Fabulous 4th

After not being invited to my brother's house to spend a hot and humid day on his pontoon for the 4th of July, Amy and I celebrated a little more quietly and oh so beautifully.   On the 4th of July proper, we had ourselves an intimate fire in our yard.   Meeka did great, after her initial barks, at the loud booms and pops of neighborhood fireworks being lit off around us.  After a while, she became a bit more desensitized to the intrusion and settled in with us at the fire.  Following that, Amy and I watched from the comfort of our couch the city's firework display on YouTube.

Ever since we moved to the home on our little lake, I have always wanted to do a nighttime kayak under the light of a full moon.  When we learned that Mont Du Lac would be lighting off their own firework show on the 5th of July, we were hoping for good weather to make a nighttime kayak come true.

Alas, the weather was absolutely perfect for a Duluth summer night.  Nighttime temps in the mid 70's with absolutely no wind, accompanied by a nearly full moon, made for a perfect opportunity to venture out on the water.  Plus with the addition of fireworks, how we could turn that down.

So out we went at about 9:15 PM (we kept Meeka at home for this excursion and had ourselves a "kid-free" date).  Once we got out on our lake, the beauty was only beginning.  We paddled through a magical galaxy of shimmering dragonflies, each one a flicker of summer's breath.  Peaceful and Serene, they enveloped us with their delicate wings as we made our way out to the most breathtaking sunset over the river.  

Amazingly mosquitoes were not bad!  Normally, mosquitoes make outside water time unbearable, but this year, they are a little more scarce.  Not absent completely, but definitely noticeably very few.

Once we got to the bay to watch the fireworks, the moon started to get covered up by some clouds leaving us a little concerned about paddling home in the absolute darkness.  While we waited for the celebration in the sky to begin, the current of the river started to slowly slowly take us towards home.  We just quietly flowed with the current allowing the river to be our navigator while we watched the distant sparks light up the night sky.  A beautiful reminder of our Independence especially when the outside world is a bit unsettled.   

Once the show was over, we made our way through the pitch black tunnel to return home to another mystical scene of hundreds of illuminated fireflies greeting us at our dock.  Pulling up to the fairy-tale scene  was the perfect ending to a perfect evening spent just with my lady love and God above.  

Life doesn't get much better than this, folks.  

Spontaneity at its Finest

 Yesterday was such a fun, spontaneous day that I wanted to capture it.  Capturing these fun days and moments are something I want to focus on.  First, to formulate those feel good pathways in my brain, and second, to remember them!  

We woke up yesterday to a cool, foggy, humid July morning.  My first day off after a full five days.  Nothing was on my agenda but maybe to do some messy yard work.  The idea of taking a road trip to Michigan was kind of in the back of both of our heads, but we also kind of postponed it for later in the week so when Amy suggested Michigan, I wasn't mentally prepared.  After a few minutes of thinking about it, I thought it sounded like the most perfect way to spend an overcast and cool summer day.  

After packing ourselves some organic ham sandwiches and tossing some water in a cooler, off we went.  No plans.  No agenda.  Just take a road trip and see what we see.  These are often our most fun outings usually with fun surprises and few, if any, disappointments.  

Neither one of us was dressed for the coolness of the day (lowest recorded temp from the car thermometer was 57 despite the forecast of a day in the high 70s).  We had planned to get out to stretch our legs,  take a few hikes, but the weather was not super inviting.  We had wanted to sit outside somewhere beautiful to eat our brought-from-home food.  Alas, our tummies and our body temperature had us settle for the parking lot of the Ironwood rest stop where we watched old people slowly walk into the building and back out again.  

After that, our next spontaneous stop was non other than WAL-MART!  This was actually fun, and we even bought a few things.  Me:  a new outfit for work.  Her:  a knee brace for her bum knee.  Plus on the drive there, we got to go through a cool, old, downtown looking area of Michigan that was reminiscent of a ghost town.  

One more stop to get what we could obtain legally from Michigan before heading back home.  On our way we drove past a sign for Interstate Falls.  Should we stop?  Should we continue home?  Amy had a bum knee, and I didn't have warm clothes to hike in 57 degree, rainy weather.  We both figured, "what the heck, why not?", so I turned the car around and headed back to the trail head.  This was not a mistake.  

As luck and preparation would have it, I carry some extra clothes in my car that included a rain poncho, long pants, and my work jacket.  Amy now had her knee brace which made walking a bit less painful for her.  I was warm.  She was mobile.  The trail was short.

This foggy dampness only added to the beauty of the woods.  Dewey moss, dripping leaves, trees, roots, unseen critters, and of course running water with mini waterfalls kept pulling us to adventure.  Waterfalls are my medicine.  I love them, find them healing, and am often called to play in them.  After arriving at the big waterfall, I wanted to do just that, so play I did!  

Outdoor temperature was chilly.  Waterfall water temperature was sure to be cold, but something was calling me to play in the waters.  I wanted to swim and play.....until I saw the crayfish.  Or I should say "Michigan Lobsters".  

These things were swimming and scattering all over the rocky bottom of where I wanted to play.  Big.  Creepy.  Eerie. And so many!  But I  didn't let them stop me.  After stripping down to my bra and undies,  and screeching reluctantly for several minutes, I surveyed the water, reminded myself they likely were not going to hurt me, and took a dive right in.  (Seeing strangers approaching from up above also expedited my dip in the frigid water as they were on their way down and I was half naked.)

It was a quick dip, but it was a full dip indeed!  No crayfish got me and I emerged feeling victorious, proud, and rejuvenated.  As a cosmic reward, the sun begin to shine and miraculously the temperature spiked up to 75 keeping me warm on the hike back to the car.  One seldom regrets the things they do, but often regret the things they do not do.  I left this trail without any regrets.  Thanks to my lady for her photography and pep talk.  Not sure I would have done it without her undying support and encouragement.   

Our trip didn't stop there.   We visited a small, but beautiful cemetery where we wondered about those who passed, and enjoyed the beautiful vegetation and insects along the border.  Another stop in Ashland where I wanted to take another dip in Lake Superior, but opted against it while making plans to revisit in the very near future.

This was a wonderful, beautiful, day filled with spontaneous moments and mood lifting experiences.  Waterfalls are healing indeed. 

Middle Aged Travelers

 April 2022 was a nice time to get away to Florida.  We left Duluth on a nice spring day, temps in the mid 50's.  We were a little sad to be leaving our nice weather, but once we arrived in 90 degree Florida, Duluth had a messy spring storm for nearly the entire time we were basking in the sun.  Not gonna lie, we were a bit elated to know folks back home were in a slushy, snowy mess while we swam in the hot sun.

Our vacation was an intentional one of relaxation so we did not have a big agenda.  It was a perfect reset full of fun, laughs, and intimate pool chats.

Here we are a couple of middle aged women doing pool Olympics complete with handstands, handwalking, judging and critiques.  We each took home a gold medal in the handstand competition.  We are both professionals after our years of practice and expertise.  It is fun to be a kid still!  In addition to our handstands, we participated in another juvenile pool activity.  Yup, we peed in the pool (Sshh, don't tell).  We kept track of how many times we relieved ourselves by holding up our fingers for each time we were too lazy to get out of the pool.  We got upwards of over 5 times each by the end of pool time.   Gross, I know.

Ice cream was a perfect way to cool off in the humid, 90 degree heat.  But eating it outside was not the perfect way in which to eat the ice cream.  We were a sloppy mess covered in rapidly melting ice cream.  We had to eat it so fast that I don't think either one of us tasted much of our delicious dessert.  We ate it on the dock so the drips could just fall into the water below.  And this is where we discovered  the relaxi-taxi!  The water taxi was a cheap way to get a boat ride in right from our hotel.  We wish we would have discovered the water taxi earlier in our trip, but this night we opted for ice cream instead of liquor.  Once you get over a certain age, you have to make choices and sacrifices.  

Also, as a middle aged woman, it seems I have classified the Red Hot Chili Peppers as "heavy metal music".  For some reason, Amy finds this hilarious.  I guess they are not heavy metal after all.  

Right from our hotel room, we have views of dolphins and manatees swimming off in the distance.  My middle aged eyes also discovered there were black pelicans on the beach next to our hotel.  I was so excited to go visit the pelicans especially once I saw another woman walk near them and they didn't move.  They must be friendly pelicans!  Imagine our disappointment to find that my eyes deceived us and they weren't pelicans after all, but rather they were tires on the beach.  I wanted to go see these mysterious pelicans not only once, but twice!  After realizing they were just tires, I was still in denial, and got excited moments later when I again thought I saw pelicans.....Amy had to remind me that my eyes were playing tricks on me!

On our final day there, we went to a butterfly conservatory which was beautiful and lovely.  This solidified my middle aged-ness when I found out that they considered a senior citizen to be aged 50!  Just two short years away, and I would have been able to get reduced senior rates!

When it came time to pack the suitcase to head home, our suitcase gained over 5 pounds, not from all of our travel souvenirs we bought, but because of all the food we stole from the continental breakfast each morning.  Oh, those Florida oranges sure were tasty back home in Duluth!

More highlights of the vacation included a mama manatee with two babies seen while kayaking, dolphins from our hotel, a dead rat at the hotel restaurant, and a mascot parrot named "Blue" (who was kind of scary)!

Though traveling is always a nice getaway, coming back home is even sweeter.  There simply is no place like home!

Fun Finds Up the North Shore

So the other day my friend and I took a drive up the "North Shore".  What a fun treasure that was!  I've lived here my whole life, and I have been up the North Shore several times, yet I discovered a whole new undiscovered (by me) world!

Nearly halfway between Duluth and Canada lives a little town called Silver Bay and there is a whole lot to see and do in Silver Bay.  Who knew!?

The first exciting fun find was giant chairs!

I have always wanted to sit in giant chairs, and there they were just calling our name on the side of the freeway.  So we took that as a sign and got our photo opp.  How can you not smile sitting in giant chairs?  When we were leaving, an older couple was pulling up to also sit in the giant chairs.  The excited smile on the lady's face described exactly what we were feeling.

Next we drove up this mountainous terrain called Palisadehead.  This was quite the fun find! High up on rocky cliffs gazing down at the Caribbean looking Lake Superior was breathtaking in every sense of the word.

I had to crouch kind of low to the ground to keep my bearings and my sanity.  It was scary being up so high with no real protection in between you and the ledge where you would plummet to the bottom of the rocky cliff into the frigid and quite rocky water below.  When we were done, I had the Jello legs.  But it was well well worth it.

Then we headed to Black Beach where we were in search of black rocks.  Instead we found nothing but a bunch of NO TRESPASSING signs.  They were every few feet, clearly marked, with a "Violators will be Prosecuted" warning.  We decided to risk it.  We ventured out of the car down a path toward the beach.  We hear a vehicle slowly approaching.  And what do you know, its a cop.

I start kind of running back to the car and the cop.  Heart is pounding.  Cop asks, "Having fun?"  Our reply, "We are trying to".  He questions, "Trying to?"  We explain we were trying to get to the Black Beach and asked if he knew how we could get there.  His response was "Not legally.  What do those signs say?"  We hung our heads in shame as we solemnly answered, "No Trespassing......"  However, the cop then directed us to follow him while he showed us the correct, though still illegal, path to get to the Black Beach.  I thanked him for not arresting us.

On our way home, we really wished we would have answered differently when he asked us what the sign said.  After having a significant conversation in English, we wish we would have answered, "Senor, no hablo Ingles".  Though funny to us, it may not have been funny to the cop so we were pleased with our result.

The beach was different than we expected.  Still cool.  A beach full of taconite, which gives it the black color for which it is named.  We didn't stay long, but just took a glimpse since we were there illegally.  We were both so angry that someone (mining company) could claim a whole cool beach for themselves and not share it with the public.  How can that be?!

Our fun find adventure ended with a trip to the candy store!  What a sweet finish for an awesome day.  Can't wait to return next year to see what other hidden gems await us Up the North Shore.

My New Hobby

Earlier this month, I bought myself a new "toy", and let me tell you, its been fun!

Its a reminder of what really matters.

A feeling of connectedness.

Peace.

Magic

We all have those days at our respective jobs where we want to pull our hair out, scream, and perhaps even quit.  Then we have those days that remind us why we do what we do, especially those of us in the social services area of work.

Today was one of those latter days.  The kind that makes your heart swell and eyes well.  A day of pure magic.

The past few days, I have been working with 6 middle school kids who are pretty resistant to being in the day program in which I work.  Resistant to being there in the first place bubbles over into small battles over seemingly simple things....like going to group, cleaning up their lunch plates, being respectful to one another.

Change in our predictable schedule also becomes a struggle and today was the monster of all changes for this group.  Today, our schedule included a field trip to a therapeutic horse ranch.  On Monday (two days prior to "the horses", as we affectionately refer to our experience), five of the six kids were adamant that they were not going to go.  So adamant was one kiddo that he had a 2 hour rage at home because his anxiety was overwhelming, and he thought by throwing this fit, he would be able to avoid this potentially uncomfortable experience.  Another gal insisted she would not even come to the treatment program that day and most certainly she was not going to the horses.

 The two days leading up to the field trip, we attempted to coach the kids in skills, calm their anxieties, and encourage them in all sorts of ways.  Sometimes our attempts bred anger, and most certainly none of the hesitant ones were sold on going.  We still had one very uncompromising gal and one very uncompromising boy.

Then today happened.  I was surprised to see all six faces arrive at the program today.  Our rigid gal was unusually quiet and withdrawn in the morning, and I was a bit concerned she would refuse to leave the building when the time came to head up to the horses.  But the time came, and she hopped in the van no problem.

We arrive at the horse arena and went to observe the horses.  The kids mindfully observe the various horses, and when they feel a connection, they raise their hand to claim which one they want to work beside.  Our hyperactive, socially awkward boy surprisingly waiting last to pick his horse allowing all the other kids to have their first choices.  His buddy ended up being the most vocal and energetic of all the horses, just as this kid was the most vocal and energetic of our bunch of kiddos.  All kids picked their horses and approached them very cautiously, even our most resolute boy and gal.

They each brushed their majestic beauties, cleaned their hooves, and got to practice leading them around the arena.  Building confidence and conquering fears all the while.  Bright smiles on our most hardened kids.

Toward the end of our time, the kids got to ride their new found friend.  Our uncompromising boy?  Yes, he rode around the arena with the brightest smile I have seen from him.  Not only that, but he encouraged the others to do the same, even the other boy who irritated him during their time together in the program.

Our uncompromising gal?  She, too, wore a bright smile as she rode Shiloh.  By the end of it, she was hugging her horse saying she did not want to leave and requested to have her picture taken. Perhaps even a tear was shed as she said goodbye.

This experience was beyond anything I have ever experienced.  The connection between horse and human was something I had never seen.  I'm still unsure if the animal matched the energy of the kid, or if the kid chose the animal because of shared characteristics.  Maybe a little of both.  Whatever it was, only one word can explain it.  Magic.

Road Tripping with Prairie Dogs

Just two days home from a fabulous road trip through South Dakota, I want to go back.  Or at least go on another road trip somewhere.  Initially, "South Dakota" elicits "what is in SOUTH DAKOTA?", "why THERE?"  But let me tell ya, it has some of the most breathtaking landscape and scenery I have ever seen.

So below is basically just my itinerary.  Nothing funny, fancy, or thought provoking.  Just a recap of my Fun Trip mostly for my own memory....

Day 1 (Monday):  On the road by 7:15 on our way to pick up our rental car (a Blue Chevy Cruz) in a torrential downpour.  By 7:30, we were "married".  That's right.  "Married".  After learning that it would cost an additional $10 a day to add another driver for the rental car, some random guy informed us that it does not cost extra for spouses to be added on as extra drivers.  So, in that instant, we were spouses.  We just saved ourselves about $100! 

We were so overpacked that we had to cram all of our gear into the car.  Literally.  It was one of those "Quick!  Shut the trunk" things where if you were to open the trunk from here on out, you had to use extreme caution for falling duffel bags.  For real.  Our back seat was plum full too.  The down pour of rain and our impatience to get rolling may have impacted our organization skills.  But we were off!  My mission was to see buffalo and prairie dogs! 

Ten hours later, we made it to South Dakota and toured the World's Only Corn Palace.  We were curious as to what a Corn Palace was, and here it is a Palace made of Corn.  Go figure.  Its more like an entertainment auditorium for concerts and whatnot.  The outside is made out of corn and the design is changed every year.  When we saw a hungry pigeon gnawing on the outside of the building, we knew it was real corn. 

After 13 hours of car concerting, we finally made it to Wall.  Signs for Wall Drug litter the entire freeway as soon as you cross the Minnesota/South Dakota border.  By this time, it was around 10:00 PM, so we just got our hotel and turned in for the night.

Day 2 (Tuesday):  More rain and wind.  Turns out Wall is a tiny tourist town with kitchy shops for rinky dink souvenirs and fun photo opportunities. 

Our breath was first stripped away when we saw the rolling prairie hills.  Grey sky, green grass dotted with tons of black cows. 

South Dakota is Super windy.  My vanity had to take a back seat and I rocked hats and bandannas.  Not my best look, but it made for a much more pleasant and relaxing trip to not have to worry about my hair.

Then on to Sitting Bull cave.  This is home of the world's largest specimen of Dog Tooth Spar. 

We had to climb down 180 stairs to get into the depths of the cave.  That meant we had to then climb 180 stairs OUT of the cave too.

Did you know that if you fart in a cave, the stench lingers for a long time and follows you?  Thanks to me, we learned that lesson!

Some of the dog tooth spar.

Back in the car to head to the Black Hills.  On our way there, we stopped at Bear Country where we drove around a free roaming zoo of sorts.  All kind of animals roamed in sectioned off areas.  The highlight was the hundreds of bears that came right up to the car.

This guy made us chuckle.  He was just sitting there looking at the
scenery.  We called him the "meditating bear"

We saw Mt. Rushmore

And then drove by the Crazy Horse Monument.

And some of the most stunning terrain on the Needles Highway.  Rock formations and spooky, windy roads proved to be truly Awesome.  One could think they were on a different planet by the unearthly feel that the Needles emit. 

That night we stayed in Hill city to return to the Black Hills the next day to explore and hike.

Day 3 (Wednesday):  Weather is finally cooperating.  In the mid 50's, some sun, Breezy.  We venture to hike Harney's Peak, which is the highest point between the Rockies and the Andes.  This was the Mother of all hikes.  Six miles round trip, 3 of which is uphill, climbing this ancient "mountain".

We hiked to that "castle" in the background.  In actuality, it used to be a fire tower

At the top of Harney's Peak.

The return trip was much easier, but we were both ready to relax in the car and drive the Custer Wildlife Loop.  My mission of seeing "Buffalo" (more properly called "Bison") and Prairie Dogs came true!  Bison everywhere!

Where there is Bison, there are Prairie dogs as well.  So cute!

In addition, we saw Pronghorn deer

And the "begging burros"

My biggest regret is not hanging out with these burros longer.  I fed this guy carrots.  Next time, I will park, chill, and talk to my buddies longer. 

After talking to all the critters, we headed back to Wall so that we could spend the following day in the Badlands.

Day 4 (Thursday):  Windy (Badlands was under a "wind advisory"), but sunny and warmer.  On our way to the Badlands, we found this little spot where we could hang out with the Prairie Dogs!  Dream come true!  We got to feed them and hang out with the little critters.

We spent the rest of the day here, in the sacred, spiritual lands.    The Badlands!

Initially, we were going to camp here, but because of the weather (there was also some threats of a thunder storm) and our eagerness to start our long trek back home, we decided against camping.  Next time, we said.  So, East we went towards home and ended up staying in Pierre, the capital.

Did not see a rattlesnake, though I was calling for them.
I only wanted to see one from a distance.  A long distance.

Day 5 (Friday).  Severe Weather alerts in the Black Hills and Badlands...Mostly a driving day for us.  Destination DeSmet, Home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, three hours away.   Once we arrived in DeSmet, we were just eager to get home to pet our cats we left behind at home.  Neither one of us wanted to take the hour long tour of the Ingalls homestead so we attempted to drive around to see the building of interest ourselves.  Disappointed to see a more developed town than I anticipated, and feeling pressure from the 7 hour drive ahead of us, we decided to just head home and not play around in DeSmet.  Next time maybe.

So, I came to see "Buffalo" and Prairie Dogs, and got to see so much more.  More than I ever thought was possible in South Dakota. 

On my journey, I couldn't help but think of the Native Indians who were forced to give up their sacred land and now live in some of the worst poverty in America.  But that is a blog for another day, another time. 

For now, I will relish in the beautiful landscape that is America and give thanks for the beautiful perfection that surrounds us each and every day.

Memorable Quotes:

Me:  Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Her:  Water is life.  Hydrate or die.
both of us:  Winning!  In reference to farting and who had the stinkiest ones.  Cows won, but I came in second. 

Getting My Ski On

January and February can be a funky time in these parts, especially if there is no snow in which to have fun.  The dead of winter.  Dark, grey days can create dark, grey spirits.  Knowing all too well the heaviness of this time of year in the Northland, I took some days off work so that I can have some FUN and lift the heaviness that has fallen on my soul yet again.

Finally we have a winter that has substantial snow suitable for snowshoeing and skiing.  During these 6 days off, I am embracing Every. Single. Moment.  Perfect weather, and fun friends, has made for some of the best skiing I have had in years.  The other night, I skied under the light of the full moon and had one of the best laughs I have had in a very long time.

Some days have been super ski days with skiing in the morning AND the afternoon.  I feel like I need to get all my skiing in during these 6 days because once I head back to work, its no turning back.  I will be working 12 shifts in 11 days.  Just thinking about that makes me tired.....

BUT for THIS week, I am enjoying quality time with nature. 

Snowshoeing with the dogs is always great fun.  They roll around in the snow collecting snowballs.......

Or becoming one.........

 

 

 

Before too long, skiing and snowshoeing season will be over and we will morph into ucky mucky spring, but I intend to take advantage of this glorious snow that has been absent the past few years.  Lots of good skiing can still be had; its only March!

And just as easily as it sneaks in, the darkness lifts and once again I can think a little straighter, breathe a little lighter, and laugh a little easier.

The Energy of the Moon

Bundling up on a frigid Winter night to face the bitter cold is a fun challenge.  There is just something about putting on enough layers to feel toasty warm when the temperature says 2 degrees.  Sure, a person might feel a bit like Ralphie's brother, Randy, in the movie "A Christmas Story", but its like an act of defiance.

Mother Nature, or maybe Jack Frost, dares you to get out and experience the chilly air.  Add to that a full moon and cloudless night, and its an unavoidable temptation. 

A temptation I succumbed to tonight.  The moon was crazy gorgeous as it was rising so I put on my snow pants, my down jacket, hat, boots, mittens, and all the necessary winter gear and ventured out for a full moon experience.  Last year I wanted to experience every full moon of the winter, but succeeded in only enjoying about 3 full moon lit nights.

Off to Enger Tower I went, good buddy in tow.  Peering down over our beautiful city under a full moon was awesome.  The silvery moon shone down on the calm Lake, perfectly highlighting a single ship waiting to enter the Harbor.  Just below, the lights of Bentlyville (a Christmas light show spectacular) twinkled and blinked to unheard Christmas carols. 

Spooky shadows danced upon the frozen ground as we made our way back to the vehicle.  Though it was brisk, we took refuge beneath our furry hoods which served as a wind shield for our faces.  Yes, we beat the cold.  We won.  The cold did not prevent us from taking in the beautiful sights our city has to offer.  And, in fact, we stayed warm.

Each full moon brings about a new found energy.  Rumor has it nursing homes and.....mental health units....are a bit more unsettled during the full moon.  I certainly feel how this could be true since I become exhilarated from soaking up the energy of the moon. 

Like last year, I again intend to appreciate each full moon of the season.

What I Did on My Vacation/Staycation

Time off from work is a glorious thing, and I finagled a whopping 3 weeks off from work this summer.  Believe you me, I am cherishing every single second.  Here is what I have done on my vacation:

1. Spent quality time with quality friends
2. Roller bladed
3. Helped a few friends rake in a ton of dough
4. Watched the sunset over Lake Superior (Michigan!)
5. Saw the night sky with more stars than I have ever seen, including shooting stars (Michigan!)
6. Stayed up late and then slept in.
7. Read some good books (Handmaid's Tale!)
8. Brushed the cats and got enough fur to make a million pillows (ya know, if I were to make pillows out of my cats' fur)
9. Became laboriously addicted to Words With Friends
10. Honed my vocabulary skills (see above number 9)
11. Learned what "Jimp" meant (to jizz in your pants) from above #9
12. Pined for things I do not have, but relished in what I do have.
13. Took an entire day off from life by not answering my phone (it only rang once anyway),not talking to anyone (other than 4 words uttered to my cat), and having no responsibility.
14. Went into a bat cave (Michigan).  Well, kind of a bat cave, more like an old mine shaft.
15. Gave thanks for good health (mine and others).
16. Thought about work, but only fleetingly
17. Walked the beach of Lake Superior, both in Duluth and in Michigan
18. Hiked the dogs nearly every day (except on my day off from life day).
19. Went frog catching (but stopped after scaring the poor little critters so did not catch one)
20. Got eaten alive by mosquitoes.
21. Had an adventure for my tummy in which I tried Tofu and Mock Duck.

And the best part is, my vacation is not over yet.  I still have 2 weeks to go!!  There will likely be a part 2 of what I did on my vacation/staycation as I inch closer to heading back to the real world.

A beautiful sunset on Lake Superior

Running like Chariots of Fire on the Beach

Entering the bat cave!

Froggin'

Whitewater Paddling

Today was an adventure equivalent, in my mind, to cascading over Niagara Falls in a barrel.  Only, it consisted of me paddling what I have termed "a safety boat" down the "forgiving" St. Louis River.  The so called safety boat is an inflatable one person canoe ("Ducky" is the more technical term).  I have been down this river once before, but never on the mercy of my own power.  The last time was a team effort in an inflatable raft.  Truth be told, I didn't pull my own weight on that excursion.

However, this time was all me.  Well, all me, with the verbal instruction of the best teacher a novice whitewater paddler could have!  As I struggled to get the feel of how the Ducky maneuvered, Beth and her trusty sidekick, Kevin, kayaked beside me talking me through each step of the way.

We started out slow and easy.  Paddle like this, and the boat goes like that.  Paddle like that, and the boat goes like this.  OK, easy breezy. 

Then, we happen upon the first set of rapids (I believe called "Classroom").   My heart palpitated just a bit as I paddled through the bubbling forces beneath me.  A sense of exhilaration once I reached the calmer water.

With each section of rapids, the water gets bigger! Faster! Louder!  We reach the rapids known as "One Hole", my new enemy.  As we approached the forceful water, waves swirling every which way, my heart again felt the anticipation of beating the rapids.  Only this time the rapids beat me.

I felt my boat turning into the swirling waves, and was oblivious to know to take control and attempt to get my boat straight again.  It was like slow motion in real time.  I saw the swirling, brown wave coming at me, and I knew it was not good.  My fight or flight response went to "flight" and I quit paddling, an error that led to my first swim in the big drink. 

Before I went under, I remember yelling "Help" and I looked at my friend and instructor whose face foretold my fate. 

I got flipped into the hole.

Not the exact hole I fell into, but you get the drift.....

The Ducky hit the "eject" button and catapulted me into the River.  Then my "fight" response kicked in and a million thoughts went through my head.  I remained calm. I remembered I had a life jacket on (Thank God and Beth) and let myself rise to the top and go where ever the raging water was going to take me.  I popped up, saw Beth and swam to her kayak while her husband rescued the empty boat and and paddle.  I hopped back into my safety boat for more raging rapids ahead.

Because I got flipped, each set of rapids brought about a sense of fear, but also excitement.  I was determined to make it through each time without being tossed into the water.  We did portage over a set of rapids called "Electric Ledge" which is a mini waterfall in my eyes.  Looking back at that massive force of water, I was so glad we did not go down those rapids.  However, a small part, a very small part, of me was also disappointed because I wanted to defeat them!  Maybe next time.  Maybe.

When we successfully made it though the final set of rapids, I breathed a sigh of relief.  Relief, Pride, and admittedly, Disappointment that the fun and excitement was over.  But, I made it!  I made it down the Louis!  And I only went for a swim once, which isn't too bad.  Beth tells me the St. Louis was a Class 3 river today.  I might be more of a Class 1 or 2 kind of a gal, but I can certainly see why so many people have a passion for kayaking. 

Sadly, there are no pictures from today's adventure (the photos posted are "borrowed"), but the images and memories will forever be in my head.  And I hope to get out and paddle again sometime in the near future.

Thanks Beth and Kevin for one on my most favorite adventures! 

Nature's Song

Music is not a part of my soul like it is with so many of my friends, and so much of the world.  I dig music, alright; I just don't need it.  More ingrained in my soul is the songs nature produces.

When I am out and about, I see so many people who are out in nature, but not really experiencing it.  Ear buds plug out the beautiful sounds of birds singing, leaves rustling, and water trickling.  When I am on the trails roller blading, skiing, walking, all without ear buds, I appreciate all the sounds nature has to offer. I listen and I hear.  A part of me feels sad for those unfortunate folks who could be hearing the most beautiful music ever.

Waking up in the early morning to the sounds of birds happily chirping away is my favorite alarm clock.  It brings an instant smile to my face no matter how early they awaken me. 

Even the quiet stillness winter brings is magical.  A blanket of freshly fallen snow produces a silent sound unlike any other.  The sound of peace. 

I breathe it all in and peace overcomes me as well.

Whispers

Oprah always said that if the Universe wants to teach you a lesson, it will start like little whispers in your ear.  If you don't hear the whispers, the message becomes a bit stronger until eventually a tragedy happens.  All along, you realize that, had you heard the whispers, you could have prevented that tragedy. 

I think I'm hearing whispers.

For a while, I have thought about getting some mace or pepper spray.  I am out on the trails, by myself, all. the. time.  I roller blade solo. I hike solo.  I go into the depths of thick forests where there are no houses nearby, and usually no people.  Once in a while I think that I could get attacked by a sex crazed maniac.  So far my back up plan is to begin to pick my nose and then eat it in attempts to disgust the perpetrator.  My luck, he'd be turned on.

Even more than me getting attacked by people, there are all sorts of wild life that could attack as well.  I have already come face to face with a bear, and watched as an angry deer chased a friend's dog (whispers?). 

And beyond my own safety is the safety of my own dogs who have now been attacked by large dogs on more than one occasion (whisper?).

Last time I went out walking, another hiker mentioned she now carries pepper spray in order to combat angry dogs since her dog has been mauled by a pit bull (whisper?).

Then, as I am starting to write my blog, on pepper spray, a character on the TV show that happens to be on right now, mentioned "pepper spray" (whisper?).

So I have been hearing all sorts of whispers.  I think its time to get me some pepper spray and hope I never have to use it.  But at least I would be prepared just in case.

Not-So-Eensie-Weensie-Spider

When throwing my laundry in the washing machine today, a large basement spider revealed himself to me on the top of the heaping pile of dirty clothes inside the machine. 

I could have rescued him. 

And normally I don't take to killing things, even ugly spiders.  You know that scene in "The Secret Life of Bees" where May puts a trail of marshmallows for the spiders (or maybe they were cockroaches?) to make their way safely out the door? 

Yeah, that could be me. 

Only it wasn't. 

Instead, I quickly turned on the warm water, added detergent, and even added bleach in attempts to poison the poor critter.  I laundered that little fella.  Hopefully it does him in and his poor spider parts get shredded apart to be drained away during the spin cycle. 

Otherwise I will be wearing the remains of an innocent spider inside my underwear.

Hidden Treasures

Duluth is chalk full of special treasures and hidden gems.  My friend, Beth, introduced me to my new favorite place in the whole world and its been here, in my backyard (so to speak), my entire life.  What makes this place so special is that it is in the heart of the city, but feels like you are miles from nowhere.  You'd never know that a local high school was just a few feet from this beautiful trail if it weren't for a few truant teens sneaking onto the trail for a midday smoke.  Aside from that though, Tischer Creek has to be one of the most beautiful places in Duluth.

The beginning of the trail starts with descending a 100 year old staircase.

This staircase takes you into a canyon along the creekside where each turn in the trail brings one breathtaking sight after another.

 

Bridges take you across the creek and provide you with awesome sights of cascading waterfalls.  The sound of the rushing water reminds onlookers how powerful and mighty water can be.

On the bridge overlooking one of many waterfalls.

My favorite place on the trail is a large rock jutting out over a pool that blends two waterfalls creating a third waterfall just below.

The entire hike is filled with beautiful, natural creations.  The gushing rapids providing nature's purest concert.  Its awe inspiring to think that people walked this same path over 100 years ago.  Their spirits still present, not hauntingly so; more comforting.

100 year old path

Trees are magnificent and mighty.  Some have succumbed to nature's wrath and have fallen.  Depending on where you are in the path, you can look down and see the tops of trees below, or you can look up and see the base of the trees above.

Others provide super cool photo opportunities.

When the hike is over, you can't help but anticipate when you get to return for the next adventure at this spectacular creek.  I'm so excited to show my friends this trail and experience their reaction to Paradise at the bottom of that ancient staircase.

Thank you, Beth, for showing me this awesome trail.  A true gem.  Both the trail and you!