Day 1 Basalt-Colorado, Here We Come!

Kassie has been a friend of mine since birth. We would regularly see each other in NYC when I visited there for work twice a year, and boy the fun adventures and crazy evenings we shared. But since Covid 2021, we have only seen each other once during a random visit in South Carolina for a short afternoon. We were craving an adventure together.

With us both working multiple jobs, the distance between us, and all the other commitments it was tough to justify vacation time or money spending on us’. We excitedly spoke on the phone about a potential weekend we could both do in August and checked in with our friends in Colorado to see if they’d be available to host. (free place to stay is an excellent start- great union of old friends= icing on the cake)

I never booked my ticket, since I recently lost quite a few hundred $s booking a concert and flights to Orlando, only to find out we had no place to stay. I wasn’t about to lose out again. When Kassie flipped the calendar to August, she called me and said “are you in?” I unfortunately bailed, said I could not. I was overwhelmed and exhausted. Didn’t know if I could handle it physically and emotionally. But when the Kunkle’s got one week away from our planned visit and texted they were excited to see us, I took a deep breath and started looking into airfare.

Maybe a spur of the moment weekend getaway was exactly what was needed.

An ariel view gives such perspective. I always get a window seat for that reason.

The flight in was beautiful. Only took me a couple of hours direct. We detoured the storms.

Kassie and I started off our trip perfectly. We were both on the tarmac waiting for a gate at the same time. Her plane was released first so she found her way to the rental car and by the time I arrived, she had keys in hand and we were ready to go!

With the car in her name, Kassie drove the entire time. I got to oohhh and aahhh out the windows at the landscape. She found it entertaining how I struggled with Google maps and navigating and wondered how I ever got anywhere. But as you know I do and am still alive to talk about it.

Electronics and me are not exactly friends. I know its necessary in life, but I struggle with how you have to zoom in to see things and by the time you do, you lose your sense of surroundings on a map.

The mountains were gorgeous. We had a curvy 3.5 hour drive to Basalt from Denver and wanted to get in as much daylight driving a possible.

It’s hard for me to edit down the driving snap shots.

I took videos with my phone out the window but nothing truly captures the breathtaking views.

The black and white filter really helped to reveal the layers in the rock. The Earth is fascinating.

We decided to stop in Vail at a brewery to pick up some much needed food and a 6 pack to take to Bobby and Lisa’s. It was approaching 8 pm and the sun was headed out while a huge storm was heading in.

I took several photos of the storm clouds over top of us and patrons were turning from their outdoor seats to see what the heck I found so fascinating. After seeing this they all boogied indoors.

Vail Brewery did not disappoint. We arrived just in time for last minute food as the taco truck was closing. Thankfully they were so kind and made our orders before shutting down. The taco truck was a 5 star! Flavors fantastic, pricing totally reasonable! Stop in if you are ever driving through.

I ordered a flight to try a few flavors and Kassie got their non alcoholic blend. All were excellent.

The bar was filled with Ohioans. Imagine that. We are everywhere.

Snapped this selfie as we were leaving. Our first stop. Timing again perfect. Avoided a storm, got fabulous food right as they were closing and recharged for the final 1.5 hours to go.

Outdoor seating was super cute. The storm flew over us and wasn’t as torrential as it looked but I still felt bad because Kassie had to drive the remainder of the way on wet, curvy, mountainous roads in the pitch dark. Not my favorite driving conditions.

Bobby and Lisa were waiting up for our 11 pm arrival and welcomed us! We drank our Vail 6 pack and talked until 1 in the morning. (that’s 3am EST for Kass and I) Their new home in Basalt is gorgeous and was an absolute comfort to stay in. Kassie and I had our own floor/level with a bed and bath- we felt we were in luxury living the life.

Was going to be an amazing weekend!

Saturday Night- Fretboard, High Wire, MadTree, Rhinegeist Breweries, ending at Ghost Baby.

It’s been a hot minute since I have gotten on to blog. After returning from Arizona in March, I babysat an adorable tea cup puppy who wore me out and reminded me what a huge responsibility having a dog is- then straight to babysitting Jack, the brown loveable pitbull in Louisville.

I took on more work at my past company and am now overwhelmed with life decisions, time management and trying to keep sane. April is always a doozey regardless with taxes (which always give me anxiety for no reason), renewing driver’s licenses’, and birthdays (mine, my twins, and George’s!)

I had a couple of weekends scheduled prior to taking on the extra work hours and I was determined to prioritize them. Not use work as an excuse to cancel. Spending time with friends is why we all work so hard. Making memories is a priority as I age in life and sadly watch others fall to illnesses way too young. A gentle reminder of time and the non guarantee of it.

I’ve made two amazing friends in La Grange, Kentucky, a super fun couple, Angela and Dale. George and I put a weekend date on our calendars to host them up in Cincy for an evening out of brewery hopping. After all, Cincinnati is a brewery mecca whereas Louisville is a bourbon haven.

It was a perfect sunny April day so we started out in Norwood at Fretboard.

This location is a renovated area in Norwood that used to be a famous playing card factory. Its adorably decorated accordingly.

I made the three of them pose by the playing cards. George is a bit dramatic.

A cool shade wearing selfie to remember the moment. Hi Wire was celebrating its one year anniversary so there was a DJ, booths selling crafts and kids amuck.

Cheers to HiWire. I ended up buying a plant that came in a face planter wearing glasses. Just another challenge to keep alive.

We headed over to MadTree next as the sun was setting .

Yep, Angela and I getting goofy. George warned me to slow down a bit. Angela and I bought matching hunter green tees. I was due for a new one. Can’t wait to wear them together and watch the sunset from her patio this summer.

Headed downtown to Rhinegeist Brewery, a Cincinnati must see classic. We lost Dale for a moment who later texted he made his way to the roof.

Honestly these guys are so much fun and easy going. Was so glad they road tripped up.

The one thing about this brewery is they never have food. We bought a pretzel to tie us over.

Last stop was a 10 pm reservation at the underground Ghost Baby. I’ve now been there several times and have never been disappointed. It’s such a cool venue. I chose this time slot as the band was said to be New Orleans style. They were on target! I couldn’t sit still, kept bouncing to their jam in my seat.

Underground cave turned gorgeous night club.

My cocktail literally made my lips numb. Yumm!

You can tell I’m getting sassy with this look!

We Ubered home and sat up for a bit munching on some apps until I literally was like, I have to go to bed. I was exhausted. Am so glad I live close to all these places! Norwood, Oakley, OTR- which all have grown into wonderful destination spots. I remember when Oakley only had an HQ and no other major stores. Now its filled with shopping and great places to visit.

Love sharing my city with friends. Can’t wait to do it again- there is so much more to see.

Frankfurt, Germany Day 3

My dinner plans this evening were pushed back to the following day, so Zoe and I were on our own. She really wanted to try the apple wine which is notorious in Germany. I had never heard of it before.

We learned, but did not google fact check, that Germans were taught how to make this wine during the Roman Empire. Supposedly the Romans brought the knowledge over while invading Germany and taught their farmers how to make apple wine so their soldiers would have something to drink. Now that’s a story to be written- Humans, alcohol and war history how they all intertwine.

Zoe and I again went across the river where all the Apfelwein restaurants were.

These are the pitchers that they put the apple wine into when they bring it to your table. I wish this shop would’ve been open, the face mugs are adorable.

I was noticing this character a lot, a crazy boy with blond hair and long fingernails.

“Der Struwwelpeter is an 1845 German children’s book written and illustrated by Heinrich Hoffmann. It comprises ten illustrated and rhymed stories, mostly about children. Each cautionary tale has a clear moral lesson that demonstrates the disastrous consequences of misbehavior in an exaggerated way.”

We made it to DAX which had the highest star rating.

Inside were mostly locals and only cash accepted.

We split a brat meal and schnitzel dinner and each tried a glass of their traditional apple wine. It hit the spot. The place got crowded so we took off and decided to try and find another apple wine spot on our way back to see the differences in the brands.

When we arrived this place was packed with Asians. Inside and out. After they left we snapped this photo of their leftovers. We later found out it was a tour group.

Our server was a friendly German giant. Zoe was dying to stand next to him and as if he read our mind, he came out and asked if we wanted to take a photo. He nick named Zoe, Sherry and thought she was a doctor. Then he named me Katie and himself James. He teased us all night as we rotated through their apple wine options.

He made Zoe look tiny. We had a lot of fun with him.

He took this photo of us on our last glass. Feeling happy.

We walked further down the cobblestone roads and stumbled across a Columbian bar. We stopped in for a beer and a bathroom break.

The decor was cute and everyone inside spoke Spanish.

Zoe sat in front of a blown up map of South America and I kept arguing that it was inaccurate.
I of course was wrong.

We kept walking closer to the bridge back toward the hotel and popped into an Irish bar for a Guinness. Unplanned we were Frankfurt bar hopping.

Inside Zoe was immediately approached by a young man who was partying with his BMW coworkers. Their boss had gotten them each a hotel room and was paying for a fun night out to celebrate the two women in their group.

As I plopped down at a table available, three people joined me. I apologized thinking this was their table since there was a coat there, and they said no it wasn’t. They were perfectly content with me sitting there with them, so we started talking.

It was so fun. The invited us to a nightclub to go dancing as Zoe handed me my drink. I said I couldn’t because my beer was full. They said we could carry it with us along the walk. I told them I didn’t want to be arrested in a foreign country, so they offered to carry it for me 🙂

I then explained that I was too old and they would not believe me. Must have been my crazy coat, hat and purse I was wearing. So out of excuses, off we went, full beer in hand walking toward the city with a group of crazy Germans who were amazingly fun!

Gabriella insisted on taking a selfie of us all with the skyline in the background.

I anticipated the night club to keep the group going, but instead it was quite empty and the group was tiring from their fun evening out. I didn’t want to drink anymore, so I danced alone for a bit- since there was no way to hear any sort of conversation and then I took off while Zoe remained partying until the wee hours of the morning.

Cali Trip Day 5- Hike in the woods, Avenue of the Giants, Ferndale and Arcata

After waking up in the beautiful treehouse, we decided to explore the area before we took off again. Zoe was the one communicating with the owners of this Airbnb and confirmed there were hiking trails on the property.

The sun was doing its best to shine through which we took as an excellent sign after our rainy chilled day yesterday.

It was nice to explore not knowing what views we would discover.

The sun peaking through the trees as if to tell us She knows we are there.

When there was a clearing we soon discovered we were on top of a mountain.

We had no idea since most of the drive was in the dark rain. It was amazing!

We saw intricate cobwebs throughout the hike. They are tough to capture but this one was perfect.

We also discovered red mushrooms and banana slugs.

Wasn’t too keen on the mountain lion warning sign, but I guess always good to be aware.

We had a long drive ahead with the goal of reaching our final destination of Arcata today. As we drove out of the farmer’s drive, we were chased by some dogs and squawked at loudly by the geese, but the cows in the road were the cutest.

We wondered if they would move when we got closer.

I dropped a pin to remember our location. I was low on gas and headed to Bodega Bay to fuel up. We didn’t spend much time there, but it was an adorable little town. Gas pricing was not so adorable there 🙂

We were on country roads for quite some time. Passed a ton of wineries.

Zoe took the wheel while I again oohed and awed out the windows at the scenery.

We started to hit the tall tree lined areas and felt covered in peace.

I kept leaning to take photos out the front windshield. It just didn’t seem to capture it.

I read that the drive up was worth it even if you didn’t stay to hike. I totally get that now. But couldn’t wait to get out and immerse myself in it.

Bucket list. Not that I actually have one, but this was for sure something I have always wanted to experience and so glad that I made it here.

So tall and majestic with their wisdom of what they have endured and witnessed.

We finally found a slight curbside place to pull over and we went straight into touch these trees! The smell of the forest is so fresh. Check out Zozo vs the giant.

This all was just along the drive called “The Avenue of the Giants”.

I was inside the tree taking a photo out.

Zoe and I went our separate ways at times.

Perspective of who we are in this world. These trees are said to be thousands of years old. We are lucky to live to 80.

I loved watching Zoe look up and feel small.

Leaves on the forest floor were equally beautiful. I still have my same hiking boots from my first road trip two years back.

My perfect capture of the energy and moment felt.

We hiked a trail that had a lot of fallen trees which was interesting to see their girth and length.

I ordered a free map prior to our trip of this area and kept losing it along the way. I finally smartened up and took a photo so I could see it later to determine our next move.

We exited the Avenue of the Giants and headed to a historic town called Ferndale.

The main street took pride in its fun decor.

I walked into a small shop and instantly fell in love with these shoes and had to get them. I almost gave up until Zoe found this pair in my size in the display window.

Adorable shopping here. Highly recommend a stop if ever in this area.

A historic inn. Every small town needs one.

A beautiful bed and breakfast in a restored Victorian home.

We still had another hour to drive to reach Arcata. Immediately upon arrival at our Arcata Airbnb we googled and found a cidery just a couple blocks away. Sounded like a perfect end to our non stop day.

Great little set up which sells pies during the day.

We both did tasters and then went back for more.

Baby A. How lucky am I to have her in Cali to give me the excuse to road trip there. I can’t believe I haven’t explored this coast sooner in life, but so glad she is.

Cali Trip- Day 1 Venice Beach, So Cal Cidery

Feels good to have a Saturday to just simply catch up on what I want to do. So I’m blogging about my absolutely fantastic trip to Cali last month. I teased Zoe that when I get older and senile, she can just set me up with a self reading program and put my blogs on from the beginning and I will be completely at peace listening to all these fantastic memories coming back to life. Its why I do it. For me. For my memory. I often still go back and read just to relive the journey. (and occasionally fixed those type-os I missed ) It keeps me looking and photographing in attempts to keep capturing those moments.

Thanks to the dollars brought in from my towel freelance work, I was able to afford another trip out to California to visit with Zoe. This time I was flying and careful about my rent a car dates in attempts to not repeat the costly mistakes of past. I am sure I will make several new mistakes, but repeating past ones is something I try to avoid in life.

I haven’t flown since last year and it felt good to be back in the air again.

The view from the window seat was awesome as we started to hit California. You could see the cloud coverage so clearly defined. America is truly beautiful. The change in landscape is so severe and magical to me. There are so many places I have yet to explore.

Some of the views from this high up in the air feel like heaven. I was happy to have a window seat, since lately you get random seating based on the price you pay for the flight and I seem to always end up in the back with my carry- on bag having to be checked in. May be worth the extra 50$ in the future to just pay for an assigned seat.

It felt great to be in the sun again. The nights in LA get cool and the days are just golden and bright. I honestly could see myself living out here one day.

I loved being back in Zoe’s studio apartment again and walking the neighborhood. She showed me how she walks to fill her water bottles and it somehow reminded me of Phuket life.

Zoe doesn’t have a car out there. Since I had a car, we wanted to explore as much as possible. We had a road trip planned up the coastline beginning early Saturday morning, but after work on Thursday we drove to Venice Beach. I hadn’t been there before and it is one of Zoe’s favorite spots. Whenever I check out her location on Life 360 she’s usually at Venice Beach or Santa Monica.

She took me to SO CAL which is her favorite cidery. We ordered a flight of mead and ciders and there wasn’t a bad one in the bunch. We sat facing the street and people watched for about an hour.

This place had such cute decor. Umbrella lined ceilings.

Cute instructions on making their ciders.

A beach vibe going through the hallway to the outdoor area.

We took a growler and a 4 pack of the Mexican Lolipop home.

We walked to see the beach. A shame it gets dark so early now.

This is a vegan burger joint with a play off the traditional Mickey Ds.

A very different vibe than some of the other beaches I’d been to. More youthful, fun, playful. Like a spring break feeling.

Tried to capture the beach but it was too dark. I wondered how they controlled the homeless beach bums as there didn’t appear to be as many as I expected.

Its quite a large beach and we only covered a small area.

We ended up grabbing a table here at the Great White. Highly recommend. Excellent cocktails and food.

After eating we nabbed a couple Lime scooters and rode our way back to the car. It was so fun. Just being out and enjoying life. Seeing new things. Breathing it all in.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

A much needed visit with my sister was planned for the end of August. I decided not to work and instead just take the time off to enjoy. It’s a good thing I made that decision because upon arrival I learned tornados had ripped through her part of town the evening before and they lost power for several days.

On my drive up I saw a lot of branches and broken trees but I had no idea how devastating it was through Michigan.

The road trip was about five+ hours. I decided to stop the night before and crash with my friend Debbie in Findlay. Its weird being back in Findlay when its no longer a home base. Both of my sisters moved out of the city and only one aunt remains.

Once I arrived in Grand Rapids, we purchased a battery operated lantern at Menards for under 20$. It was my companion at night. Just like my Little House on the Prairie dreams when I was a child. I had zero problems being here without electricity.

We ended up going out to a piano bar for some sing-alongs and general good people watching. That proved to be great entertainment.

The next day we planned a meeting with Jay, one of my Cambly students from over 4 years ago. She moved to the Michigan area because her husband was transferred, he works on electric car batteries. When my sister moved last year I connected them. They have gotten together several times for lunches. I love that these connections happen all from my conversations getting to know international students. They are all so genuinely beautiful humans.

Jay and Trisha at TwoGuys Brewing where we went for lunch. It had a garden out back where they get all their fresh ingredients.

Inside looked like Mardi Gras leftovers.

We had a great time. They had a seasonal beer called, I kid you not, “Boob Sweat” and I bought a 4 pack to go. I later enjoyed it with George and we both swore it was the best beer we have had since Chattanooga. I sent Trish and Tim on a hunt for more and they were able to do a swap when they landed in Louisville for the Bourbon & Beyond Festival. Very appreciative!

Loving how these plants were growing out of their natural wood table.

After lunch we spent an hour checking out a car show, which I have never done before.

“The 28th Street Metro Cruise in Grand Rapids, Michigan is so more than just a Michigan car show, it’s a gathering of the coolest, sexiest and loudest classic, muscle, antique, modified, sports cars and sweet trucks from across the state and nation.”

We had folding chairs that we carried to the sidewalk and found a spot in the shade to sit back and admire the vehicles.

You really saw it all here. I am sure car enthusiasts love this day.

Always amazes me how much personality antique cars have.

Then of course you have the muscle cars as well.

It was really fun watching the cars go by. We only stayed an hour as Jay needed to get back to her kiddos and we had dinner plans later with my nephew Zach.

Kayak, Bike and Brew- Traverse City, Michigan

After the hippie tree hike, we decided to take the Kayak, Bike and Brew tour. Seemed like the summer crowds had dissipated and we were able to book the tour that afternoon. I’d never taken one of these before but was looking forward to the challenge.

You got a free bright green back pack which was the tour guide’s way of keeping track of us all. When we arrived we went to the garage and picked out a beach comber bike. I made sure mine had a bell. I seriously haven’t ridden a bike in years! Had to warn the pedestrians.

Was so fun being on a bike again. We all parked outside the first brewery.

The bar was filled with pinball machines.

Trisha looked like a little kid in front of me. I was picturing a banana seat and some streamers coming off her handlebars.

I had to snap quit a few of these to capture us. Was challenging one handed after a drink. My smile looks like I’m a first grader 🙂

Second brewery was across the tracks. The tour seemed to have made arrangements with all the breweries so they had space for our group and we were serviced quickly.

I snapped this so I could remember where we had been.

Across the street was this garden complete with mailboxes. I found it interesting especially after my second beer.

Next we had to grab our kayaks and paddle for what seemed eternity to get to the third place. After one more beer I could see this will be a challenging trip back.

Rare Bird was our last stop which honestly was pretty smart. I can’t imagine if there were more alcohol stops along the tour. Three was perfect.

Getting the kayaks to paddle back. Was honestly cool being able to leave the kayaks and bikes without fear of theft.

I think Trisha and I were one of the last to make it back but darn we had fun!

The final leg of our bicycle tour was nothing but pure joy. The freedom you feel when riding a bike, perfect weather, awesome views, family and beer.
What a great way to end our visit here.

Watching the sunset at the tail end of our tour, priceless.

Fretboard and Hi-Wire Brewery- Cincinnati

The playing card factory located in Norwood, directly across from my daughters’ home softball field from back in their elementary days, is a fabulously renovated area now including breweries, shops, sports, and apartment complexes.

The kids had been there previously and suggested I check it out so we all headed out for happy hour on Friday.

First stop was Fretboard Brewery. I immediately wanted to purchase a tee shirt but they were out of my size. Darn being XL. We arrived right after 5 so the crowds had not started filtering in yet.

Sedona screamed out loud when she got into the car with Zoe and I as she noticed she was wearing the exact same top as her sister. What are the chances? Great minds unite. I love that they didn’t change and wore their twin pride with smiles. I am so fortunate to have raised twin girls.

Inside was big and beautiful. I definitely want to go back when I have more time to hang out.

There’s a huge outdoor park. I made my girls and Ki go pose by the playing cards sculpture. Nice tribute to the past manufacturing here.

Can’t believe the amount of work that went into this place. Go Norwood!

I hope this area does well and stays for awhile.

I wanted to climb this old tower in front of Hi- Wire Brewery. So glad they didn’t knock it down. Appreciate how architects are keeping the history.

Inside Hi- Wire. This was the first brewery George and I went into when we were in Asheville. That’s where this brand originated. Amazing watching breweries expand from their local roots.

We climbed up to the second floor but sat inside to avoid the humidity. They have an amazing lemonade sour beer that’s my favorite.

Looking down at Namki as he goes for a smoke.

13 Below Brewery- West Side

The week before the wedding, Zoe and I drove along the Ohio River to check out this brewery on the west side. Neither of us had been to it before. Cincinnati is filled with new breweries, I am honestly not sure I will ever get them all crossed of my list, but I am trying.

They had beer mixed with juices which was a very interesting combination. We tried them all.

We sat outdoors and my view was looking out toward the marina. I thought to myself what a waste it was to have a boat that was barely utilized. Definitely a luxury item.

It was fun. Just to get out to someplace new.

Inside would be a fun trivia venue. I am not sure if this gets crowded on the weekends but I read it has been open since 2017.

Outside was this food truck which was great! Unexpectedly good quality.

The name ’13 Below’ came from the location being 13 miles down the Ohio River from Cincinnati.

The sun was starting to set so we headed to Sayler’s Park next door to watch it leave us.

Sunset photo was captured by taking it through the lenses of my new cheap sunglasses. Sometimes things do look better with rose colored glasses.

East Market and Columbus Brewery- Columbus, Ohio

As I started driving back home, I realized I was going through Columbus so I texted Todd to see if he would want to join me for lunch. Thought a pit stop to stretch my legs would not be a bad idea. He suggested we meet at the East Market.

Todd told me this part of the city has been ‘up and coming’ for about 20 years now. Reminds me of where I live. I just keep waiting for the growth and development to finally reach us.