An egret with his eye on a snack Friends around the campfire Volunteers’ Happy Hour Passing around gifts to the story, “Twasthe Night Before Christmas”  Every timethe reader says THE you pass what you areholding.  At the end, you get what you have!It was a riot! One of the humongous puppies I met Probably the sweetest shot I got thewhole 6 weeks I was at the park. Sunday after potluck, the startof the weekly gamesof Pegs & Jokers was underway. It wasnew to me, but once you get the hang ofit, it’s a blast!  This is “jammin’”, my new ride!Read More

  Grey is so not my color…lol  Work?????  What was I thinking?  As it turned out, my volunteer work experience was great!!!  In the 7 weeks that I worked clean up at the park, I was blessed to meet many fabulous and diverse people.  Some were campers and some were other volunteers.  ALL of them have been welcomed additions to my journey!  A few will remain in my heart and will continue to be friends as time goes on.  I am especially grateful for them.    In addition to the people, there was the opportunities to spend quality time withRead More

   On my way to Myakka River State Park to volunteer for 6 weeks, I stopped to see friends Ethel and Howard in Panama City for a few days They were gracious enough to provide my hook-ups while I was there. We also talked bunches catching up and went out to eat and spent some time at Millions of Books bookstore.  They have several little critters in their family who are very funny and sweet.  Tiny bodies and big ‘scary’ barks…soooo funny!!! Ethel, the silly one!!! BRIGHT SPOT – I was looking for information on South American travel while inRead More

     November, 2016      It was wonderful to be a part of the celebration for the men and women who have and are currently serving our great nation through various aspects of the military.  The folks at this campground prepared a small ceremony that included songs, stories, snacks and a warm sense of community.  It didn’t matter one bit that I didn’t know anyone there.  The feeling of fellowship, respect and gratitude does not require prior introductions.  The young girl who sang “America” brought tears to many an eye that morning.  Her voice was angelic and effortless.  IRead More

    I’m not exactly certain how this whole search for the hearts in nature came about, but when it did a phenomenon occurred.  It seemed that every walk I took, every glance to the ground, the trees, the sky there was evidence that the heart of Mother Nature was all around.  All I needed to do was be open to seeing it.  The following pictures were taken during the course of 5 different hikes in Virginia and North Carolina and the beach in Delaware.  Once, I placed my focus on having this experience, the universe said, “Okay, girl, youRead More

Shot standing directly beneath the bridge  I am never disappointed at how nature creates spectacular structures for us to marvel over!  The Natural Bridge in Virginia is one such place.  It was actually once owned by Thomas Jefferson.  It is a 215′ limestone gorge that was carved out by Cedar Creek.  I walked the Cedar Creek Trail from the bridge to the Monacan Indian village where living history programs are offered and finally ended up at Lace Falls displaying its 30′ cascade!  It was truly a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Just a totally awesome tree Part of theRead More

   After a long drive, I was glad to arrive at my next stop.  I arrived late and it was nearly dark, but a very kind woman met me at the entrance to give me my camper’s packet and welcome me.  A good night sleep followed getting settled in.  The following morning I woke up to bunnies everywhere!  Outside my door, along the road, under trucks…when I went up to the office to pay for my site, I was told that 2 years ago there were only 5 rabbits…we laughed and laughed!!! My rainbow fire  BRIGHT SPOT – What aRead More

    What an amazing time of year to witness the beauty of Skyline Drive in Virginia!  The leaves were gorgeous even with an overcast day.  I had no idea just how curvy and steep the drive would be…good thing I didn’t!!!  LOL  Flashbacks of the trip to Alaska through British Columbia, the Yukon and the Al-Can rushed through my mind’s eye…accompanied by butterflies in my stomach! That sure made an impression!  Nonetheless, I made it and it was well worth the mild angst.      The .75 mile hike to Dark Hollow Falls was pretty good.  All downhill.  WhatRead More