tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19404489426823240992024-03-14T02:21:56.603-04:00My Travels With Or Without A SuitcaseValerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.comBlogger352125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-10518229943061111792018-08-31T12:01:00.002-04:002018-08-31T12:01:28.116-04:00A Bit Of A Rant But Not Too Long<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXqZLCWApXw/W4llfkEUDxI/AAAAAAAABBA/EmdDlCknWgQTXZaC_Ksho5RtnEPz-PaWwCLcBGAs/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXqZLCWApXw/W4llfkEUDxI/AAAAAAAABBA/EmdDlCknWgQTXZaC_Ksho5RtnEPz-PaWwCLcBGAs/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a>I was a follower of several blogs until recently when I noticed the habit of many bloggers was to post something every day. This is a bit aggravating to people like me with limited time to spend on web type issues. Probably just as vexing is the blogger who does not post regularly for you never know when to check in.<br />
<br />
I fall into that last category but I would rather use my limited time to post events and knowledge as it comes to me, not just to keep people reading.<br />
<br />
I have been quite busy this year. This year, our campground hosting was restricted to just the month of May at Assateague Island National Seashore. Many of you know we lost our son in law, Steve, in June. He was way to young to go and we miss him dearly every day. Our time has been spent giving as much support to our daughter as we can, when and where she needs it.<br />
<br />
So, in keeping with the subject matter, We are on our way to a two day show in North Conway, NH over Labor Day. Can you believe it's already Labor Day Weekend?<br />
<br />
Other shows coming up are as follows: 2 days at St Peter's Church in Londonderry, NH, 1 day on the common in Bethel, ME, 1 day on the sidewalks of Littleton,NH, and the Deerfield Fair exhibiting in the NH Made Building at the end of the month.<br />
<br />
<br />
Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-69598502920293129952018-02-16T17:10:00.000-05:002018-02-17T17:11:24.433-05:00The Great Storm Of 1900 And The Aftermath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Znf_WgNOBFg/WoioO6awt5I/AAAAAAAABAE/NjtwU9oWEh8h-haLCDHXqMKUsRKnQfASQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018_0217_Galveston%2B009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Znf_WgNOBFg/WoioO6awt5I/AAAAAAAABAE/NjtwU9oWEh8h-haLCDHXqMKUsRKnQfASQCLcBGAs/s320/2018_0217_Galveston%2B009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AlDkBaOWQgI/WoioO87V5aI/AAAAAAAABAI/n77lual5GMQQUPJtZLMDWehuR-a8aFNUgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018_0217_Galveston%2B055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AlDkBaOWQgI/WoioO87V5aI/AAAAAAAABAI/n77lual5GMQQUPJtZLMDWehuR-a8aFNUgCLcBGAs/s320/2018_0217_Galveston%2B055.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In 1900, Galveston was destroyed by what has become know as “The Great Storm”. Meteorology was in it’s infancy with storm tracking a calculated guess at best. The warnings came but were ignored by almost everyone and when the wind driven ocean raised up to flood the streets, some residents became concerned and looked to what little higher ground there was. Sadly, it was already too late. Twenty four hours later death and destruction lay everywhere. <br />
<br />
More than 8,000 people were killed. The railroad tracks, beds and trestles were ripped from the ground. Locomotives were tossed about like Tonka Trucks. What the water didn’t wash away, the debris destroyed. Only 6 buildings remained and in the aftermath, it was decided to safeguard the island by erecting a barrier to protect the city from future storms. The hurricane surge measured 16 feet at it’s worst so the interim managing body drew up plans for the building of a 17 foot high seawall. This wasn’t the only step taken by the shell shocked citizens. The council also agreed the entire business and residential end of the island should be raised by 20 feet. Imagine jacking up a city block, building by building, filling underneath with storm debris and sand dredged from Galveston Bay and the Gulf. Residents traveled over scaffolding for more than two years until roads and sidewalks were also lifted to the new level we travel today.<br />
<br />
The images here are two of the six remaining buildingsValerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-90225506700175280562018-02-15T18:49:00.000-05:002018-02-16T18:51:24.822-05:00 A Tale Of Two IslandsBlog Entry for February 10 - 15, 2018<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XS2wYTFxcgc/WoduJ_Gsr7I/AAAAAAAAA_o/5zwxmujKYisrUfKtFYyRYvITESSMCpjYgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2018_0216_Galveston%2B003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XS2wYTFxcgc/WoduJ_Gsr7I/AAAAAAAAA_o/5zwxmujKYisrUfKtFYyRYvITESSMCpjYgCEwYBhgL/s320/2018_0216_Galveston%2B003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Travel blogs always seem to start with leaving home, followed by the airport and plane experience and continuing chronologically until the story teller has returned home. I’m not convinced that format works for every trip.<br />
<br />
I could tell you about the smooth plane ride with impeccable service and early arrival, but I won’t. I have too many other bits to relate. When told of our impending travel plans, friends said how fortunate we were to be leaving the cold behind. Imagine our surprise when we arrived in Houston to find it was only 43 degrees. I didn’t expect to need my winter coat for the first three days on Galveston Island although was glad for it. In fact, the bitter damp cold and the biting winds have been the story, keeping us from enjoying the out of doors and ensuring our long looks through the window at the angry seas just across the street.<br />
<br />
Wednesday’s arrival was heralded by somewhat warmer air which brought fog so thick we couldn’t see the gulf just a couple hundred feet away. And, when the fog thinned ever so slightly, threatening to lift, we were teased with quick glimpses of chocolate colored foam crashing onto the sand just beyond the seawall. The local weatherman, among all those who are wrong 70% of the time and still employed, assured us the skies would be clear by noon. He wasn’t entirely accurate but the wind disappeared and the climate was somewhat more like we expected.<br />
<br />
Impressions of Galveston are mixed, confused and maybe even a little bit jumbled like the surf. On the one hand you have a well laid out bustling metropolis full of cultured amenities. You can, and are almost expected to, visit a different restaurant for each and every meal. It’s hard to choose a favorite. Shopping malls abound along with the touristy sorts of things, ice cream stands, candy stores, miniature golf, the Pleasure Pier and so much more. Wherever you go, someone is working to get your wallet open and gain your dollars whether its food, amusements, kayak and bike rentals or sand accessories. This end of the island would be Dr. Jeckyl.<br />
<br />
Mr Hyde is another matter altogether. I can’t think of two more different halves to a whole. Today we left the “civilized” end of the island and drove 35 miles to Surfside Beach, TX. All of the houses, summer camps, duplex, townhouses and condos, along the way, are raised by 10 or more feet on posts with the hopes the next storm will not bring a surge of 11 feet. In point of fact, since Galveston’s natural inclination is to be at or below sea level, I would imagine it’s almost impossible to purchase home insurance of any kind without these stopgap measures. There are miles of marsh and poor grazing between the road and the bay. Very few cattle and even fewer horses have been seen. Astonishment is the only word that comes to mind when I see the size of some of these homes. They are huge, sprawling and multileveled with sometimes two and three decks attached. Every single building has parking for a vehicle as well as a utility room for water heaters, purifiers, laundry duos and landscaping tools tucked neatly beneath. It appears people are willing to loose those items should the next storm threaten to overrun the island.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-31875082100429930782017-05-12T11:11:00.000-04:002017-05-12T11:11:02.706-04:00So Many Questions For May 1-8, 2017<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZ4h3flOMwo/WRXQNNvSEMI/AAAAAAAAA_M/pC6mXCwAysg_VfDT5FCvj_LrLkbsA5HZgCLcB/s1600/2017_0510_Assateague%2B019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZ4h3flOMwo/WRXQNNvSEMI/AAAAAAAAA_M/pC6mXCwAysg_VfDT5FCvj_LrLkbsA5HZgCLcB/s320/2017_0510_Assateague%2B019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
“So how do you get to be a camp ground host and what do you have to do? What do you get out of it”<br />
<br />
These questions are asked of both Carl and I several times each week and depending on who the person is, depends on how we answer.<br />
<br />
Generally speaking if you want to volunteer for a position, you go to the website, www.volunteer.gov. and start looking. The opportunities are broken down by state, agency and position. You’ll find a job description and how to apply. It’s that simple. That takes care of the first question.<br />
<br />
The second question is answered by the agency involved. For us, the camp host position in Nebo required the use of a rake, shovel, cleaning supplies and the ability to drive a pickup truck. We were also required to do a small amount of paperwork and handle money to sell firewood and rent campsites to guests without a reservation. There was no schedule to adhere to, no minimum amount of hours one had to work and no one looking over your shoulder at all hours to make sure the work was completed. Our responsibilities at Sherando Lake were similar in nature without the use of the pickup truck or the need to handle money. This was substituted by a lawn which badly needed mowing. Have I ever told you how much fun a zero turn riding mower is to operate? The camp ground at Assateague is similar although you are provided with a schedule. The work week is four five hour shifts with two days off and you get a golf cart to complete your rounds which include traveling to the ranger station to advise them of checkouts, squatters and problems.<br />
<br />
It’s that 3rd question that can give one some pause to think. “What do I get out of it?” Volunteerism is nothing new. Citizens have been signing up for two hundred years to protect family and home along with the ideals of democracy we hold dear. As early ( or late ) as the Sixties, President Kennedy and his family created the Peace Corps. The list goes on and on but the key premise is still the same. What you get out of a volunteer position is knowing that you have, in some small way, helped. For those of you out there thinking I’m taking someone’s livelihood from them, it isn‘t the case. Every hour I have given to the state of North Carolina, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest in Virginia and Assateague Island National Seashore off the coast of Maryland is time doing jobs that otherwise couldn’t or wouldn’t get done because of budget restrictions, cutbacks and layoffs. There is no monetary benefit to me for providing this service. In fact, Carl tells me it costs us more for these three months because we still have expenses at home. True, we are provided a camp site for each month with water, electric and sewerage which is worth several hundred dollars. But, it’s that feeling I get at the end of the day when the supervisor tells us what a great job we’ve been doing or the camper who remarks on how clean everything is in the park. Even when I’m speaking to people who have not been paying attention to the rules, it’s the education of that individual who asks the intelligent questions afterwards and will have a much more enjoyable experience because we are there to explain why that particular rule is so important.<br />
<br />
On our volunteer “time sheet”, there is a category for how many visitor interactions you have every day. The higher the number, the better I feel, the more I’ve helped. I think it was said best like this, “Volunteerism is not what you get out of it, it’s what you put into it.” Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-48440938664263980192017-04-27T11:39:00.002-04:002017-04-27T11:39:45.003-04:00Unplugged Somewhere In Virginia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-heOkXB9ZZ9Q/WQIQpeXC4yI/AAAAAAAAA-w/sAyF_Gjln9gBtns5Rqg45Y7w3fvV2KesQCLcB/s1600/2017_0426_Sherando%2B018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-heOkXB9ZZ9Q/WQIQpeXC4yI/AAAAAAAAA-w/sAyF_Gjln9gBtns5Rqg45Y7w3fvV2KesQCLcB/s320/2017_0426_Sherando%2B018.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Our modern day lives are inherently bound to the use of technology so when we don’t have it at our fingertips, some people are just plain lost while others are forced to do without and learn or recreate by other means. With a statement like this one, a story is sure to follow.<br />
<br />
Our month at Sherando Lake Recreation Area in Lyndhurst, VA is almost at an end. During this month our lives have been centered around the care and cleanliness of the Meadow Loop Campground, consisting of 18 sites and a bathhouse with two showers and two toilets. There is also a family sized bathroom to be used by handicapped or parents with small children.<br />
<br />
This responsibility has been a joy to accomplish. There is a beautiful little stream running along the back of the camping sites as well as another stream bisecting part of the lawn area when significant amounts of rain fall. For more than 20 days, this stream has been flowing at full strength. To say we’ve had quite a bit of rain would be an understatement. Our supervisor measure just shy of 4 inches in a 24 hour period.<br />
<br />
Our site is situated along the road where we have a southern exposure. Now for most of you out there, southern exposure means lots of sun for all of part of each day. Not so with my husband. Our site is equipped with water, sewerage and electricity so a southern exposure means he can have excellent satellite reception for his television pleasure. Doesn’t sound like much of a hardship, does it?<br />
<br />
There is no cell service at Sherando and it took me the better part of two weeks to stop grabbing my phone to research trivia, check on the weather, look up a word in the dictionary and to ascertain if any messages have come in. I would go through this fruitless exercise several times each day but I eventually learned. For a few campers, being without their “smart phones” has proven too much for them. Some have left the camping area, demanded their money back and even mumbled some less than flattering remarks under their breath about the “primitive conditions” in this part of the country. I question whether the smart phone would help them. <br />
<br />
No cell service, for me, means I can’t check on which movies are playing in Waynesboro, where the Outback Steakhouse is for our next lunch, how to use the word “penultimate” properly in a sentence and also to find out if we should close our awning because we are expecting high winds.<br />
<br />
Now, these are most assuredly man made modern day hardships. In truth, my only real issue is being out of touch with my family back home in New Hampshire. I haven’t missed the numerous telemarketers, the phishing spam in my e-mail or the ringing of the telephone at unusual hours.<br />
<br />
I do some of my best reading, walking and enjoying of nature during this month. I talk with campers, watch children playing outside in the fresh air and smile when I see a newly arrived flock of Gold Finches feeding on our lawn. It was impressive and “no, I don’t’ have a photo to share because the camera was inside the camper and I didn’t want to frighten them away”. It was awesome to just sit and watch the dozens of brightly colored birds moving about while they feasted on all manor of bugs. I’ve even had time to watch the foliage turn slowly from bud to leaves over the course of the month. At home, with our hectic and electronic lives, you don’t have time or take the time to enjoy those sorts of things.<br />
<br />
My electronic fix is grabbed when I go do laundry or have to go into town for groceries. So, while I’m waiting for the clothes to spin, I’ll get this blog entry posted and then go enjoy some more nature. I may even have to mow the lawn this afternoon. I swear I can see it growing after all that rain we had a couple days ago.Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-2564601872292252312017-03-13T19:30:00.000-04:002017-03-15T14:52:30.144-04:00Questions, Always With The QuestionsWhen you volunteer to be a campground host, you must be prepared for all sorts of questions. We just hope when these questions are asked, we have the correct answers. We’re always prepared for things like, “ how do I get to campsite #___” or “ how much is firewood”. We’ve even become pretty good at directing people to the Ranger’s Station and to the trailheads in the area. But, the other day, we had a couple of not so routine requests.<br />
<br />
On Thursday, a car pulled into the campground parking area. The occupants, 2 adults and a child of about 8 went for a walk towards the lake. When they returned, the mom came to the camper door and asked in a decidedly southern drawl, “Y’all got a pen I could borrah. The boy’s got a splintah” I was ashamed to ask her to repeat her request and eventually figured out she needed some type of sharp pointy thing to dig out said splinter. I handed her my mini sewing kit which included safety pins, common pins and needles. Several minutes later, she returned the kit and wanted to know if I had any peroxide or alcohol. I only had wipes which she had already used. She glanced back at the car where her husband and child waited for her and wondered if I had any Tylenol ’cause she had a whopper of a headache. That I was able to help her with.<br />
<br />
A few minutes later the car left the parking area for points unknown and we went back to washing the bathhouse floors.<br />
<br />
Just before dark on Friday, a young man approached the camper asking if he could rent a site for the night. We suggested he take a quick peek and choose one and before 10 minutes had passed we were filling out the paperwork for him to stay on site #4. He bought a bundle of firewood and left us, we thought, for the night.<br />
<br />
There was a knock on our door about an hour later and I opened it to find Mr. #4 Camper wondering if we could render a bit of first aid. He held a wad of paper towels around one of his fingers. He told us, with no small amount of embarrassment, he had sliced his finger trying to free the firewood from it’s restraints. He added rather tongue in cheek he considered his knife to be pretty sharp.<br />
<br />
We invited him in, waited while he washed the affected area and then gave him some more paper towels to dry off the finger. I grabbed my first aid kit ( thanks, Mom for buying us a first aid kit ) and asked him to sit down at the table. It was then I got a look at the camper’s finger and with that brief glance I realized he needed more medical attention than I felt comfortable giving.<br />
<br />
I called the Ranger On Duty, Jamie, who arrived about five minutes later. I won’t list each and every first aid measure taken from that point but I do want to mention Jamie, with his EMT training, did exactly what I was prepared to do. He just has the training certificate which I don’t. I also want to mention my decision to call Jamie could have had future ramifications. Jamie used nitrile gloves and I didn’t even think of it. I’m going to add some gloves to our first aid kit. ( thanks Jamie for suggesting I add gloves to our kit )<br />
<br />
The predicted weather has slowed the arrival of reservations. It seems most campers don’t find 20 degree temps with snow as optimal tenting weather. Maybe winter will quit soon and we can continue with spring. I know the daffodils will be happy. Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-79390504619807684402017-03-02T12:00:00.000-05:002017-03-02T12:32:01.004-05:00Forecasting Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f5FaFX8dl3A/WLhW_a8QAkI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/gs6fDv0-wPQWtswmk6UT6-2X4DGXrfgqwCLcB/s1600/2016_0311_JamesBoat%2B005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f5FaFX8dl3A/WLhW_a8QAkI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/gs6fDv0-wPQWtswmk6UT6-2X4DGXrfgqwCLcB/s320/2016_0311_JamesBoat%2B005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The weather changes quickly and often in March. Yesterday, the sky was a deep blue with cotton like billowy clouds lazily floating by. It was about 75 degrees and Carl and I worked up just a bit of a sweat when we walked over to the office. An hour later, the wind picked up substantially, the sky turned a steel gray and off in the distance, an occasional faint rumble of thunder could be heard. Within an hour, the camper was being buffeted with 40 mile per hour winds and we watched as a wide curtain of rain rushed across the lake towards us. Within moments our parking area had standing water two inches deep. The storm raged over the next two hours before exhausting itself in the Charlotte area. All we were left with were the high winds which blew all night creating a utilities nightmare in populated areas. Sometime after midnight, the cold front arrived, the winds dropped significantly and we woke this morning to 35 degree temperatures. Tonight, there is a possibility of a hard frost.<br />
<br />
This morning, we received our daily report which tells us of expected arrivals, what sites will be occupied, if they owe money, the number of people in their party and it also includes a contact name.<br />
<br />
After lunch, we’ll do a walk through to check for downed branches. But right now, I have to confess, the photographer got caught without her camera. Carl spotted a small deer walking slowly across the parking area and my camera was in the truck. Bad on me! Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-41474131962146345222017-03-01T12:21:00.000-05:002017-03-02T12:22:56.752-05:00Traveling SouthOur route south to Nebo, NC covered most of the same roads we traveled last year and because we have traveled these many miles before we approach the roads with an eye towards what had been fixed, changed or improved. It’s not exciting but it does pass the time and is classified as idle chatter in the much grander scheme of communication. So what was different?<br />
<br />
Well, we found the roads to be generally less rough. Many states have large construction projects in the works. Some are clearly in the beginning stages with surveyors bravely measuring and marking while traffic whooshes by at 70 mph which seems to be the legal limit in more and more places. Sadly, we must report Pennsylvania has the dubious distinction of the worst roadside litter. It also appears the least expensive gas was in Virginia while the highest prices at the pumps are now reserved for NY and NJ.<br />
<br />
Because of freezing temperatures in NH, the water remained off in the camper during our trip. I found it easier to just eat our meals out while on the road which meant our stops in Cedar Knolls, NJ and Harrisonburg, VA were anticipated for what they had to offer in the way of food. It was Chinese at both places but we did look for possible alternatives should we find ourselves traveling this way again.<br />
<br />
We were told by the Ranger Supervisor they are experiencing drought conditions and the fire danger is borderline extreme. We were both surprised when he told us the park had to be closed for a month while employees spent 16 hours a day fighting a fire nearby.<br />
<br />
After setting the camper on the host site at Catawba River Walk In Campground, Carl went about his responsibilities which included getting the water connected, lines flushed and securing the satellite dish on the roof. If it were left to the old style antenna on the roof, we would have 6 channels, 3 of them public education.<br />
<br />
This year, unlike last year when the campground was closed for renovations, we will have people oriented responsibilities such as collecting money for firewood and assigning an overnight campsite if someone arrives after the ranger’s station closes. We are required to check sites, clean as needed and to generally be here to answer questions day users of the area might have. We are also in charge of the bathhouse.Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-83670689520023746182017-02-11T20:00:00.000-05:002017-02-11T20:00:11.788-05:00Not Like It Used To Be<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v_1FQJ0x_M8/WJ-zipu1YnI/AAAAAAAAA94/eDajTRXn2eUGg5tlsPiWkShq_LBfPyPigCLcB/s1600/2017_0209_Kauai%2B003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v_1FQJ0x_M8/WJ-zipu1YnI/AAAAAAAAA94/eDajTRXn2eUGg5tlsPiWkShq_LBfPyPigCLcB/s320/2017_0209_Kauai%2B003.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
I’m either getting old or we’ve been to Kauai so many times, it’s become common place. Consider this. When we first came to the Garden Island, we were given directions to our resort. The lady said” Go to the traffic light and turn left, follow the signs for Poipu until you reach the gas station, turn left and travel about 2 ½ miles.<br />
<br />
Well, it’s not that way anymore. There are countless gas stations, traffic lights and shopping areas. Hundreds of thousands more people come to sample this little gem in the Pacific bringing with them traffic jams, pollution and the inevitable trash along the roadside. The song says “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot” and that’s just what they’ve done in a manor of speaking.<br />
<br />
Anyway, the northern end of the road is a mere 30 miles from where we are staying and the beach there is a beauty, photographically speaking. So, we picked a day that was sunny but with a high surf warning on the north shore. After two hours of red lights and slow lanes, we were still only about half way. At this rate, with the narrow roads and one lane bridges ahead of us, we wouldn’t return home until well after dark. It was at this point I suggested we head back to the unit.<br />
<br />
On the right was an interesting looking Botanical Garden, named Na Aina Kai so we decided to stop. We were greeted but then told unless we had a reservation for a tour there would be no way to view the grounds. They gave tours Tuesday through Thursday and the tours were full for this week. We wandered through the gift shop, beautiful in it’s own way and then left through a lovely courtyard manicured with all sorts of flowering plants and lush greenery. If that was a sample of what we missed, we missed something truly beautiful. So I mentally added this stop for another visit to the rapidly crowding island.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow Carl will be going fishing even though he’s come down with a cold while I pack the suitcases. After lunch we’ll be moving from Lihue, near the Cruise Ship Harbor, to the south side of the island and our time share unit we own at Lawaii Beach Resort.<br />
<br />
On Monday, we’ll be headed out on a snorkel / sightseeing trip to an island called Niihau, which is privately owned and only native Hawaiians and their invited guests are allowed there. It’s called the forbidden island and that makes it all the more desirable to go there. The reefs are pristine and the snorkeling and fishing is said to be second to none. We’ll spend the day watching for whales, taking photos of Na Pali coastline and avoiding a sunburn during the 7 hour trip.Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-51585503124108014122017-02-05T08:00:00.000-05:002017-02-06T00:29:28.926-05:00Wow Just Sums It Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RP0ON-Rw5NA/WJgIDEcOL9I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/DnIllpjuqpkkJXviLcXm7v_PzdO_nvmwwCLcB/s1600/2017_0204_Lava%2B089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RP0ON-Rw5NA/WJgIDEcOL9I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/DnIllpjuqpkkJXviLcXm7v_PzdO_nvmwwCLcB/s320/2017_0204_Lava%2B089.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
One of the top 5 items on my bucket list was to see red hot lava running in some shape or form during one of our trips to Hawaii. We were so close in 2008. We drove the Chain of Craters Road, walked in to the furthest point allowed and stood there peering into the distance for some hint, a glimpse of red to indicate there was lava flowing. If there was, we never saw it and returned to the car with our hopes dashed.<br />
<br />
Pele didn’t wait long to show off her colorful display to the world. The plane was on the taxiway when the announcement came from the cockpit about an eruption in the Kilauea Caldera. I looked at Carl and he at me, just shaking our heads. Just our luck. <br />
<br />
Fast forward 8 years and you can well imagine my excitement when Carl returned from the lobby a few days ago with the news of another collapse of the partially cooled lava bench. You may remember hearing of a 26 acre piece of new real estate collapsing into the ocean on New Year’s Day moments after Park Officials convinced people to move from the area. Now, a steady stream of lava called a fire hose, by the media, had begun to flow. The most in years one reporter claimed. From the moment I saw the video, with mouth agape, I knew what I had to do. Web search for lava boat tours coming up and then 15 minutes later, I was booked on <a href="http://www.lavaoceantours.com/">Lava Ocean Tours</a> for Saturday, the 4th at 4:00.<br />
<br />
On Thursday, the media talked about the geologists who narrowly escaped injury or death while trying to set up cameras to monitor the formation of other cracks. Those cameras captured footage of the latest bench collapse and at that moment, it was believed the lava had all but stopped flowing. Just my luck again. It was as if Pele was torturing me for some slight. I even thought about buying a nip of rum as an offering. My religious beliefs frown on that sort of thing but, hey, when in Rome… right?<br />
<br />
Cut to Saturday, the 4th, at 4:00 PM. Captain Shawn arrived to call the roll, give a mandatory Coast Guard briefing and to explain how the trip would go. He also called all 60 + aged people together, gave them a warning about back, neck and leg injuries before allowing us to board.<br />
<br />
The boat, situated on it’s trailer measured over 40 feet long and it was 10 feet to the gate in the railing. All of us boarded by way of a 10 foot step ladder while the boat was still on the trailer in the parking lot. The crew of 40 did a once around the park and arrived at the boat launch with a fair number of spectators lining the shore to watch as the truck backed us down into the narrow harbor.<br />
<br />
And then we were off, running parallel with the shore line and fairly skimming over the waves, each of us strangers wrapped up in our thoughts. Questions plagued all of us. Would the boat ride be too rough, how wet would we get, will the electronic equipment be safe, would we really get a chance to view one of natures most spectacular shows?<br />
<br />
45 minutes into the trip, we began to see steam ushering forth from the ocean’s surface. 10 minutes after that, we saw a red glow through the clouds of moisture and then we began to feel the heat from 200 feet away.<br />
<br />
And then we were there no more than 50 feet from the almost surrealistic site. A glowing fire fall of 2100 degree molten lava endlessly cascading from the miniscule appearing vent, a pipeline the Hawaiians would say came straight from the goddess herself.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGKdzmPl8Dk/WJgISoTIaAI/AAAAAAAAA9c/usN4293XaW4HjBYsGA_q_-kXpki5Hxl6ACLcB/s1600/2017_0204_Lava%2B104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGKdzmPl8Dk/WJgISoTIaAI/AAAAAAAAA9c/usN4293XaW4HjBYsGA_q_-kXpki5Hxl6ACLcB/s320/2017_0204_Lava%2B104.jpg" width="213" /></a>All of us, as if we were one, began snapping photos with cameras, recording various lengths of video to try to show those who were not there just what it was like at the bottom of the ever changing stream. At times, the flow would be bright orange and full as it cascaded into the ocean while at other times, the white hot ribbon narrowed and as the gases within mixed with the overly warm sea water, it sent ejecta outward, sometimes the height of the falls.<br />
<br />
It took some effort for me to stop taking photographs with both my cell phone camera and my Nikon D200 but I forced myself to sit quietly and just watch. Every once in a while I would hear myself say, “wow!” That was about the only word that came to mind. And still is.<br />
<br />
I sat for hours afterwards, studying each and every image,<br />
watching the videos over and over with that very same word<br />
coming to mind. We were back at the harbor about 7:00,<br />
home by 8:00, but unable to sleep until almost midnight.<br />
Even now, I have to pinch myself and say, “that was real<br />
and I was there first hand. Wow!” <br />
Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-81890830575243624942017-02-02T21:00:00.000-05:002017-02-04T00:15:26.175-05:00Tidbits And Trivia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j3jaLqxFpAE/WJVjMmQWBGI/AAAAAAAAA9A/yPSM-WVAIFAjO-fmQO7dtORIvWgQ5yEJgCLcB/s1600/2017_0202_HanaRd%2B013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j3jaLqxFpAE/WJVjMmQWBGI/AAAAAAAAA9A/yPSM-WVAIFAjO-fmQO7dtORIvWgQ5yEJgCLcB/s320/2017_0202_HanaRd%2B013.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
Europeans brought sugar cane production to Maui in the early 1800’s but due to economic reasons, plantations have been closing in recent years. Hawaii’s Commercial & Sugar was the last company to produce sugar in the islands. Sadly, it too closed in December of 2016. Diversified agriculture will take its place.<br />
<br />
Maui pineapple industry started in 1890 and that too has been phased out over the years. The mainland receives pineapple from South America at a lower cost.<br />
<br />
From the beach across from our resort you can see the island of Lana’i just 8.8 miles away and the island of Moloka’i a mere 8 miles away. On a clear day you can also see the island of Hawaii ( the big island ) 32 miles away.<br />
<br />
Ka’anapali is the first master planned resort in the United States. The first hotel opened in 1960.<br />
<br />
Lahaina was the original capital of Hawaii. It was moved to Honolulu in 1845. A major fire in 1919 destroyed most of Front Street. The fire was started when Bubonic Plague was discovered amongst the Chinese section of town and it quickly got out of hand.<br />
<br />
There is only one tunnel on Maui. It was deemed to be too environmentally destructive to blast the mountainside away so the construction of Rte 30 went through instead.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
These are some of the fun facts we’ve learned this week. Today we visited the aquarium I mentioned and then took a sunset dinner cruise on the Quicksilver out of Maaleaa Harbor. The sunset was a flop, the meal was only so so, the crew was great and we saw whales.<br />
<br />
After the cruise, we headed home to pack. Our time on Maui is up and we head to Hilo tomorrow to stay at the Kilauea Military Camp inside Volcanoes National Park.Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-7227562465193179952017-02-01T18:00:00.000-05:002017-02-02T16:10:40.048-05:00The Road to Hanna Once MoreToday, we decided the weather looked pretty good so after lunch, we headed over Route 36 towards Hana. This time, with Carl at the wheel, we were able to stop several times to take photos.<br />
<br />
Some of the photos are of the bridges, most of them built between 1910 and 1920 while others are of interesting trees and foliage. But the real reason we traveled the fifteen miles to Ke’anae Point was the waves. On Sunday, the surf was roiling and crashing on the huge chunks of lava piled up in the bay. Sadly, the rain kept me from really being able to enjoy the scenery.<br />
<br />
Today, thanks to three days of high winds, the waves were much higher. Much more dramatic and my only complaint, photographs do not show the power and magnitude of what God produced before my eyes. Even a video pales in comparison to what was before me. We saw evidence of much stronger surf and erosion as much as 15 feet from the shoreline. The power of water is sadly ignored. It can move mountains, wash away buildings and erase roads. The Hawaiians have a piece of information for us tourists, “Never turn your back to a wave”. It’s a valuable piece of advice.<br />
<br />
There was one other piece of information passed to us by Tom, the driver. He told us there was only one snake on Maui to be concerned about, the Maui Black Arrowhead. It wasn't long before we spotted one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4lPg9V4Fcg/WJOgGqjA92I/AAAAAAAAA8U/8XHhhpnraZs1YKTIfJZpfJDrQSIUq7e3gCLcB/s1600/2017_0202_HanaRd%2B131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4lPg9V4Fcg/WJOgGqjA92I/AAAAAAAAA8U/8XHhhpnraZs1YKTIfJZpfJDrQSIUq7e3gCLcB/s320/2017_0202_HanaRd%2B131.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-19191690206860320312017-01-31T23:55:00.000-05:002017-02-03T23:58:33.524-05:00Around The Head<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SSzvV4uuF4Y/WJVfVH9uSiI/AAAAAAAAA8s/sh-QL-bcYDg1CRV4KeC46z4UtU15f-B7QCLcB/s1600/2017_0131_NorthMaui%2B020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SSzvV4uuF4Y/WJVfVH9uSiI/AAAAAAAAA8s/sh-QL-bcYDg1CRV4KeC46z4UtU15f-B7QCLcB/s320/2017_0131_NorthMaui%2B020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
If you look at a map of Maui, you might imagine the profile of a woman laying face down. So following that mindset, we traveled the head today. In more plain terms we drove Route 30 from our resort heading north to Kapalua and beyond. The driving guide handed out by the rental companies states “ The road around the north side of Maui is desolate, but ruggedly picturesque. It also has a very narrow section of road with a sheer cliff and no guard rail before you reach Kahakuloa when driving from Kapalua. “Drive at your own risk.” They weren’t kidding. In fact, after driving the road, Carl thinks it may have been worse than the road to Hana. It wasn’t as rough but it was even more narrow in many places.<br />
<br />
Once we left the hustle and bustle of Lahaina and Kahana, we followed the rugged coast line finding numerous spots where the locals congregate for surfing. We stopped at a few of these places and watched as each took their shot at riding the 5-6 foot rollers. I have never attempted this sport. To me, it’s crazy dangerous and way too easy to get pounded by breaking waves or slammed into the sea floor. I understand it’s even common to reach the surface only to be pushed back down again. Competent surfers drown each year but not today.<br />
<br />
Along this drive, even the beaches eventually disappear and all you are left with is the intense concentration it takes to maneuver the narrow twisted road. It’s all paved but that’s all the good I can say about the road. Would I recommend you drive it? I have to refer you to the driving guide handed out by the rental car operators.<br />
<br />
The tiny village of Kahakuloa is nestled in a narrow valley literally in the middle of no where. From a high vantage point, we can count no more than 10 houses and 2 churches. One of these churches may fall down during the next big wind. We see utility poles and electric lines snaking their way up on rugged hill and down the other side so we assume that most homes have electricity. We see a few houses with solar panels on the roof but what is most prevalent are the satellite dishes.<br />
<br />
Carl has been keeping an eye out for an interesting food truck and finally found a small collection on the side of the road about 20 miles from our resort. We settled on the shrimp truck although I was glad they offered a steak plate in addition to the seven or eight shrimp offerings. Both of us enjoyed the food but just like everything else on the island, two plates of food was $27.00. No drinks.Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-12797390472409695112017-01-30T22:30:00.000-05:002017-02-01T15:20:57.591-05:00Now, I'm A "Groupie"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1MWz1UeD-E/WJJDEhrO4lI/AAAAAAAAA74/foDBZiibd_8gIuBH_WE4JbzqzvDqHDjVwCLcB/s1600/20170130_202325%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1MWz1UeD-E/WJJDEhrO4lI/AAAAAAAAA74/foDBZiibd_8gIuBH_WE4JbzqzvDqHDjVwCLcB/s320/20170130_202325%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
No travel scheduled today so we lounged about until Happy Hour at the Beach House across the street. $5.00 well drinks, $3.00 beer and a selected bar menu of munchies. We each had a Pina Colada while I munched on three burger sliders and Carl had a hot dog and fries.<br />
<br />
The bus to the Elvis tribute picked us up at 6:30 with “Elvis” himself, Darren Lee on board to greet us. He indulged us by answering a few questions, explained a bit about the show we would soon experience and spent a few minutes talking about how he came to be Elvis. We also found out his father looked the part but couldn’t sing while his brother was playing the part in Canada.<br />
<br />
When we arrived at the Theater, Darren escorted us through the side door where we could wait while he went back stage to transform himself into the King. Our seats in the second row, center stage were awesome. While “Elvis” sang Teddy Bear, he tossed a stuffed bear to one of the ladies on our bus and during his rendition of the Hawaiian Wedding Song, another lucky lady from our bus was on stage with him holding his microphone. Afterwards, he presented her with a frangipani lei from around his own neck.<br />
<br />
Towards the end of the show, Darren came off stage and shook hand with everyone in the VIP section and several others in the audience. All told, Darren sang 31 of Presley’s songs, made 11 wardrobe changes and told us little bits of trivia about Elvis and the 3 visits he made to Hawaii during his career. And when it was all over, Darren came off stage, sat down among us and asked if there were other songs he might sing for us while playing his acoustic guitar, answered questions about his life and what his plans for the future might hold. One of the cast members handed out Cds which Darren signed for all of us. And then our VIP night was over. The bus returned us to Kahana Falls, each of us quietly humming our favorite tune. Carl was able to fall asleep immediately. It took me a bit longer. Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-60772145282695381462017-01-29T21:00:00.000-05:002017-02-01T15:06:37.424-05:00The Road To Hana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JPKLvpWFFgY/WJI_pvA6HFI/AAAAAAAAA7k/0E6OqL8yX1QMgKg5Rbr_O8o7W8q7IaySQCLcB/s1600/2017_0129_HanaTour%2B097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JPKLvpWFFgY/WJI_pvA6HFI/AAAAAAAAA7k/0E6OqL8yX1QMgKg5Rbr_O8o7W8q7IaySQCLcB/s320/2017_0129_HanaTour%2B097.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Yesterday, we enjoyed a continental breakfast during a brief orientation on the resort. It was meant to inform us on where to find necessities but it also described multiple activities designed to keep us entertained as well as separated from our money. After much deliberation, also known as salesperson’s pressure, we settled on a sunset dinner cruise after winning one ticket, a night out at an Elvis tribute called Burn’n Love, and an all day guided trip to Hana provided by Valley Isle Excursions in a 12 person van complete with driver/guide and stand up comic.<br />
<br />
Normally we would pack a lunch, bathing suits and camera equipment and head to the car but this road is very different. It contains more than 600 wicked curves and fifty six one lane bridges. Each twist in the road so narrow vehicles need to be aware of the last or next place which might provide safety while allowing traffic to get by. Our driver, Tom, filled us in on all things Maui, enlightening us with such useless trivia as the Hawaiian word for beef which is Pi Pi (pronounced pee pee). He continued by adding Chinese appetizers are called Pu Pu which we had all heard of. What we didn’t know is that you will never hear of Pi Pi Pu Pus. I mean it just isn’t done and no one would have it anyway. Oh, yes, and the number of residents in Maui county which is 144,000.<br />
<br />
<br />
It was raining hard when Tom picked us up at the hotel and it continued for most of the morning. Remembering that water and electronics should never mix, I was just plain miserable. I don’t mind getting drenched but I had to protect the camera. There were so many places where I would have loved to jump out, grab a few shots and continue on our way. But let’s face it, the schedule or the road just couldn’t accommodate 12 people piling out of the bus every few minutes. Carl assured me he won’t mind driving part of this road on another dryer sunnier day. We had a lovely lunch at Verge’s Flower Farm and then we were off once more only this time the sun played peek a boo with us until finally burning off the clouds and brightening the rest of the day for us.<br />
<br />
With more than 100 miles behind us, the terrain changed from rain forest to tundra and just as quickly even that low grassy scrub turned into desert conditions. We finished our tour on the dry side of the island after being shown the youngest lava flow on Maui. 800 years seems like a long time but lava is tough. Wind and rain must begin the breaking down process before seeds can take hold. It must survive long enough to put down roots. Our last stop was at a farm stand selling Macadamia Flower Honey and Maui coffee which they wisely offered samples. And then it was all over. We were returned to our resort none the worse for wear with a small honey bear in tow. The camera survived. I dried out and we have lots of memories. Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-566006707408653462017-01-28T21:00:00.000-05:002017-02-01T14:49:01.518-05:00Arrival In Paradise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ksgmH3qzBOk/WJI7hZ38h8I/AAAAAAAAA7M/eDSVGZD8448QuCka6MjvKFcRao12PY2tQCLcB/s1600/20170128_170813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ksgmH3qzBOk/WJI7hZ38h8I/AAAAAAAAA7M/eDSVGZD8448QuCka6MjvKFcRao12PY2tQCLcB/s320/20170128_170813.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The first day anywhere new is always fun for me, not so much for my husband. I grab hold of the map, look out the window at the new scenery and wish we had time to stop for little photo ops along the way. My husband, on the other hand, must climb into a strange car and travel unfamiliar streets until we reach our destination, skillfully maneuvering traffic congestion which we later found out locals refer to as “whale jams” . When it’s time, regardless of how many hours we’ve been traveling, how many times zones we’ve crossed or how little sleep we might have gotten on the plane, he must be alert from that moment until we arrive at our home for that week. And he always does a great job no matter how often I wished I could yell “pull over” at a moment’s notice.<br />
<br />
Our resort is not much more than a hotel room so the next order of business will be to find a grocery store. Safeway, we are told is the best option back in Lahaina. Having been to Hawaii several times, we have a really good idea of what kind of prices we are about to face. Or we think we are because when I reach for a 6 oz. Package of Driscoll’s Raspberries I immediately think a bit longer. The price is $4.99 here for the same amount back home of $2.99. Two Gala apples set us back $3.59 and a 12 pack of Coca Cola Zero is $7.99 instead of the usual $3.49 or even the sale price of $2.50. Breakfast for two days, lunch for three and one supper was $67.43. If it isn’t grown here, it must come in by container ship or plane.<br />
<br />
No photos today. I’m still tired from the flight. I’m not as young as I used to be.Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-12909913245070069312016-05-22T15:30:00.000-04:002016-05-23T13:20:38.931-04:00Please Forgive My Rant <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tv0e-5fX1SI/V0M7vUqMIDI/AAAAAAAAA6E/UMZtX6ey2Yoi0TFaxhNOndU4wDa-T800ACLcB/s1600/2016_0515_Assateague%2B009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tv0e-5fX1SI/V0M7vUqMIDI/AAAAAAAAA6E/UMZtX6ey2Yoi0TFaxhNOndU4wDa-T800ACLcB/s320/2016_0515_Assateague%2B009.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
This is the 100th Anniversary of our National Parks so please bear with me while I climb onto a soapbox and go on about a couple of things that really get under my skin. I promise it won’t be long and I also promise I won’t do it often.<br />
<br />
Every year, we are exposed to a new level of the public’s ability to abuse our national parks. This is just one park with a small percentage of people who continually bend rules and in some cases downright break them. We are just one pair of campground hosts for a month but if you multiply our experiences times four hosts times twelve months times all of the national parks, forests, and public areas where volunteers are investing their efforts, then across the country, there’s a lot of people who think they are above the rules and very often, these people end up souring the park experience for other visitors.<br />
<br />
I’ve lost count of the numbers of campers who come in late in the evening after the rangers have gone for the day, set up on an empty site, enjoy the hospitality of the park, the migratory birds and of course the wild ponies, only to pack up and leave before the rangers are on duty the next morning. This is lost revenue to maintain our parks, pay our rangers and continue the wild places as they were a hundred years ago. Those funds have to come from somewhere. Perhaps they’ll even come from taxes taken out of all of our pockets.<br />
<br />
While our month here is almost done, we continue to feel good about the hours we’ve put in and will continue to look for ways to give even more of our time in the future.<br />
<br />Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-14422437708495948572016-05-20T18:30:00.000-04:002016-05-23T13:15:11.691-04:00Invasion From The South<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u4CIIYXuTOg/V0M6cBQWuwI/AAAAAAAAA5w/OGDvmP_NEZsAxK0d_-fjsTyXiF0H0DW_wCLcB/s1600/2016_0520_Assateague%2B022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u4CIIYXuTOg/V0M6cBQWuwI/AAAAAAAAA5w/OGDvmP_NEZsAxK0d_-fjsTyXiF0H0DW_wCLcB/s400/2016_0520_Assateague%2B022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We were on duty today and just about to finish our rounds when I noticed new horses in the Oceanside campground. We turned our golf cart in to discover the arrival of Bayberry, a mahogany bay stallion, and his 10 mares. It appears Bayberry is a ladies man. I grabbed my camera and started methodically getting images of as many of these newcomers as I could. This sounds easy but the horses are constantly on the move, looking for the tastiest bits of grass. Then there is the makeup of this particular band. There are two reddish bay mares, three chestnut mares and five pintos. This is an impressive band and Bayberry keeps a watchful eye on all of his ladies, all while smelling the air for approaching stallions and grabbing his share of the tender blades of grass between sites.<br />
<br />
Whenever there is a band of horses in sight, no matter how large or small, people will gather. Pony patrol was on scene to help keep people safe and honest while we made sure cars parked safely. There are some campers who are here for the beach or fishing and could care less about the horses so we needed to be sure they could travel to their sites unimpeded.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, Bayberry’s head came up, he stomped a hoof and blew his nose. And before I knew it, the entire band was on the move at a trot up over the dunes and onto the beach. Once they hit the hard packed sand, they were off at a canter, kicking up their heels, snorting and bucking. The only way to describe their actions would be to say they felt fine. The sun was warm, there was a cool breeze and maybe Bayberry felt he had gotten away with sneaking his mares onto the sweet grass of another stallion’s territory without being caught.Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-20802098853218479882016-05-19T20:30:00.000-04:002016-05-23T13:07:11.298-04:00Found At Last<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0N_o72yXm4Y/V0M4o9q-eYI/AAAAAAAAA5k/dqNS9y1Q8oMtPMOHhvyuJ7J4vNgQHbL_ACLcB/s1600/2016_0512_Assateague%2B018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0N_o72yXm4Y/V0M4o9q-eYI/AAAAAAAAA5k/dqNS9y1Q8oMtPMOHhvyuJ7J4vNgQHbL_ACLcB/s320/2016_0512_Assateague%2B018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Eureka! We found Miss Mackie this week. She’s grown into a fine young mare. She’s darker in both the fore and hind quarters than I had imagined she would be. Her fur was so light when she was five months old. And she still has that ever so distinctive “poodle face” on her left side complete with an eye. No matter how I look at her, she’s still amazing.<br />
<br />
We also just been informed of another birth to one of the southern bands, a filly. I have expressed a desire to travel down the OSV road which basically means driving in the loose sand to see her. We may even find the third foal while were down there.<br />
<br />
Our duties continue to keep us busy. Every day there is something different. Just the other day, we came upon a very large group of people who were not registered campers. They pulled into one of the campsites, set up a couple of grills, laid out two tables full of salads, beverages, snacks and eating utensils and kicked back to party. We spoke to them, explained why they couldn’t be there and recommended they move to one of the picnic areas. We returned about 45 minutes later to discover no one had begun packing. We explained once more they were not allowed on the site, it was rented and the people who had paid for it would be arriving at any moment. Still they didn’t move to pack. One of the party did think to go to the ranger’s station to see if there was a nearby site available for them to move their celebration. Rangers rented them a nearby site but when we returned to make sure the picnic site was clean and fires doused, we found Chip and his mares being “fed”. I convinced Chip and his mares to leave and then we received further proof the people were morons. They felt if they fed the horses, they would leave. It was at this point we called law enforcement to come explain park rules to this group. Both Carl and I left to continue our rounds. Still, another hour passed and when we arrived to make sure the site was clean, they were not only off the site but they had gone from the park.Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-16111475314126033382016-05-12T20:30:00.000-04:002016-05-16T12:24:56.160-04:00A Really Rough WinterRangers on the island are looking forward to the birth of three foals to add to the Maryland herd. This past winter we lost somewhere between ten and twelve animals lowering the count to 85. In most cases, nature is allowed to take it’s logical course absorbing the animal back into the ecosystem.<br />
<br />
On May 9th, we finally found the new colt grazing with his mom on the marshes. He was born on or about April 17th . I don’t have a name for him yet but he is by Yankee out of Carol’s Girl. This is the same stallion who sired “my filly”, Miss Mackie. And speaking of Miss Mackie, as of this writing, she remains elusive. I would say I won’t leave the island until I find her but you and I both know that’s unlikely. On June 1st we’ll be NH bound. It’s hard to imagine our three months of volunteerism is winding down.<br />
<br />
On our morning rounds we noticed this one site that had been thoroughly trashed. Tents were collapsed, food and trash bags ripped into, cooking utensils and stoves overturned and two cars filled with sleeping campers in the parking space. We woke the people up and encouraged them to clean their site. We continued on our rounds, checked in at the Ranger Station and went back to check up on our trashed site. Upon our return, we discovered the occupants of the cars and gone back to sleep. So we woke them up once more and found one of their party who spoke better English than the other nine. I took photos of the mess, the trashed tents and their license plates while Carl called law enforcement to assist us with expediting the cleanup and their departure.<br />
<br />
It took the officer 45 minutes to arrive at our location. In that time, we were able to discover the people arrived with missing tent parts causing them to tie one tent to the nearby bushes. This is against the rules. While cooking supper, a fox or raccoon came out of the woods. The would be campers retired to the cars leaving everything right where they left it. Part of the mess was caused by the fox or raccoon but most of the destruction was caused by the chestnut stallion, Corky. He was seen leaving the scene of the crime through the bushes. Now, the food being left around breaks a couple of important Park rules but these poor people also had had car trouble leaving one of their vehicles on the grass and yes, that too, is frowned upon by Park staff. These poor people had arrived late so they were unregistered on top of everything else. About the only rule they didn’t break was to allow a dog to run free. I mentioned this to Carl and he laughed, commenting they couldn’t have had room in the two cars which already held 10 adult individuals.<br />
<br />
When all was clean, the officer followed the people to the office to ensure they paid for their night of “camping”. We hope they give camping another shot in the near future. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-84856899412550461202016-05-07T20:00:00.000-04:002016-05-16T12:19:31.452-04:00Policing Our Area<br />
This morning we rescued several campers from four legged hooligans. They were being held hostage by the bay stallion, Chip, and his three mares who congregated under their gazebo and around the tents, checked out the picnic tables for breakfast items and tried to carry away a bag of trash. The understandably shaken campers now understand why we have rules and our actions opened an avenue of discussion which lasted more than twenty minutes. I hope they will always remember their visit to the park, for both the good experience and the lessons learned.<br />
<br />
Part of our job here is education and we’ve been doing plenty of that. We have reminded families with children to be aware of the feuding stallions, cautioned pet owners to keep their leashes short and provided answers to all manor of questions from “ why is that stallion so thin?” to “ why don’t the horses cross the bridge?”. We’ve even tried explaining to one camper why clotheslines are not allowed.<br />
<br />
Park policy changes with each administration. Two years ago, we were required to clean out fire pits and dump the ashes in the tree line. Last year, fire pits could be cleaned but only after being sure the embers are cold. It seems an overzealous camp host moved hot coals to a dumpster causing a fire and a complete meltdown. So, this year, debris like cans, trash and glass can be removed from fire rings but only maintenance is allowed to clean pits out. Another change in policy has had some unforeseen consequences. The Park Service has ceased it’s practice of removing windblown sand from campsites. Since a barrier island is constantly moving with storms and tides and the power of nature cannot be convinced to stay within boundaries, the unintended consequence is flooding of areas that stood high and dry previously. Freshwater ponds have become dry, three RV sites are now labeled as “tents only” and several picnic tables are in danger of being lost in the dunes.Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-84231379800326935702016-05-02T19:00:00.000-04:002016-05-16T12:07:44.066-04:00A Day Late…I had played our arrival over and over in my head like a favorite movie. First, we would drive around the corner on Rte 611 and catch that first glimpse of the bridge which connects Assateague to the mainland. We would drive past the Visitor’s Center and the State Park Boat launch, up and over the very steep Verrazano Bridge to be greeted by several horses grazing along side the road or on the nearby marsh leading into the National Seashore. My little filly, Miss Mackie, now 2 ½ years old and no longer little, would be there in all her tri color beauty accompanied by her natal herd. However, in my minds eye, I hadn’t counted on the miserable conditions, gale force winds and driving rain, which was the only thing greeting us as we approached the island. Day dreams aside, we didn’t see a single one of the 110 horses that call Maryland home for more than two days.<br />
<br />
The weather continued to be most discouraging. Out on the bay, the white caps had white caps and over in the Oceanside Campground, the sand was constantly relocating itself. We’ve used our pickup truck to do patrols even though we’ve been provided with a fairly new golf cart that just sits behind the camper. The rangers even brought us a brand new “rain coat” for it however it’s been way to miserable to try the installation.<br />
<br />
Finally, after four days, we noticed horses slowly grazing their way towards us. We have learned from past experience how the dynamics of each band and the territory they claim are in constant flux. Last year, the resident band of horses in Bayside Campground numbered five, four mares and one stallion named Corky, all of them chestnut in color. It was a bit boring although it did create somewhat of a challenge for me to try to distinguish the differences of each mare. This year, the resident band consists of a dark bay stallion officially known as Delegate‘s Pride but everyone calls Chip, a pinto mare I recognize from last year’s band near the bridge and one of the chestnut mares from Corky’s band. <br />
<br />
Then one morning, Corky and two of the chestnut mares casually strolled onto the grassy area from the nearby marsh. I could tell by the way he was acting, there would be trouble. He checked each pile of manure, called bulletin boards, for evidence of what mare might be coming into season and also the health of any stallions in the area. I noticed the bay stallion making his way towards the interlopers. Ears flattened, teeth bared and more than a few squeals were heard. Then the hooves flew. There was a series of vicious kicks after which the bay chased the chestnut out of the area. The mares kept their distance, at first, but eventually drifted off in search of tender morsels. Several minutes passed before the chestnut came back into view chasing the bay before him. These exchanges continued over the next couple of days with no clear victor. That is until yesterday.<br />
<br />
Sometime in the night, the bay stallion, Chip, convinced one of the chestnut mares to follow him. Corky has continued to press for an advantage but hasn’t gained any ground.Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-28971333394231183512016-04-11T11:22:00.000-04:002016-04-12T11:24:10.435-04:00Sherando Lake Recreation Area, Lyndhurst, VA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qoiYjXEW-qI/Vw0S5NFCaNI/AAAAAAAAA4I/AQ5X8d5TKJAMnMWuM8G2rrWkJ404tftSwCLcB/s1600/2016_0411_Sherando%2B004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qoiYjXEW-qI/Vw0S5NFCaNI/AAAAAAAAA4I/AQ5X8d5TKJAMnMWuM8G2rrWkJ404tftSwCLcB/s320/2016_0411_Sherando%2B004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Each new place we go presents a different challenge to us as volunteers. An incomplete address had us scheduled to arrive at Natural Bridge Station while we were expected at Sherando Lake, a difference of almost 100 miles further north. Thankfully, I have my “smart phone” with me and I ask Google Maps for adjusted directions.<br />
<br />
Our arrival in the George Washington National Forest has again caused quite a stir although in a much different way than our arrival had at Nebo just one month earlier. We were greeted at the front entrance by 4 volunteers, all trying to speak at once, and the Supervisor, in charge of all volunteer assignments, Kelly whose voice boomed out over all present. There was a boisterous greeting, introductions all around and some discussion about where our camper should be placed. There is a separate part of the property reserved for volunteers near the maintenance shed but Kathy and Dave suggested we join them in the group camping area a little further into the park. <br />
<br />
Once the backing in of our 24 foot trailer into the somewhat narrow site has been accomplished, we took a moment to check out our surroundings. We find ourselves in a depression located within the Blue Mountains, described as a bowl. This bowl prevents all television signals and cell reception from making it’s way to our devices. But the month will not leave us totally unplugged. Carl is happy to report the satellite dish is working just great thanks to a lovely southern exposure.<br />
<br />
Each night and most early mornings, we have been treated to the antics and grazing of a small herd of deer, numbering 10, all does. I keep hoping one of the ladies might have a fawn or two hidden nearby although these first few days have disappointed.<br />
<br />
Our assignment, this month is the Bathhouse and Pavilion on the shore of Lower Sherando Lake. There are numerous picnic sites with barbeque pits, a pleasant sandy beach for kids to do whatever kids will do in the sand and several acres of cool grass shaded by large Oaks. It’s too bad the weather has been so very blustery, cold by some standards and rainy more days than not. We are told by July the grassy lawn will be covered with knees and elbows. Sherando Lake is divided by a large earthen berm. Both Upper and Lower Sherando are stocked with trout and fishing is allowed. You may kayak, canoe or row to your heart’s content while swimming is reserved for the lower portion. No motors are allowed.<br />
<br />
Each day, we are required to disinfect showers, clean toilets and mop the rather large and constantly dirty tiled floor. Every day the wash water takes on the color and consistency of a lehar, the quickly melted cement like runoff of ash, dirt and debris associated with a volcanic eruption. It seems to be a thankless job although I have had several comments on how clean the bathrooms are and what good shape the grounds are in. Most people thank us for our hard work once they find out we are volunteers. That’s not why we do this.Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-27548920286499772282016-03-25T20:00:00.000-04:002016-03-26T14:34:35.549-04:00Doing Chores<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KdCKcQ1dzvo/VvbV6PKn9TI/AAAAAAAAA30/YIGwSgv2yWg8OTW1R4XZ3BbQ-OPCJ_RxA/s1600/2016_0322_Discovery%2B023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KdCKcQ1dzvo/VvbV6PKn9TI/AAAAAAAAA30/YIGwSgv2yWg8OTW1R4XZ3BbQ-OPCJ_RxA/s320/2016_0322_Discovery%2B023.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
We have but one week left at our first post in NC. Each week we’ve presented ourselves to the rangers, begging for more to do. On Wednesday, Ranger Jamie visited our campsite with a short list of voluntary projects to fill our remaining time here.<br />
<br />
The list consists of normal camp host duties such as making the Long Arm sites presentable once more after the inaugural guests of the season have departed on Monday. We are prepared to gather trash, rake tent platforms smooth and clean fire pits.<br />
<br />
Other items, on the list, involved helping maintenance with the bath house project, answering phones at the day use area and steam cleaning of the locker room and showers at the Paddy’s Creek swimming beach.<br />
<br />
The Long Arm Camping area is reachable only from canoe, kayak, rowboat or small motor crafts. There are 30 primitive sites with pit toilets and cold water. I’m looking forward to the trip.<br />
<br />
There has been many housekeeping duties to attend to during our month here. Over the five years we’ve owned this camper ( can it be that long already? ) a few things have broken, come loose or needed a little TLC and it had been next to impossible to clean in February before we left with temperatures in single numbers. I’ve made good use of my leisure starting with the bathroom and working my way forward finishing with the bedroom. All that remains are the windows.<br />
<br />
Three of our six day / night shades had worn through their strings and Carl has succeeded in restringing two of them with good success. While he worked on the shade, I worked on those windows both in and out.<br />
<br />
We have spot cleaned the camper outside, removing grime and in some cases, mold. Carl has spray painted the new and beefed up bumper and then there was the sudden breaking of our awning due to a hasty out of sequence closing during the rising winds. This caused us to make one more trip to the local Camper’s World RV Store where I continue to look at all the gadgets, knowing I have no room for them and drooling over the multitude of new and slightly used campers in and around the parking area.<br />
<br />
Oh, and there was the completion of one more project. Carl built us a sign to accompany us on our journeys. I was hoping for something that read “ Carl and Valerie Hill, Whitefield, NH ”. Carl went for a more simplistic approach. It’s a work in progress.<br />
<br />
The photo attached is an American Sycamore tree. Notice it's already camouflaged...Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1940448942682324099.post-38690294412864860222016-03-17T22:30:00.000-04:002016-03-19T13:35:32.883-04:00Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all!Addendum<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUvJg4VVU3o/Vu2NwMgHzYI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/rlJ25RqFevcbUkNRQfyxjMALbdThxWRBw/s1600/2016_0317_Asheville%2B160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUvJg4VVU3o/Vu2NwMgHzYI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/rlJ25RqFevcbUkNRQfyxjMALbdThxWRBw/s320/2016_0317_Asheville%2B160.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
We arrived at Brahmari Brew House about 45 minutes early and decided to enjoy their homemade sodas but which one? The answer was simple. The bartender set us up with a flight, one 4 oz. glass of each, of the four handcrafted and very uncharacteristic soft drinks. Carl and I both found one of the offerings not to our liking, two of them were ok and as luck would have it, we both thought the Thai Tea to be the most enjoyable.<br />
<br />
Our driver / hostess for the 3 ½ hour tour was Jennifer who seemed both cordial and knowledgeable about the micro brewery business as well as the history of the area along with why Asheville has become the hub of specialty brews. I opted for the non-drinker experience since I would not call myself a drinker never mind a beer drinker. I did take a sip of two or three of the beers Carl thought I would like.<br />
<br />
Our stops included Noble Hard Cider, Catawba Brewing, Hi-Wire and Green Man, the oldest of the breweries , established in 1997. Before I go any further, I have to tell you, in previous posts, I have misspelled Catawba and I want to apologize to any who might be bothered by this. Spell check didn’t honestly know what to do with the spelling. <br />
<br />
Our evening ended back at the Brahmari House to enjoy a burger before heading back to Lake James State Park with me at the wheel. The non - drinker becomes the Designated Driver.Valerie Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13144754597698081743noreply@blogger.com0