My friend Stephanie bid on a weekend lake retreat for charity and won The Lighthouse at Norris Lake. She graciously invited friends and I was one of the fortunate ones that was able to go this weekend.
Any opportunity to sit near water or be in nature, I welcome as most of you know.
I arrived Thursday evening to this cute house which was located down the most winding country mountain road. The journey here was complete with visuals of free range chickens, dogs that like to chase cars, and pet pigs.
The house had a spiral staircase that led up to the higher floors and eventually a balcony view.
The first night we sat outside on the back deck as the sun set and drank our wine and got caught up on each others lives. Its wonderful to be able to escape to a beautiful place and just relax with friends who have your back on all levels.
Stephanie brought her cute dog Bella who was eyeing Joyce’s unbelievable appetizers!
Friday morning I woke up still buzzing from the tequila the night before and decided this lake was needing to have me on it. I hiked down to the dock and loaded my hungover self into a kayak.
There wasn’t anybody on the water but me. It was so beautiful.
I couldn’t get over the reflections in the water of the landscape. This lone tree along the shore, showing a different hue against the others.
I spotted the bridge up ahead and remembered crossing over it on my drive in.
I decided to go under the bridge and discovered a cave on the other side.
I sent this photo to a few of my Cambly students who had texted me that morning and I asked if I should adventure in.
Susan, who I have been chatting with since March 2020, said “yes, the meaning of life is discovery”. Her English is amazing and the fact that she was encouraging me in a second language was awesome!
I ducked under cobwebs and went inside. It was extremely dark and my iphone flashlight did nothing in that pitch. I randomly decided to sing, for no other reason than possibly the pure joy I was feeling combined with the tequila from the night before. I sang to nature and apologized for us humans taking such advantage of its wonder. I enjoyed the echo from the cave.
As I was paddling back, I saw a bald eagle swoop down and catch a fish from the water. He took it to a nearby tree where the crows then gathered and yelled in their annoying tone. It was so cool to see.
A google map view of our location from the satellites following our moves.
After returning, I took my computer outside to get going on my freelance project. God knows my money is running low and I need to start invoicing.💸
I later sat on the dock and did some neck and back stretches that KangKang sent to me. They worked miracles on my weekly aches. The view worked peace into my soul.
Joyce and Stephanie were checking out the local marinas to see what the activity was like there. They swung by and picked me up before going to the second one.
A very clear and clever sign about wake zones.
We ended up at Froggies and opted for a mixed bucket of beers and some pretzel bites.
These two are two peas in a pod. They know each other’s families intimately and are always sharing advise, laughs, and realities.
Friday night Joyce worked her magic again and produced more beautiful snack trays. There were fights over the lemon cookies that night. I sneakily stole all the three layer brownie bars.
The next morning I woke up early again, not hungover thankfully, and decided to go on a hike up a mountain to catch a spectacular 360 radius view. I was alone and loving the ability to clear my mind to start the day in nature. (see next post regarding)
Upon returning 3 hours later the others were just climbing out of bed. Perfect timing for me to get some amazing quiche for breakfast which was in the oven waiting.
We headed out again that afternoon to see if we could catch some boat vibes, only to find the marina had closed its bar early due to weather. Somehow my friends convinced them to serve us a couple buckets and we had the place to ourselves for a couple rounds of gin rummy.
We got a kick out of the sporty side by sides. City gals- what-r-ya-gonna-do?
Such a calm lake. Overcast skies kept the heat and humidity bearable.
Good vibes ✌🏼
I borrowed Kathy’s dress because I loved it so much. We were teasing her that it needed to be with me instead of her😃 She was a good sport about it when I took it from her suitcase that day. In the meantime, I’ve ordered one for me.
I decided to trek to a special expat grocery today so I could get a decent bottle of Italian wine and some humus. (yes, the little things that make me happy) I took a wrong turn and decided to just keep driving to see where the road led.
To my pleasant surprise I ended up at a very beautiful resort area with a marina. This area was complete with yachts and gorgeous condos that left me thinking my simplistic life may not be all it’s cracked up to be.
I was supposed to turn into the Boat Lagoon part. I ended up driving down the wrong side of the road like a local to get back to that entrance.
Pulled into this beautiful landscaping.
Got to witness the rich and the famous lifestyle.
A local guy on the docks told me “only foreigners own the big ones. ” Sad reality. Wasn’t sure if he was only talking about the yachts ?
Water was a strange green tone.
Decided to slip into the speakeasy, I mean I did brush my teeth and put on a bra today. 🙂
Interior was decked out in Restoration Hardware style.
Love the mix of the British and American flags.
I should have taken a look at the menu.
Walking out there were office buildings, mostly vacant.
Have to admire the year round greenery.
This plater caught my eye.
This was the drive in. Palm tree lined street. It’s why I didn’t want to turn around , was curious where it ended.
“Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you a yacht big enough to pull up right alongside it.” ― David Lee Roth
After visiting the pier and getting some local gas, Tia and I set out to see the yachts kept at the marina here. They did not disappoint once I found them. I had a hard time figuring out how to get into the marina. I kept driving in circles until the guard told me to park and pointed to the path beside what looked like a condominium complex.
I had such a fun day today with the Thai people. I think because I was in an area where not a lot of tourists go. So people would smile and bow at me, and even honk their horns playfully to say hi”. Was fun. Joyful.
Behind the condo complex appeared a beautiful pier.
Trying to capture the clear etched sign which had a constant flow of serene water that went over top.
The bikes give the boat’s size perspective. I walked around as if heading to my yacht.
Found it!
I posted this one on Instagram, it’s just so pretty.
This was the view off one of the piers. In the distance are rock formations in the middle of the sea used in the filming of one of the James Bond movies. My Zoe told me it looks like The Goonies too.
I sat down to have a virgin sunrise before I took off. This was my view from the table.
Was refreshing but processed juices which was disappointing. I forgot my sunscreen again. Was turning a tad red so needed some shade. Thank goodness I always pack a cardigan so when I’m on the scooter my arms are protected.
After the marina I headed down a very well paved, virtually deserted road up and down the mountain with sharp turns. I tried to capture it in a Marco Polo to Tiffani, but not sure if it recorded. Was unreal. In the middle of the jungle. At one point going up a steep incline I had to lay with my stomach on the seat- forward, and kick my feet behind me to help Tia make it up. I swear if there were cameras for my life!!!
I stopped several times since I doubted I would ever be back up here. Had to capture this monster dinosaur sized plant.
Giving it proportion. Loving my ring still Teresa !!!
On top of the mountain I snapped this shot through the trees.
Drove down a dirt road, because I could and discovered a few abandoned ships. The colors I love here.
Made it to the viewpoint. When I pulled over, I could hear the crackling of the crabs walking below on the rocks. Was surreal. Would be a crazy sound to hear in the dark.
Tonya Takes Thailand 