Wayfaring Wanderer

Since I have this unexpected snow day, I figured that I would share with you the last real outing that Cody and I have been on. You'd think that I would have more time to blog about things since we really haven't been anywhere lately, but I can't seem to fit it in when I have free time. Truth be told, it's really because I haven't made time for it, that if I really wanted to, I'd find a way to make it happen, right?!?!

Nonetheless, I have enjoyed this extra snowy winter, although at times I have still found myself dreaming about that first taste of spring. Oh, how sweet it will be! Until then, I have to satiate this longing with scenes and things that only resemble what is just out of reach. The fastest and easiest way to trick my brain is to start digging in my archives to find samplings of whatever escape is on my mind. That's what prompted me to tell you about the most recent trip Cody and I took to Callaway Gardens in Georgia.



Now, the last place you'd think to go in the dead of winter would be a garden, but I'll tell you right now that you may be pleasantly surprised at what some of them may still have to offer during these cold, hard months. At other times of the year, Callaway Gardens is a place where you can almost endlessly explore the natural environment by doing hikes and such because it's so huge, but the winter months are an ideal time for visiting more of the indoor attractions. And since we only had a limited amount of time there (just one day) we chose to hit those popular targets first.



Naturally, we ventured to the "Discovery Center" first, which is the equivalent of a visitor center - they just wanted to give it a fancy name. From this very busy epicenter you can easily find an overview of everything you can do during your day at the gardens. I found the staff to be extremely pleasant and helpful. They even offered a suggestion that led us to the first attraction of the day. But to kill some time before the suggested show, we walked around the lake and checked out the exhibits currently on display.

After puttering around we made our way to the amphitheater to see the upcoming Birds of Prey show. We witnessed the typical feathery creatures that most people can easily identify, such as an eagle, falcon and an owl. Fascinating stuff, those birds. I've been to a falconry show before, but this one was different in that these birds were flying from the front to the back while swooping down closely overhead. I couldn't help but wonder if a sharp talon has ever snagged an unsuspecting spectator; this thought caused a slight amount of concern. It was sort of scary, but mostly awesome :D



The next stop was the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, which for obvious reasons made me the most excited. I mean, come on, butterflies contained in a space where pictures could 'easily' be taken! Woot! The thought of a glass-encased conservatory with over 1,000 butterflies fluttering freely thrills me to no end. One thing I didn't expect, though, was how stiflingly hot it would be once inside the structure. It was seriously like stepping into a sauna.

I quickly stripped my jacket and left it near the front doors, so that I could walk around unencumbered. I was also surprised that I wasn't immediately swarmed by the many residents said to be housed inside. It appears as though that number doesn't look nearly as impressive when there are so many nooks and crannies for these sneaky little buggers to be hiding. They were super skilled at eluding the camera wielding crazies cluttering the walkways.



At times, you'd have to almost wait in line to take a shot or two. And you were lucky if it was still even sitting there by the time it was your turn. It's safe to say that the people to visible butterfly ratio was severely imbalanced. I walked around the conservatory at least 3 times in hopes that I would find one perfectly perched upon one of the many tropical blooms, but this didn't really happen as often as I envisioned. Oh well, the sweat sacrificed was worth the few glimpses we did encounter.



Dying to cool down, I really wanted to bathe in the cold air once we finally made it back outside -- that place was ridiculously hot! The last attraction of the day was way less likely to induce a heatstroke as it was somewhat open to the outdoors. The John A. Sibley Horticultural Center consisted of many different areas that spans over five acres. Amongst the greenhouses were a wide variety of both native and exotic species of plants.



As you explore, you will find many grand displays housed within the walls of this structure. The most eye-catching of these is the 22 foot waterfall towering above head. The seasonal poinsettia display was also one of oversized proportions as the extremely colorful and larger-than-life Christmas tree dwarfed anyone who went near it. Apparently, things change in there at least 8 times a year, so you might get to see some other equally opulent display depending on when you go.



These indoor, wintertime-friendly attractions are only a small sampling of all that Callaway Gardens has to offer. I hope that we can go back during the spring or fall one of these days to experience more of the outdoor landscape, because it is truly a beautiful place.

Alright, I know that not all of us are fantasizing about spring, ready to bid winter farewell, but those of you who are, I'm wondering if you've seen any early signs of spring yet? Or, is there anything exciting on the horizon when the first inkling of spring decides to show? Please share :D

Currently, I am eagerly anticipating an upcoming trip to the island of Puerto Rico - I know, it's more summery than springy, but still! 9 days to go...

This is by far the longest I have been MIA from this blog. I've thought about blogging those excluded adventures more times than I can count, but my follow through is what was lacking; I kept finding something else to do. It seems like the longer you let it go, the easier it is to keep letting it be.

It started with me becoming much busier than I anticipated when I took on a new responsibility and it basically just snowballed from there. I haven't really told too many people about my new endeavor, but I suppose that there's no harm in sharing with you now. In November, I started a journey which includes taking classes that will help me acquire skills needed to work in Graphic Design. During this time I will still be keeping my regular 40 hour a week work schedule, which has created great difficulty in my efforts to maintain balance, but I am slowly learning how to stay sane.

This is why I had to temporarily let blogging fall (even further) to the wayside, that, and I seem to go through a similar phase around this time every year. My once a week blog post should have been easier to manage, but alas, I couldn't even keep that going! I have so many great things to share with you that I haven't been able to lately, although I will have time to play catch up before our next big excursion--Puerto Rico in March. Until then, I would just like to start the year by reflecting upon what has been posted thus far.

*A few Highlights from 2009*

• We joined PACT, a non-profit associated with the NC Wildlife Federation. I took on the task of creating and maintaining their newsletter and other media. Doing the newsletter is really what helped me realize that I was very interested in learning more about graphic design. Current Project: Newsletter for PACT
• I went snow tubing for the first time (March 09)! haha Not a huge highlight, but it's good for a laugh :D Sunday Flurry

• Last year's first vacation wasn't until April when we went to the Outer Banks of NC for Cody's Birthday. Some sand and sea images may be just what you need right now if you've been battling winter like we have! Outer Banks Series
  

• Spring was when we got really busy! First camping trip to Mount Pisgah, Stumbled upon Moore Cove Falls, and we attended Appalachian Trail Days.
• We beat the summer heat at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens.

• I conquered my fear of public speaking!! Before and After.
• Waterfalls, Wildlife and Caves....Oh, My! In July 2009 we went to Shenandoah National Park where we did lots of hiking, saw tons of wildlife and toured a cave. It was a beautiful place!
  

• A relaxing getaway to Hot Springs, NC was one of my favorites.

• MY BIGGEST TRIP OF THE YEAR was when I went to Oahu, Hawaii for my birthday. It was also pretty monumental because I went on that adventure solo (without Cody), which was HUGE for me. I left with a new vision and direction for where I wanted my life to go, a life changing event to say the least. Oahu Hawaii Series
  

• Our first time going to the NC State Fair was also a blast!
  

*Click on the italicized links to be taken to blog posts with more photos*

WOW! I'd say that we had a pretty action packed 2009, wouldn't you--and that's not even all of it?! Looking over my archives helped me to realize the numerous changes I have undergone over the past 12 months. And to think that I sometimes feel like I'm not doing enough?! haha I think that this simplified outline can prove otherwise. The transformation, however, is no where near complete...well, really, it won't ever be. One thing that I do know is that Cody and I encountered a great deal of highlights throughout 2009, and I can only hope that 2010 will bring just as many discoveries as the year unfolds.

I hope you all had a terrific holiday season! :o)

Stepping through the gates of Fairhaven is like walking into a fairytale. From the moment you cross that threshold you are transported to a captivating fantasy land complete with a cartoon-like medieval village. Countless characters are dressed the part from head to toe in some of the most elaborate get ups you will ever see, as well as those that are the epitome of peasantry.



The storybook village is jam packed with entertainment that offers something for people of all ages. It is nearly impossible to see and do everything the Renaissance Fair offers in one single visit, although that didn’t stop us from trying our best!



As you traipse through the open air market filled with artisan shops, kitchens, games and people powered rides, you are inundated by peddlers of all sorts. If you have a problem with saying no, I suggest you fake deaf and keep on walking. My trick was to laugh and keep walking, it worked pretty well. And because everyone is a comedian in this place it was all in good fun. As a matter of fact, I laughed so much that my abs were sore the next day!



Here in Fairhaven, entertainment abounds with live shows running non-stop throughout the day. If you’re looking for a chuckle the stage performances should be your cup of tea. We managed to catch a new show just added this year called, Barely Balanced, a trio of daredevils who were an absolute riot!



We also joined the mass of spectators at the Jousting Tournaments, which took place at three different times during the day. These exhibitions draw the largest crowds so make it to the arena early for choice seating.



Wandering can get you into trouble when you're in between spectacles as there are so many different things to spend your money on in this place. I can imagine that going with a group of kiddos might be quite expensive due to the games and rides sprinkled throughout the village. My friend and I decided to be a little adventurous ourselves and chose to take a tumble on the Pirates Assault Catapult. It was exhilarating!


Note to self: Next time do this prior to stuffing face!


Speaking of stuffing face....you can find a number of things to feast on throughout the village lanes. We had a turkey leg (or two) & a scotch egg to name a few. At last year's festival we waited too long before deciding to try one of those tasty orbs so we missed out, but not this time! Oh my goodness they are so delicious. I bet you we never make that mistake again :D



Just before the cannon blows and the gates close, we had time to observe one last show. Dexter Tripp is a crazy, show-off stuntman who has a penchant for putting himself into danger.



We witnessed him walk across a flaming tightrope and juggle with a chainsaw, now that's entertainment! I really like that such a dynamite day ended up with something on fire! I'm such a pyro.



Even if you're there from open till close, you are bound to miss a thing or two. Two days would be ideal, but at $20 a pop all one can afford is [a] day (not to mention that its 2 hours away located just outside of Charlotte, NC). However, if the admission is what would keep you away, I would think about attending the opening weekend when they offer a two for one deal. We hoped to do that this season but I was just getting back from Hawaii and there was no way! Maybe next year when we go, we'll dress up with all of the other faire folk for the full experience! :D Until next time fare-thee-well my good fellows. HUZZAH!!!!!!!!

It's hard to go to Hawaii and not commune with nature. However, there are some really great things you can do to immerse yourself even farther instead of sticking to the white, sandy beaches. My favorite way to do this is by taking a hike! The island of Oahu is riddled with trails if you know where to look, but there are two trails in particular that get all of the praise. So popular, in fact, that these outdoor adventures can see hundreds of tourists everyday! The two favored hikes in Honolulu are very different from one another in the realm of landscape and atmosphere. Now, two hikes in one day may sound like a bit too much, but I chose to do so because they were very close to one another. And since I was staying on the other end of the island, I figured I should hit them both up on the same day.



My first stop was the Manoa Falls trail located just outside of Honolulu in Manoa Valley. I am a sucker for waterfalls, so I had to get a glimpse of this 160-foot tall mammoth. Since this unbelievably lush rainforest was deserted at this hour of the morning (7:30am), I decided that I would forgo taking pictures until I reached the end only because I thought that it would stay that way.



I walked amidst the gigantic Banyan trees flanked by the everpresent stream. As I made my way up the narrow pathway, portions of the trail were framed by bamboo forests. I found this trail to have a very gentle grade, and at only 1 mile each way, it's one almost anyone could undertake. One thing to be careful of on this particular trail is the mud, because it can be slippery! It receives quite a bit of rain from what I have read, although maybe it hadn't rained much lately, because the cascade was meager. It wasn't too terribly disappointing though, since it took little effort to get there.



Remember how I told you that I saved taking pictures until after I reached the falls? Yeah, well, that was a HUGE mistake! On my way down I passed numerous guided tour groups that made it nearly impossible to get a shot without someone being in the way. That is the last time I wait to take photos again!! Seriously. Who needs a tour guide to take a hike? I don't. Nature is free :D



Parking, however, is not! I didn't find this out until I got back to the Jeep where a little yellow note asking me to see the attendant regarding payment was stuck to my window. Be forewarned that they charge $5 to park in the parking lot at the trail head. I got away with only paying $2 because I claimed stupidity. Sucka! Seriously, though. I didn't see any signs that said there was a charge, and I certainly didn't overlook an attendant!



The next stop, Diamond Head Crater, is considered the most popular trail. It likely sees twice the amount of hikers that Manoa Falls does. Unlike the gentle grade of the last trail, this one is much more vigorous. Even though you start off on a concrete path that seems forgiving, it quickly morphs into switchback city!



From the crater floor to the summit you will climb 560 feet in less than a mile (0.8 to be exact). By the time you weave your way through the switchbacks, you are begging for mercy as the sun is blazing and the sweat starts pouring. It would do you good to be very well hydrated before attempting this trail unless you are a fan of fainting.



You begin to think that the worst is over, but that's when you are met with a steep concrete stairway consisting of 74 steps! Afterward, you get a chance to cool off in the tunnels that take you below the surface. The closer you feel to the top, though, the further away from reality you are because after stepping out of that dark tunnel, you are standing at the foot of yet another staircase! Some just stood there, mouth agape, staring in disbelief at the towering approach. More steps!?!? Yes, 99 of those bad boys :D And just when you think you can't take another footstep, they make you climb a spiral staircase!!



At this point I felt somewhat tortured, but the end was getting near. I could feel it. Okay, well, not as close as I hoped....More stairs?!?! So, let me get this straight, we've scaled a windy path of switchbacks, a 74 step set of stairs, burrowed through a tunnel, climbed another staircase with 99 grueling steps, spiral staircase with 52 stairs and last but not least a 3rd set of stairs with 54 more steps! Holy mama!! Lemme catch my breath......



I suppose that this trail wouldn't be so popular if the views weren't worth every drop of sweat shed along the way. The vista was most definitely a stunning sight with the Pacific ocean and Wakiki coastline in full view. As a matter of fact, this is an ideal spot to see a panoramic view of the Leeward side of the island.



One good thing about hikes that make you work so hard going up, you know it's all downhill from the top! Despite how horrible I may make this hike sound, I saw so many different types of people trudging to the summit. I even passed a lady who was wearing high heels! No lie. And she did make it to the top...eventually :D

Located in the Valley of the Temples, at the base of the 2,000 foot Ko'olau mountain range, is the replica of a 950-year-old Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan. The Byodo-In Temple was constructed, without the use of a single nail, in the 1960's to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants who came to Hawaii to work in the sugar plantations.



Byodo-In is the quintessence of tranquility and I was fortunate enough to experience this place solely. The only other people around were the groundskeepers, but they don't count.



Before entering the temple it is customary to ring the Bon-Sho (sacred bell) by striking it with the shu-moku (a wooden log). The five foot high, three ton brass bell creates a deep resonant gong, sending out a wave of calm said to cleanse the mind of evil and temptation. One can't help but be overcome with an extreme sense of peacefulness while roaming the grounds.



The most intense feelings I exhibited were upon entering the temple and getting my first glimpse of Amida, a golden Buddah, carved out of wood that towered more than 18 feet tall.



As I stood there gawking at this immense figure, I began to weep. I had no clue as to why either. All I know is that I was filled with an overwhelming array of complex emotions that I couldn't begin to decipher. I just went with it, especially since I was alone and could do so without prying eyes.



I walked along every inch of these grounds as slowly as I possibly could so I wouldn't miss a single detail. Took a peek in the gift shop and picked up a few mementos (post cards and incense). I also bought a bag of fish food so that I could sit at the edge of the expansive koi pond and feed the eager fishies. Little did I know that every species of wildlife here at Byodo-In would be attracted to the scanty handout.



I was surrounded on all sides by feisty fish, curious swans, a tenacious turtle and a flock of swift birdies. I thought that must be what it felt like to be Snow White! It was too much fun dispensing those goodies, I had to go back and get a second bag. And I was probably stalling, too, because I hated to leave this lovely place. Can you blame me?! Alas, I had other sights to see.



By the time I came full-circle (2 hours later) there were groups of people entering by the dozen! I ate my lunch of leftover sushi (how fitting) in the parking lot before making my way to Highway 83 for a leisurely stop-and-go drive up to the North Shore of Oahu. I had a few hours to kill prior to the evening event we planned to attend for my birthday. If you missed it, we went to Germaine's Luau, which you can read about here.



As I left with thankfulness on my mind, I thought that having this magnificent place all to myself was my birthday gift from the universe. What a great birthday I had (Sept 29)! Lucky, I am :D

I nearly forgot what it felt like to walk through the gates of a fair. It's been so long since I've been to one, it's no wonder. The lights.....the smells....the sounds. They all compound to cultivate an evening filled with good times and lasting memories! It's almost too much to take in since everything hits you all at once, kicking your sensory overload into hyperdrive. I swear that I was on the brink of explosion as I attempted to take it all in.



Aside from making our minds up about what we wanted to do first, there was also the dilemma of trying to gain your bearings in a land where every corner looks exactly the same as the last one you passed. We were completely overwhelmed by the amount of options they had available. Between the food, rides & other fun stuff, everywhere you turn is a sea of potential gluttony just waiting for you to give in. Giving in to your whims in this place is unavoidable!



The NC State Fair in Raleigh, NC is supposedly the biggest and best fair in the state. While I haven't been to many, I can definitely say that this fair takes the "deep-fried cake". It was positively massive! We walked all over the place, and got a pretty good workout, before finally making a decision on what we would do to jump start our evening .



Since the best place to survey the entire grounds would be from the air, what better place to get a grand view than from a ride on the Ferris Wheel! I was hoping that we would get stuck at the top for a moment or two so I could take a photo, but we didn't. And to think, we almost waited until daylight hours on Sunday for our fair fun. I'm glad we didn't because I am a huge fan of all the lights, it's much more dazzling in the evening.



After our ferris wheel foray, we elected to get some grub. Good thing our insatiable appetites are only met with these indulgences occasionally. Otherwise, those deep-fried delectables would greatly lower a persons life expectancy!



Our pattern seemed to be ride,



food,



ride,



food.....you get the idea. At first, our reasoning was that we didn't want to eat too much all at once or else we would get sick when it was time to be thrashed around on a ride. Thankfully, our tummies were tame and didn't disagree with any of the tasty tidbits we were consuming. You know, to have as many vendors and food options as we did, we were quite subdued compared to our normal ravenous natures.



Our favorite fodder was most definitely the deep-fried pecan pie! Yep, you heard right....deep-fried pecan pie! They deep-fried just about everything in this place, mac & cheese, pickles, butter (?!?!), candy bars, it was pure ridiculousness!



The only reason I can come up with as to why we didn't have anything more than a foot-long corn dog, slice of pepperoni pizza, roasted corn & cotton candy (for the road) was that we were off our game, or maybe just spending wisely, or perhaps we were just crippled by indecision, which might explain why I didn't get my sausage with onions & peppers and why Cody didn't get his giant turkey leg?! Who knows.

Make no mistake, though, no matter how wisely you try to spend your money in this place, it is expensive! But it was well worth the expense to experience "A Whole Lotta Happy" because I was sporting a perma-grin the entire night! I can't wait to go back next year :D