Yes...John...
You definitely get The Guy of the Year Award!
Heard a knock at the door yesterday and OMG...FRESH morels (shipped in from Washington State) in JULY!!!!
And John!
Who even knew they were still available?
(...and today I am in a tiny morel coma...with lots more left...)
Plus a Wonderful Visit...Hagen Daz Ice Cream Rootbeer Floats.
Hugs and Kisses.
Oh, and Sofi having another go at beating you up!
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...you're back for round two!"
~Sofi
Crazy cabbit.
Started this week with Kaylee and I, enjoying our Grandma Rose Day for the summer.
DQ and brunch and a chocolate caramel sundae.
Discussing her birthday concert
Dirty Heads
Where she literally got front and center...and even was handed the set list when the band finished!!! She had such an exciting evening and it was just so great listening to her go on about it and watching her face.
Discuss our favorite DH songs together.
Her's: Moon Tower
Mine: All I Need
Plundered the Shoe Sensation where she found the BEST hippie-type Tye Dye Vans. And checked out our newest local store Gordmans (which neither of us has been to before). And proclaimed it AWESOME!
"They have EVERYTHING!"
Reasonably priced, too.
A friend of mine commented recently about his grandchildren growing up...and how they reminded him of how old he really is...
IDK...I feel very different about it.
Mine keep me young, I think.
In heart and spirit, if not necessarily physically.
After James picked Kaylee up they managed a bit of fishing at Cataract Falls together.
and caught a monster catfish!
Which they lugged all the way up to the top...filleted it...and brought to me!
Thanks, guys!!!
It was incredible...and enough to share with Diane and Brenda, too!
Early this week, John and I, met with "Andy" (...one of The Shelburn Bank Gang of our younger years...) who was in town, and had a several hour chat and brunch at Almost Home...which was nice.
(...even if I may be barred from the establishment now...)
Joking, of course, because our waitress was quick witted and gave as good as she got...and was a lot of fun.
(...together, we do tend to be pretty exasperating for waitstaff...but we tip well to compensate for it...)
My boys found the Face (...aging...) App.
Chris
James
So I thought...what the hell....I'll give it a try!
~laughing~
Well Played...Face App...Well Played.
The puppies are getting their personalities now.
Hoping to see them soon before they are all grown up!
and 'tis the season for kitties to wander up unannounced...and Emma (Tina's niece) just got a new one.
"And I will hug it and pet it, and name it Daisy..."
Daisy...Marshmallow..Mustard and Crowley.
The mid-year Car Porn has started...and the rest of them are going to have to work pretty hard to beat THIS...
The NEWEST Chevy Corvette.
Sexy....Sexy
It has gone way past "buttmuggy" (Idgy's Word) and straight into Hinges of Hell this week across the Midwest. Looking forward to the cool air and even some rain early next week. This week, whatever I pay for electricity is NOT too much...and Air Con is our best friend.
My Patio Garden has went from this:
to this:
I am cooking with fresh herbs everyday, now!
And After a long political chat/rantfest/vent with Lennon (...who also realizes how unhinged and dangerous this guy is...) after the disgusting display in North Carolina, I now realize that Trump (and his Administration...and brain-dead followers) are making me sick.
No...not like just disgusted, ashamed, angry and ranting...
Physically Ill.
Thursday after the debacle, and a really restless night's sleep, and bad dreams
(...which I seldom to never have...)
I was plagued with GI disturbances, for the ENTIRE day.
The stress of subjecting myself to the horrifying might as well been a Third Reich Rally.
It was beyond everything he has done to this point...and that is saying A LOT.
The most disturbing thing about the whole thing is how easily the fevored crowd slipped into the
"Send Her Back"
chant.
Referring to a Congresswoman who was legally elected by 75% of her state. A Naturalized US Citizen.
Until the following day even members of the GOP were telling him it was too much...and in true Trump fashion...he walked it back...a little.
"I didn't chant it personally"
"I disavow those who did" (...yeah after pausing to bask in it...and way to throw your supporters under the bus...they're too stupid to realize it, anyway...)
" But it was QUITE the chant, don't you think."
(...he actually fucking said this...right after the disavowing)
and by Friday he was back to praising the rally-goers in NC...calling them
"Fine People"
"Outstanding Patriots"
One might almost think there is an Election coming up.
Just saying!
(...hint: If you chant SEND HER BACK to am American Citizen...Naturalized or Otherwise...you are certainly NOT an "outstanding patriot"...Are we clear???)
BREATHE
# VOTEBLUE2020
Have a wonderful weekend!
More Anon...
Saturday, July 20, 2019
Friday, July 19, 2019
Virtual AT: Riding the "Roller Coaster" to Harpers Ferry
"Beans, here."
Broke camp early and started the virtual hike when I saw this posted right outside Ashby Gap.
Who doesn't like roller-coasters, right?
The Roller Coaster is basically 12.5 miles of constant PUDS (pointless ups and downs) ranging from 300-400 feet each. In REAL TIME it takes about 7 hours to make it all the way.
Virtually...well...it is a lot quicker.
So let's get started!
The Rollercoaster
Hiking The Rollercoaster
https://youtu.be/UMjrkh4chaI
With Bobaganoosh (from the opposite direction)
https://youtu.be/uUdXcA3Ejzo
Okay...after the 3,000 and 4,000 feet climbs earlier...this is a lot of fun.
The only great view on the Rollercoaster
Near the end at Raven Rocks
Until, breathless, we arrive at Blackburn Trail Center.
Where Brian (The Caretaker) will be happy to whip you up hot food...and you can relax in comfort with a soda from the fridge. This place has a solar shower...toilets...fireplace for colder weather...a full range and dishwasher.
You might forget for a moment that you have been hiking in the elements for a couple of months.
Hell, you might never leave...maybe that is what happened with Brian.
Blackburn operates on volunteerism and donations...be sure to leave a token of appreciation when you leave.
Now we are only 12 or so miles from Harper's Ferry...where we will stop...relax and take a couple Zero Days over the weekend to look around.
Bear's Den Overlook
Woo Hoo!!!
The State Line into West Virginia...
And 1000 miles on the Appalachian Trail!
Yes!!! We are going to do this!
It may seem counter-intuitive, but there are shuttle services off major roads on the trail.
Used primarily by section hikers...we will be shuttling from Harper's Ferry back to the trail after the weekend.
The Trail in across the Potomac to Harper's Ferry.
Harper's Ferry, West Virginia
Although it is not technically the middle of the way through...psychologically most hikers look at reaching Harper's Ferry as the half-way point either NOBO or SOBO.
Anyway, it is a little like looking down into The Promised Land at this point. Envisioning a soft bed, a restaurant meal or three, and a couple of candlelit bubble baths.
(...note to self...must buy candles in town)
A quick trip to the Harper's Ferry
Bed and Breakfast
Room with overlook view.
This will be our Home-Away-from-Trail for the Weekend!
First to check out the historic (now abandoned) Hilltop House (hotel)
Drone Video of Abandon Hotel
https://youtu.be/MYRqSSANSYc
The amazing part is that the owner of the property released in January 2019 he has teamed with a luxury hotel developer and hopes to restore the Hilltop House to its 1888 glory. A former getaway to Mark Twain, Alexander Graham Bell, Carl Sandburg and other notables.
(...the hotel was abandoned in 2008...)
It also has the honorific title of being one of the most haunted hotels in West Virginia. Said to be haunted by the people from the civil war...also a little boy who died in Room 66 during a fire in 1917.
Exploring the abandoned hotel at night.
https://youtu.be/DLYLv3dSl-4
Harper's Ferry is a small town of less than 500 people. A designated Historic Town and Park.
The name dates back to the 18th Century ferry owner and operator:
Robert Harper.
In recent years, the apostrophe has been discarded, and the name changed to simply
Harpers Ferry
The ferry ended in 1824 with the addition of a covered wooden road bridge.
Also built, the first railroad bridge to span the Potomac River.
Harper's Ferry was the site of John Brown's Raid on October 16th 1859. Abolitionist John Brown led 21 men on a raid of the arsenal attempting to start an uprising and arm slaves throughout the South.
Now the pseudo-history lesson has to end and a hot bath drawn...clean clothes gathered and out to get a hot meal!
I'm thinking mushroom-stuffed ravioli with fresh morels and herbs!
See everyone after our Zero Weekend!
Love,
"Beans"
Broke camp early and started the virtual hike when I saw this posted right outside Ashby Gap.
Who doesn't like roller-coasters, right?
The Roller Coaster is basically 12.5 miles of constant PUDS (pointless ups and downs) ranging from 300-400 feet each. In REAL TIME it takes about 7 hours to make it all the way.
Virtually...well...it is a lot quicker.
So let's get started!
The Rollercoaster
Hiking The Rollercoaster
https://youtu.be/UMjrkh4chaI
With Bobaganoosh (from the opposite direction)
https://youtu.be/uUdXcA3Ejzo
Okay...after the 3,000 and 4,000 feet climbs earlier...this is a lot of fun.
The only great view on the Rollercoaster
Near the end at Raven Rocks
Until, breathless, we arrive at Blackburn Trail Center.
Where Brian (The Caretaker) will be happy to whip you up hot food...and you can relax in comfort with a soda from the fridge. This place has a solar shower...toilets...fireplace for colder weather...a full range and dishwasher.
You might forget for a moment that you have been hiking in the elements for a couple of months.
Hell, you might never leave...maybe that is what happened with Brian.
Now we are only 12 or so miles from Harper's Ferry...where we will stop...relax and take a couple Zero Days over the weekend to look around.
Bear's Den Overlook
Woo Hoo!!!
The State Line into West Virginia...
And 1000 miles on the Appalachian Trail!
Yes!!! We are going to do this!
It may seem counter-intuitive, but there are shuttle services off major roads on the trail.
Used primarily by section hikers...we will be shuttling from Harper's Ferry back to the trail after the weekend.
The Trail in across the Potomac to Harper's Ferry.
Harper's Ferry, West Virginia
Although it is not technically the middle of the way through...psychologically most hikers look at reaching Harper's Ferry as the half-way point either NOBO or SOBO.
Anyway, it is a little like looking down into The Promised Land at this point. Envisioning a soft bed, a restaurant meal or three, and a couple of candlelit bubble baths.
(...note to self...must buy candles in town)
A quick trip to the Harper's Ferry
Bed and Breakfast
Room with overlook view.
This will be our Home-Away-from-Trail for the Weekend!
First to check out the historic (now abandoned) Hilltop House (hotel)
Drone Video of Abandon Hotel
https://youtu.be/MYRqSSANSYc
The amazing part is that the owner of the property released in January 2019 he has teamed with a luxury hotel developer and hopes to restore the Hilltop House to its 1888 glory. A former getaway to Mark Twain, Alexander Graham Bell, Carl Sandburg and other notables.
(...the hotel was abandoned in 2008...)
It also has the honorific title of being one of the most haunted hotels in West Virginia. Said to be haunted by the people from the civil war...also a little boy who died in Room 66 during a fire in 1917.
Exploring the abandoned hotel at night.
https://youtu.be/DLYLv3dSl-4
Harper's Ferry is a small town of less than 500 people. A designated Historic Town and Park.
The name dates back to the 18th Century ferry owner and operator:
Robert Harper.
In recent years, the apostrophe has been discarded, and the name changed to simply
Harpers Ferry
The ferry ended in 1824 with the addition of a covered wooden road bridge.
Also built, the first railroad bridge to span the Potomac River.
Harper's Ferry was the site of John Brown's Raid on October 16th 1859. Abolitionist John Brown led 21 men on a raid of the arsenal attempting to start an uprising and arm slaves throughout the South.
Now the pseudo-history lesson has to end and a hot bath drawn...clean clothes gathered and out to get a hot meal!
I'm thinking mushroom-stuffed ravioli with fresh morels and herbs!
See everyone after our Zero Weekend!
Love,
"Beans"
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Virtual AT: Blackhorse Gap Shelter to Ashby Gap
"Good Morning!"
After a solid night's sleep we head back on the trail (virtually) from Black Horse Gap Shelter where we got to see firsthand the aftermath of a black bear and the remains of a Ursack (bear bag) it had reached during the night.
Demonstrating why a bear box is far superior.
And leaving the unfortunate hiker no choice but to resupply before continuing his journey.
If something like this happened in the 100 Mile Wilderness in Maine it would be a critical failure.
As it is...this is more of an inconvenience with nearby towns.
We are on our way to Peaks of Otter this morning.
Waterfalls of Peaks of Otter
https://youtu.be/fKlnojZs4aE
Lodge
https://youtu.be/kqVj0Pwt594
Peaks of Otter Winery
https://youtu.be/0FVPRwW7i9k
(...and don't you just love the Chili-Dawg Wine...complete with a spritz of Cheez-Whiz on the back of your hand to be done like a shot of tequila...lol...)
You know I have to try this, right?
You, too?
Buy it here.
https://www.vintagecellar.com/sku22717_PEAKS-OF-OTTER-CHILI-DAWG--APPLE-PEPPER-WINE-750ML
*does not come with Cheez-Whiz...must be purchased separately.
But we have miles to go and must be on our way...
The next stop...The Priest.
Top of The Priest with Redbeard
https://youtu.be/RKNFQJJURVk
And we are now 824 miles in on the AT.
Only 1357 miles to go...
(...try not to think about it...)
The Trail Through The Priest Wilderness
Crabtree Falls at The Priest
Trail at Crabtree Falls
Heading to Reeds Gap
Priest to Reeds Gap and Daleville
https://youtu.be/BOnkYITz5-g
And The Shenandoah Park which the AT neatly runs through...
ChrisOutdoors in the Shenandoah National Park
https://youtu.be/U6Ckun_B_WA
Great overlook views in that video.
The Shenandoah Park takes about 6 days to cross...but virtually...well, we're done.
Fox's Shenandoah Park Hike
https://youtu.be/loniKkPNIXU
A Black Bear in the Shenandoah Park
And enjoying a day-picnicker's lunch in the park.
Although black bears are the only bear you will encounter in the Shenandoah Park...there are an estimated 200,000 of them scattered over almost 200,000 acres. At one bear an acre and the fact that despite warnings and pleas not to...people still tend to view them as something to feed...some (like the furry picnicker above)...tend to have lost all fear of humans and view them as purveyors of really tasty food.
DON'T FEED THE DAMNED BEARS!!!!!
*however...if one does happen to overtake your picnic...it is best to leave him/her alone to enjoy it.
Black Bears of the Shenandoah Park
https://youtu.be/-vPhdOTfChk
"Ya'll come back now...bring more snacks, ya'hear."
Compton
Gap to Ashby Gap
https://youtu.be/bj5ldLxYRoQ
And, at last, where we will stop for today
Ashby Gap
Ashby Gap
Shelter
Enjoyed a bear-filled day.
Hope you did, too!
Love,
"Beans"
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