Week Two, The Great Outdoors

Camp #2

LDC was able to secure a slot for G&G camp.

She was over the moon to be able to attend this top notch specialty overnight camp.

The head counselor is pictured on the far right.  Campers call him Grandpa.

Campers were able to learn new skills and interact with nature as they engaged in physical and social activities––and create memories that will last a lifetime.

In addition the head cook, Granise, had cookies, granola bars, candy, ice cream and according to the camper LDC- "really really good food" plentiful.

(THREE s'mores were allowed around the campfire. Scandalous.)

Campers created boats for the annual Lonesome Hollow Creek Race. Although no prizes were given out, from what I heard, bragging rights reign.

2024 Winner

N.I.C. 

Campers also enjoyed hilarious movie making and a plethora of selfies.

Now while G&G Camp was in session, I had registered for Momcation Camp...so off I went to....

The Great Smoky Mountain National Parks

For years I have had my eye on the Mt. LeConte (via Alum Cave) Trail.

(Exposed rock ledges, hand cables, and  "strenuous" aren't kid friendly thus the trail being on the back burner for so long.)

So before dawn I secured a parking spot at the popular trail head, pulled out the camping stove, made myself coffee and enjoyed breakfast as the sun started to rise. Once the sun greeted the mountains, up and up (and up and up) I went.

the highest guest lodge in the eastern United States

Rocking chairs are on the back porch!

A spot to change into new socks and only a wee bit farther to climb...

Mission accomplished

View from the Cliff Tops

What did I do when I arrived back to my camp site?

Crawled straight into the tent and took a 45 minute nap. Then soaked my knees in the icy cold Chasteen Creek while sipping a white wine spritzer.  Keep in mind, Momcation.

Next day.

My knees were still working just fine so headed to Newfoundland Gap to jump on the AT and delighted in following the white trail blazers.

(Didn't get to Maine though.)

Hmmmmmm

What would your thru hiking name be??

"Man has created some lovely dwellings- some soul-stirring literature.  He has done much to alleviate physical pain.  But he has not...created a substitute for a sunset, a grove of pines, the music of the winds, the dank smell of the deep forest, or the sky beauty of a wildflower." Harvey Broome, Naturalist

Wrapped up Momcation not walking but floating in a deep soaking tub.

y-e-s

Week One, Summer is upon us

Summer Week One

"...I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work..." -The Auburn Creed

LDC and I headed to Alabama for her week at swim camp.

I didn't take her last year so this was my first time in Auburn in over 14 years.  I am positive she was tired of me saying, "Wow, that wasn't here when I was here last".

(For example, scanning a QR code in order for us to jump on and ride scooters on the Concourse...wee bit of a learning curve.)

After getting her settled in, I headed down to Panama City Beach with a zero agenda...except to meet up with three besties.

“Friendships between women, as any woman will tell you, are built of a thousand small kindnesses... swapped back and forth and over again.” - M.O.

It's not February yet so I am not a complete slacker.

Cheers to a year where every day is a tiny celebration of life.

A Belated New Year's Eve Celebration together

And...

During the work week, LDC has to the share the responsibility of lunch making.

My treat this day was an over the top dining experience.

January is looking good.

Well...

The post was still in my draft file.

Still...

 “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start.” —Nido Qubein

a new species of dolphin

Last week of the 2023 year

Beach Days are the Best Days

We are slowly checking off the SC State Parks.

This trip was to include two parks... Edisto and Hunting Island.

Hunting Island was a "go" but unfortunately we ended up being a "no show" for Edisto because we only were given one night to escape for some peace and calm.  One night is better than no night though.

Hunting Island State Park

Happy Hour with a view

...thirty minutes later, I realized the bag with our campfire dinner ingredients was still at home...whoops.

All kinds of critters.

Lined Sea Star

Lettered Olive

Portuguese man o' war 

Physalia physalis

Sept 2016 National Geographic article contained this "most famous" tree.

Interesting biology fun fact:

"We’ve always felt that our playful Lowcountry dolphins are a special breed, and now scientists have confirmed it to be true. Beaufort’s dolphins are a new species, separate from the other dolphins living offshore."

Chief Tamanend, who was known for his wisdom and peaceful nature.

Youthfulness

“To succeed in life, you need three things: 

a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.”

 – Reba McEntire

November, Etiquette-wise, it's almost time to deck the halls.

Thanksgiving 

Salem

2023

Ahhhhhhh, the traditional smoked turkey.

Dad up with the moon, manning the Smoker, in the chilly (more like freezing) pre-dawn air.

(Look at that golden yumminess.)

In the pic above is Grandson, the relief Carver, now...Carver.

(Experienced Carver still at the helm, in his traditional 20+ year attire.) 

The kitchen smells like orange peels and rosemary.

Around the table and after the meal everyone continues to stay put for:

some kind of family game with a wee bit of competition,

 lottery ticket scratching, and 

snuffing candles.

Fast forward to the next night.

Birthday Festivities for Dad with an Italy theme

Pin the Hand on David

And that’s another trip around the sun.

"If you want to get technical: According to a survey conducted by YouGov, "Almost one half of holiday decorators get started between Thanksgiving and the end of November. Around one in six (16%) will wait until early December, but only 5% get started on decorating in mid-December or later."" 

So, a majority of people believe that Christmas décor is the earlier the better... after Thanksgiving dinner has been cleared away and a certain birthday has been celebrated, of course.

Eras and Vitamin Sea

The Eras Tour Concert Film

The girls had the whole movie theater to themselves.  LOTS of dancing and singing.

Side note: Feet were scrubbed before bed.

Shrimp and Grits Festival

JI GA

2023

1. “Everybody’s got to believe in something. I believe I’ll have another beer.” — Unknown

Sunny skies, delectable dishes, and there is no place like seaside with friends.