Stretching out to the parking lot seemed to be the norm, but it didn't take very long to reach the front of the line.

Besides, I had trouble making up my mind about which flavors I wanted to try so I needed some extra time. I finally decided to go with a combination of guava and lilikoi (passion fruit) flavored ice on top of vanilla ice cream and red beans covered with condensed milk to add an extra layer of sweetness to the mix. Talk about yummy! I instantly understood why these delicious cones were so popular.

Matsumoto's opened as a grocery store in 1951. Now, it mainly sells shaved ice and souvenirs to tourists. They can serve upwards of 1,000 tasty treats on a hot summers day! Believe me, you want one. I want one right now, actually. The town of Hale'iwa isn't directly on Highway 83, but this is definitely a detour you want to take when you find yourself on the North Shore of Oahu.

This last sight was one that I briefly stopped at during my drive along Highway 83. While looking at this relatively calm scene, it is hard to believe that in the winter months ocean swells pound Waimea Bay with 30 foot waves. During that time surfers from all over the world find themselves at this beach clamoring to catch a wave. You wouldn't think that the summer would be the slow season, but it is!

I had so much fun taking the scenic route along Highway 83. In a few short hours I covered a lot of ground. The picturesque shoreline drive took me from Kualoa on the Windward side of the island to Hale'iwa on the Northshore. The sheer beauty of the scenery along this stretch of road is unsurpassed by anything that I've ever seen. I think that it would be nearly impossible to travel that way without deviating from your course. Just let the wind take you where it will, you won't be disappointed!

If you missed Part 1 of the 6 Sights to See on Highway 83, click here.

6 Sights to See on Highway 83 (Part 1)

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:01:00 +0000

One of the prettiest shoreline drives in Oahu is, without a doubt, Highway 83. This picturesque driving tour with its miles of crystal blue pacific ocean was truly captivating. Imagine how hard it was for me to keep my eyes forward, especially during those times when the road was hugging the ocean so closely! My only plan was to cruise this stretch of highway at a slower pace, and to stop whenever something caught my eye since no agenda was planned beforehand.

I lucked out when searching for a rental car deal online, and scored this sporty whip for my week in paradise!

Once you start driving from the Windward Mall, in Kane'ohe, you are committed to this joyride until you have reached Hale'iwa, which is only 40 miles, but it takes an hour to complete. Being bound to that two-lane road with nearly no stop lights is actually the drive of my dreams! No commitment issues here :D

1.) The first stop on my coastal tour along the windward side of Oahu was Kualoa Beach Park, which sits at the edge of Kane'ohe Bay. Had I not already eaten lunch this oceanfront park would have been the perfect place for a picnic. A seemingly endless lawn is matched by a sandy strip of beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. The 208 ft high off-shore island seen from the waters edge is known as Mokoli'i Island or Chinaman's Hat.

Even if you can't muster the courage or stamina to swim the 614 yards it takes in order to reach the island, viewing it from afar is as good as it gets, although I have heard that it's easier to get to during low tide.

2.) This roadside attraction wasn't anything you would read about in a guidebook. Chances are they might not still be standing, but if they are, you'd want to see them! As I made my way from town to town, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed these statue-like figures teetering on the edge of the pavement. Quickly, I found a place to turn around so I could investigate further. I was able to park at the Crouching Lion Inn (around mile marker 27), which was right across the street.

What I found as I crossed over to the other side were a grouping of rock cairns balancing in between the ocean's crashing waves and speeding motorists flying down the highway. I was amazed that they remained unscathed. But that's precisely why rock cairns are so special to begin with.

You can't help but be mesmerized by the gravity-defying feats those stones can achieve. It was somewhat funny that I chanced upon this display when I did because I made one at the last stop only a few miles up the road! But before heading along my merry way, I collected a pile of rocks and stacked some stones of my own to leave as an offering for my appreciation. As you can see in the above photo, I have yet to reach a point in my rock cairn making where balance has taken precedence, with me, it's more about aesthetics. Maybe balance will come later :D

3.) La'ie Point: From this sandstone point you get a grand view of the natural arch that was carved by a tsunami in 1946. Yep, the tsunami punched a hole in the rock!

To the right of the off-shore island you get a good glimpse of the windward side of Oahu. While this site offers great views, it only takes a short time to visit. Okay, maybe it was a little boring, but it was still cool!

I think that it would be an absolute shame for anyone heading to the island of Oahu to forgo seeing this side of the island because they're planning on staying around the heavily populated cities. The areas from Kane'ohe (Windward) to Hale'iwa (North Shore) are some of the most beautiful sights I found while driving around Oahu, but they can't be easily accessed like most of the sights found around Honolulu or Waikiki. Even if you rented a car for one day, it would be well worth your while to experience the pleasure of driving along one of the best highways while visiting Oahu!

In my next post I will share the other 3 Sights to see along Highway 83!
Update: Now posted! Click below.

4.) Snorkeling (for free) in Sharks Cove
5.) Shave Ice @ Matsumoto's
6.) Waimea Bay

Celebrating my Birthday Hawaiian-style!

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:45:00 +0000

Birthdays celebrations, for me, typically include travel, but not solo expeditions. Cody was unable to join me in my most recent crusades, so I went to Oahu, Hawaii sans my 'partner in crime'. The experience was liberating! I can't say that I want to spend future birthdays without being able to share them with Cody, but doing this trip on my own changed from something I wanted to do into something I needed to do.

And I definitely don't feel the same as a result of doing so. My bloggie friend Gillian, who has been to Hawaii said, "That Hawaii NEVER leaves you." I hope that's true! For days I've been stuck daydreaming about that place. Not like it's a bad thing. I hope she's right, I hope it NEVER leaves me :D

Where do you start when you have so many different things you want to share? I was thinking, why not begin with one of the most memorable moments of my most recent trip to O'ahu, Hawaii! Not that everything about this trip wasn't memorable, but some things definitely stand out more than others.

While on the island, I did the majority of my sightseeing during the day. At night, I took refuge in a friend's home far beyond the busy cities of Honolulu & Waikiki. As a matter of fact, I didn't really spend too much time in either of those places anyway. She was a gracious hostess by the way. Thank you again for such a wonderful gift :) Amongst other things, she also helped to make my birthday a pretty magical one by accompanying me to the most bodacious party I've ever been to!

I celebrated my 29th at an authentic Hawaiian-style luau this year! Germaine's Luau had the most beautiful backdrop, as well as the best show on the island from what I've heard. The picturesque setting was exactly how I envisioned a Hawaiian-style luau to be, a less than calm breeze blowing through the palm trees, a site situated right next to the ocean which happened to dawn the most breathtaking sunset, and SAND...lots of sand! I ditched my flip flops almost immediately because it was much more fun to walk around barefooted!

After drooling over the sunset, and debating about a table in which to sit, my friend and I made our way over to watch the traditional Imu Ceremony take place with the rest of the spectators. This long-established custom involves the removal of a pig that has been marinating in a roasting pit for the last 12 hours. You can't begin to imagine how amazing it smelled! The finished product is known as Kalua pig, and it is the tastiest boar I've ever eaten! Actually, it's probably the only boar I've ever eaten :D

photo by Tawny

After the opening introductions and initial performances, tables were called one by one to help themselves to a truly remarkable luau feast! When dining buffet style, I have a tendency to over do it. This time was worse than normal! I had NO room on my plate because I had to try a little bit of everything. Do you see any white space there? Okay, maybe around the edges, but that's it! I even used the silverware sidebar for desserts! Excuse that rough photo, I was standing under a light pole trying to balance this weighty plate :D

Once our bellies were full is when the real fun began! To name a few highlights, they kept us very entertained with the hip shaking hula dancers, funny but slightly humiliating audience participation sequences, and best of all, the "Samoan Fireknife Dance!" Talk about mesmerizing! Holy mama was that a thrilling performance! I had a tough time taking photos of it, so here's a video instead.

The 4 hour long feast for the senses most definitely had all the makings for a delightfully enchanting evening! I would say that anyone going to Hawaii MUST do an old-fashioned luau. Must! The only way my birthday could have been any better was if my main man could have been there to enjoy it with me.

And just so you know that I am not beneath making a fool of myself. Here is a short short clip of me shaking my bon-bon on the main stage!! I have no rhythm, seriously.

The Best Luau in Oahu: Germaine's Luau (website)

Quickstops in Cumberland Falls State Park

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:04:00 +0000

1. Cumberland River Bridge (KY 90)

This two-lane arch bridge over the Cumberland River above Cumberland Falls at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park carries Kentucky State Route 90. This bridge looks extra special in the glow of the golden evening light.

2. Natural Arch

Towering above the forest, Natural Arch stands as an impressive monument to the forces of nature in action. The 50- by 90-foot arch was formed by the eroding forces of wind, water, and ice that cut away the soft sandstone leaving a hard rock cap that arches dramatically across the sky. This park did require a $3 per vehicle entrance fee. We would have gotten a lot more for our money had we taken the hike leading you to the underside of the arch, but at the time we didn't know it existed! Please note: This is not located in the park, however, it only takes a short drive to get there. It is definitely not something you'd want to miss seeing if in that area.

3. Riverview Restaurant @ the Dupont Lodge

We enjoyed dinner with a stunning view that overlooked the Cumberland River as it wound its way through the hillside. The night we were there they were offering a seafood buffet. Cody was sold as soon as he saw crab legs on the menu. Homemade desserts were also included, which for me was probably the highlight. I couldn't help but sample a few different sweet treats.

The food was as outstanding as the view! Be prepared to wait if you'd like a window side table, although we lucked out and got one despite the packed dining room.

It was a great experience watching the multicolored sunset fade and the full moon appear. The same moon that would be illuminating Cumberland Falls, and at the same time creating the most beautiful spectacle in the process. (More on that in my next post!)

More Info:
2. Natural Arch Scenic Area Website
3. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Music on the Mountaintop Festival Boone, NC

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:12:00 +0000

It was evident that the hardworking folks putting this shindig together learned quite a bit since last years festival because this one ended up being bigger and better in many ways. As diligent as the staffers were, there were some things, though, that they just didn't have any control over, and that was the not so favorable weather! Unlike the clear blue skies experienced the year before, the majority of our day was spent beneath an overcast sky. Mid-afternoon, we had to dodge a light rainstorm, thankfully, it didn't last very long. One thing the dreary weather didn't do was dampen the spirits of the carefree crowd. I did my best to hang around the outskirts of the madness because I really wasn't in a party-time state of mind. Last time we were very close to the front, in the thick of it, but not this time. After waking up at 6:30am that morning, the only thing I really wanted to do was kick back and relax in my crazy creek chair, and I did so, waaaaay in the back.

In addition to listening to some live music, we also had plans to consume mass quantities of vendor food (as usual), which we successfully achieved! They had so many vendors to choose from at this years festival that it was very difficult to decide on what we would feast on. But that quickly turned into a dilemma we didn't mind dealing with because we just sampled as much as our tummies could take! Well, and then some. I am almost ashamed to list everything I ate.

Food Consumed: gyro with grape leaves, chicken on a stick, 2 orders of sweet potato fries, funnel cake with all the fixin's, famous grilled cheese, & a pesto quesadilla!! Yeah, I know, I paid for it a little bit at the end of the night. Talk about going overboard!

One thing, though, that I really liked about some of the food vendors were those who were a little more conscientious about what was being served. For example, the food made by students using locally grown produce, and another who offered antibiotic/cage free chicken. Small things. But a step in the right direction. It was refreshing to have these types of options at a 'green' event such as this.

I was also pretty impressed with the emphasis they put on recycling with signs and stewards who walked around passing out personal trash bags for groups accumulating cans and other garbage to help cut down on litter found later on. I was extremely pleased with the extra measures put in place. The Music on the Mountaintop Festival is clearly becoming a great example in keeping the focus on sustainability.

The musical line-ups seemed to be a series of crowd pleasers because they kept the crowd steadily swaying down in the 'pit'. I, on the other hand, kept my distance, viewing from afar. I didn't even attempt to venture down to the crowd below until it got dark. It was then that I figured the least I could do was try to get a few shots of the main stage closers, Sam Bush & Keller Williams. One thing lead to another, and the next thing I knew, I was standing only one row away from the stage. Taking photos was no easy undertaking either, especially with silhouetted heads popping up in the frame! It was fun being in the pit though, even if I didn't get any great photos!

At one point, after Sam Bush played, I had to run to our home base in the very back of the grounds to grab a fresh battery and memory card since I was on the brink of exhausting both. In a matter of minutes, and without too much resistance, I got my spot back down in the depths.

Ideally, the crowd would have hoped to dance the night away, but local law enforcement didn't allow the party to go on past midnight. As a matter of fact, they were forced to pull the plug early! It was sad, actually. The crowd was chanting Keller's name in hopes for an encore, but no amount of noise would bring him back out on stage. Not the best possible note to end on, but it was a great day despite the few uncontrollable conditions threatening to thwart our good time.

We are definitely looking forward to next year's event!

Did you see last year's photos? I was definitely a lot happier with those!
Wanna see?! Click Here (Post of Main Event) & Here (Favorite Photo 2008)

The Best Way to Recharge & Relax in Hot Springs, NC

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:22:00 +0000

With no time to spare, Cody and I made a mad dash to reach the Hot Springs Resort and Spa in time for our 7:45 appointment. Once we were all checked in and paid up, we were asked to go out back and find the spa attendant who would most likely be under the welcome pavilion. Several people were walking around toting towels (Dang!? We forgot to bring towels!) and sporting that wet-look. I just tried to appear lost enough to warrant a "May I help you?", not to worry, though, they had us covered. She promptly took our tub ticket and lead the way to our private oasis.

This idyllic setting tucked in the woods was made even more perfect once we realized that our hot mineral bath hut was overlooking the river! Having it all to ourselves felt a little unreal. I stood and marveled for a moment before sinking into the steaming hot pool of relaxation.

Good thing it was still daylight when we arrived because I would have hated to miss out on this sensory overload combo. Even though the sounds of the gentle stream could not be heard over the high-powered jets, the view added a dimension that was just as soothing. The effervescent water melted away the tension that perpetually binds my neck and shoulders. Finally, some relief after a long, sore, and painful week.

After a while, you start to notice some of the healing waters other side effects. As you continue to soak, feelings of euphoria wash over your weary body, and you begin to detect traces of intoxication without a drop of alcohol having touched your lips. I absorbed as much as I could before I needed to step out for a few minutes (it gets mighty warm), we did this many times during our 1-hour session of soaking. We even enlisted a nearby hose to assist us with cooling off every once in a while.

On one hand, you didn't want your soothing dip to end, but on the other, you were ready to allow your body temperature to return to normal, but before you can decide, time expires and it's time to get out! Overall, the experience was positively invigorating! I can see why the town of Hot Springs, NC has drawn visitors from all over since the early 1800's.

Did you miss the post on our riverside campsite or the places we ate while in Hot Springs, NC?
If so, click here and here for more trip details.

Links:
~History of Hot Springs, NC

~Hot Springs Resort & Spa
For Reservations Call 828-622-7676

Eating our Hearts Out in Hot Springs, NC

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:37:00 +0000

A Review of a few places to eat in Hot Springs, NC

After thoroughly checking out our riverside campsite, we set out to find something to eat before heading to our appointment at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa's mineral baths. Based on a recommendation I found earlier, the Iron Horse Station was my first choice. We asked the campground attendant to point us in the right direction and headed that way, although he could have told us that it was within walking distance because right as we turned onto the main road, I could see the restaurant in plain sight. I mean, we could have thrown a rock at it from the campground entrance it was that close!

Formerly a haberdashery, the building that houses the Iron Horse Station restaurant is a beautifully restored relic of history, reportedly built prior to 1890. It had the most inviting atmoshpere. I absolutely loved the original exposed brick walls, reclaimed heart-of-pine hardwood flooring, and the stamped tin ceilings. It certainly had a lot of character.

Too bad I can't say the same for the scattered host that sat us! To make a long story short: We put our name on a list, were told to come back in 20 minutes, he gave our seat to someone else who wasn't on the list, & he didn't bother mentioning that there was a lounge upstairs that we could have waited at, but despite all those short comings, he still managed to seat us.

Thankfully, the amazingly juicy hamburgers & attentive waitress made up for the lack of service we received from the host. I ordered the Iron Horse 8oz. Burger with Crispy “Tobacco” Onions, Grilled Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Grilled Tomato, Lettuce, Housemade BBQ Sauce and Mayo with a side of, my favorite, sweet potato fries. It was so big, I couldn't even finish the whole thing! We also ordered an extra side of the "Best Ever Mac & Cheese", which was a slight exaggeration as it was not worthy of the designated title, although salt helped (a little). Good thing that Cody and I are fast eaters because we barely finished with enough time to pay our tab and head over to the Hot Springs Resort & Spa for our 7:45 appointment, lucky for us, it was extremely close by!
(More about that in the next WW post)

Because the town of Hot Springs has basically been frozen in time, you don't find the normal tourist traps here. They don't even have a stop light! There are only a handful of options to choose from when looking for places to eat, or if you're looking to get your morning jump start. On Sunday when we woke up, we took a walk around town so Cody could get his morning coffee. Apparently, 8:00 was a little too early for this town. No cars riding down the strip, no people walking along the sidewalks, it was a ghost town.

Having the streets to ourselves, we strolled through town looking for an open establishment, but after numerous closed signs, we found ourselves back at the Iron Horse Station, but this time we went next door to 'the shop'. They had a very limited menu that mainly consisted of coffee drinks and a few lighter-fare breakfast items.

We wanted something a little heavier so we only opted for Cody's espresso and a green tea for myself. At one point, we overheard the barista telling another patron about a breakfast place that was just down the street called, Smoky Mountain Diner. The rumbly in my tumbly prompted me to do the same! Apparently, we didn't walk far enough down main street when combing the strip earlier. After finishing up our drinks and saying our goodbyes, we headed that way. It was only a few blocks from where Cody and I turned back. We just couldn't see the sign from that distance.

The Smoky Mountain Diner was your typical hole-in-the-wall greasy spoon eatery that offered a wide selection of breakfast items. The menu was huge! Instead of going crazy over what to order, I kept it simple and went with my usual bacon, egg and cheese biscuit while Cody ordered two biscuits smothered in gravy. The food was delicious!!

Including tip we only paid about $10 for a quick and filling meal! My only complaint would be that they allow smoking in this restaurant and to get to the non-smoking section you have to walk through the billows of smoke. They do, however, have a nice patio out back that will get you away from it entirely which is where we ended up sitting.

So, now that I've officially made you hungry....
Bear with me, I still want to share our rejuvenating experience at the mineral baths.
Coming soon: "The Best Way to Relax in Hot Springs, NC"

Iron Horse Station
P: 1-866-402-9377
Address: 24 South Andrew Ave.
Hot Springs, NC 28743

Smokey Mountain Diner
P: (828) 622-7571
Address: 70 Lance Ave
Hot Springs, NC 28743-7702

Did you miss "Riverside Camping in the Heart of Hot Springs?" If so, click here.

Riverside Camping in the Heart of Hot Springs

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:58:00 +0000

We stitched our way through the borders of North Carolina and Tennessee while weaving and winding along scenic back country roads with endless pastoral views. Abandoned tobacco barns were plentiful in this region. The fields, however, filled with row after row of tobacco plants told a different tale than the facilities lying in disrepair would lead you to believe. I like them, the rundown ruins give the landscape special character. After many more twists, turns and tobacco barns, we finally reached the quaint little town of Hot Springs.

The first order of business upon arrival was to check in to the Hot Springs campground, which happened to be one of the very first things you come to as you drive in to town, so we didn't get a chance to drive through and check the place out.

Armed with a parking pass and shoddy directions, we set out to find our riverside campsite. It was one of two that were still left when I called the day before! After a few bumps and turns later, we found our site tucked into a cul de sac of sorts. I felt as though we scored a perfect spot since it seemed a little more secluded--privacy is good, real good.

Upon stepping out of the car, the first thing you notice is the roaring French Broad River just footsteps away. It was a lot wider than I imagined it would be. In my mind, I pictured a babbling brook at our 'backdoor'. Instead, we were welcomed by a rather large expanse of semi-raging rapids (that may be a slight exaggeration)!

A panorama of the bridge we crossed earlier dominated the view as we stood at the water's edge. We were also greeted with friendly waves from the floaters passing by. In a matter of 5 minutes we had seen numerous inner tubes, duckies, and even a canoe or two lazily moving along. It quickly became apparent that water recreation is very popular in this corner of NC. I wanted to go for a lazy float down the French Broad too, but due to time constraints we were forced to save the 5 hour tour for the next time we visit.

I wasn't too sad since we had a 7:45pm reservation at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa to soak in a soothing mineral bath! But first, we had to get some grub!

Come back for the next Hot Springs "On-the-Fly Overnight" trip installment when I plan to share the great food we found in this tiny town! Also, a few additional photos can be seen on Facebook. Have a great weekend :D

Update: This is one of a 3 part series -
"The Best Way to Recharge & Relax in Hot Springs" &
"Eating our Hearts out in Hot Springs, NC"

Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Campground Reservations
828-622-7676

The Difference Between Delicious & Dangerous!!

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 05:18:00 +0000

There is a fine line between delicious and dangerous when trying to determine whether or not a wild mushroom found on the forest floor is safe for the dinner table, or poisonous to consume. The latter being what you want to avoid at all costs because digesting unsafe fungi can cause serious illness, and in some cases, even death!

[WARNING: Never attempt to eat a mushroom unless you are able to positively identify the specimen in question!!]

Warnings, like the one above, can scare you from even considering such a thing as hunting mushrooms for fear of the unthinkable, but this is why it is wise to exercise extreme caution.

Don't Give Up Yet...

There are a few varieties of edible mushrooms that can be recognized by simple characteristics, such as shape, size, and color. A few of which we learned about while bushwhacking through the ASU Woods a few weekends ago. Our main objective during this PACT hosted Edible Mushroom Tour with Dr. John Walker, an ASU Biologist, who specializes in Mycology (The study of fungi), was to seek out the shrooms and learn identification techniques with the help of a professional guide.

I expected that during the duration of these explanations I would hear a ton of words that I hadn't ever heard before--and I did. It was almost like listening to someone speak a foreign language! One quick and basic rule of thumb that I thoroughly understood, though, was to completely avoid all fungi that had gills.

While there may be some that are safe to consume, it is still extremely difficult to identify them. Even a highly trained instructor is hesitant to eat from that category. Not something you want to take a chance with.

Endless Possibilities....

During our trudge through the forest, we encountered many different varieties of mushrooms. While they are all pretty too look at, I now know what to steer clear of, as well as a few tasty treats we could take home should we get lucky enough to come across them again. We did, however, have the very good fortune of accidentally stumbling upon a patch of Black Trumpets when trying to find our way back to the trail.

After a few hours of foraging, we were invited to go back to Dr. Walker's class room where he had a makeshift cooking station handy so that we could taste test what we found out in the field. We devoured the tender, crispy bits while at the same time trying to savor the flavor of the fleshy fungi. This was the part where a smaller group was favorable since that meant more to go around :)

Gain Knowledge & Build Confidence....

I actually feel a lot more confident about deeming certain delectables safe since attending this foray. I don't want to get into the technical verification 'tests' involved here on WW because I don't feel qualified to provide you with the proper information, but if you're interested in learning more, the info is plentiful. Whether you find a local specialist who might enjoy giving a tour in your hometown, or you dig into a comprehensive guide book to sharpen your skills, be sure that you do your homework before "testing the waters."

You can start by doing some research on what you could expect to find based on your geographical location. Look for, not only those that are edible, but others to avoid, as well as possibly poisonous lookalikes. One thing we didn't touch base on too much were spore prints, which is supposed to be another great way for the less experienced to identify edible wild mushrooms.

Yes, there are risks involved, but you just have to be aware and well informed to remain on the safe side. Even if you only head out with the intention of admiring and/or photographing them, think about going on your own mushroom hunting expedition once armed with new knowledge. I promise that you will make all sorts of interesting discoveries when you are closely paying attention to those often overlooked details!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend :o)

Food, Fresh Air & Fun on the Farm

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:50:00 +0000

Recently, Cody and I, along with others, were extended an invitation to take a tour of the farm that we receive our weekly share of veggies from. Ever since we joined Creeksong Farm's CSA*, I have wanted to go for a visit and take pictures, but for whatever reason we were never able to work it out. Thankfully, they hosted an ‘open house’ for ALL of the members to enjoy. It ended up being a terrific opportunity to connect with where our food comes from, as well as with the other members!

It took place on a Sunday afternoon a few weekends ago and required a drive through the Ashe Country countryside—a place where I would love to settle down. Among the first to arrive, we were welcomed with warm smiles and friendly faces, along with a delicious spread of fingers foods and tasty beverages. The snacks were superb!! My favorite were the Dilly Beans....those things were delicious!!!

Soon after we settled in, other members began to arrive and joined in on the pow wow. Everyone quickly became better acquainted while waiting for the rest of the guests. Meanwhile, Jeff (The Chief), was preparing to lead the way to the first set of gardens where we saw zinnia’s, chard, broccoli, basil & a few other farm-fresh goodies that have made their way into my kitchen.

From there we got a nice look at the surrounding acres which consisted of rolling hills and plush pastures saturated with different shades of green. In total, they have 60 acres that they have been accumulating since 1979! What a spread, huh?!

With every ginger footstep I began to realize how much work has to be put into an operation such as this. Not that I didn’t know before, but seeing it from this angle offered a perspective I couldn’t have really appreciated otherwise. I am no farmer. In fact, I have a black thumb! But seeing what they accomplish with my own eyes makes me want to become better at it albeit on a smaller scale. I truly do appreciate all the hard work they have to do to ensure that we stay well fed. Clearly, it is not as easy as it may look--not that I ever thought it looked easy!

After seeing the first garden, the bunch made their way down the street in a parade-like fashion where we saw two more sizable plots. One was filled with golden squash, zucchini and corn while the other, requiring a bit of a climb, housed the infamous (green) onions, which we have grown to love :D.

Following the slope of the hillside put us in a great position to survey an overview of the homestead below where we spent a fair amount of time admiring the landscape before hiking back down through the hollow. For some, though, the fun was just beginning. The kiddies got to go on what seemed to be a thrilling tractor ride around the valley!

I, on the other hand, went back to the snack table to polish off, I mean sample, a teeny bit more yummy goodness before saying our last farewells. I can’t tell you how thrilled and relieved I was that the rain held off so that we could finally visit their little slice of heaven. I felt so at home out in the country. It was a fantastic way to spend the day!

*You may remember a guest post graciously crafted by Cody regarding the benefits of joining a CSA back in January. If you missed it or are not aware of what a CSA is, I strongly encourage you to revisit that post: Fresher Food for Less.

The 3 Easiest Waterfall Hikes in Shenandoah National Park (Part 2)

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:06:00 +0000

3. DOYLES RIVER FALLS

(Upper Falls)

For our last day in Shenandoah National Park we picked this trail because there were not one, but two waterfalls! The round trip hike of 3.2 miles is moderate on the way down, but the return climb is STEEP! So steep it seems that you are pretty much at a half-jog the whole way down. Almost too quickly we reached the Upper Falls, from there we decided to bypass it because of the crowd and kept going until we got to the Lower Falls.

After taking our time on the sharp switchbacks, the 63 feet of water furiously spilling down the rockface came into our view. I charged toward the small landing beneath the falls, but was stopped dead in my tracks by what I though to be a live snake! I screamed!! Cody, my knight in shining armor, quickly came to my aid. Upon closer examination we realized it was not moving and was a little bloody--someone killed it. Strategically, we removed it from the path so no one would have a heart attack from having the daylights scared out of them, like I almost did.

(Small Cascade)

A little more cautiously this time I made my way down and set up my tripod to get a picture. I didn't have too much luck here because the sun was shining directly on the top of the falls (overexposure), so I thought best to move on.

On the way back out we stopped to see the Upper Falls, it was still crowded. The grotto-like setting was nearly impossible to capture without a moving subject hopping into the scene. Somehow, I got lucky, and was able to fire off a few shots. However, that feeling quickly faded and was replaced by dread as we began to retrace our steps back up the trail.

(Lower Falls)

Midway, I remember thinking to myself, "This isn't too bad!?" I even protested saying so out loud just in case I would be jinxing myself by doing so. Of course, I did! That's where things started going "downhill".....It was BAD, real BAD! I almost wanted to warn everyone we passed to turn back, especially when we came to a lady resting on a bench on the way down! She had no idea. Without saying a word, we trudged along. There were moments that I wanted to die or either pass out (just a tad dramatic), but without incident, we made it back to the trailhead.

In case you missed it:
The 3 Easiest Waterfall Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
(Part 1)

The 3 Easiest Waterfall Hikes in Shenandoah National Park

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 01:22:00 +0000

There is nothing that I like more than to see the awe-inspiring beauty of a flowing cascade. What can some times make that desire difficult to achieve is the time and effort it can take to get there. Since there are no waterfalls that are visible from Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, to see one you must be prepared to take a hike. Cody and I were looking to maximize our time, and at the same time minimize exhaustion, so we set our sights on some of the shorter and less difficult treks. Of the nine waterfalls in SNP, though none are easy, there are a few you might find more manageable, but every bit as beautiful.

1. DARK HOLLOW FALLS

This particular waterfall appeals to a wide audience because it is easier to get to, which means that it can be pretty popular. Even so, we thought the 1.4 mile round trip would be a great excursion to start off with. The trail hugs Hog Camp Branch as you make your way down the tree-lined path, which can become steep at times.

Once you reach the bottom a series of rushing cascades create an impressive 70 foot display (as you see above). I was lucky to have located a spot to shoot early on beacause it wasn't very long before a rather large group joined us down below, and by join us, I mean, blocked my view! :D

The clouds were being even less cooperative, so somewhat frustrated, we made our way back across the river to begin our ascent. I remember taking a break or two on our way back up, but all in all, it wasn't so bad.

2. LEWIS FALLS

After a short nap at the campsite we awakened with vigor and were ready to tackle another trail. This one was really close to the Big Meadows campground, our homebase. Another bonus was that this was a short stroll at 2 miles. The footpath to Lewis Falls was strewn with rocks and can be tricky, so sure footing was a must! Once the sound of rushing water becomes louder a panoramic view of Pine Grove Hollow opens up before you. The end brings you to a rock-walled observation area where you can view the 81 foot falls from afar. I felt a little jipped because that wasn't what I expected, but it was still lovely. Other than having to navigate the rocky terrain, the return hike was fairly mild. We did, however, almost cross paths with a skunk, but thankfully he was in his own little world!

3. DOYLES RIVER FALLS:

Come back this Wednesday for Part 2!

Luray Caverns: A Subterranean Wonderland

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:25:00 +0000

Step into a world where enormous underground chambers are filled with countless stalactites and stalagmites that are 4,000,000 centuries in the making. Cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high are home to a myriad of fantastical forms.

This 'subterranean wonderland' is a place where natural curiosities can be experienced and imaginations can be exercised around every jagged corner.

{Fried Eggs}

As much fun as it may be to think up your own variations, the self-guided audio tour will answer questions that you didn't know you had, as well as share historic and geological information about the cave. During our tour, I recall many jaw-dropping moments as we wound our way through the grand cavern. For instance, my favorite and most astonishing discovery was the sea of stone that seemed to go on forever.

After realizing that what we were actually looking at was a reflection of the ceiling, I was still in disbelief about what I was seeing!? It was very appropriately named Wonder Lake.

I don't know how long it took other people to navigate their way to the end, but the brochure suggested a 1 hour time frame. We, on the other hand, took 2 hours! I didn't mind letting everyone pass us because we weren't in any hurry. In fact, we took extremely long pauses at nearly every juncture to bask in the magnificence of this natural landmark.

{Wishing Well}

Traipsing around underground in Luray Caverns wasn't the only thing we did on our most recent trip to Shenandoah Valley National Park. I still have more of natures wonders to share with you!

Join me on Monday for our next stop:
Waterfalls of Shenandoah National Park!

Don't get too close!

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:57:00 +0000

Were the words ringing in our ears as the ranger hung her head out the check-in station window.
I didn't pay attention because I was already keeping my distance, but there were many who weren't. The second sighting was even worse. Just down the road, minutes after our first black bear sighting, were two more black bears roving through the forest. A good indicator that a black bear is in the vicinity would be to pay close attention to how many cars are unlawfully parked on the side of the road, not to mention the herd of people. Now, be sure to stay behind the 'not-to-bright' layer of people who are standing way too close in the event that the black bears attack!

Alright, I'll be straight with you, black bear attacks are extremely rare, but in the event that you come face-to-face with one someday, here is some advice I found for dealing with such a situation.

Speak calmly and slowly back away. Doing so identifies you as a person, will show that you are non-threatening, and will allow some space between you and the black bear. Cody's advice to me, prior to our camping trip, was to not run away. Whatever you do, DON'T RUN! Their natural instinct is to chase you whether they want to or not.

Now, I also read that since they are usually very timid, you can scare them away by yelling, banging pans, or by make any other sorts of loud and obnoxious noises to scare them.

Thankfully, we weren't involved in any encounters that required rash decision making!

They were all rather difficult to photograph because of the tall grass and constant movement. Luckily, Cody got this awesome video so that we could share the experience with you!

PSA: For the record, I just want to say that it is NOT OKAY to park your vehicle in the middle of the road, mush less get out of the vehicle that is holding up traffic! Who does that?! Seriously. Especially on a busy road like Skyline Drive! I was dumbfounded by that display of stupidity.
Please, don't do that :D

Wildlife, Wilderness and Waterfalls! Oh, my!

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 04:13:00 +0000

We experienced it all....and then some!
I want nothing more than to tell you the details about our camping trip.
Instead, I need to be a grown up and focus on meeting deadlines this week.
Hopefully, I will sneak in some time and have a field trip ready for Friday!

Until then,
MEET THE LOCALS :D

Shenandoah National Park was teeming with wildlife.
Deer were the most abundant! And, bold enough to walk straight through our campsite.
O', and how cute the fawns were curled up, basking in a patch of sunlight just behind our tent one morning.

But, after seeing so many (100+), we were like, big whoop. A deer.

However, we did have a few other encounters that were a lot more intriguing!
Stay Tuned.

No Need to Get Technical

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:29:00 +0000

I'm not a doctor and I don't know the technical terminology, but I
do know that sunshine activates our happiness glands.
~Jessi Lane Adams~

I am so ready to soak up all I can!
Cody and I piggy-backed a few vacation days onto the July 4th holiday.
We will be spending this time camping in the woods of Shenandoah National Park, VA.
Hope you have a great holiday whatever you do. See you on Sunday!

Posted in Wordful Wednesday

The Crown Jewel of DSBG

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:41:00 +0000

Upon stepping through the front doors of the glass-encased oasis, you don't quite know whether you are hot or cold. I suppose that it would be most accurate to say that I was on the brink of both, hot and cold, teetering somewhere in between. After the sweltering heat we encountered outdoors, I half expected to be greeted by a refreshingly cool blast of air as we walked into The Orchid Conservancy, but alas, we were not.

What we were greeted by, though, was a landscape of lush foliage, and around every corner we were met with the most engaging plant life. One of the most stunning displays in the entire exhibit were the Tillandsia Archways. We spent quite sometime time admiring those amazing little air plants throughout that corridor. So many varieties that I hadn't seen before.

Although, the real shop-stopper was just around the bend! Directly after the last archway, you run into a 16 foot stone wall with a cascade that is full of epiphytes. Unfortunately, the orchids in this display weren't accessible, which was a little sad because some of them had the best smells! I remember a few from our visit to the Fuqua Conservancy in the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

As we slowly weaved our way through this horticultural display, we witnessed more than 14,000 plants and flowers. I went ahead and passed through twice just in case I missed something the first time--which normally happens. Now, I don't know how we missed it on the first walk through, but there was a little room off the back that was cranking out some bone chilling a/c! It was GLORIOUS!

Reluctantly, we left the chill-zone to finish out our 2nd-time-around-tour. Even though we were eager to find refuge in the next cool spot, we still took our sweet time making our way around the 8,000 sq ft ecosystem. If you ask me, there really is no other way to appreciate this artistic representation of nature!

Well, this is it for the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens 'Series' :)
If you missed the last post, you can view it here.

p.s. I finally set up my facebook page.

How we beat the heat at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:39:00 +0000

After sitting in a classroom-like setting nearly all day on Saturday, for the NC Wildlife Federation Leadership Summit, we were dying to get out and about. Speaking of dying, the heat was unbearable! Nonetheless, I still managed to persuade Cody into making a trip to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens before retreating back to our beloved mountains.

Botanical gardens, for me, are all about unearthing new and fascinating plant life. Normally, during our usual treks through the woods, we are on the lookout for interesting and unusual flora, but being in an area where everything is in one place is like a FREE FOR ALL!

Armed with a map, we began our leisurely 'stop and stroll' through the lush landscape. Unlike most ventures when Cody is stuck waiting for me while I capture images, he actually joined in on the flower-photo-frenzy. Flowers are the most amazing subjects to study with their varying colors, smells, and designs. We spent hours appreciating them. In my eyes, they are works of art.

One thing that was especially unpleasant, though, was how stiflingly hot it was in Charlotte! I really don’t know how I survived in Florida for all those years. The mild mountain climates have spoiled me rotten!

Lucky for us, it wasn’t hard finding flowing water throughout the gardens with various fountains spewing liquid gold. Occasionally, I would dip my hand in and splash myself for a few moments of much needed relief.

Imagine my delight when we crept up to this inviting canopy of geyser-like proportions shooting through the air from both directions. It was basically daring you to walk though the tunnel without getting wet. Nearly impossible. I don’t know about you, but my main objective was to time it just right for maximum soakage! Ahhh….sweet relief!

Another saving grace was the very friendly golf cart shuttle driver who was more than happy to give us a ride back to the front of the grounds. He even told us to come back and he’d take us on another breezy cruise!

Join me on Monday for Part 2:
Next stop: The Orchid Conservancy!

Posted in Hooked On & Photostory Friday

Sneak Peak: Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:58:00 +0000

Posted in Wordful Wednesday

Come back on Friday for a field trip to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens!

Until then, you could revisit our trip to the
Atlanta Botanical Gardens back in October.

Taking the Leap

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:53:00 +0000

Well, I did it!

And, truthfully, it wasn't that bad. I practiced with Cody what I had planned
to say, but in the end, I really didn't use the entire 'speech'. Before the meeting I
received so many reassurances about my public speaking concerns because I
couldn't help but share my anxieties. Talking about it helped me overcome my
worry, and the support was more than I could ask for. I can't say that I felt
completely at ease, but I held my composure fairly well. It feels great to say
that I actually faced this crippling fear, and as a result, I may do it again.
Hopefully, with far less anxiety next time. Someone suggested that I do a
class on Photoshop to help with their newsletters!?!? We'll see.

Thanks again for your encouragement and well wishes!

On Sunday, we did have time to do a little sightseeing.
I hope to have a field trip ready for Friday!!

Facing a Fear

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:19:00 +0000

My hands begin to sweat, and my heart begins to race. It picks up so quickly that it is feels as though it is going to explode from my chest! The further along I go, the worse it becomes. This is me in front of a crowd. Nervous. Just thinking about it gets me worked up. I'm going to share a secret: For as long as I can remember, I have avoided public speaking *gasp*. For me, it's a big deal. And, I'm really tired of "it" being a big deal, too. I want that to change.

Some of you may remember me mentioning that Cody and I joined PACT. This conservation group is the local chapter of the NC Wildlife Federation. When I became a member, I also took on the responsibility of Newsletter & Media Chair since they had open positions. I wanted to help.
This was my first time doing a newsletter, but I was willing t to learn.

Erin (The President) gave me full creative control, which just made the task even more daunting. But, I managed to come up with some ideas after scratching around on the internet. For the record, the term "scratching around" equates to hours and hours!! I've become a lot more comfortable with creating these sorts of things in the past few months.

"So...what does this have to do with public speaking?"

Well, Christopher North, the Conservation Director at the NC Wildlife Federation, asked if I would give a little talk about the newsletter I do for PACT at a Leadership Training Summit this weekend in Charlotte. Other local chapters will take part, too. It sounds a lot bigger than it really is. Anyway, my first instinct when I read his request email was, HECK NA!! followed by, I CAAAN'T DO THAT!! Then, I decided not to respond immediately with my usual gut reaction. Instead, I gave myself a little time.

I am choosing to thrust myself OUT of my comfort zone! For real. I'm freaking out!
I need encouragement. And LOTS of it.
Wish me luck!

Newsletter Samples
*The PACT logo was NOT created by me.

Appalachian Trail Days in Damascus, VA

wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com (Wayfaring Wanderer) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 02:21:00 +0000

Once a year the town of Damascus, VA. becomes a mecca for those who have an affinity for the Appalachian Trail. For the few whom have never heard of the AT, it is a trail that runs from Georgia, all the way to Maine. Damascus is roughly the halfway point of the 2,175 mile journey. The town is especially popular amongst hikers because it is the only part of the AT that actually passes thru a town. Since the sidewalk is part of the trail, on any given day, you can find a few weary backpackers walking along the roadside loaded down with gear. On these days, however, you are more than likely to find hundreds of them!

Open to any and all who may have thru-hiked, section-hiked, helped to maintain, preserve or anyone who just enjoys being outdoors is welcome to the annual Appalachian Trail Days extravaganza! The point is, whether you have hiked it or not--which I haven't--this special event gives everyone a chance to celebrate the Appalachian Trail as well as its people.

I found this snippet of the talent contest that showcases a really awesome beat box named, Abraham. He was very popular among the crowd, and for very good reason. I bet he wins every year!

Along with the talent show, they had all sorts of activities including a HUGE water-fight parade (that we missed), as well as various food (my favorite!) and merchandise vendors.

We ate an enormous turkey leg, a gigantic ice cream sunday, and
fried green tomatoes! I couldn't resist the FGT.

After a clear and beautiful day at the festival we retreated to our campsite tucked deep within Mount Rogers.

During the festivities they did offer a special camping area within town. Just imagine, tents and people as far as the eye can see...NOPE...not for me! I like my privacy :)

See?!?! It is named "Tent City" for a very good reason.

That night, we got to our tent in the nick of time. As soon as we zipped up the 'door' it proceeded to rain, and did so ALL NIGHT LONG! It was still raining in the morning when we packed up. Thank goodness Cody reminded me to bring my rain coat!

I'm curious, who here has heard of the Appalachian Trail?