tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55787066658905319482024-03-13T00:21:51.530-04:00Elizabeth's Secret GardenElizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.comBlogger268125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-12813358343629298252023-07-30T08:08:00.001-04:002023-07-30T08:08:25.144-04:00Desert Botanical Garden and Chihuly Exhibit in Arizona<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGRLPjK4Wi3SDxB2IgHhBTzeKXCui5Wv32w74nsSFoHZ6KCKz-VF1p95pzMVk9bCIIgItp71t3VWi7CmaSXvZoq3cybj8JvVsLe2xAOa1aRk-Izjnt2ApvsS82c43vrM1rAtcoghqMu5ZGd_O9vsk6T4b4i8lwzusyPkq7XNUvVtQq_vqp9Ez2P8aHQ/s6000/IMG_9947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGRLPjK4Wi3SDxB2IgHhBTzeKXCui5Wv32w74nsSFoHZ6KCKz-VF1p95pzMVk9bCIIgItp71t3VWi7CmaSXvZoq3cybj8JvVsLe2xAOa1aRk-Izjnt2ApvsS82c43vrM1rAtcoghqMu5ZGd_O9vsk6T4b4i8lwzusyPkq7XNUvVtQq_vqp9Ez2P8aHQ/w461-h307/IMG_9947.JPG" width="461" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Desert Botanical Garden was the highlight of my trip. I had never seen Saguaro cactus or experienced what I call the "Wild West." I also went at one of the best times to visit which is March to May. At this current point in time, the gardens must close at 2 pm because of the heat so be prepared to either shorten your time at the gardens or go at a different date. One of the incredible details of this journey is that the garden has around 50,000 plants showcased! Also, the park is 140 acres. You could easily spend most of the day here so it is worth dedicating a large portion of the day to exploring. Another highlight of the visit was seeing the Chihuly exhibit which was a nice bonus. I was amazed by what can be done with glass. They had an outside and inside special exhibit at the time of visiting. I hope you enjoy all the pictures from my visit and get a chance to go in the future. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNMx_kcSHq0g1-OH_u-LQbqhBIt3OPaILmpRClwgl35fmuEqUbDPWxxnaak38fiMIk2JqDbx9odKW4UbRftamv27cjLPL62S7VCfFCjBzeQFKMD6KznRcMLoNPhGQ4eQKgXrcRdp8vcY9dXD5FHCbtcJIUmt0ME50FBjieivDcM7jpqjJMR_R5fGpfg/s6000/cactusadjust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNMx_kcSHq0g1-OH_u-LQbqhBIt3OPaILmpRClwgl35fmuEqUbDPWxxnaak38fiMIk2JqDbx9odKW4UbRftamv27cjLPL62S7VCfFCjBzeQFKMD6KznRcMLoNPhGQ4eQKgXrcRdp8vcY9dXD5FHCbtcJIUmt0ME50FBjieivDcM7jpqjJMR_R5fGpfg/w548-h365/cactusadjust.jpg" width="548" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhdDdFIyBq_kgPULt6_a_pisCzXowyZMUfiFMvVbuLt02pbYailfmgFkdCBwdku7VOwQe6poBqf9_cwmkionCRX_-u0vN2yB9E4DmabNXZzKXN9XcXCBbHwMlwZ91-j5EyP-0vKevg7y-15m96c4VSbbaCMvDf6N4FXQ0pVtnVMje9LxELja6qfkB_w/w468-h311/IMG_0095.JPG" width="468" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmENze96C223HqZi3TiPgUJUziLE5dwc3lhgkq0oPNB78fTkt3rgXup1m6wNNsr70YmN7DQ5nnzZSA85IKfW_-fsyl6pcp6xEb8HAgFlS3_3zUuw0tsmjlWvgmgLanu5odDwVOQiRsPiPQRrTGPDPOTLEYOXqZ-b9UpiEQOMkzdNfnAg1hzPJJGPZDzw/s6000/IMG_0112adj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmENze96C223HqZi3TiPgUJUziLE5dwc3lhgkq0oPNB78fTkt3rgXup1m6wNNsr70YmN7DQ5nnzZSA85IKfW_-fsyl6pcp6xEb8HAgFlS3_3zUuw0tsmjlWvgmgLanu5odDwVOQiRsPiPQRrTGPDPOTLEYOXqZ-b9UpiEQOMkzdNfnAg1hzPJJGPZDzw/w481-h320/IMG_0112adj.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NaiNIEH_uBD5o-pMCw78mkuUfcbqUa_aY2pq_XZuQELRFBAwhNM48u3EHmxkve4e1dSoozZ6KPerFP60Wt_ZS7I5hIbzm7q6lC0vg-26cXxamVs6uKNfmBwBB_pyTSv0ytmc_R2XKUdW_TGUuXnOrqXyqum0I1wCyvslPh4K2clrNwrGf-prbzKbTQ/s6000/IMG_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NaiNIEH_uBD5o-pMCw78mkuUfcbqUa_aY2pq_XZuQELRFBAwhNM48u3EHmxkve4e1dSoozZ6KPerFP60Wt_ZS7I5hIbzm7q6lC0vg-26cXxamVs6uKNfmBwBB_pyTSv0ytmc_R2XKUdW_TGUuXnOrqXyqum0I1wCyvslPh4K2clrNwrGf-prbzKbTQ/w334-h502/IMG_0113.JPG" width="334" /></a></div><br />Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-56099591299520691962022-07-17T09:42:00.000-04:002022-07-17T09:42:51.937-04:00Tips and Tricks for Hiking into the Ooh Aah Point at the Grand Canyon<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Yu1JgF29laXeXRxc9z4Ua2nCJJN4a0_yGlbQwbsykqg5OZ-0z93Eo-v5_Yl2EQpnr0YbfrLoFBW-SbCObv4AvHZfsIRryhPTBZJnbjEzLpzvePahK4F28ilPobG5S5GefdUdcL9rYjoN5NxxL7Xts6bZQ7t44x48JrSIhB5_4KYeYJd-FYNf7GE/s6000/IMG_0445.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Yu1JgF29laXeXRxc9z4Ua2nCJJN4a0_yGlbQwbsykqg5OZ-0z93Eo-v5_Yl2EQpnr0YbfrLoFBW-SbCObv4AvHZfsIRryhPTBZJnbjEzLpzvePahK4F28ilPobG5S5GefdUdcL9rYjoN5NxxL7Xts6bZQ7t44x48JrSIhB5_4KYeYJd-FYNf7GE/w582-h387/IMG_0445.JPG" width="582" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The skies were ocean blue and no haze cascaded into the canyon. The snow was slowly melting and a layer of ice was still present. These were the hiking conditions when going to the South Rim in March. When hiking to Ooh Aah Point in mid March, you will want a jacket handy is tip one. As my friend and I descended into the canyon the melting ice made the trails slippery. We had to take it very slowly at certain patches. We were certainly glad that we started the hike after lunch as the conditions would have been certainly worse. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. I'd estimate it was about 1.5 hours to hike down if not more, but the views were worth it. A pleasant breeze swept across. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4NDsHbvfVQrFk82uGe3aZ-QgG3QvXhFGaO_SKH6V7L6i4GBOcwqeLlwF72yz6gtaYbeKvmi85t3ACdq3tXo8WpOdFj873HhKlkkBtHwssgQUR-Zuk_WjD5o24SLpBHXFIMzd7J007fRmGVVY6jSYQL1e1tOCj_sHkd5pwDY9iVPoidFIvzVd8DU/s6000/IMG_0429.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4NDsHbvfVQrFk82uGe3aZ-QgG3QvXhFGaO_SKH6V7L6i4GBOcwqeLlwF72yz6gtaYbeKvmi85t3ACdq3tXo8WpOdFj873HhKlkkBtHwssgQUR-Zuk_WjD5o24SLpBHXFIMzd7J007fRmGVVY6jSYQL1e1tOCj_sHkd5pwDY9iVPoidFIvzVd8DU/w574-h383/IMG_0429.JPG" width="574" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a good view of the trail from the top. You can go all the way down into the Canyon from here, but the sun was starting to set so we decided to make our way back up. Also, we were tired from all that hiking! Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen regardless of the season. Also, have plenty of water and snacks especially during the summer. There are warning signs to use caution when hiking whether it be from being too daring on the edge of the cliff or staying hydrated. The way back up was the hardest part. We had to take it in increments and take a break frequently. We are both in good shape and exercise regularly so make sure you are up to the challenge before starting the journey down. Also, be careful where you walk as donkeys do use this trail. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_48F5oQeg1VEVJKeaPYyHFpgcPBFPuN-kAtBLAlllEcjALaKyXOPjZbZUm6WANYZ9sYo-z-24kAcIyB6sFsunxS9k8GreiekoeGF2ZdaFpUExNJmwrl2XHm0qtW8RmfCoCTo3tQJvlHuzYxC5Nn9SUBbclYrSEft0C2BKvpLoRvYinLCpQnNHdhc/s6000/IMG_0453.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_48F5oQeg1VEVJKeaPYyHFpgcPBFPuN-kAtBLAlllEcjALaKyXOPjZbZUm6WANYZ9sYo-z-24kAcIyB6sFsunxS9k8GreiekoeGF2ZdaFpUExNJmwrl2XHm0qtW8RmfCoCTo3tQJvlHuzYxC5Nn9SUBbclYrSEft0C2BKvpLoRvYinLCpQnNHdhc/w558-h371/IMG_0453.JPG" width="558" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a good view from Ooh Aah Point. I was thankful that there were clear skies on the day that my friend and I visited Grand Canyon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6ZJBVzzyouTZe7i8g9XDzhEFzeubKpSrANvFhrGRAT76VKwgAXu7dS7XjNmAbO7oYrsE9mapJqHxjT51LGSsnr2rW2GmYaD9l2tW0RO5f5sDTPNdaPF0zhvQx3jfKN-eEcQ50hKfc_KSoNNf1L1hjiuOnhWyO4_pu45kSwtQX3betr0LmPWlTBM/s6000/IMG_0381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6ZJBVzzyouTZe7i8g9XDzhEFzeubKpSrANvFhrGRAT76VKwgAXu7dS7XjNmAbO7oYrsE9mapJqHxjT51LGSsnr2rW2GmYaD9l2tW0RO5f5sDTPNdaPF0zhvQx3jfKN-eEcQ50hKfc_KSoNNf1L1hjiuOnhWyO4_pu45kSwtQX3betr0LmPWlTBM/w537-h357/IMG_0381.JPG" width="537" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the view of the South Rim near where we parked when entering. You can just take the trail all around the Grand Canyon if you do not want to hike down. </div><br /></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTR6AOPW7kmA7MscCN5cNJo38jX_uwhdjbjVt0baJIyK-PtlXh-teX88sv27fFM_YuzZko2hZiJNQFI7C4fxqmFdLviHsX7PVSHJR6JaOmnZp3gHtPx7gWbF-MUb_GFf7tRb24yVvzMX1XRjX-Vjo0ulM8PDqc9oNnBc7hHlnoRthS6063vaXG2xo/s6000/IMG_0421.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTR6AOPW7kmA7MscCN5cNJo38jX_uwhdjbjVt0baJIyK-PtlXh-teX88sv27fFM_YuzZko2hZiJNQFI7C4fxqmFdLviHsX7PVSHJR6JaOmnZp3gHtPx7gWbF-MUb_GFf7tRb24yVvzMX1XRjX-Vjo0ulM8PDqc9oNnBc7hHlnoRthS6063vaXG2xo/s320/IMG_0421.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were several Elk licking up the snow from the ground. They were very calm and were only a few feet away from everyone. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSACEJmVYk_ZHdbM9guzmxhjPWyEaNYpURjTUD_9_MEsr9MBtcPzvmJ6l1B08ymamW35jCKyFG05vtLvccu65tsG68ScMZ72km3aO_U0390WanUI960bkBUJnTEKANv6TqIqn9nZ0Yjkx1i0Gj766Q8LjnyYHPrGzEoJ8tIO7D_Al3ynY4GQRpJY/s6000/IMG_0390.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSACEJmVYk_ZHdbM9guzmxhjPWyEaNYpURjTUD_9_MEsr9MBtcPzvmJ6l1B08ymamW35jCKyFG05vtLvccu65tsG68ScMZ72km3aO_U0390WanUI960bkBUJnTEKANv6TqIqn9nZ0Yjkx1i0Gj766Q8LjnyYHPrGzEoJ8tIO7D_Al3ynY4GQRpJY/w558-h371/IMG_0390.JPG" width="558" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAbPx_0YXBArg2nh-qUpRQ_Rs101tQBhD4-Gw8jNKCQTtqkcFoix_m-NLOD_2evwybXZwEyY9DCGW7-mMMQK9IQHtZeXkkN8Usi930EyPZI-zDqyShda8psytlX-eUb0ZdfnwzY2YMKb6DCJtH114N7k80kKfvjXy0osOobUf2G_36GjFtyRtsrI/s6000/IMG_0362.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAbPx_0YXBArg2nh-qUpRQ_Rs101tQBhD4-Gw8jNKCQTtqkcFoix_m-NLOD_2evwybXZwEyY9DCGW7-mMMQK9IQHtZeXkkN8Usi930EyPZI-zDqyShda8psytlX-eUb0ZdfnwzY2YMKb6DCJtH114N7k80kKfvjXy0osOobUf2G_36GjFtyRtsrI/w558-h371/IMG_0362.JPG" width="558" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tips for planning your trip out; when we arrived at noon, there was an extremely long line. It took an hour to travel less than a mile. I'm going to assume that the earlier you arrive the better. Just be prepared for a long wait and I suggest packing your lunch. There is a shuttle that can take you to various points. Unfortunately though, it was about 3 buses later that we could finally board. I would estimate it was about 10 minutes in between each bus. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVnv8BBh_L5AWRQOwqy48SU6dUYOkteS8wfpDbfVAyyi6DAMcWttvnvc9w7Bdqhzn-XzBh9W9jfOShN0Y4CRcVI7BC0_qWD0ytwv9M28av7lSx7dSzGwM6COiThXgX3jL2AROioVBnvdiAvQDz0Ep112WlJvfdZgOPOKgI7G-UadJUKn2kouYO2A/s6000/IMG_0353.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVnv8BBh_L5AWRQOwqy48SU6dUYOkteS8wfpDbfVAyyi6DAMcWttvnvc9w7Bdqhzn-XzBh9W9jfOShN0Y4CRcVI7BC0_qWD0ytwv9M28av7lSx7dSzGwM6COiThXgX3jL2AROioVBnvdiAvQDz0Ep112WlJvfdZgOPOKgI7G-UadJUKn2kouYO2A/w571-h380/IMG_0353.JPG" width="571" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope these tips were helpful and you get to visit the Grand Canyon sometime! </div><br /><p></p>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-79238139557953470022020-06-06T14:28:00.000-04:002020-06-06T14:28:01.115-04:00Highlights of San Francisco<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4"><b><i>Golden Gate Bridge</i></b></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4"><b><br /></b></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">San Francisco has a variety of places to explore. There are places for those wanting to experience different cultures, those who are foodies (had the best burger ever at Artisan Burgers), if you like seeing art and incredible structures, or simply want to enjoy the beauty of nature. It is four hours from Yosemite if you want to be blown away by the majesty of God's creation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The iconic symbol of San Francisco, The Golden Gate bridge, is a must see. It might take some patience to get the perfect view though. My husband and I went in March and when we went to view it from the Mainlands, it was completed encompassed by clouds. Our willingness to wait was worth it and though I didn't get the perfect shot, I loved the photo effect that occurred from the Golden Gate Bridge emerging from the clouds. I recommend viewing it from different locations. There is no toll fees leaving San Francisco, but you have to pay to come back via the bridge. If you have a rental, make sure you either pay online or get a pass otherwise you will be responsible for some pretty hefty fees from the rental company on top of the tolls. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4"><i><b>China Town</b></i></font></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Chinatown is another popular destination. Honestly, it was more touristy than I was expecting. Lots of restaurant choices, but a lot of souvenir shops that were pretty much the same. It is more fun to just walk through and see the culture. Of course, I did grab some souvenirs at really great prices. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4"><i><b><br /></b></i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4"><i><b>Japan Town</b></i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then there is Japan town which was one of my favorite destinations and rightfully so since my husband and I are nearing going through the process to be missionaries in Japan. It was extremely organized and I would expect no less from hearing about Japan's culture. I loved seeing all the different shops, but most of all the food! They have a several restaurants inside the Japan Center and then when you are done, you can choose from ice cream, mochi, and pastries. Get a little taste of a different culture. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><font size="4">Lombard Street</font></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><font size="4"><br /></font></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--w6yJuSIDMo/XtZ7ZaqNpYI/AAAAAAABb8M/AznLrpLAbMoN2DhHR3w8g_xwxvQcWjaeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1591114595326485-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--w6yJuSIDMo/XtZ7ZaqNpYI/AAAAAAABb8M/AznLrpLAbMoN2DhHR3w8g_xwxvQcWjaeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1591114595326485-3.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you want to drive along or walk down a really super windy road, this is your destination. Now I can say that I've walked along Lombard Street. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4"><i><b>Japanese Tea Garden</b></i></font></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For those that love looking at nature, The Golden Gate State Park is your location. Even if you don't consider yourself a nature person, it is a place to add to your travel list. And yes, I had a complete itinerary of places to go from food to tourist attractions. Wouldn't you if you've been dreaming of going for the last decade? It was serene with the koi pond laced with elegant plants and Japanese structures. If you arrive before 10 am, it is free. We got there 3 minutes prior and got in for free! There is free parking along the park if you can find a spot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4"><i><b>Palace of Fine Arts</b></i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>Next is the Palace of Fine Arts. It was a quick walk through, but interesting nether the less. It was constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition to display fine arts. Hmmm, I wonder why they named it Palace of Fine Arts? </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4"><b><i>Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 31</i></b></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4"><b><i><br /></i></b></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you want to see seals fight, flop around, and make lots of noise, check out Pier 31. Well, seriously, it was entertaining!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a view from Alioto's Restaurant. It was good food, a great view, and romantic setting. The lunch menu was really reasonable. It was $20 a dish which for the area is great! You can get validated free parking at the restaurant before 6 pm for 2 hours and if you go 6 pm to midnight, you can get 3 hours of free parking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><font size="4">Ghirardelli Square</font></b></i></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JIo0L49_tbA/Xsm1C-Z7BuI/AAAAAAABbmU/cGKZivRgkyslVy3C25QP_sqhZYyWWx18gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1590277386038644-9.png" width="400" />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't leave the Fisherman's Wharf without stopping at the Ghirardelli Square! There is an option where you get to choose 3 different chocolate squares and they make a milkshake with them. Warning, if you are lactose intolerant like me, you will suffer greatly. Is it worth it? Hard to say, but I did it so I could say I did it. Pretty valid reason, right?</div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4"><i><b>Golden Gate Park Windmill and Tulips</b></i></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I will end with the dutch windmill and tulips. This is also in the Golden Gate State Park along with the Japanese Tea Garden. There are several places you can tour within the park so do a bit of googling if you plan on going. As a final traveling tip, when it comes to parking which is a huge factor, be sure to have a hefty parking budget. Parking can get pricey in San Francisco. We went right before the lock down for COVID-19 so we were able to locate free parking most of the trip. An additional tip, DO NOT use parking aps that have you pay in advance. They are scams and I'll leave it at that. I hope you enjoyed seeing the highlights of San Francisco and I hope you will get the chance to go some day. Like I said in the beginning, there are so many destinations that appeal to a variety of different preferences for what is a fun time. I tend to lean towards nature and food. I had a hefty list of places to go! Happy traveling. </div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0San Francisco, CA, USA37.7749295 -122.41941559.4646956638211535 -157.5756655 66.085163336178852 -87.2631655tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-8525070491054851552020-05-09T14:21:00.005-04:002020-05-09T14:32:30.157-04:00A Walk Through Yosemite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SpPiWXwHwYs/Xq7IdPG4xCI/AAAAAAABaT0/3TxLfj_orMYO3Buo8tMs4Kzg4ee6cjxXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1588512882289360-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SpPiWXwHwYs/Xq7IdPG4xCI/AAAAAAABaT0/3TxLfj_orMYO3Buo8tMs4Kzg4ee6cjxXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1588512882289360-0.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bright and early began a journey that my husband and I would take. A journey that would take us deep into the woods of Yosemite. Here we were after taking a plane to the other side of the country quite literally and then taking a four hour journey from San Francisco to Yosemite in the little fiesta we rented. It was quite something. With the windy roads and this little car taking us up mountain roads. As I peered out the windows, I saw breathtaking views. Views right out of a movie. We passed through little mountain towns of only a few thousand people. Forests that appeared to have been toasted by flames that ravished through. We stopped at some view points along the way. The images are forever</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">imprinted in my memory.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeVhqWX91bM/XrbzczPLVjI/AAAAAAABaq4/5ozmV5t-mDwhao6dzCk8Ptu9vhLKCELQwCK4BGAsYHg/20200310_123438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="5312" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeVhqWX91bM/XrbzczPLVjI/AAAAAAABaq4/5ozmV5t-mDwhao6dzCk8Ptu9vhLKCELQwCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h225/20200310_123438.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There was something freeing about being deep in the forest. The coolness washing over my skin. The sound of birds echoing in my ears. The wild beauty. And to view that beauty came with choices. I wanted to see everything, but with four hours to drive back home in one day, there had to be limits. The first hike of choice to see the lower and upper falls was advanced, but after accessing the level of my husband and my capabilities (me wearing an ankle brace after spraining my ankle), we opted for Mirror Lake. We did take a short loop for the light hearted just to see the waterfalls from afar which you can see below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span><span> </span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zlH2dP6k6kw/XrFR-KMN3qI/AAAAAAABajc/enQ8p25IzEMtT42PVDZ8veJfJrl3M82JACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1588679157585444-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zlH2dP6k6kw/XrFR-KMN3qI/AAAAAAABajc/enQ8p25IzEMtT42PVDZ8veJfJrl3M82JACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1588679157585444-4.png" width="400" /></a> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this is how the journey to Mirror Lake began. The sky was starting to darken. The rain fell on my face and my heart sank. I waited ten years to be here. We drove four hours to get here. This can't happen! I said a prayer and we didn't turn back. To Chronicle this journey is the picture above that shows the darkened sky. When the rain lifted, the realization hit that we weren't exactly sure if we were headed in the right direction. There were no signs in sight. The suspense of possibly ending up no where made the hour drag on, but then other hikers confirmed that Mirror Lake was indeed within grasp. As the sky cleared up, continue on to see what we saw along the way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just as we got back to the car and started to head off to eat, the rain began. I thanked the Lord for answering my prayers. To bring this journey to completion, a rainbow spanned across the mountain range. My husband turned around the car just so I could get a picture to share with everyone of what we saw that day. I hope that one day you will get the chance to see this wonder and if you have, please share a comment about your adventure.</div><br /></div>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0Yosemite National Park, California, USA37.8651011 -119.53832949.5548672638211514 -154.6945794 66.175334936178842 -84.3820794tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-35523584667529507492020-05-01T10:53:00.004-04:002020-05-01T11:03:36.333-04:00Japanese Tea Garden San Francisco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Peaceful, tranquil, serene...these are the words that describe the Japanese Tea Garden in </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the Golden Gate State Park, San Francisco. Popping with color and a vibrancy that is pleasing to the eye, it was an experience I will always remember. It was well attended most clearly and I breathed in with wonder as my husband and I crossed over the bridge, viewed the pagodas, and threaded</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> upon the stone paths. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I quote from the Japanese Tea Garden's website: "Today, the Japanese Tea Garden endures as one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, featuring classic elements such as an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds and a zen garden."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Check it out: </span><a href="https://www.japaneseteagardensf.com/">https://www.japaneseteagardensf.com</a> </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So how did this garden get its start you may ask? Well, it began as part of the World Fair. The California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894. It was originally called the Japanese Village and Tea Garden. Mr. Hagiwara, a Japanese landscape architect, took the initial one acre and poured his heart into creating 5 acres of beauty which makes up what we see today. And there he stayed with his family til 1942. It was then with great sadness that they were forced to move into internment camps along with 120,000 other Japanese Americans. </span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(info from: </span></span><a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/japanese-tea-garden">https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/japanese-tea-garden</a>)</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: start;"><i> A traveling tip is that if you arrive before 10 am every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, you get free admission. My husband and I literally entered three minutes before 10! (It is closed until further notice due to COV 19. Hope you enjoy these photos from my visit in March).</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: start;"><i>Enjoy a walk through the gardens....</i></span></div>
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Check back in a week or two to see flashbacks from me and my husband's adventures in California!</div>
Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-81899476762795731662020-03-20T13:15:00.004-04:002020-04-27T09:48:06.367-04:00Muir Woods, A Walk Among the Giants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjIlyVlxG9o/XnT5JrJ2CPI/AAAAAAABZBU/Rigs4K9mcMErvpSjt4CwnV8oOGfQVtAFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Redwoods2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="1600" height="146" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjIlyVlxG9o/XnT5JrJ2CPI/AAAAAAABZBU/Rigs4K9mcMErvpSjt4CwnV8oOGfQVtAFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Redwoods2.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
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<div>Meet giants of the natural world, The Redwood tree. My dream for over a decade has been to witness the grandness of these trees. Their thick, rugged, red bark. Their looming height and circumference. And the habitat in which these enormous trees dwell. I’ve climbed waterfalls of Costa Rica and hiked the mountains of the Appalachians, but nothing has compared to what I witnessed at Muir Woods. A testament to God’s incredible creation!<br></div>
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It was ever so peaceful. My husband, Matt, and I went this month and the trail we hiked was a path less traveled. It was so quiet that we took moments and just stood still to hear the calls of various birds. The trail we hiked took us through bare meadows and up the mountainside that held these giant trees. As soon as you enter the forest, there is an immediate change of temperature. It is cool, breezy, and moist. It is peaceful and tranquil. In less than 5 minutes, we went from short sleeves and getting sunburned, to jackets and chilly weather. How good it did feel! It is cool and moist year round with an average temperature of between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall is heavy during winter, while summer is almost completely dry. It is the proximity to the Pacific Ocean that leaves a coastal fog that carries the trees though droughty seasons. This climate is vital to the growth of these amazing trees.<br>
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Let’s look at the facts. The tallest tree in Muir Woods is 258 feet (79 m). The average age of the trees here are between 500 and 800. The oldest tree is a whopping 1,200 years old! Now that is something to brag about.<br>
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Most of these amazing trees unfortunately succumbed to the logging industry. Tree by tree fell until an estimated 96% of the redwoods were logged. It is also estimated that there were 2 million acres of old growth forest that contained redwoods which grew along a strip along the coast. What a sight it must have been. I wish more had been preserved for us to enjoy today.<br>
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President Theodore Roosevelt announced that Muir Woods be a national monument on January 9, 1908. The land was purchased from the Tamalapias Land and Water Company in an effort to protect the redwoods and mountains on which they reside. If you plan on visiting, make sure to reserve a parking spot way in advance. Parking is very limited and reservations are required. Also, make sure to have it up and ready because there is no access to internet in the park. We printed ours as a precaution. We also could not get the gps to work so it took extra time. Make sure to leave early!<br>
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I hoped you enjoyed these pictures from our trip. I also hope you get to go one day!</span></div>
Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-82553568027109170612018-08-05T08:07:00.001-04:002018-08-24T20:31:04.256-04:00Journey to Lancaster<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wTd4VXSKVEo/W2bn36BRbyI/AAAAAAABUfg/ekxk2OKGlME3njZ4vtZtXv6Ry_jNyPaPQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_0451%255B4%255D"><img width="460" height="308" title="IMG_0451" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_0451" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HyQO6e6bA64/W2bn5aHMo1I/AAAAAAABUfk/d-mBxg2TxBQrqjn-Zv27SthadafvBVzJQCHMYCw/IMG_0451_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>About seven years ago, I had a dream. A dream to go to Lancaster County and see the Amish Community. My mom and I cherished the novels that were set in the country side of the Amish community. After being on my bucket list for all these years, the opportunity presented itself to go and better still to serve there. We volunteered with an organization call GAIN or Global Aid Network. They ship supplies such as food, clothing, shoes, blankets, and school supplies over seas and then CRU distributes it and after meeting those needs, they have the opportunity to touch lives with the Gospel of Jesus. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wSIvJQybZXU/W2bn60TZ6oI/AAAAAAABUfo/iVpLn0k3tloeItrZRM_DazmV6RceQh7SwCHMYCw/s1600-h/quilt%255B3%255D"><img width="436" height="328" title="quilt" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="quilt" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WOwHEVyQpRc/W2bn8Qu2qeI/AAAAAAABUfs/lPEqwGrrGJgHoY0eDK6b-631qJE6DTahwCHMYCw/quilt_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>We made quilts to give away! <a title="https://www.gainusa.org" href="https://www.gainusa.org">https://www.gainusa.org</a> </p><p><strong><font size="5">Pictures of Lancaster Countryside</font></strong> </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oGd2hE56DWM/W2bn9uwD7GI/AAAAAAABUfw/k1DKbYFHFN451MEuLkCAb4LN48glPWaswCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_0460%255B4%255D"><img width="461" height="309" title="IMG_0460" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_0460" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sdkh27__q24/W2bn_ABWQ0I/AAAAAAABUf0/g-fgaSAVbPc83PaHXYHWlzgdT35qQJmOACHMYCw/IMG_0460_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1-NzCw6rwaY/W2boAwKAQnI/AAAAAAABUf4/xPj-X42vIcwvySNsfdFI0EN2V3wTl9rhwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_0419%255B5%255D"><img width="463" height="230" title="IMG_0419" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_0419" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XlUZt4chgL8/W2boCtD0oLI/AAAAAAABUf8/cOlv-Y6XEpwLWmIHi1G4pHTgD372oUUVACHMYCw/IMG_0419_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-htgxaLQExtk/W2boD_z74sI/AAAAAAABUgA/srrChJ-jxn0eEcxqr8n4abLiKxWRqKEugCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_0425%255B4%255D"><img width="440" height="295" title="IMG_0425" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_0425" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k34LqvX1qQs/W2boFtdXKUI/AAAAAAABUgE/J4OjV5RrggUpvsdo4-1lE0S-LuDppOmtwCHMYCw/IMG_0425_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>In the distance is a teenage boy plowing the field the old fashioned way with horses.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uSX8xLf_pp4/W2boG_z6k2I/AAAAAAABUgI/8DLB2SeCI3AfBVb5ZXS1Zo6Al1Ga7VkywCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_0428%255B4%255D"><img width="434" height="208" title="IMG_0428" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_0428" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gEO-zYugNrg/W2boIsEdNDI/AAAAAAABUgM/eGELzHWJhNkRXT4rpYfXu1z9i6yHbKsWQCHMYCw/IMG_0428_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Carriage tour going down the road.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7H29lyUlUGs/W2boKMQ6ToI/AAAAAAABUgQ/Ss6yf_WxemQkuUp1C9l6FWdyQH_NJIjqgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_0431%255B4%255D"><img width="440" height="295" title="IMG_0431" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_0431" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G5cw_zrBXkc/W2boLwivI6I/AAAAAAABUgY/ErmfkGplrbU2tNOEVn4ehDVrDhK3VgxQACHMYCw/IMG_0431_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The local Cemetery. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yqQx1gJk-PU/W2boNMRMljI/AAAAAAABUgc/-QQbpNoPr-8vnIQLDw241lWDDwSk2KKJQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_0434%255B4%255D"><img width="454" height="304" title="IMG_0434" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_0434" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N9MFEjQv69A/W2boOqInYGI/AAAAAAABUgg/LR31cGvioNc2TNQyGNMMPfkCYqy9OTWgQCHMYCw/IMG_0434_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oNKMqFE5KcM/W2boPyngqNI/AAAAAAABUgk/K71_8FXjoLYSz7XY4cnHo12EyrfEq7a7QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_0436%255B4%255D"><img width="451" height="280" title="IMG_0436" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_0436" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DmY7SmY5HZM/W2boR1FNSSI/AAAAAAABUgo/PyQGO2nwW04A7DT7UatUuSCX6v6tkkokgCHMYCw/IMG_0436_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MO80Wa-b9io/W2boTC-_bXI/AAAAAAABUgw/hUnO-HCoQHYRcAxE4ljHB0WMs7hJvnSPwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_0439%255B4%255D"><img width="459" height="222" title="IMG_0439" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_0439" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J-hCCVOyzS8/W2boUpsZcsI/AAAAAAABUg4/Qn-lIiD7JdM_3JBGyzlGlg78oC_higF0gCHMYCw/IMG_0439_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GeAtH2aJ0o8/W2boWJqc1QI/AAAAAAABUg8/UV482T2kOzIx3VgKt-TlnNmyyISANrzEwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_0466%255B4%255D"><img width="473" height="317" title="IMG_0466" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_0466" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SZffj-sOgUY/W2boXVsU_4I/AAAAAAABUhE/2JgFveyWv4sF1OVxOlpj4qJgV1qwMheLgCHMYCw/IMG_0466_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><strong><font size="5">Tips for Eating Out:</font></strong></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--05iK51kmN4/W2boZXAdCsI/AAAAAAABUhI/g-uWCcJ2q3kttfcRlSDs3WLtYkH2Va05gCHMYCw/s1600-h/lancaster3%255B3%255D"><img width="324" height="431" title="lancaster3" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="lancaster3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xq47AOb1IrU/W2boagKRmcI/AAAAAAABUhM/p01-feco5C8fFUBL0dvTXzCsv8iew-OnACHMYCw/lancaster3_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The first big tourist place to stop would be the Central Market. You can walk through an entire indoor market of local farmers and artisans. There were Amish people selling quilted items and best of all the warm homemade pretzel I am holding below.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ne7od04zAAQ/W2bocKik-YI/AAAAAAABUhQ/k1Ssv-ndCuQMRN_2evbr5lOMcn_hxzvHwCHMYCw/s1600-h/lancaster1%255B3%255D"><img width="349" height="464" title="lancaster1" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="lancaster1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-soN3qdo7JhM/W2bod3lGrbI/AAAAAAABUhU/8iY7bS9T7IIFGrLtwrqGF4ogeESVg0-vwCHMYCw/lancaster1_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uyZ-8oiCdkw/W2bofJ8nw_I/AAAAAAABUhc/7zPaCEEE2i8-Q9zWpTkQp--E0e-CZlZTgCHMYCw/s1600-h/lancaster2%255B2%255D"><img width="184" height="244" title="lancaster2" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="lancaster2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x0dGl12DbgA/W2bog96blBI/AAAAAAABUhg/WVeeEKcjw8o-V_sGO9fbT0Ec54-MJWAnQCHMYCw/lancaster2_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tupg9gMycik/W2boiYuc0-I/AAAAAAABUho/rNn5hq0mWx0BnzhEARnRyvDgBuOqkqFVACHMYCw/s1600-h/lancaster4%255B2%255D"><img width="244" height="184" title="lancaster4" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="lancaster4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iN-VNQNo7JE/W2boj7KsFFI/AAAAAAABUhs/nX8AfU-gXhUy0k3IpWKOx2LLWCAt-OAKgCHMYCw/lancaster4_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The second place I would highly recommend is the Bird-in-Hand restaurant and getting their buffet. I would suggest to go at lunch as the price is lower. What I really loved was that the local Amish had their food in the buffet along with little signs by the food telling you which farm produced the food. </p><p><a href="https://bird-in-hand.com/dining/bird-in-hand-family-restaurant-smorgasbord/">https://bird-in-hand.com/dining/bird-in-hand-family-restaurant-smorgasbord/</a> </p><p>I hope you enjoyed this article and get the chance to go yourself!</p>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-63216151204828023402018-05-08T22:46:00.001-04:002018-05-08T22:46:18.760-04:00New Orleans Food Experiences Plus Tips!<p><img width="313" height="415" title="Food12" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Food12" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gIff6zzhBic/WvJgX2x6ICI/AAAAAAABUMQ/YhkomQQ1tAMN_gLX1g_u6Fp9dxVRYmgDgCHMYCw/Food12_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></p><p>A key component to a good traveling experience is the food. Experiences are comprised of the sounds, the sights, smells, and tastes we partake in. Tastes evoke in us memories and with that, they bring back joy and pleasure. I can say with absolute confidence that my favorite cultural food experience was in New Orleans. So I wanted to share some must try foods and some traveling tips as well which are especially practical for those that want to get the most out of their experience, but not break the bank because frankly, eating out in New Orleans is not cheap. </p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L_dL9QmcHdc/WvJgZXrIywI/AAAAAAABUMU/msxcn1XxmHEhMwPnO_he8NUWZ3b1QMhzQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Food10%255B3%255D"><img width="201" height="152" title="Food10" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Food10" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9AFEtdI7cAQ/WvJgbONCdgI/AAAAAAABUMY/s5fjR7t1FYYAcG8GCyWXiHgP4HY9mjwAgCHMYCw/Food10_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y80Idn48ki4/WvJgckmDy7I/AAAAAAABUMc/aXgu5cvLcU0jFE164kPG_GNTsZHWDW5NACHMYCw/s1600-h/food11%255B4%255D"><img width="192" height="145" title="food11" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="food11" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W0MAy5wF6wY/WvJgeN2ueKI/AAAAAAABUMg/-ofSmspTVWgW1uR4AoEBctXfb-0qkZ2iwCHMYCw/food11_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The first food picture above is the popular Muffaletta. I got the veggie one. Tip number one is call for a reservation when dining in New Orleans or get there really early to get your name on the list. We got in a whole 45 minute walk while waiting. Katie’s Restaurant and Bar did have parking, but it was limited as is most parking in New Orleans. I ended up getting the half which as you can tell was of ginormous proportions! That saved me money because as you can see the half was $12 and the whole $17. I even had enough left over for breakfast. Added bonus. </p><p><a title="http://www.katiesinmidcity.com/menu.html" href="http://www.katiesinmidcity.com/menu.html">http://www.katiesinmidcity.com/menu.html</a> </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bVSWgH_eYXM/WvJgfz0yPLI/AAAAAAABUMk/TcCTyWTr7fEFY5lG3r6tsvcRlnfnx_cngCHMYCw/s1600-h/food3%255B2%255D"><img width="184" height="244" title="food3" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="food3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tgscXmgPGwY/WvJghTuFr0I/AAAAAAABUMo/sJi8mkU8SeYTEndblkx5jT2uAtwYi_WsgCHMYCw/food3_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2iEAIJCjrag/WvJgizuXY2I/AAAAAAABUMs/CCbD0ZUu73MTBNB08PgnWluapnUP6ypQQCHMYCw/s1600-h/food4%255B2%255D"><img width="244" height="184" title="food4" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="food4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xuFSXtV75XM/WvJgkEgZjNI/AAAAAAABUMw/mWi5G_SPyKA8hY7FYO8u9Y-1IMjggt0MACHMYCw/food4_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>For a mid-day treat, we made a stop at the Croissant D’or. A most delightful choice. I was thrilled with the almond croissant. It was sweet, buttery, and a melt in your mouth texture. It reminded me of a bear claw as far as taste goes. There is plenty to choose from though as you will see below! There is a whole other display case too that I didn’t show. </p><p><a title="http://www.croissantdornola.com/p/menu.html" href="http://www.croissantdornola.com/p/menu.html">http://www.croissantdornola.com/p/menu.html</a> </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7Ig_cTSNpd0/WvJgl4Xk5QI/AAAAAAABUM0/2NlHjiVMhPsCpHc8nR_IVUDbWhvIJDiUwCHMYCw/s1600-h/food5%255B6%255D"><img width="407" height="306" title="food5" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="food5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-By9xQCn-83k/WvJgn83QqvI/AAAAAAABUM8/j0iWEvmBdrUJahH3hs3OxASDbUuiGE6ZQCHMYCw/food5_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hKDjdoudfco/WvJgpAm_tjI/AAAAAAABUNA/zlg3iNF-WW01O-x7erEGrU46BSwUMOMPACHMYCw/s1600-h/food2%255B4%255D"><img width="186" height="247" title="food2" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="food2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kOCJdW_DkJI/WvJgq5T7O8I/AAAAAAABUNI/3Zt3Z9Pznjc8OAIZjH6204sV9CGWmUnUwCHMYCw/food2_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KCsC2WY_Fhg/WvJgsScNGUI/AAAAAAABUNM/G-suv-6jfD8rl6O5kw5Y14mYtYei-BBfwCHMYCw/s1600-h/orleans8%255B4%255D"><img width="184" height="244" title="orleans8" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="orleans8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zG0UEaspYJc/WvJgt-hF1HI/AAAAAAABUNQ/CBPU8oBc2VsbiVM6zs0a5oG5CRQabwnRgCHMYCw/orleans8_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>You simply cannot go to New Orleans without trying their Beignets. The iconic and one of the most well know places to get one is at Cafe Du Monde, but be prepared to stand in a line that will take hours to get through if you go in the morning. No Joke. During a bus tour, they made a stop at the Morning Call cafe. It was still absolutely delicious, but a lot faster. It also is a 24-hour coffee shop.</p><p><a title="http://neworleanscitypark.com/in-the-park/morning-call" href="http://neworleanscitypark.com/in-the-park/morning-call">http://neworleanscitypark.com/in-the-park/morning-call</a> </p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_0UF0lhtySM/WvJgvpWlUtI/AAAAAAABUNU/yZ2hVPn588MHT2dIMsKd1bw0TrTdomH8ACHMYCw/s1600-h/food7%255B4%255D"><img width="221" height="294" title="food7" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="food7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9GYu-F-4U_4/WvJgxPJp7UI/AAAAAAABUNY/84ayTrDeUBACuDk-UZPodSsAoHyo0gsbwCHMYCw/food7_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nHGIxqXR7eg/WvJgy_mc6GI/AAAAAAABUNc/gVopExP3sPQvD7qVUNmdggCjMeJK-iSlQCHMYCw/s1600-h/food8%255B4%255D"><img width="225" height="298" title="food8" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="food8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mgPfhRjAR4A/WvJg0as71iI/AAAAAAABUNg/O7vDU5eWZt86h12GydKgI__aifyuOdpwQCHMYCw/food8_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Another dish that New Orleans is famous for is Gumbo. I was told by a couple friends that it is a must to fully experience the culture of New Orleans. It is a Creole dish and I was very pleased with the experience, service, and price of the Gumbo Shop. Mine even had a crab leg which I felt made it even more authentic. You will also have plenty of opportunities to buy a Gumbo mix around the French Quarter. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j3K0pCLhCyk/WvJg13MUGJI/AAAAAAABUNk/MxVQgcRdpyE6Oci5GJr74Rk7XkAftxjdgCHMYCw/s1600-h/food9%255B3%255D"><img width="303" height="403" title="food9" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="food9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ILUlQb0voWc/WvJg3r62u2I/AAAAAAABUNs/_XzMkAQlERkJBp0kt35OCxs7COJWbyZPQCHMYCw/food9_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a title="http://www.gumboshop.com/" href="http://www.gumboshop.com/">http://www.gumboshop.com/</a> </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rRilOePnMKE/WvJg5UG7IXI/AAAAAAABUN0/3pylBZNzZ1AL6lnli1fEcoFTVi6xdMWwQCHMYCw/s1600-h/tacos%255B1%255D"><img width="383" height="288" title="tacos" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="tacos" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1eTE2ZHaZOQ/WvJg7NCEJjI/AAAAAAABUN8/9E_DHM_zo-I1Pu3i6KcDc5TIwGV4R6RBwCHMYCw/tacos_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Our final meal was at The Rum House. I went for the food, but for those that drink, there are plenty of options. I wanted something unique so I went for the Tiger Bait and Bison tacos. They had quite the spicy kick, but oh so good. Be sure your good with spicy foods before diving into some of these tacos. </p><p><a title="http://www.therumhouse.com/" href="http://www.therumhouse.com/">http://www.therumhouse.com/</a> </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vKLelMD0_f4/WvJg8vybI8I/AAAAAAABUOA/EWCXuMcNxvowFOn7hCVHImpu87V-Frs8wCHMYCw/s1600-h/Food1%255B4%255D"><img width="393" height="143" title="Food1" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Food1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WOkbDHEeXyo/WvJg-HrZebI/AAAAAAABUOE/1lT4wIsyQW4tv5Juy8ETPieVDWasQICkACHMYCw/Food1_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>These are just a few of the delicious dining options in New Orleans. If you just do a little bit of googling and review reading, you are sure to have very pleasing experiences. So Bon Appetit!</p>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-77702679812263296172018-02-25T08:59:00.001-05:002018-02-25T08:59:40.176-05:00Experiencing New Orleans on a Budget<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uGJLaHc_FTU/WpLAsZrf_XI/AAAAAAABS5Y/bU1W5llDQl4EWxDWJgxfpa-hXAwB1c3pgCHMYCw/s1600-h/louisiana3"><img width="278" height="370" title="louisiana" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="louisiana" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RgraDPm0nN8/WpLAt4qsxuI/AAAAAAABS5c/idWRihs1zhgOw9-l3syT8trTB5AsMizhQCHMYCw/louisiana_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>It was a journey….. A journey across four states in 5 days. I’ve called it the Grand Road trip for it was precisely that. Day 1 my roommate and I spent the night in Georgia. Day 2 was Alabama (which is my last post), Day 3 was Mississipi and then we arrived in New Orleans later that afternoon. I’ve already posted about the Little River Canyon in Alabama and will eventually post a tidbit on Biloxi Mississipi, but I feel compelled to share our journey in New Orleans next.</p><p>We were very conscious when it came to our spending on the trip. First off, we split the cost of gas and rooms so in all (after souvenirs) it came to about $300 for a 5 day excursion. Tip number one would be to check out Air bnb. Our nightly stays, came to about $50 and then we split that in half even further reducing our price. We were quite pleased with our hosts and their overall friendliness. You can look over reviews from past visitors before making the final decision of your host home. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZbalEtd-1Do/WpLAvDX86YI/AAAAAAABS5g/DbtRZDQQlCgvvsSCcIKr56DlhJnXeUm_wCHMYCw/s1600-h/orleans102"><img width="184" height="244" title="orleans10" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="orleans10" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rXsPBUgqd7g/WpLAwxFCdDI/AAAAAAABS5k/ET0OmhU2sC8zFK9h8WZI_t6Un_cQ8jqGQCHMYCw/orleans10_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7E2Ol6NtkTo/WpLAyCR_89I/AAAAAAABS5o/-XhZ5CWcrTYbO_LlRyQZYDOyKGm8JG5zwCHMYCw/s1600-h/orleans112"><img width="244" height="184" title="orleans11" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="orleans11" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rabecwt6RAM/WpLAzbbzf4I/AAAAAAABS5s/_m6gIFmn_3I54E27SsUCjoU_DFeAh-muQCHMYCw/orleans11_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The other bit of advice would be use public trasit. We used an app that allowed us to to track where we needed to get off at and when we need to change trollies or buses to reach our final destiation. I would recommend getting a Jazzy pass if you plan on stay 2 or more days. It eliminates the need for carrying extra change and will save you some cash. Finding parking is a pain, so I highly recommend taking this route.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a2q3fOJzPYQ/WpLA1PrZ7lI/AAAAAAABS5w/NgzpTtSfkFMZygsPxEjQsyP805A1_c-lwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_96634"><img width="431" height="289" title="IMG_9663" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9663" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BcVmf19ToCk/WpLA2cLljgI/AAAAAAABS50/pOfDeMMTb6s1YwXpr9cRoTbYHC4NJJTLgCHMYCw/IMG_9663_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>What I really loved about New Orleans was the architecture, the food, and the Jazz. Here is a snap shot from us entering the French Quarter.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aqOhW0rDh20/WpLA3_DCh9I/AAAAAAABS54/eY1qSc0DQi4CCN0QODXX2auZLqN4sDCJgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_96654"><img width="428" height="287" title="IMG_9665" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9665" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Eens30zeD2k/WpLA5AjYI0I/AAAAAAABS58/v6aQDp74kvUZX0OlS5iSWsFdRE13i7I3wCHMYCw/IMG_9665_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>There were plenty of carriage rides offered. In my personal opinion, one of the most fun parts, was taking a bus tour. We got to hear about the culture and history. We passed Sandra Bullock’s home and Robert Mannings home which was pretty thrilling. We heard about the houses that had their own horror stories. We listened to Jazz music on the bus. We then went and got New Orleans famous Beignets.</p><p>Beignet recipe: <a title="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/french-quarter-beignets-recipe-2014039" href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/french-quarter-beignets-recipe-2014039">https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/french-quarter-beignets-recipe-2014039</a> </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JPTG2LCuxtY/WpLA69b_WrI/AAAAAAABS6A/yB07eBf3OGAuf-Qj4TATseWuos5LS_xmwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_96684"><img width="440" height="295" title="IMG_9668" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9668" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IyR9WCompOo/WpLA8cgRypI/AAAAAAABS6E/gAmZiPnxXRwJgBkjuzpnQgZJT1DsBoTzgCHMYCw/IMG_9668_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Here is a view from our entrance into the Jackson Square.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fmPifcZTp4s/WpLA93rXKCI/AAAAAAABS6I/4lZd2d8gRcMvOfx-F7mLnsyoZB9mZlbYwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_96974"><img width="418" height="280" title="IMG_9697" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9697" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PlUnl5wd3fU/WpLA_spCqiI/AAAAAAABS6M/6eC7ud7oSfcylPmSiC2RBZtrTWpeqj_kQCHMYCw/IMG_9697_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>I really enjoyed getting to see a show taking place near the street. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K2z5WzereyU/WpLBAxKjomI/AAAAAAABS6Q/Li2syrQeOE0dLUQ_qD23DUuHyRPSvmhugCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_97184"><img width="365" height="245" title="IMG_9718" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9718" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-159o286x10Q/WpLBCNF22CI/AAAAAAABS6U/gmJL-3EPOnYZTQ7LLRq7f-JcaCsJJMSlQCHMYCw/IMG_9718_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>In addition to the various sites, we got to learn first hand the story behind the canals that failed in New Orleans during hurricane Katrina. </p><p>I highly recommend visiting the Presbytere museum in Jackson Square. It explains and gives live footage of what was experienced during hurricane Katrina. Admission is $6 and worth every penny. When we went, the upstairs was dedicated to Marti Gras. <a title="http://louisianastatemuseum.org/museums/the-presbytere/" href="http://louisianastatemuseum.org/museums/the-presbytere/">http://louisianastatemuseum.org/museums/the-presbytere/</a> </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M9zL8Lgs31M/WpLBDnAZiRI/AAAAAAABS6Y/E6vsXrRRLio7tPVHzNKqtUZg_dLPGWWJgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_97144"><img width="406" height="272" title="IMG_9714" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9714" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YSG04m9wPjU/WpLBFZxvAEI/AAAAAAABS6c/5k6mDqPq3m4UIagn_JWmcxw-GoPRcgtYACHMYCw/IMG_9714_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kILLWWMI8xw/WpLBGnm3kRI/AAAAAAABS6g/wYGrL7l5yag-dD2H2uwS_xmmGbC_wXOzACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_97454"><img width="399" height="267" title="IMG_9745" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9745" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vfTczUTkSZY/WpLBIFADsRI/AAAAAAABS6k/sHm44115um0mWhjS0TTy8nAOu_OurSXvgCHMYCw/IMG_9745_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>We got to take a tour of a local cemetery and believe it or not cemeteries are a major attraction in New Orleans. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r13STZI2jrw/WpLBJkTYHJI/AAAAAAABS6o/Q3DiEFlQBKEHbQs9tXHl8FPO1ryXMr4_wCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_97384"><img width="289" height="432" title="IMG_9738" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9738" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t2ZgwJzlOHc/WpLBLNP6WyI/AAAAAAABS6s/YyH7tw9iAvY2hRlnR503h3hIGFvA2ZD_wCHMYCw/IMG_9738_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eOLexb8uCco/WpLBMVf3enI/AAAAAAABS6w/3Y-bjKFxOtUMH1TXm9hIJ6GKs-wq0I__gCHMYCw/s1600-h/orleans53"><img width="421" height="317" title="orleans5" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="orleans5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YerCM3t24TU/WpLBN6VIPVI/AAAAAAABS60/7wdFM0guuJUQgwlVCSe64g9WFrXbM4EDwCHMYCw/orleans5_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>An additional attraction we came across was the Lou Armstrong park. It was dedicated to Lou Armstrong who was one of the most influential of men in the Jazz movement. <a title="http://www.neworleansonline.com/directory/location.php?locationID=1341" href="http://www.neworleansonline.com/directory/location.php?locationID=1341">http://www.neworleansonline.com/directory/location.php?locationID=1341</a> </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iDU6eUr7zPw/WpLBOz9EXoI/AAAAAAABS64/OZ2NRlRphz0kBlC9fvTlULn0HL9nFrQkgCHMYCw/s1600-h/orleans63"><img width="308" height="410" title="orleans6" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="orleans6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yMYHh8j4wnE/WpLBQAryWoI/AAAAAAABS68/2KfPP3F3NzEphrdvVkh6VDjzF-_Ur8UPACHMYCw/orleans6_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lEfqSZcLzA4/WpLBRZq67rI/AAAAAAABS7A/NZ8uR3WIxJoMsqt85UJuhsrH4JhaQRvrwCHMYCw/s1600-h/orleans13"><img width="292" height="388" title="orleans1" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="orleans1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BYsM8qfJJgA/WpLBSqUoAsI/AAAAAAABS7E/CY_sIAwy2tc8jIFXj4Pdea6ZcfHDf2-xwCHMYCw/orleans1_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>I hope you enjoyed this tour of New Orleans! It so happened that they were celebrating their 300th anniversary while we were there. Next month, I will write up an entry on the food in New Orleans which I must say was one of my favorite parts. </p><p><a title="http://2018nola.com/" href="http://2018nola.com/">http://2018nola.com/</a></p>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-955237279989687542018-01-06T08:04:00.000-05:002018-01-06T08:04:00.016-05:00Little River Canyon National Preserve in Alabama<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ebeIq5Hb-i0/WlDI1RiDjCI/AAAAAAABRcU/SlwGAuQLsvALJutq8RJK3scq3o8VJcBMQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_9605%255B3%255D"><img width="453" height="303" title="IMG_9605" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9605" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7RuJRhonm78/WlDI28OF-NI/AAAAAAABRcY/iITg-TLTCpgwvLyK58uwUz8pOi6-azY2wCHMYCw/IMG_9605_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>One of my dreams and ambitions is to visit all 50 states and so this year, I’ve started chipping away at making my way across the United States. I’ve visited Illionois, Alabama, Mississipi, and Louisiana this year and in summer I’ll be going to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delware. And so, to begin the new quest, Christmas week, my roommate and I began our “Grand Road Trip” to the southern states. We traveled from North Carolina all the way to Louisana with Alabama and Mississippi as our main stops. The total time to travel from North Carolina to Louisana without stops is 13 hours. </p><p>One of our main stops was Little River Canyon National Preserve which is located on the top of Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, Alabama. We took the scenic drive which has 9 different stops along the way. The first entry point is at the 45-foot waterfall. We were blessed to get to go at a time when the water flow was strong. Nature never ceases to amaze me as I witness the creativity and artistry of our great God. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b3iyl6jSJk8/WlDI4Xpyo5I/AAAAAAABRcc/Db9-krc-HewenwcrAuG9BgB7eU9NCZixwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_95783"><img width="232" height="346" title="IMG_9578" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9578" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V-OOsYLJlIs/WlDI5mi-15I/AAAAAAABRcg/NkN4Sxp1e9wFQEt96giiyAH00edBf1b_wCHMYCw/IMG_9578_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Part of the joys of a road trip is being able to stop at the drop of a hat. Being able to pause to take it all the sights and sounds is part of the experience. We found this very prounced rock appropriately called “Mushroom Rock.” There were rocks on each side with a road between them. The mark of humanity was on the rocks as people had left their signatures and symbols. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nXQU6mXL9KM/WlDI62yYo4I/AAAAAAABRck/FG42tzqZF74glQlZxvRbqFV-xC-RiPekACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_95833"><img width="435" height="291" title="IMG_9583" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9583" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pkMsWyoZ2lg/WlDI8abMPSI/AAAAAAABRco/FMwMLb4d1GsMkGQ4pSFn1hchCxkG-tkzgCHMYCw/IMG_9583_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TBLYrwbga-A/WlDI90z_5EI/AAAAAAABRcs/DHKlN4F_mjEsiIpYd6nJxDjxS-PgKS6DQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_95454"><img width="433" height="290" title="IMG_9545" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9545" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P53WRwMqd5Q/WlDI_bM_yGI/AAAAAAABRcw/nFdtrMsOrBoy6tYSmFe1fcGgv9FCAZQEACHMYCw/IMG_9545_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Eberhart Point is the last overlook on the scenic drive and what a way to conclude such a journey. What depth this canyon has and how insufficient the picture is to capture the picturesque nature of this place. According to online records, the “Grand Canyon of the East” is 12 miles long and as much as 600 feet deep. the park protects a grand total of 14,000 acres. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zP_S2pbe6LY/WlDJAma--wI/AAAAAAABRc0/AVKVRPCfboMY7QkBbAMz1aNhgBrztvTyQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_95564"><img width="329" height="492" title="IMG_9556" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9556" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OJLf-UJTkVw/WlDJB6tGf5I/AAAAAAABRc4/HaRHigmyvy0plfa6PRgRZw6SVqHac8gmQCHMYCw/IMG_9556_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fU9MvjAcNaw/WlDJDU8WftI/AAAAAAABRc8/NJEyb0mnoEcCAS8tWvWVq138OCnYiqQgACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_95694"><img width="303" height="453" title="IMG_9569" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9569" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6yGrGLWHwGU/WlDJEoyz3RI/AAAAAAABRdA/1MqBBNWF8Q8T9BUWRt6sbm4Q1gucUFdKgCHMYCw/IMG_9569_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>This is a whitewater river at the park that ranges from a classs III to a Class V. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n0uE7edKsa8/WlDJGMOyJpI/AAAAAAABRdE/v2EZ3UqQhRUTfSQ7j0iriuPaKQLdzBJRACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_95634"><img width="309" height="462" title="IMG_9563" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9563" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ObjVgxwFHc0/WlDJHTC_hPI/AAAAAAABRdI/xKRvPUn4CRwqAmrxbRWDP4zUcNFGPVRwwCHMYCw/IMG_9563_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mNv38vN3TKQ/WlDJI0gzDAI/AAAAAAABRdM/NpPdDYlnwg0aBqxjPO7DgKqiOez6wlIpACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_95914"><img width="300" height="448" title="IMG_9591" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9591" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FDsAcVNAN44/WlDJKML_9lI/AAAAAAABRdQ/feoK58UM8YggmdLxEseTUgXZa_o4EqUpwCHMYCw/IMG_9591_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>A far off view of the Little River Falls. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L0YCcQqMAio/WlDJLYu44EI/AAAAAAABRdU/zZlAjOmVKGkLE-L0_s9SbtkDcHXckM-1gCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_95953"><img width="244" height="164" title="IMG_9595" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9595" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zipor3__Cwo/WlDJM7LJ9QI/AAAAAAABRdY/XSSTE9y9Rg0b2kDQSNzfKLfvIIsYwZbMQCHMYCw/IMG_9595_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dfh0vhp8MnM/WlDJOD72fVI/AAAAAAABRdc/WgR5N3olupgNdMJh0R9u1tlOVCxBOxF3wCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_95963"><img width="164" height="244" title="IMG_9596" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9596" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2tHXQ8hwvU0/WlDJPiTghGI/AAAAAAABRdg/-78RX4YnjoUc6WJzAEJBUJ2RYXpBlN21gCHMYCw/IMG_9596_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Before going, check out their visitor center and their gift shop. They have the parks history and more details. </p><p>Website: <a title="https://www.nps.gov/liri/index.htm" href="https://www.nps.gov/liri/index.htm">https://www.nps.gov/liri/index.htm</a></p>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-67613005678902276162017-11-26T17:42:00.001-05:002017-11-26T17:42:43.553-05:00Christmas at the Biltmore Estate<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-va1foic7Cok/WhtCRYuOHcI/AAAAAAABQs4/MUHM8AuKhOwVXpmew_0mKC6p6ste05u6ACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_945610"><img width="408" height="273" title="IMG_9456" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9456" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Al-FJG8dhDI/WhtCShg3LgI/AAAAAAABQs8/BjAGikIshIMA57obyM7cmLBn4kO-yANuACHMYCw/IMG_9456_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>It’s been a dream in the making. A wait of 5 + years to see the largest privately owned house in the United States. And with that, welcome to the Biltmore Estate. A house of 250 rooms with 35 bedrooms for family and guests and 43 bathrooms. Construction began in 1889 and continued into 1896. It was opened up to family and friends on Christmas Eve 1895. I can just imagine the remarks of awe and wonder at such a luxurious home. No expense was spared with such an intensive display of wealth. The construction of the main house required 1,000 workers and 60 stonemasons. Vanderbilt went overseas to bring home furnishings such as tapestries, hundreds of carpets, linins, and other decorative objects. </p><p><a title="http://www.biltmore.com/" href="http://www.biltmore.com/">http://www.biltmore.com/</a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IodZhuwi9SA/WhtCUIizxxI/AAAAAAABQtA/dg8r-wApcuA7l9ZWe5MK0aMVvCtexSTbgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_93183"><img width="266" height="397" title="IMG_9318" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9318" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kIUteYnYaGc/WhtCVTzXLTI/AAAAAAABQtE/0QCCmwTS7u4vUIPC1VdwXO4USdP8OMpeACHMYCw/IMG_9318_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Upon entering, your first stop will be the Winter Garden. I highly recommend the audio tour which will walk you through the Biltmore, describing the history and background of the various rooms, kitchens, dining halls, and other areas.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1JJfzrYssw4/WhtCXNXBbtI/AAAAAAABQtI/fJtyeHpx6Woy8W-XtO6fGJF5DYbmqFdWgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_93314"><img width="456" height="305" title="IMG_9331" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9331" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vinfwRCBP4M/WhtCYbhyQyI/AAAAAAABQtM/cb8HTi3sovsxqHtIcyoZ0DjiJiWk_C1SwCHMYCw/IMG_9331_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The banquet hall is the largest room in the house. It measures 42 feet wide and 72 feet long, with 70-foot barrel-vaulted ceilings. My visit was at the end of October and already Christmas was in the air. Ladders were in place to hang garland and ornaments. The tree in the banquet hall is a 35-ft. live Fraser fir. In addition to this large tree, more than 100 Christmas trees are placed around the mansion with the largest tree being 55 ft. out in the front of the estate.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vlJY98jJXE8/WhtCZlp26NI/AAAAAAABQtQ/VLBMBoWgAdM0Vt0hjdtexjsqt_aaNJyhQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_93373"><img width="454" height="304" title="IMG_9337" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9337" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cjWGI1GirEs/WhtCbOPrzFI/AAAAAAABQtU/y5s2doNsxm4bqk9y0OUoO6fpzG7nulnngCHMYCw/IMG_9337_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>This additional dining area is elaborate with the upholstery and decor. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7mlgtfloEwA/WhtCdc8lMnI/AAAAAAABQtY/3I30v2x5jZ8y0EObFixwE-9xh54-mcb7wCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_93413"><img width="454" height="304" title="IMG_9341" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9341" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iIMf9s9LUSo/WhtCezswPiI/AAAAAAABQtc/Zcu69SVnybUFaekJyUd0JKxVrIcYNqPxACHMYCw/IMG_9341_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The Salon</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P60U8mA8wyU/WhtCgKLowZI/AAAAAAABQtg/UoJSvpeWxkgotgmVhX4_w34sQtCnoqxmwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_93503"><img width="424" height="284" title="IMG_9350" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9350" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JR6_JSfe-LI/WhtChnKBheI/AAAAAAABQtk/EuvuCIAXJvUg8JMV0qp2luLCmmwI3YSqQCHMYCw/IMG_9350_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The music room</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LFVfJTvbVDo/WhtCi-455QI/AAAAAAABQto/MTqwboCrgYI_sdtlXyiEglt1bVUsVqUAACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_93593"><img width="437" height="293" title="IMG_9359" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9359" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bFqJRb72oW4/WhtCkQCRa0I/AAAAAAABQts/We2ENt6yEfkb19mJREk7pNmiAVUjoiS9gCHMYCw/IMG_9359_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The library which demonstrates Mr. Vanderbilt’s deep appreciation and love for books. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-58ziB4-dx80/WhtClS5nvcI/AAAAAAABQtw/OsElvxtNWAEYtM6xpQkz_TnnNRTsspyUwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_93644"><img width="439" height="294" title="IMG_9364" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9364" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kRsEdPi2eqI/WhtCm6yC8XI/AAAAAAABQt0/Wnft4FilN_UYWkVpD8YL6e7goykc-HYlQCHMYCw/IMG_9364_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The Tapestry Gallery</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--rigkPrDpUI/WhtCpOti-xI/AAAAAAABQt4/yXPZtkoR5Lw13R4u0xtuwp9-KNOrCF_jQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_93674"><img width="221" height="330" title="IMG_9367" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9367" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mR-0sINn5Bs/WhtCqI_wyEI/AAAAAAABQt8/nOALSUgIgtwKS43CRg22th6zdwKeXIvFwCHMYCw/IMG_9367_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MJXcWPjveQM/WhtCsMVy43I/AAAAAAABQuA/BXx5mt13a-Ez8PoI0j-qdpgZ36H3wkovACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_93745"><img width="216" height="321" title="IMG_9374" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9374" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CG6m5BdsTtc/WhtCt9dDsbI/AAAAAAABQuE/Q5XM2j1-PysesS3aDi7ccJzJDEuj06XmACHMYCw/IMG_9374_thumb3?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Christmas trees! Two out ofover a hundred. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cP5CfQtrzF8/WhtCvxY-hMI/AAAAAAABQuI/dArrg5nXXI085qs_BkOGWVTyZrpiZVvfQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_93513"><img width="449" height="301" title="IMG_9351" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9351" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4UbrOqU9oPc/WhtCxK7uM6I/AAAAAAABQuQ/wFr8FoLsZ0IOC6Se1xlLxPmfr3WCXHGLgCHMYCw/IMG_9351_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Imagine being able to walk out on your porch each day to see this view. </p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TVjSDQ78w9w/WhtCyckM6aI/AAAAAAABQuY/_VgWj2Ytw7IciFENy-3P49LPjrP18CyTACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_9389"><img width="442" height="296" title="IMG_9389" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9389" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J0vYVfcT7iw/WhtC0KeuOxI/AAAAAAABQuc/ufx-9HB1V0wbO6aZTDGh3bey37b6W21dQCHMYCw/IMG_9389_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>View down the stair well from the third floor.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8trVLn9iaBU/WhtC1fQMRrI/AAAAAAABQug/D3efYPOwo0MvyA0xUNyNM7OlwEg_dPs0QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_9399"><img width="333" height="223" title="IMG_9399" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9399" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XN4Xst_AOLo/WhtC3JDkUlI/AAAAAAABQuk/ehO9husMKfgVztf1YGYFQ2UZy-11iNbvACHMYCw/IMG_9399_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Bowling Alley</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8vJ6xCqnN_o/WhtC4dunrhI/AAAAAAABQuo/mCzxAwv0q3sjuGvVJPZqql-vxLoAnfYRgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_9400"><img width="232" height="346" title="IMG_9400" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YLaamPP-T5Y/WhtC5gmBnEI/AAAAAAABQus/LPhaQeOAGngQNiuRXCD_6PcvCS919FIlACHMYCw/IMG_9400_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The pool which is empty due to a leak. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0HtDJ7f6C08/WhtC7Ilf14I/AAAAAAABQuw/dNCd7oFVOQII9P32A24zdRZXTaMLU4cKwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_9401"><img width="389" height="261" title="IMG_9401" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9401" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x7Zqy9pEyuo/WhtC8O-S89I/AAAAAAABQu0/fSaRbzB_zJ8ZGrtIdZe_FNaWiWfwUUPsQCHMYCw/IMG_9401_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The gymnasium. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jWu3Zc9AeNI/WhtC9rCD02I/AAAAAAABQu4/mjwyyRtVA8ob_fqPFBUAX5RUd0cauVFSgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_9402%255B1%255D"><img width="441" height="295" title="IMG_9402" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9402" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_wb_mEdJYYg/WhtC-wW0oJI/AAAAAAABQu8/LXhGHhlJFUkg9fGeKcrnqyVtwTwgj1rbACHMYCw/IMG_9402_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>There are three kitchens with this being the main one. </p><p><strong><font size="4">Outdoors at the Biltmore Estate</font></strong></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YU8M61ATB8Q/WhtDAGHnfsI/AAAAAAABQvA/Hn8utwVcGi06W9LYgy5-_QqPRKs9Hi3GgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_94513"><img width="402" height="269" title="IMG_9451" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9451" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VhWbIAeGj8A/WhtDCPQJu9I/AAAAAAABQvE/pSqPzfZuJLciUxM9ByfvGy5QGzvCtvLbACHMYCw/IMG_9451_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8k-61nV2Zlk/WhtDD2skqyI/AAAAAAABQvI/t7p2NxBHMuAhcA11RFEL5sMCQD9ajZBSwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_94533"><img width="233" height="348" title="IMG_9453" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9453" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kZ-LtSTNc2o/WhtDFZbeJLI/AAAAAAABQvM/CmaqY9i2bFQNPCehVuqOIRVxuw3YnCLfACHMYCw/IMG_9453_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m4sgYTcX_74/WhtDHL_6YmI/AAAAAAABQvQ/3etD2U1Yjw81UkYTpm60ADtVbKeNwOGOQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_945010"><img width="403" height="270" title="IMG_9450" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9450" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qxCFJcijaMQ/WhtDIUwjKoI/AAAAAAABQvU/ZaU1moggk6YD83uJwlpoXPiIHgQqDwCCACHMYCw/IMG_9450_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bgl8uJVDmF4/WhtDJs2V-LI/AAAAAAABQvY/kv6Tmx1DEWcDm1b3_GI7KJhw9fP1xmcwQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_9445"><img width="427" height="286" title="IMG_9445" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9445" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kQW-7YsH0z8/WhtDLBQTMII/AAAAAAABQvc/1AdkzKIJak0e-ppcf0DCK6SbW4daojVbACHMYCw/IMG_9445_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The gardens and Conservatory are another highlight of the estate. The Conservatory was compleeted in 1895 and features a variety of exotic plants. The Conservatory hosts small ceremonies and receptions of 10 – 75 guests. It is a romantic setting for weddings, but be prepared as the estimated cost for 100 guest is between $44,612 and $45,665. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7tJhJnhl2tk/WhtDMWIc2nI/AAAAAAABQvg/FWEFGAg1y4QHgdyk8W5LHsM2Hw5XnhOgQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_9419"><img width="417" height="279" title="IMG_9419" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9419" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uf-QfufeQLA/WhtDO8kFb1I/AAAAAAABQvk/LX9-O1aqIZcQBBFfVpLkvOSxRcudCdabACHMYCw/IMG_9419_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iSfcEGpOXVs/WhtDQL4_y8I/AAAAAAABQvo/Zi0NI9raHaYtZWBFunSBcSuRpebSasLIQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_9435"><img width="266" height="397" title="IMG_9435" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9435" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5cstepQhY8g/WhtDR2E0XkI/AAAAAAABQvw/EUaXF-ZDEso-Eo9ZKUA89nywtqADKDOKQCHMYCw/IMG_9435_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BsgfuJFHpmw/WhtDTWI6iII/AAAAAAABQv0/2v1qdF49W5kFDniZY77Nb7AjkEeeRvaZQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_9440"><img width="279" height="417" title="IMG_9440" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9440" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CAETVwHnNIM/WhtDUo7mDNI/AAAAAAABQv8/jAGhlph4O2UUhhWEOHgnYJ-6XCwsOU6iwCHMYCw/IMG_9440_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UeFyu3yTIow/WhtDW3MgN3I/AAAAAAABQwA/-hiPgT21gjAl-EbMazW2D4odWA3Ch7PQQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_9443"><img width="261" height="389" title="IMG_9443" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9443" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m4BQfsGenZA/WhtDYuxtdcI/AAAAAAABQwE/crwjChwNyR0cohiFCiyeyG098F9mvmRVQCHMYCw/IMG_9443_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>I hope you enjoyed these photos from my tour of Biltmore and will get to visit for yourself one day. By booking in advance, you could get a discount so check out their tickets online. </p><p><a title="http://www.biltmore.com/visit/plan-your-visit/special-offers" href="http://www.biltmore.com/visit/plan-your-visit/special-offers">http://www.biltmore.com/visit/plan-your-visit/special-offers</a></p>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-28202667490270039452017-11-05T16:35:00.001-05:002017-11-05T16:35:32.500-05:00Camping in Grandfather Mountain<p><br></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iEPto_II8bY/Wf-DyCKE2GI/AAAAAAABQYM/JHIUB0c9iNEdMshe8MbKmdYPGPbQD6QOwCHMYCw/s1600-h/mountain44"><img width="435" height="327" title="mountain4" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="mountain4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mI0Hl9xKQ5I/Wf-D0q1rwzI/AAAAAAABQYQ/ZcneV5O0nwwMhy2Lub_HG9ozCgQ858vbACHMYCw/mountain4_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>There I stood, at the edge of the cliff daring to look out into the wilderness with thousands of feet from where we were to the ground. The air was chilly, but with the frequent movement it was almost nonexistent or at least it seemed so. I just wanted to take it all in. It was like all the stress and anxiety was washed away and there I was feeling God’s presence in the most miraculous way. It had taken climbing steep hills and over large boulders to reach the top, but worth every step. And then as we looked out into the distance, a cloud was encircling the moutain. You could see the breeze pushing it around.</p><p> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Auxm-A9HSX4/Wf-D2R36NXI/AAAAAAABQYU/A1uINsNcfhMiVDTE2Lx3jgJyP0l6UZxPwCHMYCw/s1600-h/mountain24"><img width="436" height="328" title="mountain2" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="mountain2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R3aWswB4QCw/Wf-D3tIkDiI/AAAAAAABQYY/i6bq4V6tHA4LNWFec-l4MU4_fUB3gOIMQCHMYCw/mountain2_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t_sV-HYVIO4/Wf-D5KjdjcI/AAAAAAABQYc/Uz6C7PR2mlIshJC6dS2pIJMW9IafmgsKACHMYCw/s1600-h/mountain53"><img width="436" height="328" title="mountain5" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="mountain5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vtTo1wA-iYU/Wf-D6x_RaXI/AAAAAAABQYg/b3t3QhXM_cEY9jFAT9z5oqjl-kRCV6n5ACHMYCw/mountain5_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lku1IEU2PJ4/Wf-D8B0jA7I/AAAAAAABQYk/5e9pUWK8vxcaBhRb-HLcv8MXEhyq_9hXgCHMYCw/s1600-h/mountain%2B10%255B3%255D"><img width="239" height="317" title="mountain 10" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="mountain 10" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ndtREeHx9jc/Wf-D9bIRSeI/AAAAAAABQYo/MXjjAsgo4MQfc-pRC1C_SDlZNpA_-4FIACHMYCw/mountain%2B10_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><em>Foscoe point</em> </p><p>Grandfather Mountain State Park is known for the South’s most severe weather and most challenging terrain, but eight of us convened out on this trip with at least 35 pounds on our back and some around 45. We were courageous. The adventure seeker outers. It was my first time camping in a tent. I cherish the times my grandparents would take us camping in their airstream, but there is something way different when sleeping in a tent, cooking food on a small propane stove, filtering your own water from a stream, and the other little various things that we take for granted in city life. Camping takes us back to our roots. How we used to live before all the fancy appliances.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_iyV7TI7XIE/Wf-D-_Ub3mI/AAAAAAABQYs/3bf5bgva0ioAbKRKQVE_UFcGjiRQoEvXACHMYCw/s1600-h/mountain32"><img width="184" height="244" title="mountain3" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="mountain3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mIBtPAeGV4A/Wf-D_y7c1aI/AAAAAAABQYw/so6v7pj4l5IJUkoBiiOEGVtd3F6QZmbnwCHMYCw/mountain3_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TF0oNLRP_hk/Wf-EBWFGCjI/AAAAAAABQY0/6iJ8732c1g8T7fTuNXHlau7WFvFy1Qy3QCHMYCw/s1600-h/mountain9%255B2%255D"><img width="184" height="244" title="mountain9" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="mountain9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Eowhq39QME/Wf-EC29oT1I/AAAAAAABQY4/BMEXdXfCjgw8cgctyKXxnKboLD64eEimwCHMYCw/mountain9_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></a></p><p>Picture to the left is us filtering our water and photo to the right is how we cooked our food on a portable propane tank cooker. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w6chdUtgOVs/Wf-EERmqLKI/AAAAAAABQY8/rfOeQ4oGYNYyFY5tSSm1T9kUQi2u3cAdACHMYCw/s1600-h/mountain6%255B1%255D"><img width="432" height="325" title="mountain6" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="mountain6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9rGRHhCoVmk/Wf-EFkH_2QI/AAAAAAABQZA/hr8eO5KxhOgmv5NQfBVYPgiU5rmSUyFKwCHMYCw/mountain6_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Conclusion to day one was experiencing a sunset at Grandfather mountain. The oranges and pinks lit up the sky and as the light grew dimmer, the stars grew brighter. Stars beyond our ability to comprehend with the distance and multitude of them all. What looked to be a satellite slowly went across the sky and then as we looked across the horizon, not only did we see the stars clearly, but also small lights coming from the city below. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dVOIHTUw-wQ/Wf-EG6yERpI/AAAAAAABQZE/KngsAf3Juek4WAekZsRy6jIaoU2Jn53SwCHMYCw/s1600-h/mountain%255B2%255D"><img width="292" height="515" title="mountain" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="mountain" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BIU34QVbWGM/Wf-EInWYpkI/AAAAAAABQZI/QfKI1PPI5Bwq-JToBELSfS6RNWr8OeBMwCHMYCw/mountain_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The next day was even more adventurous. We found this trail and thought that this couldn’t possibly be a trail with the dangerous nature of it, but sure enough it was and as you can see the blue streak on the rock declared that it was. So despite the strenousness of the trail, half our group ventured forward into the unknown up what was quite a steep mountain. It was most assuredly worth it and though we didn’t have time to reach the swinging bridge, we shared the views and splendor of reaching the peak. It was an adventure of a life time and though the views and sites of a trip are astounding, the people you share it with is even more part of the memorability of the journey. </p><h3>“Life is a journey, not a destination.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson</h3>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-58023005021350153502017-09-08T07:26:00.001-04:002017-09-08T07:26:06.062-04:00Fireman Museum in New Bern<p><br></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DLzoN-K7Ql8/WbJ-CKT4v9I/AAAAAAABOxU/-ZAcAfJglJcpKUHWr4tnkgr9fP4levHMQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_91424"><img width="454" height="304" title="IMG_9142" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9142" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dNNbIZBstYU/WbJ-D5w4ceI/AAAAAAABOxY/XzfUUZAOs3UjVnoNIRBrEibEQmOzkc5LACHMYCw/IMG_9142_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The conditions were perfect. The weather was dry and the firemen were all on their way to Raleigh for the Eastern North Carolina State Championship Football Game. And then it happened. The largest lumber company in 1922 caught fire on December 1, but that wasn’t enough. The fire began to leap to other destinations because the 70 mile per hour winds. People within the city were recruited to help. Within an hour a fire started in the chimney of a small house on Kilmarnock Street. The fire of New Bern was devestating. About 1/3 of the city was destroyed, over 3,000 were left homless and 40 city block were destroyed. </p><p>This is just the beginning of the history shared at the Firemen’s Museum, a museum established in 1955. </p><p><a title="https://firemensmuseum.com/" href="https://firemensmuseum.com/">https://firemensmuseum.com/</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OzgL_BnHoYs/WbJ-FdvsQpI/AAAAAAABOxc/H5BXiluVmxcOXHdCRbDR9ZiSGWKvKmvjQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_91414"><img width="424" height="284" title="IMG_9141" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9141" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GBJoEEdFK4o/WbJ-Gy-gj1I/AAAAAAABOxg/mWa9gNSuRQUl3ea7ylEL3K0D8Vg5lUy3ACHMYCw/IMG_9141_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>There were two rivaling firefighting companies that ended up being housed in the same building. Our story begins on May 14, 1885. On May 14, 1845 the New Bern Fire Department started the Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company. As the Civil War commenced in 1861, the company soon became inactive because so many members were serving in the Confederate Army. When the need for an active firefighting company again arose, the New Bern Steam Fire Engine company No. 1 was started up. As life returned to normal, the focus shifted. The focus for the firefighting companies was getting the biggest, the best, and the fastest equipment. </p><p>As you see above, the steam fire engine was all the rage in the later 1800’s. In 1879, The Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company received a new Silsby steam fire engine. In an attempt to out do the other, in 1884 the New Bern Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1 traded in their Amoskeag steam engine for the new “Button Steam Fire Engine.” There name was soon changed to the “Button Company.” The companies continued to compete with each other thorughout the state. The Button Company acheived the world record for running quick steam at 1 minute 46 seconds. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KUzUkLe9KCw/WbJ-IApCJmI/AAAAAAABOxk/ZquXznO1VwA9WCjZK9UYdeHUIvvxSNiXgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_91508"><img width="430" height="288" title="IMG_9150" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xThqO6zC2Qg/WbJ-JHUKUvI/AAAAAAABOxo/P70gBtCicyQANlB0cP_cdQgiBUHNKTCYQCHMYCw/IMG_9150_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>No, this is not a horse pulled fire hose, but a human pulled one!</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PF14Da_Isbc/WbJ-KWZGJpI/AAAAAAABOxs/zuMc04-xQE8VCcS_rwiPauy2Yq9dcd3OQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_91444"><img width="272" height="406" title="IMG_9144" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9144" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S-QzouJwHrY/WbJ-L72TEPI/AAAAAAABOxw/4l82Se_OMz8DP9G8cv9NZZxL-WHnZtZugCHMYCw/IMG_9144_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>This demonstrates how the hoses were hung up so they can dry. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rWe7uiUJ81w/WbJ-NIItkWI/AAAAAAABOx0/fRQPHhWUSUsn6quJGRz5262GZNKPQWM8gCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_91495"><img width="441" height="295" title="IMG_9149" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9149" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LmYJy6TdxIA/WbJ-OX8C_LI/AAAAAAABOx4/eGNe1XR1cT8jLEtHtTzwe6YysQNgtIZBgCHMYCw/IMG_9149_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The helmets were different than todays in that they were made with leather. You can only imagine how much that would cost today if they were still made in that fashion. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_q4tZQN19XY/WbJ-PstGtTI/AAAAAAABOx8/p7bkj5SqPvkS_NfoDr_f8vmHTNG0VvBJgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_91524"><img width="251" height="374" title="IMG_9152" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9152" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tW6YVSI7bfo/WbJ-QzYn9BI/AAAAAAABOyA/7KpfXMIGG0g5zuiUr1KTCknwGqZSFlP3wCHMYCw/IMG_9152_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>This is a very interesting piece used in the incident of a fire. Our guide explained that in a central location of a fire, there would be someone that would signal the alarm system which would be connected to the system at the fire station. They would go to that area and then be directed from there to the more specific location. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4BPTzLfQQLo/WbJ-SIAtqXI/AAAAAAABOyE/4TxdDCrrv_kTTsn8J9pGo2_g8f-TLg_sACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_91462"><img width="293" height="438" title="IMG_9146" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_9146" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zs_beJKzuwo/WbJ-TUgutfI/AAAAAAABOyI/Wq0MtL2v--Ug9GNhGYfiXk7XMhMp4kNXwCHMYCw/IMG_9146_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Fred was among the most faithful and loyal of the fire horses. He lived for 25 years doing a great service for the Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company for 17 years. Mr. John Taylor and Fred the horse were a team working together to combat fires. Fred was keen with his senses as he had the ability to recognize tones of fire alarms and then reach those locations on this own. He was no stranger to adversity, but when his well loved owner died in 1925 of a heart attack, Fred passed away soon after. The dedication of Fred to his owner was very admirable and just another piece of history that visitors will experience at the Fireman’s Museum in New Bern, North Carolina. </p>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-45301475747779235722017-09-02T16:56:00.001-04:002017-09-02T17:10:18.744-04:00Tips for Visiting Navy Pier & Lake Shore View in Chicago<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u9kq9qC1kMU/Wasap6Q3TII/AAAAAAABOXo/fvjhVPjoLkAWQbbStp612CNMcxHMpZEyQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8834%255B12%255D"><img alt="IMG_8834" border="0" height="317" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IuAqQISWSL4/Wasar44x8II/AAAAAAABOXs/bBcEl7-7uQsZH-MmkfPinvHIoNZwvWOKwCHMYCw/IMG_8834_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="IMG_8834" width="473" /></a><br />
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Going to Downtown Chicago three times during my stay in Illonois, made the trip feel like three trips rolled into one. I’m a more nature minded kind of girl, but big cities fascinate me. For the final visit to Chicago before flying on home, I got the best of both worlds. Seeing Lake Michigan was like a huge bonus. It wasn’t on my radar, so when I realized we were going to get to go along the famous lake shore coast line, I was very happy.<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VZcTa_zriTk/WasatU3mfSI/AAAAAAABOXw/lFFWSYpPI388YoVarROjA-23bIuNZoFEwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8868%255B16%255D"><img alt="IMG_8868" border="0" height="471" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V5XnxiVpBG4/WasawzRiFFI/AAAAAAABOX0/5wspH-A8hOQ2aAy3TOGz5R8c6r9bMugBwCHMYCw/IMG_8868_thumb%255B7%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="IMG_8868" width="315" /></a><br />
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<em>The Greatest Challenge…</em><br />
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Hands down is parking and so if you haven’t opted for the public transit, then check out <a href="https://en.parkopedia.com/" title="https://en.parkopedia.com/">https://en.parkopedia.com/</a>. Each time you park it can cost about $22 for just a couple hours and once you go through, even if you make a mistake, you’ve got to pay the price. I speak from experience. The lady though was kind enough to refund us, but don’t risk it! Do a search on your location and see which places are cheapest. If you’re planning to go to Navy Pier, the Lakefront Trail is a popular and well-known route. Just be prepared for lots of foot traffic, but it is worth it for the views.<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rQX2_a5MM2M/WasayrISkUI/AAAAAAABOX4/Zj09KL5FrTgoHZ6Pca_5TY7S8ehbwNZkQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8830%255B8%255D"><img alt="IMG_8830" border="0" height="488" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QBKJi8fx0lI/Wasa0cnew1I/AAAAAAABOX8/BynuxsoTiLYgI8YOYieTQVmtaEL9WlwPwCHMYCw/IMG_8830_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="IMG_8830" width="327" /></a><br />
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A beautiful view of Navy Pier. Now, for the story and some words of wisdom. So, I found this nice little restaurant in the indoor eating area. I asked the cashier for advice about what to do. The insider info is that it is a tourist trap, but in my opinion, it is all in your perspective. We ended up just having to pay for the parking and for lunch which was well deserved anyway (the lunch that is). I was in it for the views, so in this case, it turned out okay. <br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oTxuKj73ynA/Wasa2BpH4LI/AAAAAAABOYA/zsc-J9qe95sa92gKnbQecJTua_1RD_4-QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8850%255B8%255D"><img alt="IMG_8850" border="0" height="518" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qkg_cwgTRyM/Wasa3xQ8UdI/AAAAAAABOYE/Mx3hjFY0ntkMFDDiHZcV1RIAEse7qVU0QCHMYCw/IMG_8850_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="IMG_8850" width="347" /></a><br />
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Since the cheapest boat tour is about $40 a person (and way up from there), I chose to just get my picture in front of it. I saved a lot! The one behind me must have been over $100. I’m just guesstimating. <br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dBXvgg7vcuA/Wasa5QQrA_I/AAAAAAABOYI/ZORZARSa3_AmEJvrQqaK2SwdwIEk1atSQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8857%255B9%255D"><img alt="IMG_8857" border="0" height="279" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XDRUWUbp3Pk/Wasa60pR-OI/AAAAAAABOYM/VoBLIB9nWEwK2a3s8IYFota691VoL0_1gCHMYCw/IMG_8857_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="IMG_8857" width="416" /></a><br />
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Another beautiful view. Lake Michigan is the third largest of the Great Lakes when measured by the water surface. Another fact is that it is the only great lake that is entirely in the United Staes. The water covers 22,300 square miles touching the four states of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan (of course), and Wisconsin. <br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gCzHioaNE6A/Wasa8mK0zsI/AAAAAAABOYQ/SzqfsKkMevcVNq_gt02X_M7enOqblusPACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8864%255B12%255D"><img alt="IMG_8864" border="0" height="411" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r3yNBs3hR4Q/Wasa-yItOcI/AAAAAAABOYU/1-TxQ2PdyXEFyWXza-kiHeMwqSfqzsi1QCHMYCw/IMG_8864_thumb%255B9%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_8864" width="275" /></a><br />
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BuzzNet Tags: <a href="http://www.buzznet.com/tags/Navy+Pier" rel="tag">Navy Pier</a>,<a href="http://www.buzznet.com/tags/Tourist+Attractions" rel="tag">Tourist Attractions</a>,<a href="http://www.buzznet.com/tags/Lake+Michigan" rel="tag">Lake Michigan</a></div>
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Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-16263215710727067792017-08-20T18:45:00.001-04:002017-08-20T18:58:40.806-04:00Ascension to Chicago 360<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WlUytfy-zEs/WZoQ3CJy6AI/AAAAAAABN0o/CjFPmP1uEBMIgGVX-AmVEvKYexa5RBp4ACHMYCw/s1600-h/Chicago%2B360%255B3%255D"><img width="385" height="385" title="Chicago 360" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Chicago 360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QDgxDr9_qjo/WZoQ48qRwcI/AAAAAAABN0s/s10IuSg48AQaghTyDfcDs4goTj2OInh2QCHMYCw/Chicago%2B360_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>I thrive on adventure, going places, meeting new people. I’ve said yes to eating the hottest pepper in the world and going out on a piece of glass (the skydeck) to look straight down at the Chicago city below. The competition to the Sky Deck, meet the Chicago 360. It’s home is the John Hancock Center, a 100-story, 1,228-foot building. That’s a lot of floors! Designed by Brue Graham and engineered by Fazlur Khan, this building was brought to a completion on May 6, 1968. It was at the time the second tallest building in the word. It now holds the title of the eighth-tallest building in the US. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--wzmSBMj5ew/WZoUGPUHMrI/AAAAAAABN1k/n_clW8OkWtM8-UETYWnIesIc_vpd8m8lgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8233%2B-%2BCopy%255B7%255D"><img width="427" height="286" title="IMG_8233 - Copy" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8233 - Copy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aptRljuXX90/WZoUHoADwgI/AAAAAAABN1o/Ck7ogXb-Gl8KSunzeXebGF8-_UDSHCP3ACHMYCw/IMG_8233%2B-%2BCopy_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The views are remarkable. You get to look out to an all around view of the city, see up to four states, and look a distance of 80 miles out. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KDNA9kt_Kqk/WZoQ-n-HROI/AAAAAAABN04/mAuOCEpnR8gzUpvpV1i1Eeg160vaK9w_wCHMYCw/s1600-h/cityedited%255B3%255D"><img width="376" height="472" title="cityedited" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="cityedited" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kVYyNjUIFqQ/WZoRARaL7kI/AAAAAAABN08/XEmHxyN9Otkktp-xacTr0Mo8tGwBHaM4ACHMYCw/cityedited_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LjlBkPR4TUQ/WZoRCFxKCAI/AAAAAAABN1A/arFmxD4DK-k3acxF4yzQX_rwZQZW0L1hQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8234%2B-%2BCopy%255B3%255D"><img width="340" height="508" title="IMG_8234 - Copy" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8234 - Copy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1N4mYAwoDsc/WZoRDl_uHQI/AAAAAAABN1E/agt7uzNIVwg0A4RzcaUwm7PxZAQ-d272QCHMYCw/IMG_8234%2B-%2BCopy_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AiIFY24WYsg/WZoRFBGFvKI/AAAAAAABN1I/7WCM0y5aoWoNW0wg-jJNIM0QPCadAEg3gCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_8212%2B-%2BCopy%255B3%255D"><img width="446" height="299" title="IMG_8212 - Copy" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8212 - Copy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hICHlcS1MRI/WZoRGh_o7eI/AAAAAAABN1M/yNdptzC1wkQ3wifh_Wrilv8liS_QxtMbwCHMYCw/IMG_8212%2B-%2BCopy_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Some may say that facing your fears is the best way to cure them and I find it to be true. I have a “slight” dislike of heights and figured that going on the Chicago 360 and then the Sky Deck (a jump up from the 360) was a great way to cure those feelings. I can proudly say that on top of being 94 floors up, I was tilted outward over the city of Chicago, 1,030 feet to be exact. It was only a couple minutes for $7, but well worth the experience. Just don’t be embarrassed like me by being called out while trying to take a picture with your phone. I was so mesmarized that I didn’t realize that they were talking to me until they started counting. Super embarrassing, but what’s a good story without some personal accounts? <a title="http://www.360chicago.com/tilt/" href="http://www.360chicago.com/tilt/">http://www.360chicago.com/tilt/</a></p>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-35863714060009939642017-07-23T21:22:00.001-04:002017-07-23T21:22:14.886-04:00A Visit to Shedd Aquarium Chicago<p><br></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i5KTpflsXNc/WXVLGN4Pn_I/AAAAAAABM3g/vDxGdvGHVAQopgKmextys7F9nhR_LRv3wCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_88053"><img width="331" height="511" title="IMG_8805" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8805" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xLkFyMhHS3Y/WXVLHu4ZD6I/AAAAAAABM3k/Un-oxZJg5JASINHaPpQB_3aD-Tv0rIl1QCHMYCw/IMG_8805_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>If I could use two words to describe Shedd Aquarium, they would be, magnificant and mesmerizing. It’s not every day you get to hear balooga whales make sqeaking noises or watch a large sting ray glide by right in front of your face. Mind you, it’s $40 dollars for an adult ticket, but worth every cent. So here is a word of advice, when choosing to drive your car, park in the planetarium parking which is in walking distance of the aquarium. If you get there before 9:30 am, you get the early bird price which is $11 as of the time of this posting. Just be sure it’s not on the day of an event because when we came back to see the plantarium, parking was $49! For obvious reasons, we passed this up and called it a day. These are all the little things they don’t tell you in the tourist websites. </p><p>Website: <a title="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/" href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/">http://www.sheddaquarium.org/</a> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qK4gHdVbTxI/WXVLJFyq5dI/AAAAAAABM3o/-RD2uQ2gkpoSmBEt5BLMXs-Lyzla4_DXgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_85553"><img width="349" height="539" title="IMG_8555" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8555" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2e5mifILCp8/WXVLKhfemAI/AAAAAAABM3s/ca9bhITarkkoGaPaaFz40wumr0JtSVW1ACHMYCw/IMG_8555_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p> <p>Shedd Aquarium opened on May 30, 1930 and for awhile was the largest indoor aquarium containing 5,000,000 US gallons of water! That’s far greater than your average pool. Just to get a little perspective an average depth for an inground pool is 5 feet. A pool that is 12 ft. x 24 ft. holds 10,800 gallons. Big difference, right?!<em> (Photo of Copperband Butterfly Fish).</em></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rSHQxn6yeB0/WXVLLwlvHVI/AAAAAAABM3w/mfq2EM9ZRdIE8l16flgftwuZNqnS5H8GQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_87563"><img width="473" height="332" title="IMG_8756" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8756" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s0KnGuGDJ58/WXVLNoohrsI/AAAAAAABM30/ZI42p5cnA-M6smmaDVvQ3BuoD7RH2iCkwCHMYCw/IMG_8756_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>To me the Clown Fish will always be Nemo. It just instinctively comes out that way. Do I have any nods of agreement? With such a beautiful spectacule of creation, I’m reminded of how great God is and how detailed he is. </p><p><font size="4"><strong>The Wild, The Wacky, and The Exotic:</strong></font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZVsFdtMGRjY/WXVLPC36QVI/AAAAAAABM34/zlPKrIGWJnE2FByniY1HkPp6lDaNgcQMgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_84963"><img width="472" height="332" title="IMG_8496" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8496" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T1pQ2Q10lOc/WXVLQUerZWI/AAAAAAABM38/1CT253z8omkvrpNuIn7uqhk8fHBBlkMpgCHMYCw/IMG_8496_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p> <p><br></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GSGbpg0pesc/WXVLRmhzoRI/AAAAAAABM4A/t7lFwKtrGGoQFyUUQrMfUq15yygXDsYxwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_84713"><img width="426" height="299" title="IMG_8471" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8471" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wi0-Jqqn2c4/WXVLTXyiaUI/AAAAAAABM4E/Fibnl3quoTg1F219ZPIZCgoAw-rIBwUEQCHMYCw/IMG_8471_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p> <p>Red-bellied Piranha that live in the Amazon River Basin. They are mainly scavengers and foragers, but they can pose a minor risk. So is what the movies show true? Here’s the truth, during the wet season, there is plenty of food, but caution is advised during the dry season around April to September when the waters are much lower and food is less plentiful. Above all do not swim with these fish with an open wound! Few of us will tred these waters, but hey, you learned something new! </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ePWSp1gZ_dA/WXVLU5TtFPI/AAAAAAABM4I/QNf-arRkDJMCtu3IBbqE9K3VvsTDNBzOACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_85164"><img width="206" height="325" title="IMG_8516" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8516" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8oRn4yIrHbU/WXVLWCD7nQI/AAAAAAABM4M/-paUtH7ni0E_a4YGhrDPDAqz6rscqRZIQCHMYCw/IMG_8516_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AI1Q79fF6V8/WXVLXhwNXrI/AAAAAAABM4Q/I7WEQS1uvZEKF4GOWUgqDioRtPL1xdOAgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_85203"><img width="211" height="325" title="IMG_8520" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8520" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ezNmsiytGOc/WXVLY71zq_I/AAAAAAABM4U/2cWa_KhjLQ8z-UjSGaVJaLkGezK5UbCoQCHMYCw/IMG_8520_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Looks like some sci-fi creature. Check out that glare! </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GmggfazYOhg/WXVLaNhf7sI/AAAAAAABM4Y/wL_aTo4NS4411Hu6R96gaaXobdsiYLxnwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_87503"><img width="445" height="313" title="IMG_8750" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8750" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cVTqtUWwgGs/WXVLb-pV4DI/AAAAAAABM4c/_A9818njHcQ-j443ffpB_FwO8MDwwP4TACHMYCw/IMG_8750_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bvk2H38sLAs/WXVLdGn9iaI/AAAAAAABM4g/cWeSAwN63Ecu7lsU6MXV2VMEx3GdeJbcwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_86023"><img width="479" height="336" title="IMG_8602" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8602" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BD1uHgjZFnQ/WXVLeaoefaI/AAAAAAABM4k/g3G-2GDFdS0_Y3v8luBCRq-n-dRFkov8ACHMYCw/IMG_8602_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G8JTb1rsHvo/WXVLgUrMuCI/AAAAAAABM4o/r_KQzuu9ItQySB9lIrK8AaAgJFupon8EwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_85673"><img width="465" height="327" title="IMG_8567" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8567" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vKqGzWF-t-0/WXVLhSlbpJI/AAAAAAABM4s/4B0V405zNacqnWQUldOIFggtV2_Ozv56gCHMYCw/IMG_8567_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><font size="4"><strong>Pictures of Exhibits at The Shedd Aquarium</strong></font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--61cWXCw0Ws/WXVLi788QYI/AAAAAAABM4w/DARl5tpzoUcikBctA-kP_rlqPWtV3WCTQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_85853"><img width="322" height="497" title="IMG_8585" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8585" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tH8ltsCFClE/WXVLkZIbxnI/AAAAAAABM40/5RQ6thsCbbghYTw7qQF1F3P0Lhw6YW_RgCHMYCw/IMG_8585_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p> <p>With Lake Michigan being the over view for Shedd Aquarium, it makes sense they would have an exhibit dedicated to it. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pfiqV_pkpKc/WXVLlpwE2eI/AAAAAAABM44/mVneQLEJ9oEzylQTuLcW7yRg3G3sR2WtACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_86733"><img width="457" height="321" title="IMG_8673" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8673" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IBxznmb7W0s/WXVLnFpHy4I/AAAAAAABM48/2WVj0HZLVfAAmgA8Y9eZuBeQY0HMLI8LgCHMYCw/IMG_8673_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p> <p>The Carribbean Reef exhibit.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wl8CRVNGhTM/WXVLoSr1nJI/AAAAAAABM5A/jqLzc1yAdfYgDu7sh0R1gY_E5K3vgfNBQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_86793"><img width="430" height="302" title="IMG_8679" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8679" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SkjxEUngkwU/WXVLpTZtESI/AAAAAAABM5E/DTqOM9oJ9N0_80sWl0Je5y9VxTTNJX5fgCHMYCw/IMG_8679_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p> <p>The smiling sting ray. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kIjTwQDr9y8/WXVLqqhYgvI/AAAAAAABM5I/u9t2dj5MLggOmFfoRxE2vJ6hi9hgVsN-QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_86913"><img width="444" height="312" title="IMG_8691" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8691" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E372YU_OikI/WXVLsHPJGAI/AAAAAAABM5M/nU6xt7QS-KgjtzPluPC5DT98miPuD7UswCHMYCw/IMG_8691_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--W3fU_CGUho/WXVLtm4N9II/AAAAAAABM5Q/zJum8oqysl89cBK9jHNgNSdZPOBokeJnACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_86883"><img width="269" height="415" title="IMG_8688" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8688" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mffrcMT342w/WXVLu8eHFhI/AAAAAAABM5U/2h4FT_8qEWoRbovv5q6_5-Dna6B5rHiAQCHMYCw/IMG_8688_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ivjWsddzgus/WXVLwfHBOHI/AAAAAAABM5Y/R7o9pAv11YENPipNjXrdVVNyHt5xO64PQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_86933"><img width="427" height="300" title="IMG_8693" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_8693" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RJSgROqI924/WXVLxvxDeII/AAAAAAABM5c/ipbtx6aToNMHrKBfKTH7K2APThVIGgCGgCHMYCw/IMG_8693_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p> <p>I hope you enjoyed getting a taste of this beautiful aquarium!</p>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-85119227495844426702017-05-21T18:48:00.001-04:002017-05-21T18:48:11.836-04:00Free Things to Do: NC Botanical Gardens at UNC Chapel Hill<p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hOmngeExPW0/WSIY20gxdwI/AAAAAAABKd8/KlQm9NIiovEbtVAxqtDhCyDc_kchblZ-wCHM/s1600-h/building%255B4%255D"><img title="building" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="building" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LWeK0fAXyOw/WSIY4FnPJUI/AAAAAAABKeA/bsV9ex_iZuI_HJUcySmrLPVam5P5mOPowCHM/building_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="461" height="371"></a></p> <p>As the weather increases in warmth, gardens are coming alive with activity. Before the heat really sets in, my family has been visiting as many local gardens and nature parks as possible. The best time to go to gardens are early morning. If your schedule permits, week days are best. We’ve done exceedingly well at finding the free ones and who wouldn’t go for that? Whether you want a nice morning stroll, want to spend quality time with family, or exerise your photography skills, there are so many options. It was well work the 45 minute drive out to UNC Chapel Hill. It is very well kept and tended for. You won’t be disappointed!!</p> <p>Website for North Carolina Botanical Gardens at UNC Chapel Hill: <a title="http://ncbg.unc.edu/visit/" href="http://ncbg.unc.edu/visit/">http://ncbg.unc.edu/visit/</a> </p> <p>Visiting hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm<br>Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm<br>Closed Mondays and University Holidays. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A1PXjCOLazY/WSIY5yqb2DI/AAAAAAABKeE/P3q7MjR_u8MPbN2Nb7CPDfs7KLmhYxmVgCHM/s1600-h/clover%255B4%255D"><img title="clover" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="clover" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rcmjsq43z_o/WSIY7O-nIHI/AAAAAAABKeI/WHcsmHbEYEQ3-yrhMAAJEl_2kX49ZLsEgCHM/clover_thumb?imgmax=800" width="448" height="442"></a></p> <p>A spot you won’t want to miss is The Mercer Reeves Hubbard Herb Garden. There is said to be 500 species and cultivars. An important addition to the collection is the rosemary collection from the herb society of Americas. The herb amove is chives which is known for its oniony smell and flavor. I love adding a sprig of it to many different dishes. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yx0aEYfEAGc/WSIY8VZEXlI/AAAAAAABKeM/-PTSZ1L3f_kPNrYERZCBKFFbUvaY9zpLgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_7142%255B5%255D"><img title="IMG_7142" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7142" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c-MnspN_XpM/WSIY95EZO3I/AAAAAAABKeQ/vjpMEQ2mk00sm5UO5PUiRCnwW31Zz0ubgCHM/IMG_7142_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="230" height="375"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0uvzJruBtSY/WSIY_KcwzjI/AAAAAAABKeU/pLZcdZe4osgs70wFb0r7EaaU8C4D87N4gCHM/s1600-h/pitcher%2Bplant%255B6%255D"><img title="pitcher plant" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="pitcher plant" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vXe6T2o-cLM/WSIZAVTS0II/AAAAAAABKeY/w0ZVpw1S260pfRNswh-N4o_s7OVTNqzcQCHM/pitcher%2Bplant_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" width="220" height="371"></a></p> <p>You won’t want to miss the carnivorous plant colection complete with pitcher plants, sundews, and butter warts which are all a part of the southeastern United States. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8njgmW4lb2Q/WSIZBVtGrOI/AAAAAAABKec/w5NTtjq5-6MPfUfg7QNhRsLVuSIkM4_LgCHM/s1600-h/ladybug%255B4%255D"><img title="ladybug" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="ladybug" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nD_zEb6kj_4/WSIZCqZ6j3I/AAAAAAABKeg/PLUwrko1LMAWxHV394OlMjIiOtmsxPI5ACHM/ladybug_thumb?imgmax=800" width="450" height="352"></a></p> <p>Herbs attract beneficial insects like this ladybug going for a spin on this cilantro plant. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YAH6ZwPBSjI/WSIZD-_cUCI/AAAAAAABKek/wMW-CWJrAy4Z9GxW17blPjUr_85V9Nr6ACHM/s1600-h/flower8%255B4%255D"><img title="flower8" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="flower8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lo59qR3Wdic/WSIZFYkCjdI/AAAAAAABKeo/af8lv9AnYAc_2LORei37Mr6xX5WoqN5hgCHM/flower8_thumb?imgmax=800" width="221" height="340"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qT9GbM74rts/WSIZG15XhCI/AAAAAAABKes/aEE4OOqhaiIhnGM4EwR6ifolWZMUFVBUACHM/s1600-h/flower10%255B4%255D"><img title="flower10" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="flower10" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SvbvRZgcIZg/WSIZIAkSa-I/AAAAAAABKew/yn-y_6q736oPGx6XgkETaSzaA-O3sDScACHM/flower10_thumb?imgmax=800" width="214" height="337"></a></p> <p>Other gardens to highlight are the native plant border gardens with a variety of native perennials, shrubs, and small trees. Native plants are vital to our ecosystem. They provide homes for many creatures large and small. They are the plants that have resided here long before any ornamentals were brought in. They may not have the largest and showiest of flowers, but they belong here where as invasives can desimate a habitat literally squeezing the life out of plants. So do your research when choosing flowers!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_zT2lWIu8qQ/WSIZJdxDLDI/AAAAAAABKe0/NCKHuEkhXw4sfP21Wrjp4abiB-OlQQ3tgCHM/s1600-h/red-spotted-purple26"><img title="red spotted purple2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="red spotted purple2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SjI0q2qnoaI/WSIZKl5NtjI/AAAAAAABKe4/V6QYV6BKI98Iqn1DHzYTaGF3poQ7rzAwgCHM/red-spotted-purple2_thumb4?imgmax=800" width="470" height="311"></a></p> <p>What I found most invigorating was the botanical garden’s commitment to using environmentally responsible gardening pratices. They work closely with local, state, and regional conservation organizations. They put to practice their mission which is “To inspire understanding, appreciation, and conservation of plants and to advance a sustainable relationship between people and nature.” When we support gardens, farms, and local places that are promoting environmentally responsible practices, we aren’t making an impact just a day or even a week, we could quite possibly be making an impact for generations to come. For it is one choice that can have a dominoes affect that will inspire other to make positive changes in their life. The NC Botanical Garden at UNC Chapel Hill is inspiring that kind of change.</p> <p><em>Please drop me a comment and share with me your favorite gardening spots in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Durham area. If you know of any sustainable projects locally, I might be able to take a trip there and feature it on my blog.</em></p>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-15963550634744809582017-01-09T15:52:00.001-05:002017-01-09T15:52:42.780-05:00Historic Tour of NC State Capitol<p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rOXDYdPzb9M/WHP34JoKP5I/AAAAAAABG3A/0h-Qkg8F_HE/s1600-h/capitol%252520front%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="capitol front" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="capitol front" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dc1qX8gGuGA/WHP357ocicI/AAAAAAABG3E/---dqn7loxE/capitol%252520front_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="362"></a></p> <p>Stepping foot in the North Carolina State Capitol is like entering a whole other era as it is so well preserved with the originality firmly entact. It was completed in the year 1840 with a Greek Revival style of architecture. The Capitol housed the General Assembly until 1963 which they moved into the Legislative Building, but the office of the Governor and Secretary of State have remained. The Capitol proudly holds the title of Raleigh Historic Landmark and sits in the center of Capitol Square. If you desire to visit you can join the 100,000 visitors that come each year. You can be part of public tours at designated times or take a self-guided tour which is especially nice if you like to take your time with photographs and observing. </p> <p>Capitol tour: <a title="http://nchistoricsites.org/capitol/STAT_CAP/Tour.htm" href="http://nchistoricsites.org/capitol/STAT_CAP/Tour.htm">http://nchistoricsites.org/capitol/STAT_CAP/Tour.htm</a> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ExXatA5snY/WHP37aPwKYI/AAAAAAABG3I/uupHGurvyP4/s1600-h/entrance%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="entrance" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="entrance" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O5awWbnnX1s/WHP39PmScVI/AAAAAAABG3M/rVkn6nrwwIg/entrance_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="345"></a></p> <p>The Rotunda is a key focal point of the Capitol. Upon entering, you will see the 1970 copy of the George Washington statue by Antonio Canova. As you can see, my visit took place during Christmas which is one of the prettiest times to visit in my opinion. There are several plaques around the Rotunda giving tribute to several important people and events from North Carolina’s history. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f6rIGzS6nF8/WHP3-ia3sNI/AAAAAAABG3Q/ARygwml8m3E/s1600-h/ceiling%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="ceiling" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="ceiling" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YAnPdpRh6ys/WHP4AAINORI/AAAAAAABG3U/BK34CsYIlFY/ceiling_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="363"></a></p> <p>The Rotunda has a beautiful ceiling at the top of this three story building.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ow6p8R3GSJ8/WHP4BkbcDzI/AAAAAAABG3Y/PFgxK_HjStg/s1600-h/congressional%252520area%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="congressional area" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="congressional area" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dj8nb7Ho0Ak/WHP4DdcAt5I/AAAAAAABG3c/9TPmLvLBc9g/congressional%252520area_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="317"></a></p> <p>The second floor contains the House of Representatives Chamber and Senate Chamber which comerced there until 1961 when it then moved to the North Carolina State Legislative Building. Both are a tribute to the important decisions made for North Carolina state.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D4_fdiEj0yo/WHP4E3C54nI/AAAAAAABG3g/hXh8aarMszE/s1600-h/library%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="library" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="library" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tHgk22JCtf4/WHP4Gf7wmoI/AAAAAAABG3k/WA9_g_cDhbc/library_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="315"></a></p> <p>The third floor was my favorite. This is where the State Library Room was located from 1840 until 1888. It has a staircase that leads to an upper level lined with shelves after shelves of books. The collection grew from 2,000 volumes to almost 40,000! It was in 1888 that the overflowing library had to be moved to a larger building that could contain it. Now what remains is a showcase of what it looked like back in the day. The main collection is now located in the Archives and History/State Library building on Jones Street. History comes alive when you get to visit destinations that are preserved in a way that is memorable for all. </p>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-92170410123947159602016-07-22T06:47:00.000-04:002016-07-22T06:48:53.652-04:00Overlook at Pilot Mountain<p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jezn3QI_jwM/V5H5zO9N-5I/AAAAAAAAI_8/-t-5AkzKI6g/s1600-h/044-IMG_6520%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="044-IMG_6520" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="044-IMG_6520" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ILAE-rP_kog/V5H5zS5J2LI/AAAAAAAAJAA/fH87zkwTeqM/044-IMG_6520_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="343"></a></p> <p>In late afternoon, I began a road trip with a group of friends with our destination being none other than Pilot Mountain. The sun was beginning to set as the Hybrid we drove struggled to reach the top. We followed the road as it took us on curves and closer to our goal. The air grew thinner, but the excitement thickened. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fwBi7uMo2Sg/V5H5zp-cx5I/AAAAAAAAJAE/_T5OFM1nOzo/s1600-h/048-IMG_6525%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="048-IMG_6525" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="048-IMG_6525" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EnLAAkfSkWw/V5H50K2XK1I/AAAAAAAAJAI/VerK286p2gU/048-IMG_6525_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="323"></a></p> <p>When we arrived, there was a slight coolness in the air. Though we didn’t get a clear view of the sun set, you can see some pink on the horizon in this picture. This is a view of Big Pinnacle Overlook from Little Pinnacle Overlook. The mountain befoe us was a white quartzite monadnock. Pilot Mountain is part of the A.V.A Yadkin mountain. It rises up to 2,421 feet above sea level and expands across 3,703 acres! A combination of hours in the car, tiredness, but a feeling of amazment washed over me as I gazed at the valley directly below us. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9eTxp3xVpVA/V5H50IAze1I/AAAAAAAAJAM/1lmfa-p5uVE/s1600-h/039-IMG_6497%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="039-IMG_6497" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="039-IMG_6497" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lw-PFZmfXm4/V5H50dm05lI/AAAAAAAAJAQ/vQp9vZ8dWx4/039-IMG_6497_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" height="346"></a></p> <p>If you look out and beyond, you can see some pristine, untouched forest along with homes resting in the valley. It looks so peaceful and almost undisturbed. Further out you might even catch a glimpse of Hanging Rocks State Park which we conquered the following day. </p>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-73108472098993568662016-06-19T15:08:00.001-04:002016-06-19T15:08:52.426-04:00Summer Awakens Garden Life<p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d4bXIaPBVsE/V2btsOn92jI/AAAAAAAAI38/yCv62zYs3I0/s1600-h/IMG_5970%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5970" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5970" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0SSsvr4DdR8/V2btsu22MgI/AAAAAAAAI4E/IEaCMDby2yg/IMG_5970_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="302"></a></p> <p>It is that time of year when the heat of the summer is upon us, but it is also the time when flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing, and butterflies are beginning to emerge. This year, I’ve got squash, large tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and butterfly plants in my garden. The chocolate mint has really been a sensation this year. News of it has been spreading around the preschool that I work at and my dad has been drying it to distill. Other exciting happenings, are that my hollyhocks (picture below) are blooming with it being their second year and my native Common Milkweed is getting flowers. I’ve been waiting two years to see them bloom. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FZdV1jV83zI/V2bts0tZkfI/AAAAAAAAI4M/HytL9yXllf0/s1600-h/Flowers5%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Flowers5" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Flowers5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-utSEcqcsQ9Q/V2bttPf8iWI/AAAAAAAAI4Q/rpOoqF1XKWQ/Flowers5_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="303"></a></p> <p>Hollyhocks getting ready to open.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2uswKDy9bQU/V2btttP9wPI/AAAAAAAAI4Y/oTXfv5ifdWM/s1600-h/Flowers4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Flowers4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Flowers4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fFB0_XiIBXY/V2btt-7fQSI/AAAAAAAAI4g/AdhECPUlPO4/Flowers4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="315"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oTAWsJlSR5A/V2btuO-Qi-I/AAAAAAAAI4o/1ahrzmqx1mI/s1600-h/Flowers7%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Flowers7" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Flowers7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O26GSyI5wfY/V2btuWAov2I/AAAAAAAAI4w/N6qFqON1yYA/Flowers7_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" height="405"></a></p> <p>A bumble bee enjoying lavender.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OhVPW1mv3EQ/V2btu4RiVqI/AAAAAAAAI44/5VRJxU_0Jy4/s1600-h/Flowers9%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Flowers9" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Flowers9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pXwAl1eIJ0w/V2btvAsaYVI/AAAAAAAAI5A/fSb8SvvbzJ0/Flowers9_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="292"></a></p> <p>Yarrow which is a herb used for fevers.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MYRvI0PVRzc/V2btvZx973I/AAAAAAAAI5I/uZh1XmBRDc8/s1600-h/Flowers1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Flowers1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Flowers1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kCNyzVOpMxs/V2btvonsmHI/AAAAAAAAI5Q/eaWpEZLOfM0/Flowers1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="264"></a></p> <p>Penta</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b3NsA2cY2FU/V2btwGgVHtI/AAAAAAAAI5Y/PNjeYO3hrfY/s1600-h/Flowers2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Flowers2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Flowers2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kd0GCQ70MkI/V2btwXNSZdI/AAAAAAAAI5c/S0CvaKkLyrs/Flowers2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="438"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fzDNdAcnP3E/V2btwoeQk2I/AAAAAAAAI5k/zgYXFGHb4w4/s1600-h/Flowers10%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Flowers10" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Flowers10" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eNWksV0J5M8/V2btw_Cl7yI/AAAAAAAAI5s/Xstg1AP0vsQ/Flowers10_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="327"></a></p> <p>The squash and zucchini have started producing. I’ve got an entire row for them, though it looks like the squash borers might soon steal my family’s feast. With gardening, you’ve got to get used to the fact that you will have to compete with insects and animals in the battle for food. It is all part of the journey. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing pictures from my garden. </p>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-23272824568630806392015-12-25T17:35:00.001-05:002015-12-25T17:35:02.073-05:00Our Gentle Giant Blizzard<p> </p> <p> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z82XT2GBgdI/Vn3EhkGRbnI/AAAAAAAAI18/0v_G1ihKj5w/s1600-h/Teddy3.jpg"><img title="Teddy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Teddy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lC_94BqMHTU/Vn3EiC8dQ5I/AAAAAAAAI2A/ciNrO9TZWkc/Teddy_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="268"></a></p> <p>I guess you could say it was love at first sight. A bond between our sheep and a young puppy. Blizzard isn’t just any dog. He is a Great Pyrenees, a giant of the dog world. The breed has been used for hundreds of years as a guard dog. They can be gentle and affectionate, yet highly protective against strangers or animals that would harm the animals they are protecting. </p> <p>Blizzard is part of our family. He can be stubborn though. Mom used to take him up our stairs to say hello, but one day he decided that it was not time to return to his domain. I had an idea. What if I could lure him back into the fence? I grabbed a spring of parsley, doubting it would be found appetizing, but boy was I wrong. Blizzard took after me. Our neighbor starred as this large dog chased after me with my mom close behind. It did the trick. He ate the parsley and then went for my pocket knowing that another parsley leave was inside.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jRYNFmvDU8o/Vn3EicclXgI/AAAAAAAAI2I/DD7Ejq_YC9U/s1600-h/blizzard4.jpg"><img title="blizzard" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="blizzard" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JIzVSOFfkoY/Vn3Ei6d1FJI/AAAAAAAAI2U/chFq-1-4UVI/blizzard_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="302"></a> </p> <p>Blizzard is now 7 months old and still growing! He will continuing getting bigger until 2 years of age. We are teaching him not to jump on us and have manners. I was sitting on the bench one day and then all of a sudden Blizzard was licking all over the back of my hair. He is quite the licker.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ezlWmfHmWvo/Vn3Eje0BDOI/AAAAAAAAI2Y/AZiVi-gNDyA/s1600-h/IMG_52543.jpg"><img title="IMG_5254" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5254" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rGH-WVZaTnI/Vn3Ej9Kxt8I/AAAAAAAAI2g/Bi4__2CQRJM/IMG_5254_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="298"></a> </p> <p>Blizzard spending time with Cody. Blizzard came home July, 2015.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H71Nw3BcJ8Y/Vn3EkHOrL-I/AAAAAAAAI2s/dGEGNAg0KcM/s1600-h/Blizzardwithmom2.jpg"><img title="Blizzard with mom" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Blizzard with mom" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uG-tA4Gny-w/Vn3Ektgy57I/AAAAAAAAI2w/qvCV2m9PiH4/Blizzardwithmom_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kKtYxc-kva8/Vn3Ekw9Gi7I/AAAAAAAAI24/fNBIfHczWdQ/s1600-h/IMG_52432.jpg"><img title="IMG_5243" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5243" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tyDgG2toLsY/Vn3ElQnFOzI/AAAAAAAAI3A/7p6GgoscmCQ/IMG_5243_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p>He will always be our puppy. You can see the video of him coming home here: <a title="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzKhjyKEpnE" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzKhjyKEpnE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzKhjyKEpnE</a></p>Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-66988573813876142782015-11-06T11:25:00.001-05:002015-11-06T11:31:57.449-05:00A Ray of Hope for Pollinators<p> </p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yquV5LKFlv8/VjzUR-WCNJI/AAAAAAAAIyc/eVfF_9WXB1Y/s1600-h/327-117-bee%252520on%252520flower%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="bee on flower" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="bee on flower" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g5lt7lqgeWM/VjzUStGCDAI/AAAAAAAAIyg/BKDAhTQygOg/327-117-bee%252520on%252520flower_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="341"></a></p> <p>We hear a lot about the decline of pollinators, but how often do we hear people speak of the ray of hope that remains amidst the negative news? There is much to be concerned about and it may at times feel like we are swimming against a raging current, but saving our pollinators is worth the struggle when you consider that 75% of our crops rely on them. They fly from flower to flower carrying the pollen that will develop into fruit, vegetables, nuts, and more. Surprisingly, there are 20,000 bee species with only a few that our in charge of pollinating our crops and so it is important to save them.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YiHPNbvpzgg/VjzUTMlhgQI/AAAAAAAAIyo/XT7yCck56Tc/s1600-h/Tiger%252520Swallowtail%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Tiger Swallowtail" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Tiger Swallowtail" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xurkd_g46_Q/VjzUThPZCDI/AAAAAAAAIyw/pDJB5puJins/Tiger%252520Swallowtail_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="379"></a></p> <p>First, let’s consider the greatest threats to pollinators and then optimistic side. Habitat destruction is among the leading causes for population declines, but an even greater enemy threatens their health and even ours. What I’m referring to is pesticides. Our crops are laden with cancer causing pesticides. If workers have to wear masks when they spray these lethal chemicals can you imagine how they effect bees, butterflies, and other wildlife? Our mentality needs to change. We need to step back to get new perspectives.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pYIzm7tcluE/VjzUTx78oVI/AAAAAAAAIy4/9nix7CGN5-E/s1600-h/02-IMG_5175%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="02-IMG_5175" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="02-IMG_5175" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EYyngD9d2bM/VjzUUNzPicI/AAAAAAAAIzA/y2u80XqpKn4/02-IMG_5175_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="300"></a></p> <p>Now that you’ve heard the bad news, what is the good news? The good news is that even if you aren’t a gardener you can do great things to help. You can slowly or quickly incorporate organic/local produce into your menu. You can support organizations that are working towards saving pollinators. The greatest thing though is starting a butterfly garden. Planting a garden of native wild flowers is ideal. Include a variety of annuals and perennials. Try looking at their different bloom times so that you have flowers from spring to fall.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-umHiqiSrqaM/VjzUUmqfGPI/AAAAAAAAIzI/lBEFDHYkvXI/s1600-h/04-cosmos%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="04-cosmos" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="04-cosmos" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iEDL44epCBs/VjzUU8XL9fI/AAAAAAAAIzM/EfyKkuweabw/04-cosmos_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="298"></a> </p> <p>Cosmos flowers are just one example of many that you can plant for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f9rcM7mQ-rI/VjzUVf86njI/AAAAAAAAIzQ/uCy2tw6Kp6s/s1600-h/07-IMG_5185%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="07-IMG_5185" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="07-IMG_5185" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d4EhvN_B5jo/VjzUVhzJVQI/AAAAAAAAIzY/TfwYZHSUM1Q/07-IMG_5185_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="274"></a></p> <p>Sunflowers are very popular among bees. I get a lot of small native bees and bumble bees that come for a visit.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OKtFcVOytII/VjzUWHs_2wI/AAAAAAAAIzk/VETwqZRv8zA/s1600-h/08-flies%252520on%252520flowers%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="08-flies on flowers" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="08-flies on flowers" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FzBg2MpmoXo/VjzUWQ2cUrI/AAAAAAAAIzs/LvgmPytDSmo/08-flies%252520on%252520flowers_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="354"></a></p> <p>I was surprised that flies like to visit flowers. This is a flower on the herb Yarrow.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8BH_dyCGfls/VjzUW5N5zpI/AAAAAAAAIz0/QxBsmAk8eDo/s1600-h/01-hairstreak%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="01-hairstreak" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="01-hairstreak" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W43yIUR-Dys/VjzUXCEAvkI/AAAAAAAAIz8/eMn1KnJiO2Y/01-hairstreak_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="318"></a> </p> <p>This Gray Hairstreak butterfly is also enjoying Yarrow flowers. You are sure to make great discoveries when you start a garden. No matter what, never lose hope.</p> Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-10501559449230851522015-09-21T20:50:00.001-04:002015-09-21T20:50:24.694-04:00A World Without Butterflies<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S_jfFalQQvY/VgClxCBv-LI/AAAAAAAAIxc/3sVI_mGqRP4/s1600-h/13-IMG_4819%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="13-IMG_4819" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="13-IMG_4819" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k0U7vGM-PnI/VgClxvT4mDI/AAAAAAAAIxg/Vh13yJLyGOM/13-IMG_4819_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="359"></a> </p> <p>When you see a butterfly, what do you feel? Do you feel happiness? Maybe even a sense of peace? Now, consider for a moment a world without butterflies. Would the world really be all that different? Yes, the world would go on, but at what cost? When we skip the recycle bin for the sake of convenience or use paper plates because its been a long day, we are living in the present and not considering the future. The choices we make effect the whole environment and especially the butterfly. The butterfly is such a fragile creature and it truly reflects the health of an environment. The slightest shift can cause a decrease in the butterfly’s population. We grab round-up instead of old fashioned weed pulling just to save some time, but do we consider the fact that our laziness could decimate a population in our local area. I get passionate when I speak of such things. To think that the choices I make every day really do effect all creatures large and small. You see, I really want you all to feel the disparity of us ridding the world of butterflies. If they do go extinct, there is no one to blame, but ourselves. Each year, we see less and less until one day not a single one may be left. What a shame that would be, but only if we let that happen. I believe that you like me will do everything possible to keep that from happening.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CTvoEc_6RgE/VgClx8g907I/AAAAAAAAIxk/HO4dHb-f_KM/s1600-h/IMG_0866%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0866" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0866" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DVY_NroU8aQ/VgClyZC1K5I/AAAAAAAAIxs/-TklO46u4vw/IMG_0866_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" height="453"></a> </p> <p>I will not give up until I’ve made every possible effort in conserving the butterfly. You see, when we start caring about the butterfly, we start caring about a lot of other things. We start thinking about the plants and trees that are essential to butterflies to complete their life. God has used the butterflies in many ways to start me on a journey that is passionate about inspiring people to take action. I pray it takes me on many other journeys that goes far beyond just butterflies. My mom has been taking me to libraries in North Carolina to share this passion about butterfly conservation. It has really been a blessing to meet people that are also concerned about butterflies. If you are interested in how to help butterflies, please leave me a comment or check out my book. <a title="https://www.createspace.com/4083202" href="https://www.createspace.com/4083202">https://www.createspace.com/4083202</a></p> <p>Library presentations: <a title="http://www.wakegov.com/libraries/events/Pages/butterflies.aspx" href="http://www.wakegov.com/libraries/events/Pages/butterflies.aspx">http://www.wakegov.com/libraries/events/Pages/butterflies.aspx</a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7pCbLwHoYoU/VgCly3XDgpI/AAAAAAAAIx4/6Gcw-SiNs20/s1600-h/IMG_0856%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0856" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0856" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W-G0QLLxt_o/VgClzqfu3YI/AAAAAAAAIyA/ZL6zHj9UBps/IMG_0856_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="397"></a></p> Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-90670580513946828532015-06-29T12:40:00.001-04:002015-07-17T14:14:49.460-04:00Butterflies and Insects of Summer<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vCW6lvyE4I4/VZF0xlEu5wI/AAAAAAAAIkU/_Sk1-sQe5zc/s1600-h/01-hairstreak%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="01-hairstreak" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="01-hairstreak" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mHnv29Anzv8/VZF0yXdWhTI/AAAAAAAAIkc/unzdofrzi20/01-hairstreak_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="378"></a> </p> <p>There is something magnificent about spring turning into summer. Yes, it ushers in the heat, but it is when the butterflies begin to come out and flowers begin blooming. It is the time when the sounds of crickets feel the night air and all sorts of insects begin visiting my garden. You simply have to accept the good bugs with the bad. That is part of nature and maintaining a balance in the garden. A few chew marks are worth accepting if it means protecting the butterflies from fatal pesticides.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TsMhcEcRHh4/ValGEXHYQRI/AAAAAAAAIwY/YY2Yk2hE5oo/s1600-h/butterfly%252520garden%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="butterfly garden" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="butterfly garden" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kD7EGSDQFU0/ValGEwV3OdI/AAAAAAAAIwg/5A0NUg6_lKE/butterfly%252520garden_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="257"></a> </p> <p>This is the second year of my garden and it expands each year. I have host and nectar plants for the butterflies. The host plants supply a feeding frenzy for butterfly caterpillars and nectar plants provide food for the adult butterflies. A Monarch caterpillar can consume an entire plant so it is better to have “too much” than not enough.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s2SWuJQSOTc/VZF00uw8hII/AAAAAAAAIk0/qD3JxOowjnU/s1600-h/02-IMG_5175%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="02-IMG_5175" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="02-IMG_5175" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nb8rn-F7Ec0/VZF01jdIqbI/AAAAAAAAIk8/XKsIvDY1LHI/02-IMG_5175_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="293"></a> </p> <p>There are all sorts of bugs that visit my garden. Some familiar and others unknown, but many are welcome in my garden. There is one insect though that I can’t tolerate and that is the Japenese beetle (pictured below). They multiply by the day so in order to avoid pesticides, it requires a daily ritual of picking them off. If you hold soapy water beneath them, you can knock them into it. We just knock them into water and then dump them into the chicken coop. They devour them in a matter of seconds. They say one persons trash is another’s treasure. Well, chicken treat in this case. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kFc06y9Zhzo/VZF02Vs0teI/AAAAAAAAIlA/uYQD2aywR6A/s1600-h/14-IMG_5163%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="14-IMG_5163" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="14-IMG_5163" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7swB49xe4YI/VZF03NPlNLI/AAAAAAAAIlI/xStwU_5RRrk/14-IMG_5163_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="307"></a></p> <p>Here is a Japanese beetle on my bee balm.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NhlunCdvNA8/VZF03m_7mQI/AAAAAAAAIlQ/8vy7952skL4/s1600-h/04-cosmos%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="04-cosmos" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04-cosmos" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q7DENojqmPs/VZF04CUHKKI/AAAAAAAAIlY/lRDKd77zYtY/04-cosmos_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="329"></a> </p> <p>A Cosmos flower.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m-JhMfKsA78/ValGFWKeNjI/AAAAAAAAIwo/vckPuEODR74/s1600-h/Tiger%252520Swallowtail%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Tiger Swallowtail" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Tiger Swallowtail" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8X52eFOLYI8/ValGGJf2GrI/AAAAAAAAIws/Dhx02l-nRnM/Tiger%252520Swallowtail_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="412"></a> </p> <p>Tiger Swallowtail on Zinnia flower</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xvH3kRfXlDc/VZF07oYKm0I/AAAAAAAAIlk/7ONidsQdpbE/s1600-h/03-IMG_5168%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="03-IMG_5168" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03-IMG_5168" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XqC44AEXwbQ/VZF08OXrHrI/AAAAAAAAIls/mY2lKSpWUrM/03-IMG_5168_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="287"></a></p> <p>Zinnia</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AWUDHM5ls_U/VZF084FB7lI/AAAAAAAAIlw/4PxFlszLMEY/s1600-h/06-IMG_5199%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="06-IMG_5199" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06-IMG_5199" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hMVP65pGjiw/VZF09cFvPUI/AAAAAAAAIl8/f-QI14zB4A8/06-IMG_5199_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="271"></a> </p> <p>A sunflower getting ready to bloom.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t0ikBMwZP4c/VZF0-GTSpSI/AAAAAAAAImE/Q9krZjpBALM/s1600-h/07-IMG_5185%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="07-IMG_5185" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07-IMG_5185" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fEMGd2MlHiY/VZF0-oCw6hI/AAAAAAAAImI/4D3sQVLe1Dk/07-IMG_5185_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="294"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iQ5rNHLPUVk/VZF0_NQy_2I/AAAAAAAAImU/1z-Oy4jwzFc/s1600-h/08-flies%252520on%252520flowers%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="08-flies on flowers" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08-flies on flowers" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YJ6nfO_0pP8/VZF0_xVhaqI/AAAAAAAAImY/FLiGltx5vqo/08-flies%252520on%252520flowers_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="335"></a> </p> <p>Flies on a carrot flower.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wBUh0j0-sQ0/VZF1AXKAduI/AAAAAAAAImk/I24vGjf5ynQ/s1600-h/09-fly%252520on%252520flower%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="09-fly on flower" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="09-fly on flower" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SmAFE4c5l7k/VZF1BI_PHJI/AAAAAAAAIms/Sg0fk5B6RmE/09-fly%252520on%252520flower_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="336"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CabeKGEzsTk/VZF1BkBR_HI/AAAAAAAAIm0/GdWCjU8wTKs/s1600-h/11-IMG_5200%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="11-IMG_5200" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="11-IMG_5200" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RK_X4zIySdA/VZF1CQSARxI/AAAAAAAAIm8/hI8egU5AyEQ/11-IMG_5200_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="319"></a> </p> <p>I’m working on planting hundreds of Milkweeds. I have to replant them yearly since they are tropical. They are fast growing, so I’m planting them while I work on establishing my native Common Milkweed. You can get free Milkweed seeds here. <a title="http://livemonarch.org/" href="http://livemonarch.org/">http://livemonarch.org/</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QjdFry-uZI4/VZF1Dhp7gaI/AAAAAAAAInE/w82foOiP_Jw/s1600-h/Butterfly%252520Book%252520Cover%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Butterfly Book Cover" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Butterfly Book Cover" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5jcmMawt_gM/VZF1Fs0ms0I/AAAAAAAAInM/nyVRWfFdmQU/Butterfly%252520Book%252520Cover_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="239" height="303"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>To learn more about butterflies and how to raise them, you can buy my butterfly book here: <a title="https://www.createspace.com/4083202" href="https://www.createspace.com/4083202">https://www.createspace.com/4083202</a> I recently finished this second edition the end of May. It is available at Create Space and on Amazon.</p> Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578706665890531948.post-50636334983657422442015-05-16T13:14:00.001-04:002015-05-16T13:18:22.726-04:00SHAPE Eco Farm’s Garden Journey<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rhEMXanufEw/VVd61rEIz_I/AAAAAAAAIWU/8EIsrkMjMEs/s1600-h/05IMG_47986.jpg"><img title="05-IMG_4798" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05-IMG_4798" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qEqgXm5K43M/VVd62EC4V5I/AAAAAAAAIWY/XOy9k3VXw7k/05IMG_4798_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="289"></a></p> <p>My garden known as “Elizabeth’s Secret Garden” on SHAPE Eco Farm is bursting with life in elaborate display. Flowers are beginning to bloom and many hours of work are paying off. A garden requires patience and planning, but the great thing is you get to see the “vegetables” of your labor unfold before your very eyes. The important thing is not to give up and use everything as a learning experience. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c3vFTPHm-VQ/VVd62pMNUgI/AAAAAAAAIWk/thPhLjBLLrk/s1600-h/16IMG_48506.jpg"><img title="16-IMG_4850" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="16-IMG_4850" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yj9isL8_wSU/VVd63I5YIRI/AAAAAAAAIWo/Z-SWm3LZHiQ/16IMG_4850_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="282"></a></p> <p>My kitchen garden continues to flourish. A fun fact is that if you leave your carrots for a year, they will go to seed! I had lots of baby carrots sprout with zero effort. Well, except for watering. Those carrots sprouted, but only a few that I planted actually sprouted. My carrots and my leeks currently are developing flowers. I’ll have to be surprised of the variety of carrots I had planted. Do make sure you label the varieties you plant!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yh7D5KpGiko/VVd63Rl1z8I/AAAAAAAAIWw/uF8cKv8FoFw/s1600-h/03IMG_47906.jpg"><img title="03-IMG_4790" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03-IMG_4790" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i4xn3m8WSfg/VVd63zAEpII/AAAAAAAAIW4/y0kErQ1KNpw/03IMG_4790_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="281"></a></p> <p>My pea plants are looking gorgeous. I love the pinkish purple flowers that are beginning to bloom. These peas were actually chicken forage my dad spread for me as a winter cover crop. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kQXxes183w8/VVd64E-WwPI/AAAAAAAAIXA/7iD_QlbzND8/s1600-h/02IMG_47856.jpg"><img title="02-IMG_4785" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="02-IMG_4785" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-faWBkvRqcWM/VVd64Wo_ZRI/AAAAAAAAIXI/J7UFmypDJ00/02IMG_4785_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="301"></a> </p> <p>Cilantro is one of my favorite herbs. I’d use it for pretty much everything (except deserts. lol). It is great in Mexican dishes and in guacamole. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j1_Rfh7UGYg/VVd641pXmUI/AAAAAAAAIXQ/TDG5w9jHLcA/s1600-h/07IMG_48186.jpg"><img title="07-IMG_4818" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07-IMG_4818" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6h3B6jxteFY/VVd65TZNrNI/AAAAAAAAIXY/vGfuXTRB1Zc/07IMG_4818_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="274"></a> </p> <p>Nasturtium is a companion for many vegetables. Companion planting involves planting vegetables or herbs together that work as a team to ward off pests. Nasturtium is especially helpful against aphids, squash bugs, and striped pumpkin. You can plant them around tomatoes, cabbage, cucumbers, and fruit trees as a barrier against pests. The herb’s leaves are said to have a peppery taste and can be used in salads. The flowers can also be used in salads.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZniQzu7sq0E/VVd65otc8XI/AAAAAAAAIXg/ikVKW_HOr48/s1600-h/08IMG_48216.jpg"><img title="08-IMG_4821" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08-IMG_4821" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V-ZxvH3nYk8/VVd66HQQ60I/AAAAAAAAIXo/3VowIWN4lKA/08IMG_4821_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="477"></a> </p> <p>Snap dragons are a beautiful flowers that can be perennials in zone 8 or higher. I live in North Carolina and even after a few times of receiving snow they came back! Plants can surprise you. The very ones you figured were goners just might come back. That unfortunately includes invasive species.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0J1nNvGdQJU/VVd66cJY4kI/AAAAAAAAIX0/Whgg-ptcJjM/s1600-h/10IMG_48316.jpg"><img title="10-IMG_4831" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="10-IMG_4831" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qi3DIIt9-1E/VVd66_aLRiI/AAAAAAAAIX4/xgf1NBbhay8/10IMG_4831_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="289"></a></p> <p>My Common Milkweed for the Monarch butterflies was small a puny last year so I figured they were dead, but then the rhizomes must have spread resulting in even more than last year. Now I know why people call it a weed, but I see it as a treasure since I’m a butterfly raiser.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4mdE5nM5r74/VVd67PQUauI/AAAAAAAAIYA/aGo2bhLzvXg/s1600-h/06IMG_48103.jpg"><img title="06-IMG_4810" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06-IMG_4810" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PXMyRNWWrew/VVd67sjTqWI/AAAAAAAAIYM/AAtD8Q2CFrg/06IMG_4810_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="391"></a> </p> <p>My vegetables include kale (pictured above), beans, squash, tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, beets, butternut squash, cabbage, and more to come. I have a plethora of herbs to choose from as well as flowers.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YdtidDeSul4/VVd68HA1i9I/AAAAAAAAIYU/ElHiWmbvuCw/s1600-h/19IMG_48587.jpg"><img title="19-IMG_4858" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="19-IMG_4858" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kH6a6ukIG6M/VVd68sQ5EsI/AAAAAAAAIYY/KHK9OsGVJFc/19IMG_4858_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="313"></a> </p> <p>If you are interested in seeing “Elizabeth’s Secret Garden” on SHAPE Eco Farm is now open and provides educational tours and classes for track out camps, schools, home schoolers, girl scouts, youth groups, preschools, and families. To schedule an event, call Kim Mann at 919-435-4099 or email <a href="mailto:kim@shapeecofarm.com">kim@shapeecofarm.com</a>. <p>Our event schedule runs from April 1st – mid-November. Go to shapeecofarm.com to learn more about our events. </p> Elizabeth McCharguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13479492670664303969noreply@blogger.com0