Friday was our day. Emotions were running high. Excited, nervous, worried, curious. Zoe found her apartment online after looking at several in various affordable areas of LA. She decided Koreatown was best to where she needed to be and after signing the lease and putting down the deposit, we still honestly didn’t know if it was legit or what it actually would look like in person.
I know from experiences in travelling, that “filth never photographs. Its interesting really, how you just can’t capture it. Made us both wonder and we set our expectations low.
We captured the sunrise with the silhouetted palm trees in the foreground as we left our Airbnb.
Going down the highway it occurred to me, with so many places in this beautiful world to see, I may never be back. I may never see this again. It oddly made me happy knowing I was able to experience all that I have, even if some was only from the car windows.
Made me appreciate nature’s wonder and how absolutely fascinating her history and survival are.
Zoe was driving since I did not want to try to handle LA traffic and I was working from the car.
On Instagram there is a background video audio that says “Seriously what is this place…..” and I kept hearing it in my head as I viewed the majestic world Mother Nature gave us to embrace.
I captured this for George since I knew his mom had a place there.
I wasn’t sure I liked seeing the windmills in front of the mountain views, but Zoe reiterated the contrast and natural energy this man made solution was capturing and it made me feel more satisfied.
I have never explored California. I honestly had no idea what it offered.
Palm trees and mountains combined. A new wonder for me.
Like a painting.
LA skyline.
We finally hit the LA streets and I started flipping out at the landscaping and houses on the hills.
This is Zoe’s street. Its a dead end which is great. As we moved in taking several trips up and down the steps, we talked to the construction workers and neighbors. One construction worker jumped in and took a heavy load off of me. Very friendly. We keep seeing the same faces and its a mixed group of old established families and new people moving into the renovated apartments.
Zoe’s building is an old building that is getting rehabbed. She is one of only a few tenants that moved in on the second floor. Most are still under construction. There are 20 total units here with a large locked gate outside the property, then a lock to get into the building.
Once you get to her door there is another locked gate and a solid locked door. Would take a lot for someone to come in. Made me feel safe.
Moving the van load up to her place was nonstop. Girl power for sure. Once we arrived, Zoe discovered the water wasn’t working. We later discovered the toilet wouldn’t flush, the heater was not functioning, the ceiling fan wasn’t programmed right and her wifi couldn’t be connected because the workers cut the wires.
It has not been easy. But her maintenance man, Rene, who visited us two days in a row, was the best! He fixed everything that the renovators messed up. Zoe blasted the apartment manager and hopefully no other tenant will have to deal with what she encountered.
That being said, we worked our butts off unpacking, shopping for furniture and trying to get the studio functioning. We have a long ways to go, but were happy to discover Habitat for Humanities resale shop in LA where we scored some high quality stuff for minimal pricing!
I plan to stay out her for about a month. Exploring. Helping. Encouraging. Zoe already has a friend from work that moved here from New Jersey and we met up with her and her husband for dinner. It made me feel so good to see the quality of people she works with and knowing she already has a friend who has her back.
I decided to take off to my own Airbnb to give Zoe some space. I found a quaint affordable one bedroom at the Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains. Just in time for the blizzard. ……Stay tuned. Adventure is not over yet.
We left the Inn at 6 am and started our last trek to Joshua Tree National Park where we booked our last Airbnb.
As we drove we listened to a podcast about the lead singer of the Flying Burritos, named Gram Parsons, who was born into a family of wealth and how his body ended up being burned in the desert in Joshua Tree. He was an inspiration that had influence and followed his passion for music. It was such an interesting story about this man who died way too young (26) of an overdose in the 1970s. His friends then stole his body and set it on fire, thinking it would fully burn. Only to be found later by some hikers. Apparently they didn’t want his step dad to come fetch his body and bury him in Louisiana, a place where he didn’t belong.
Friends. What they do for each other, especially when intoxicated 🙂
Crystal’s windows provided most of the days photos as we oohed and awed at the ever changing landscape.
What do you see in this? I see a sleeping person on their side with their elbow up. Maybe I was just tired 🙂
We stopped right outside of Phoenix, where Zoe met up with one of her best friend’s from high school who is studying film at the University there. This was the view from the parking garage. I stayed behind and literally napped for an hour in the passenger seat of the car while she caught up and enjoyed a brunch.
We made it! Welcome to California!
The taller cactus were fun and had personality. I also loved the yellow flowers along the desert terrain.
I kept breathing it in.
It just kept changing on us as we drove.
Gorgeous blue skies again. Such a difference from the Ohio cloudy winters.
Are you bored with my photos yet?
I can see why artists retreat here. The singer that died came to Joshua Tree to reset and get inspired. But also to do a lot of drugs apparently.
I felt so fortunate that Zoe made the decision for us to stay one more night in Bisbee. I can’t image if we would have hit this area in the pitch black of night and missed all of this. God is on our side this trip. Honestly it was such a wonderful drive.
Once we arrived we grabbed a mediocre pizza, claiming to be NY Style, just to fill our bellies. As we were there, I googled and found an outdoor desert art exhibit only 1/2 hour away.
We decided it was worth trying to see’ one thing in Joshua Tree, since we would not have any time for hiking before the sunset. It was called Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum. I want to Venmo him some $ just to show how much I appreciate artists that express themselves and offer it to all for free. It was such creative display.
Everything was made of junk. Bottle bottom mosaic walkways, tire signage, old tvs and toilets – you name it.
It was down a dirt road but offered free parking. We were one of two cars there.
I love the coloration and the idea of the toilets lined up without the doors.
The sun was beginning to set and it created the perfect lighting.
Zoe popping a squat by the toilet sculpture.
The desert has my heart.
Inside this structure reminded me of the Back to the Future mad scientist’s lab.
I have never seen a tree like this before.
We had such an amazing trip. Zoe’s adventurous spirit didn’t fall far from this tree. She lights up when she explores and notices the special touches in all man and nature creations.
Me sporting my new desert inspired coat purchased in Bisbee. Perfect in this backdrop.
Thank you Virlane. You know me too well. This part of the country is my favorite.
Zoe and I woke up pretty grumpy and sick from the frigid night sleep. With my sore throat, ever so annoying dry cough, and more ear aches I continued to be a mess. But pushing through with a clear head and energy to see the newness surrounding me. We decided breakfast may be a good place to start so we googled our way to the Bisbee Breakfast Club.
Walking up from our Airbnb to the level Crystal was at. Such beautiful landscape mixed with the snow.
We stopped at this parking lot to make sure we had the right directions. What a view.
On our way to the breakfast cafe, there was a pull off along the road, so I stopped to check it out. It ended up being a mining pit. Bisbee is known for its copper mining back in the day. All closed down in the 1950s.
The red rocks across the street.
I got up close to the chain-link fence to look down at this pit named Lavender Pit.
Little did we know that this cafe was in a small town named Lowell. And it was an amazingly kept historic town right beside the mines.
This was a very cute place that was already packed with locals and a few of us tourists.
You literally felt like you stepped back in time.
We walked up and down snapping photos, it was like a ghost town.
Also gave you the feeling you were part of a movie set, it was all so perfect and artistically kept.
Adorable to see, so much to look at. I was happy there wasn’t any defacing on it.
Mother daughter happiness.
Snapped this photo as we drove back into Bisbee.
We got out and walked for a bit, but it seemed everything was closed.
Love love love the Indians sticker – Ohioans yet again.
The bunny stamping on the sidewalk made us both happy.
This library is pretty well known. Established to bring education into the community. See below found history
Bisbee had such an art vibe and hippy feel to it. I didn’t research anything before coming. I later learned that after the mines closed in the 1950s the hippies from California came here buying up very cheap housing and establishing their community.
Historic JCPenny original.
This store is now a country hippie store that I absolutely loved. I could totally see myself settling down here.
A lot of dead end streets with artistic gates and steps. The housing is embedded up along these hills.
Well our next stop was another 8 hours away in the desert. We decided sadly to take off and hit the road. As we were driving away, Zoe remembered that there was an art alley that was on her list of things to see here. So I had her reroute us off the highway and back to Bisbee.
Our route back took us climbing up and over a mountain with some unbelievable views. I love how detours take you to places that you were meant to see.
There was nobody on this road, and we stopped to roll down the window to take a few photos.
Beautiful blue skies making an appearance.
I had to take this cute little purple cactus photo in the snow. He was begging for attention.
Postcard perfect view of the city that we would have otherwise missed. I asked Zoe to start looking up housing pricing for me to see if I could live here one day.
It appeared to be an more open minded small town.
We found parking at a lot right outside the brewery. This graffiti wall was right there.
This reminded me a bit of Austin which I remember seeing with my sisters during our visit to Texas many years ago.
You can see why I would love this place. All the ecclectic touches.
Then we found the art steps. Literal framed original art canvas displayed for all to appreciate.
Such a great walkway.
Well you know, the brewery was calling our name, so we decided to stop in for one quick beer before we took off.
We were enjoying ourselves so much. We started questioning if we should stay another night. I tried to cancel my next Airbnb but they could only refund me the cleaning fee.
I asked Zoe to make the decision. I was drained. I loved Bisbee. But it really would affect her move in date. I didn’t even mind losing the 150$ at this point. She decided that we first needed to check out the Inn, which was right above the brewery, to see if there was any availability.
We walked up the hill and as we were entering the women outside asked if we were staying there. We told them we were looking for a room. So she put out her cigarette and took us inside. She had two rooms left.
This was an old miner’s boarding house. So there was a bed and sink inside the rooms and right across the hall were toilets in their own room individually, and showers in their own rooms. It was interesting.
The Chinese lanterns outside set the mood of this place.
This was the view right outside my room looking down into the lounge area.
We loved it and Zoe offered to pay for our stay. How could I refuse? We each got our own room (we have been sharing one bedrooms previously to save some $)
We later found out this place was haunted. It had journals on the entryway table for guests to report their sightings. It was the best night sleep I have had in quite awhile! Ghosts were on my side.
Now with a full day in front of us and a place to put our heads tonight, we took off following some advise from Virlane. Our goal was to go to Tubac.
I was telling Zoe to try to capture this windmill. She did so perfectly.
We stopped in Tombstone for lunch. It is just like the Western movies you see.
Was cool how they closed off the main road so you could wander around the buildings which were shops and tourist traps.
These tied up horses were a great touch!
Inside the historic restaurant which has been part of many movie scenes.
Was interesting how their western was different than Texas’.
All the historic western icons from back in the day.
If I watched a western movie again, it definitely would be more interesting to see what landscapes looked familiar.
We learned that there is a tunnel from Tombstone to Bisbee where they used to transport prisoners. Fact check me on that.
We drove into Patagonia and started seeing such fun shops. But again, most were only opened on the weekends.
The one shop we did find open was run by a very cool, friendly couple from Vermont. I bought a tie dye wrap skirt that I can’t wait to wear. They moved down to Patagonia on a whim and have loved it ever since.
With the sun starting to go down, we decided to head back to Bisbee so we could crash and get an early start in the am.
Zoe snapped this amazing photo out the window. Or was it me? I honestly can’t remember. It was funny how whenever we were driving we would yell at the other to capture something we saw.
Zoe showed me this feature on your iphone that you can see where you took the photo. So cool. I’ll never remember how to do it on my own 🙂
Driving back, night had fallen, and we were able to capture the big B’ on top of the mountain.
This was the day I knew would push my limits. The drive was 12 hours and I was working from the car thanks to my new hotspot.
We woke up and were out the door by 6:30 am hoping to hit the Stockyards walk in Fort Worth which happened only once a day at 11:30am. We thought, rightfully, that it would make for an excellent break in our day.
Crystal’s front view. Two lane highway lined with trees.
I watched the sunrise over the lakes. That is one thing about driving, you can catch sunrises and sunset views wherever you are.
Another state off Zoe’s list that she hadn’t been to before.
I told her I knew we were in Dallas the minute I started seeing these complex overpasses and hit traffic. I was glad she was driving and I could just look down and keep working.
Always fun taking photos of all the different cities skylines. I still think Cincinnati’s is one of the best!
I seriously can’t get over their infrastructure. I mean who does urban planning like this?
Fort Worth water tower telling us we were near. Google maps took us a very precarious way to the stockyards, but we made it.
Another city view thanks to Crystal’s clean windshield.
Once we parked it was like we stepped back in time.
The brick road was already closed off and people were lining up. Our timing was perfect yet again.
It was like we were in an old western movie.
A little history.
I only heard of this place from one of my Korean students who came here to visit with her military boyfriend. The things I learn from Cambly! I do miss not teaching, but realize I cannot do it all and I had to give up that morning routine which has been my joy for so many years now.
Classic cowboy patrol.
The cowboys led the longhorns down the street to a pen where they ate. I couldn’t get over their horns. Honestly the way they had to hold their heads to balance.
Was a really great site.
Now I understand the Texas longhorn state symbol.
I grabbed this hat which Zoe packed and was conveniently located on top of the boxes. When I got out of the car and put it on I asked her if I looked ridiculous. She said maybe a little bit, and then grabbed the other one 🙂 I know my hat was not cowboy style, but I was trying.
History of the stockyards.
This little walkway was filled with touristy shops which Zoe loved.
She eventually put her hat on and enjoyed the fun!
We walked back to the pens to see the steer up close. Noticed they were all named. There was a viewing area, but I didn’t see the need.
This area also has a rodeo arena.
Even the sidewalk grillwork proudly sported Texan stars.
It was such a great place to walk around and stretch our legs for a much needed lunch break.
Capturing us both in the reflection.
We stumbled into a very high end western store that I literally had to pull Zoe out of. It was beautiful. Even I was tempted to buy some $800.00 boots! They have a bar for a reason. I am sure many people spend a ton in this unique place, which I am sure is even more fun when tipsy.
What a great bag!
Great little visit. Quick but very memorable.
We were halfway to our destination. Heading to Carlsbad, New Mexico.
The windmills were present in the western Texas flatlands.
And these bushes literally lined the highway in the now desert terrain.
Everywhere you looked was beauty even in the vast emptiness.
I kept art directing Zoe to snap photos out the window. This was literally the most beautiful sunset with its rays perfectly broken up.
And we made it!
A lot of oil out here and driving at night with the 75 MPH speed limit combined with semi trucks pulling on from the side roads as if they own the highways – nearly put my nerves on edge. I still wasn’t feeling better and the stress of driving at night in an unknown place wasn’t helping.
Once we arrived at our Airbnb, I ate some much needed local Mexican food, drank some cough syrup and crashed hoping for a good night sleep.
After Memphis, Zoe and I planned to hit the road and spend the day in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Never been to this state before and the TikToks said it was a great place to visit. I wanted to get in some hiking, it talked about a brewery in town- and that was enough for me to make a stop.
A lot of photos taken out of our car windshield attempting to capture the memories. We named our car Crystal.
Our first stop was the Garvan Woodland Gardens. There was a church I saw on Instagram once and wanted to check it out. It was located here.
This massive sculpture was in front. Reminded me a bit of my trip to Columbus, Indiana where they had interesting metal sculptures that you could walk through.
Remembering that looking up always offers the best views and new perspectives. I love how natural and open this felt.
My heart was in love with the manmade work with nature. Whoever designed this was showing how in synch we can be.
Zoe, checking it out from the other side. She seems naturally part of it as well.
Our timing getting to the church was perfect. They were about to close it off to visitors as a wedding was starting soon. Zoe and I were able to peak inside before the ceremony started.
Honestly. Breathtaking. A work of art.
I told George before I left that I was hoping to have God open my eyes again to the beauty around me on this trip. I’ve felt distanced. This was definitely taking me back to my roots and faith.
Architecture always amazes me. The thought put into each part for a structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing building or sculpture. Genius.
We walked along the path which took us to a cute little gazebo.
Then to this incredible outdoor amphitheater.
Can you find Zoe sitting out there. That should give you an idea of how grand this was.
I asked her to take the stage while I sat in the grassy seats.
The next day was our long day driving through Texas. I did a quick glance to see how far from the border we were.
Mural as we drove through the town trying to find our trailhead.
We climbed up to the top of this trail. Man I am out of shape!
Then we veered off to see the Goat Rock Viewpoint.
The trailhead from the campgrounds started with us crossing this beautiful clear stream. I swear the weather was perfect. So nice to get out of the cold for a bit.
Very few people on the trails. Was a quiet hike.
This trail immediately started with steps and a steep incline. I saw a young couple with the mom papoosing the baby and I thought, there is no way I could carry an extra 20 lbs with me. Then I realized I probably gained that much in the last year, so I already was 🙂
This was the peak of the Gulpha Gorge trail where they showed historically how long it’d been there. This town has a lot of history to it because of the natural springs.
Hiking through the woods, showing my daughter the free beauty in life.
We made it to the top and enjoyed the view.
Hot Springs National Park was one of the first established.
Loving the colors of the natural stones.
Tree chair perfect to rest. I think this hike was preparing me for all the steps and lifting I did later when I moved Zoe into her apartment. Does make me thankful that I am still capable.
We decided to check out the downtown and grab a beer.
This was an old bath house and is now the only brewery using hot spring natural water in their beer. It was so good!
We sat outside and it was hilarious. All the songs playing I loved. Zoe questioned if they stole my play list. Made me feel better than there are others that enjoy my musical taste.
We found out that many places are haunted. Unlike some locations that make this a “feature” here in Hot Springs they do not talk about it. They never admit to any of it and have even closed off entire floors to avoid the spirits.
The haunting started as early as the early 1900s because this city started “selling” the holistic healing of the hot springs and people with all sorts of uncurable illness came here to be cured. Well, they weren’t. My understanding is the bodies stacked up in the still -standing Veteran’s Hospital.
The main street is adorably preserved.
There are several still functioning bath houses.
This town’s bath houses were built around gambling which was huge here.
Still standing and above the springs.
We didn’t have time to peak our heads into any of them. It was getting late, we had done a lot already and needed to settle in and find a place to watch the Super Bowl.
Anyone that is a history buff would enjoy this city. There was plenty of tales to be told here.
Zoe and I filled up our water bottles at the station. I drank mine warm hoping it would cure my cough. I woke up thinking a miracle had happened, but it didn’t.
A little history on the streets. We saw a lot of people dressed in Kansas City jerseys and Zoe and I teasingly taunted them and said “Go Eagles”.
Cherry blossoms in February? Wow what a blue sky day will do for my soul.
Heritage also honored.
Zoe was telling me that there is a 513″ bar in Los Angeles that she can go and watch the Bengals game at. Then we stumbled across the Ohio Club. Guess we Ohioans are everywhere!
When did city murals take off? I know in Cincinnati it was not that long ago- maybe the past 10 years?
We walked back to the car and spotted a park where you could touch the hot springs.
It was hot. I really don’t know how people endure it.
To say leaving was emotional is an understatement. Packing the van in the dark of the morning was symbolic- stressful, anxiety filled, moody and optimistic all at the same time. I cried as I kissed Sedona goodbye, knowing she was going to be left behind by her twin who in the past few weeks has purposely filled every moment shared together.
As Zoe and I pulled out of the parking lot with the van jam packed with Zoe’s belongings we both had tears continually streaming down our faces. I was mad I didnt pack a box of kleenax as I scrambled through my purse and found my dad’s old hankerchief. The one I used to iron as a kid on the ironing board in front of the tv, feeling as if I was helping out mom. The one that had his name written on it probably from past military days. It has lived through many lifetimes and felt appropriate to be with me during this transition.
Zoe quickly pulled the blanket over her entire body and curled up in the passenger seat and plugged in her airpods to regroup and get some much needed sleep. I on the other hand, struggled to figure out the new rental van’s settings. The seat warmer is one thing, but a steering wheel warmer is completely another. Was tough driving and trying to safely get myself comfortable for our first trek towards Memphis.
I want to capture the terrain on the highways as I know they will change as we head west. The roads at 6am on a Saturday are quite clear.
The fog rolled in as we approached the mountains.
Zoe woke up about an hour outside of Nashville. I assigned her to find us a unique brunch stop.
She found Milk & Honey perfected situation across from a parking lot and right off the highway on the edge of Nashville. Only problem was the hour plus wait.
The outside bar area was first come first serve and since it was still chilly we were able to immediately grab a spot. I went back to the car to get my coat, blankets and hat and we enjoyed an amazing brunch.
Nashville was packed with groups, bell bottom wearing jeans, couples on an escape and many fashionable cowboy hats. I need to come back here for a weekend for sure.
We kept seeing people going up and down these stairs so after filling our bellies we took a hike up to see the view.
It connected us to the Gulch Crossing which was a walkway across the railroad tracks to what looked to be going into downtown.
There was an art museum nearby and according to google maps an art district. We walked up to admire a couple murals that lined the parking lot.
Check out the sky mimicking the mural below.
We had three more hours to go to Memphis. The museums there closed at 5pm so we hurried and drove straight to the Stax Museum which is the historical music studio for Soul music.
Guitars are throughout the city. Appropriate to have one along the walkway here.
When we went it, it was packed with families. We found out it was free admission complete with live music. We lucked out and felt like we were at the right place.
At the start of the museum, there were reminants of a historic church, which of course is the origins of most songs of hope.
I loved how this write up summed it perfectly. Speaks of the ties between Gospel, Soul and The Blues.
Ike and Tina Turner of course a huge part of this Memphis history and community.
Had to snap a photo of Zoe by the Soul Train sign since just last month she was helping out at their awards show.
I enjoyed reading about the differences between the Motown sound coming out of Detroit and the Stax music which as explained here, was less comfortable pushing their artists to be more expressive of the discomfort. Creating more of an edge.
I also enjoyed how they covered the integration and how when inside the studio, all the noise of the much needed protests was silenced.
We were able to see the original recording equipment with a window to the studio which was in an old movie theatre. Behind the glass windows was a very James Brown-ish singer with high motivational energy along with an amazing all black band who had just come from The Grammy’s. The were so good! I couldn’t stop moving and wondered how some of the audience was able to sit in their chairs.
So happy to have made it here.
Since we still had time left we googled mapped our way over to the Civil Rights Museum. The great part about not researching things, is the surprise with the discovery. I had no idea that this museum was built around the hotel where Martin Luther King Jr was shot and killed. The Lorraine Motel, kept as a memorial, frozen in time, to never be forgotten.
We arrived as the last allowed to enter. They cut off the time 1 1/2 hour before closing. Again, on the right path.
The original cars from the scene still sit out front.
Across the alley way is this mural.
Inside the museum, they did such a great job at capturing the history of segregation which beautifully left you filled with hope and admiration for all the black community has been through. All the fights, lawsuits, loss of life, endless suffering, and yet the beauty in their peaceful continuation to never lose sight of what’s right.
What was shocking to me was how this was during my lifetime. I now understand why my mother, who’s 1950s elementary school photo was mixed, hated the south and warned me against ever going there. I am so lucky to be raised by her open mindedness and compassion. I just need to shed her fears.
I talked with Zoe about how brave the parents must have been to place their child into the situation to be the first to attend a blended school. We don’t even think of it anymore. At least not in Cincinnati Public.
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They had amazing visuals which helped you to feel you were there.
I enjoyed reading how Malcolm X’s approach was so very different than MLK’s, believing the white community would never fully accept the minority and that instead of fighting for equal rights, the black community must come together and strengthen.
The Freedom Riders and that history is just amazing. Please watch the movie The Son of the South if you haven’t seen it yet. It is eye opening.
Set during the sixties civil rights movement, Son Of The South is based on the true story of Bob Zellner (Lucas Till), a Klansman’s grandson, who is forced to face the rampant racism of his own culture.
I snapped this photo for my bestie Traci. This is her grandfather.
I enjoyed seeing these photo collages of how the movement came out in huge gatherings to protest. Similar to how Women’s Rights and other strong movements continue to present their issues. Must show up in numbers.
Zoe listened in on the conversation of President Johnson and MLK, she said it was eye opening how he advised on how to bring awareness to the issue by making people care about what they witnessed.
We shall overcome!
Was a section of the museum showing how the arts helped to mend bridges between the races. I remember JayZ claiming he did more with his music for the civil right movement than Martin Luther King Jr. I remember at the time that sounding conceited and off putting to me, but as it sat with me for more time, I think he’s right.
The garbage strike in Memphis and the protests that followed is what put Memphis in the epicenter.
This sign and the way the museum captured it said it all.
The museum took you through the “kept in time” room where MLK last was with a look out from the balcony where he was shot from across the street.
The winding staircase took us to the exit where we then went across the street to learn about the shooter and the controversary that still remains about if they arrested the right man. I think its a very odd situation that agree does not quite line up.
Couldn’t agree more. This museum is a must see and truly moved Zoe and I.
After the two museums and capturing quite a bit about Memphis’ influence, we headed out for some dinner downtown.
The murals were fun. Art is a great way to capture the feeling of any city and I love that they are using alleyways as a canvas.
Zoe mentioned at how polite the homeless were here. She was warning me that I may be shocked once I get to LA.
An old telephone booth captured.
We walked through the infamous Peabody Hotel. It was classy.
Then the lady in the gift shop directed us to Beale Street which was fully lit and I am sure during any event’ night would be jumping!
Just as George and I saw in Charleston, there were historic signs throughout the downtown area, educating people on these landmarks.
A classic. Cash.
We also heard about him in Stax.
The architecture reminded me of New Orleans a bit. They did not destroy it. They preserved.
Zoe is such a good sport and poses anytime I ask without caring if I captured her in any way but as herself.
Local brewery which I tried at dinner. There is rarely a beer these days that I don’t enjoy.
I have been suffering from a dry endless cough. I like to blame Covid to all my latest viruses that I can’t seem to kick anymore, but I suppose it could just be age. It is tough to keep energy but we had to check out this Blues Band that had a harmonica player like no other taking the lead!
A good dive bar to end the night with one last drink. Sadly it was only about 8:30pm when I needed to head back for rest. They still have smoking allowed in bars here which was another contributing factor. We did a lot.
As we walked back to the parking garage, there were rats freely squealing as they ran across the alleyways. I felt that sort- of represented this city. It was real. Not overridden by businesses coming in to renovate, but authentic still in many ways. Gritty. I also really loved the diversity seen and welcomed in every place we were. A great first stop on our road trip to a new start for ZoZo.
George and I decided to hit a brewery and then ended up at three. How does that happen? So fun. We both very much needed an easy day with each other’s company and it was great checking out some new locations. The way things are growing in both our cities, I don’t believe there will ever be a lull in trying out new places.
I love when their beer menu is hand written with personality! And the names were so fun. My favorite was Mr. American.
Very impressive with all the windows, which in the summertime will open up. This was an old Kroger that they renovated. You would never know.
The outside had turf and a great neighborhood feel to it.
Inside brought the outside feel in. I loved being surrounded by all the greenery. Just wish it was real instead of plastic.
I immediately feel in love with the bunnies!
All lined up waiting for some kids to pull them over to their tables.
Of course I pulled one over to sit with me! I miss my pets.
We decided to try every beer. The biggest flight we’d ever had. It was fun. They also had an amazing whipped feta and hummus which helped fill our bellies. But it looked like they were known for their pizzas based on what the crowd was eating.
Right outside the restrooms were their tanks on full view.
It was late afternoon and after hiking for 1.5 hours I was wanting food! On the drive to the park, we passed the historic part of Burlington, Kentucky. Kevin googled and found this historic restaurant which was in a building dating back to 1822. No I didn’t google to confirm, just going off my memory of what Kevin told me.
Love the brick sidewalk out front.
Truly looks like you are going into a colonial home.
When you enter is is truly cozy.
We decided to sit at the bar high top since the dining areas looked occupied by larger groups.
Definitely sporting some boubon displays throughout as proud Kentuckians do.
Memorabilia merch.
Dining upstairs with antique decor, feels like you fell back in time.
Downstairs equally as formal. Was great food and service. Recommend if you are looking for a new experience.
It occurred to me after walking with Kassie, (via FaceTime) a lifelong friend who I’ve shared many great adventures tromping in Manhattan with prior to my quitting SKL, (oh the stories we could tell) that those that follow me on this blog feel a part of my life. Feel like they know what’s going on and how life is treating me based on my stories.
The truth is that we all use social media the same. To share the positives (hopefully) and to provide optimism in the moments we grab in life that make us happy. I scroll to seek those shared glimpses but I am sure behind every family vacation shot of smiles there are stories of teenage angst and spousal quarrels. My trip to Knoxville last year for Mother’s Day for example, as much as I saw and captured visual joys with my daughters, was a weekend of silent treatments, negative energy and wishing I could just be alone.
My answer many times to discomfort is to escape. To seek joy elsewhere to avoid the work and pain that comes with hard communication and compromise. Maybe I feel I already spent my years silently absorbing the pain and now I don’t want to tolerate it anymore. Its been a tough road for me to adjust back to reality of relationships and family drama. I’d much rather be the light I know I can be and shine through my adventures alone. Afterall its easier alone, the decisions are yours, the wrong turns are yours to own and you really don’t need to communicate. (which has always been my issue)
Today I heard a reel that said “What keeps us from suffering is the constant seeking of pleasure. That we as humans are never content and always attempting to alleviate our suffering.” (ie: addiction issues) Instead we need to “crave peace over pleasure and find joy in the challenge.”
I definitely seek pleasure through my hikes. I am forever curious of nature’s wonders and its true that if I don’t get my fill of it, I’m a little lost. A temporary high I like to share and blog to remember. But I also appreciate the challenges that push me to think differently and bend my temperament. And this is why I walk in life with friends and continue to grow in my love with George.
I found out my friend Kevin was free Saturday so I asked if he’d want to go on a hike with me. He questioned what the weather was going to be like, and honestly, that wasn’t even a consideration to me as I’ll hike in anything! We completely lucked out and it was an amazing blue sky day with sunshine and temps in the 50s. Yep, in January.
I found this trail that I never did before and it was rated decently so we drove down to Burlington.
When we arrived it was a little tough finding the trail head but we found the map and of course AllTrails is also helpful and kept us from going too far in the wrong direction.
This little guy was enjoying the sun on the pavement, but we moved him off to avoid his sudden death.
The shadows were fun as the sun beamed into the woods.
First impression was all the same trees and coloration. I was happy it was at least not a paved trail.
This tree stopped me as I wondered its history of life. It seemed to have endured plenty and taken on many personalities with its wounds. I saw a deer face in this view.
On the other side looked like a monster throwing up. I often think creatives who write stories and invent sci fi monsters must seek inspiration from trees.
Snapped a photo through the hole of this burl.
Later figured out that this is a mountain bike trail.
You could see the tracks from past bikers but none were on the trails today.
Cute mushroom scallops were found everywhere.
Admiring the dimensions on the surface and the monotone coloration of this season’s landscape.
And the wonderland feel to this collage.
We finally wove our way down the zigzag trails to the creek’s edge. The water was so clear.
A typical winter view with the bare trees, dead leaf ground coverage and mossy banks.
Across the way was a single bench and I pictured an older me sitting for a break.
The blue skies are a great contrast.
Still some snow leftover from the previous storm.
When we made it to the bridge to cross over we still had 2 miles to go.
Beaming sunrays kept shining through as the trees protected us from the wind.
A selfie to capture our time together, sporting my new hat my sister gave me from the Grand Rapids Meijer Gardens.
I kept stopping to admire the views along the walk. Peaceful. Quiet. Still.
Kevin was attempting to show off his strength holding this bad boy up as it was leaning toward the water.
Something about this photo looked like an animal leaning into the creek for a drink and a huge spider monster coming over to get him.
Several times we saw the planes as they were landing at the airport nearby. Captured this Southwest flight looking up.
As we were walking I spotted this dying moth showing off his beautiful colors as he was barely flapping his wings. I always wondered what happened to the beautiful butterflies that die in ways other than splattering on your windshield. I mean does some animal eat them? You never see them lying about.
Added terrain for the bikes, but super helpful for hikers too when the trail got too muddy.
Kevin and I got caught up on our latest adventures. He is never still for long and its always fun to hear what he experienced.
Think it took us about 1.5 hours and the shadows were leaning a new way once we headed out.
We spotted a family of 8 grown female deer that stopped and starred at us with their ears perked. Its amazing how they blend instantly to the background.
Leaving, the light was shimmering on the creek. A perfect walk on a perfect day.
Brewery hopping is my joy. Love that I have a man to do it with that is in the business and also loves to check out new small brewery venues. Its getting tougher to find ones in our cities that we haven’t tried yet. Listermann Brewery is one neither of us have been to, so while killing time New Year’s Eve early evening, we decided to take a peak.
Pulling up it was super close to Xavier campus.
We only had one hour before they closed. Inside they had Tickle Pickle as their food venue. Always love when there’s food with beer. One thing about Rhinegeist I just don’t understand.
They had mead on tap which made George happy. It was actually quite good. One of the better meads I’ve tried.
Looks like a lot of recognition from the time they’ve been open. Love that they continue to stay local.
German heritage bold and proud in Cincinnati.
Our tasters. I got a Calista Flockhart or something that reminded me of a show from the past. I love the names of different beers when they are clever. Just makes it all more fun to try.
Tonya Takes Thailand 