Category Archives: travel

Rafting

No big drama for the HSM2 party. We had our party, she had hers. The kids here had a blast. Very loud, though, which is a good thing, I guess. When they’re quiet is when I will worry. The movie was a disappointment, I’m told, but it wasn’t really about the movie.

Got up very early to drive down to OAR to do a full river rafting trip on the Ocoee! So exciting, and a little bit scary. The guides are good at what they do, and luckily, we had two really good ones. Taylor took the three girls, a dad and brother. The 3 moms with Alan and guide James. They had an orientation for the group, teaching us how to hold the paddle, how to get back in the boat, what to do if you fell out of the boat, and a couple examples of things that could go wrong (pull feet up, don’t try to stand or else you can get your foot jammed in rocks and the water will hold you underwater…not good if you can’t hold your breath for a couple of hours). H was really quiet on the bus ride to the start, and when I asked her why, she said she was a little nervous about falling out. I think it was good that she was a little nervous, it meant that she took the advice seriously. It was all good, though. They had so much fun. I don’t think she ever stopped smiling for the whole 10 mile trip down the river. The water was extremely cold, which felt great at first, because it was sunny and warm. By the end of the ride when the sun started to go down it got really cold, though, which wasn’t helped by our sweet daughters and Justin who just loved splashing us with their oars. Taylor taught them how to really get a lot of water with their splashes, unlike us who thrashed around pretty uselessly.

Anyway, we got a great night’s sleep last night! It was a long day.

We’re so over Hilton Head!


Well, we had been in the mountains for a few days…hiking, jogging, playing tennis,walking Rosie, and most importantly, PICKING UP H, and then drove down to Hilton Head for the week. We were looking so forward to it…I had found a really nice beachfront home that allowed dogs, so we were excited. The last time we were down there was the year before H went to camp, so it was seven years ago. We had good memories of running and biking on the beach, relaxing by the pool, and eating at great restaurants, so it seemed like a no-brainer…more fun. I don’t know if it’s because we’ve gotten older and more finicky, but it was really a let-down. The beaches are so crowded…J couldn’t even go on a good bike ride on the beach because of having to dodge all the people. The traffic is horrendous. Going 5 miles takes 30 minutes. It’s so hot this time of year that going to the beach is just not relaxing at all. We’d rather be in the mountains! Woke up Friday morning (we were supposed to leave on Saturday) and it was raining, so we decided to go home a day early.

If it’s Tuesday…where are we?


We’re at home for a little while…packing for the beach and North Carolina to pick up our girl!!!Yay! It’s been three weeks almost, but it feels like a year. She’s having a blast, though. We’ve gotten lots of letters from her, and it’s all good. That’s a big change from a few years ago with “the mean girls”. It’s amazing what a little maturity will do for you!

After spending a few days in beautiful Lake Toxaway and dropping H off at camp, we went on our 16th houseboat trip, then met T and PB in Colorado for a glorious trip to Denver and Aspen. It was amazing. Lots of exercise, running, hiking, biking and eating! Plus the shopping was amazing. We had a great time. But it is good to be home for a little while at least. We’re still getting used to the new house so it still feels a little like a vacation here, too.

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Summer has officially started. School was out May 23rd, and we left on the 24th for San Francisco and Napa (to celebrate MIL’s 70th birthday). It was a perfect trip! San Francisco was cold, though…foggy and overcast and in the 50s. I actually like it, because I’m so over the humidity here in Nashville. Ran a couple of times through the hills in the city and once on the bay, under the golden gate bridge and through Presidio park and down to Baker’s beach. A lovely run…lots of scenery and I just love running in that weather! J ran with me because he loves that particular run as well, but his leg/hip has really been bothering him. We’re nervous that his AVN may be back, and he’s scared to get an Xray because he’s afraid of the results. He’s probably fitter than he’s ever been, though, from working out consistently and working in the garden. Maybe it’s just that trying to run 7 miles or so when you haven’t run at all in seven weeks might be hard on his joints!

We had some great meals in San Francisco, ate at Myth, The Slanted Door, Bacar (sp?), and one other place that I can’t remember …of course, had some great wine there as well. Then we drove up to Napa Valley, Calistoga Ranch Inn. What a glorious change of pace! The weather was 20 degrees warmer, and this place was absolutely beautiful! It’s owned by the same people who own the Auberge Du Soleil. Private little two room cottages amidst the trees and hills between St. Helena and Calistoga.

We went to a couple of wine tastings and tours…Stags Leap Winery and Hartwell. Two amazing wineries and vineyards! I think Stag’s Leap was the most beautiful winery we’ve ever seen, and Hartwell had the best Merlot I’ve ever tried. We had great meals there, as well. “Press” was my favorite restaurant…owned be Dean and Deluca. Great service and awesome food.

I don’t think I need to ever eat again…