Forecastle 2022- Louisville, Kentucky

Not all my adventures are in the woods. Memorial Day weekend my kids came down to Louisville and we all went to the Forecastle Music Festival. I went for one day, while they attended three days in a row—oh to be young.

Haven’t been to a music festival since 2018 Bunbury. It was a gorgeous day out weather wise and it felt amazing to be out in the sun again with the good vibes of music and the energy of the people that follow it.

On our walk from where we parked I noticed the beautiful curvature of the bridges and walkway along the Riverfront.

The wildflowers bloomed adding color and dimension to the otherwise concrete landscape.

This was the line up the day I went, not knowing a single artist by name. I saw Beabadoobee, Quinn XC11, Phoebe Bridgers, Tai Verdes, 6lack and Tame Impala. Some songs were familiar and it was great being introduced to new up and coming artists.

At the entrance was a swat team and bomb squad. Sadly it made me feel a little more secure after the recent mass shootings. At one point during the festival, young teens were running at full speed and it caused a shock through my heart thinking something was going down. To be in any sort of crowd anymore puts me a little on edge.

The cloud coverage parted and it soon became full sun without the humidity for all to enjoy! Could not have asked for better weather. The day before it stormed and the girls got soaked. So glad I was not there to endure that.

This young artist was adorable and I wish I could have heard her voice more clearly.

You may have heard this song of hers on Spotify. If not, look it up.

Yep, I have bling in my hair and some crazy eyeliner going on to set my mojo.

The crowd here was gentle. Everyone was chill and nobody was super wasted or out of control. A lot of folks were wearing backpacks with “supposedly water to keep them hydrated. A lot of the crowd was drinking a can called “Liquid Death” which is just a really cool marketing for sparkling water. I was even tempted to buy it. The outfits ranged from crazy to perfectly normal. Everyone fit in.

Night fell and the stages lit up. The very last band had a super cool light show that pulled you into the beat. EDM music. (electronic dance music) Was fun but we left early to beat the crowd out.

Cox Arboretum- Dayton, Ohio

Debbie and I put this date on our calendars a couple months back. We weren’t sure where we were going but wanted an excuse to get away. It was the weekend before her birthday, so the timing was perfect to celebrate.

We met up at the Cox Arboretum. I saw someone post about it on FB and I had never heard of it before. It’s right off the highway and distance wise right in the middle of where Debbie and I live.

I took a photo of the map but it didn’t help us from getting lost in the trails.

A nice time to visit with the flowers now in bloom. There were so many families getting professional photos taken. Made me regret never having professional shots done when the kids were younger.

A couple stopped along the sidewalk and watched as I cuddled the flowers of this beautiful bush. They asked me if I knew what it was. I did not. But I encouraged them to touch it too and they did. It was feathery soft and so delicate.

I sat on this rock waiting for Debbie, watching the coy and turtles swim.

This mallard acted like he was a professional at getting his photo taken. Had no fear whatsoever. Notice the cute turtles sunning on the rock behind him. This arboretum was such a great little place.

Loved how the trees in the background spiked against the fluffy pink petals.

Man made landscaping, perfectly manicured.

I spotted this treehouse and convinced Debbie to go up even though I know she hates steps. But it was not too bad of a climb.

It was fun to get to the top and check out the view.

We talked about jumping and whether we would survive or not. It reminded me of our cliff jumping Christmas Day in Phuket with my girls.

Led us to a bird watching area. But there honestly weren’t many birds. Just a marshland to look out on, but it was a shaded place to sit for a bit.

I think the outside trail was about 1.5 miles around.

Never forgetting to look up. Always reminding myself to pause.

Debbie walks at a good pace that I can keep up with. We both get a little exercise but never are exhausted. Great to catch up on life while also appreciating nature.

Check out how that branch curves as if framing the bench.

Sugarcreek MetroPark- Dayton, Ohio

Wanting to explore more Debbie and I, being the overachievers that we are, decided to find a another true trail to conquer before checking into our Airbnb in Southpark. We headed 20 minutes east to Sugarcreek.

Dayton really does a good job at marking their trails.

We decided to take the outer loop, but actually ended off trail and through some pretty muddy areas. I was glad I swapped out my tevas for my hiking boots.

I love that the green is back in season and shading the pathways.

Saw this hallow tree and Debbie encouraged me to climb inside.

I was thinking I could probably sleep in there. But then spotted the ants and decided conceptually against it.

Me taking a photo of Debbie taking a photo of me.

There was sidewalk chalk left on a bench so we decided to add to the graffiti.

Debbie gave this wood piece a personality.

I had no idea what the three sisters were, but of course was going to find out.

I made Debbie go pose so you could get a sense of perspective.

They were magnificent. I guess these are the sisters. Except we didn’t see the third.

We crossed over the creek and this is where things went astray for a bit.

Cute couple walking hand in hand. She was wearing a skirt and didn’t seem hiking ready which made me wonder if this was planned or a first date continued.

Such a tangled mess we were about to walk under.

I was appreciating these baby wildflowers.

Was truly picturesque. I have been working three jobs and I very much needed to breathe in the woods again. Helps my soul so much. Makes it all worthwhile. A true day of rest.

I blasted out this photo so you could see the curves in the trunk. It was naturally carved into life. I felt like she was reaching for me.

We came across this stone staircase and I encouraged Debbie to walk down with me.

River roots always make me better understand life and strength.

Some kids came down and took off their shoes and played a bit while Debbie and I sat across the way on a stone watching them.

The trail out. My hips were hurting and we were both a humid sweaty mess. I gave myself mental strength by planning to look up the closest brewery and head there for a much needed cool break while we waited for the Airbnb code.

There was a huge storm coming and we barely made it to a bar before it poured!

We ended up sitting at Toxic Brew in the Oregon district and enjoyed a couple cold ones while sitting outside watching and listening to the storm.
We were tennis partners,
Synchronized swimmers,
Friends since childhood.
Friends for Life.

University of Tennessee Gardens- Knoxsville

Sunday before heading out of town, we hit one last recommended place. Thing about travelling with my twins, they grab attention everywhere they go. People want to talk to them and its interesting to see how they easily engage in conversations with strangers.

It was great having them note all the places to go from local’s mouths, tossing all the research and bookmarked places aside. I have taught them well. I never would have heard or even thought about checking out the University’s Gardens, but it ended up being the perfect Mother’s Day destination.

This mascot was everywhere when we were riding the trolley through campus and here he was at the gardens as well.

Located right along the curve of the river. Don’t you wonder how Google maps knows a location is busier than usual?

Cute colorful sculpture at the entrance. They also had a creative kids area which I avoided.

Literally stopped to admire the unique scent and shape of these bushes.

Look at the varying colors of this beauty!

I never realized before how the different colors smell, but it makes sense.

I enjoyed seeing them in their natural environment.

Zozo up ahead. I admire how she is at ease in front of every photo never worrying about how she is captured. She is uniquely herself always. Such a light.

This garden seemed to be run by volunteers.

Each maintained a certain designated area. We knew who the slackers were.

I wished she would have been in bloom somehow.

Greenhouse in the background assuming was part of the education at UT.

There was a cactus section that reminded me of my trip out West in May last year.

This became a natural part of the landscape as an antique sculpture.

Honey bee and designated pollinator wildflowers.

Was thinking of my mom who loved purple.

We all meandered separately and occasionally I would see Zoe and holler at her to pose.

My favorite part was this hidden meditation garden. I started at the entrance and walked my way through the maze which instinctively reminded me that our roads turn and we do not know where they lead but must trust and enjoy the twists and turns. It was a perfect reset for me.

Knoxsville- Tennessee

After receiving a sweet hand written card for my birthday from one of my twins saying she missed our road trips and adventures, I decided to book a weekend trip to Knoxsville for Mother’s Day Weekend.

The drive down was met by torrential downpours, followed by closed highways due to unfortunate car accidents. We were delayed 48 minutes but I mapped my way over the most curvaceous mountain road following another brave SUV. Not a great start to the trip.

We arrived hangry and exhausted but made the best out of our Friday night!

Our Airbnb was in the perfect spot walkable to the Old City and the new breweries on the other side of the highway.

We started at The Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus. I knew the girls liked cider and theirs is the best. We had several glasses, along with the best pretzel and cider cheese dip imaginable.

There were two live belly dancers boldly moving about the audience. By the end, of course, with their encouragement, I was trying my best to match their moves.

While walking back we stopped at another brewery named Crafty Bastard. It was a mixed crowd. Zoe opted for a Pickle Beer.

Cute little brewery with a local guy singing. I liked that they offered non alcoholic options. Not that I partook in any.

We sat outside until the rain came. Then we headed indoors where we got the best tips from an Alaskan native now living in Knoxsville.

She told us about a donut shop down the way, so we detoured to buy whatever was leftover from the day. We discovered the owner went to OSU. I said O-H…….he replied appropriately. Between the 3 of us we ate a dozen donuts.

With our box of donuts we took a fork in the road to another brewery that had the coolest lights. But by this time I was a tad intoxicated and my photo taking abilities vanished.

Yep, having a great time! Mother and daughter for sure.

The next morning we headed out for some coffee and brunch at one of the recommended places. We walked across the tracks to the Old City where I admired the architecture.

We were out early but there was already a 45 minute wait at the brunch spot.

Looked like a lot of outdoor bar venues.

We got a bottle of champagne with a side of freshly squeezed OJ to start and let me say this place was well worth the wait.

We later hit a little boutique that just opened the day before. It was amazing and I loved the woman who owned it.

We walked to a graffiti art alley and of course Dolly was represented!

We admired the art as we walked seeing where a lot of the homeless found their nooks at night. Perfect alcoves where Sedona hid to take our photo.

Can appreciate that my kids love to explore and they appreciate art like I do.

Zoe captured this and I never even saw it.

We headed to a roof top bar but it started raining again, so we opted to head to their Art Museum to take a look.

Some super cool glass art along the ceilings above what was soon to be a wedding venue.

The museum featured a women’s art exhibit.

This was my favorite piece but the museum was disappointedly small.

This monument was put up 40 years ago for the first World’s Fair. I remember going as a kid and thinking it was huge. I asked my sisters if they remembered it. Tiffani did not, but Trisha remembered losing Kelly Souply and thinking she would never be found again. I remembered the Heinz ketchup bottle robot and the Chinese display.
Funny how our minds work and what they recall.

There are three free trolley lines in Knoxsville, so I convinced my daughters to jump on one which took us on a tour of campus. The University of Tennessee is HUGE- I had no idea.

Later, exhausted from walking, we went to a recommended pizza place which opened at 5 pm and was literally packed solid at 5:15. It was no joke the best pizza I have ever eaten. And no, I was not totally influenced by the bottle of wine we split on the side. You must try this place if you ever come to Knoxsville!

My beautiful twins. What amazing adults they have become.

The restaurant’s ceilings had sound proofing pads which totally helped the acoustics. Was nice to be in a crowded place but still hear each other speak.

The donut shop lady (yes we went there two nights in a row) recommended this German eatery.

We were able to watch the Kentucky Derby here where Sedona picked the winner! Odds were 80-1. Too bad George only be 2$ on it.

I found this crowd release sign humorous. Basically saying if you were there, your photo could be taken at any time and just get over it.

Well this angel could not endure two nights in a row. I was in bed by 8 literally Saturday night, but did the best I could to take this city in.

Just appreciating my mom.

Remembering how she always taught us to be independent, never relying on anyone.

Always fully supporting my adventures, she bought me my first suitcase on wheels (which back then only flight attendants had) and a cosmetic carrier which I still use 35 years later.

She visited me at every city I ever lived in and always wanted to meet my friends.

Never a sad or bad time with her, she was filled with fun and laughs along the way.

She lost her voice too soon.

Miss her and who she used to be.

Looking forward to seeing her again one day.

To all the mother’s who feel unappreciated, please know you are doing your best and that is absolutely all we have. We can try to show our kids the way, but ultimately it is up to them where to take what we have so lovingly given.

Twin Falls- Rock Island State Park, Tennessee

On our way to Chattanooga, we decided to take a detour to the Rock Island State Park which is south of Cooksville, Tennessee. We randomly pulled it up when researching hikes and thought it may be a nice stop along the way to break up the drive.

We stopped at the information center because George is obsessed with brochures and hey, ya never know who might have new ones 🙂 Picked up this free map from a gal that had zero personality and certainly was not in love with her job.

We drove back the way we came in and crossed over several bridges until we finally met a dead end where the trail head appeared. Surprisingly there was only a couple cars in the lot.

Immediately upon exiting the car you could hear the roar of the falls and I was super anxious to get to them.

I was so excited. I had to figure out a way to get closer.

My model captured naturally. Seriously an amazing site of my love and nature 🙂

Further downstream there were more cascading falls.

I looked up ahead and if I could figure out a way to cross this part of the river to that island, I could certainly scale the rocks to the opposite side to take a closer look.

I made it across after much hesitation, strategic planning of my steps and completely soaking my boots. Well worth this up close experience where I found two other girls meditatively taking it in.

I honestly felt a little guilty leaving George behind. He had a swollen ankle and was timidly walking as it was. I went to the far corner and snapped this shot of him.

I’d love to go back here again and sit for hours. Can you see me in this photo? Shows you how close I got. George took it from where he stood. Imagine the sound, it was deafening.

Oddly, for the first time, I felt like being alone was not enough. I really wanted George with me to experience it. I am a solo traveler at heart and always embrace being silent in nature. But today, I felt a tug to get back to sort of celebrate this site.

I think I’ve had this look since childhood.

As we drove away, we had to stop at this adorable, teenage run, ice-cream trolley.

I opted for coffee flavor, in hopes of staying awake for the remainder of the car ride.

The Incline- Chattanooga, Tennessee

Felt appropriate to do one touristy thing while visiting Chattanooga. I wanted to ride the incline which dates back to the late 1800s. It’s a mile long incline up a 72.7% steep grade to the top of Lookout Mountain. Its the steepest passenger railway in the world.

It was pretty tricky to get on and walk down to the front seats. We wanted the view from the windows going up. Most passengers took the first seats they found probably to avoid the climb or odd descent.

They close it during May for maintenance, so we were lucky to catch it at the end of April and before the summer crowds.

Was pretty wild being pulled up backwards with us facing the tracks left behind.

We decided to walk around the neighborhood at the top for a bit and passed this tree which was making a statement outside one of the historic homes.

Imagine living on the top of the mountain with a view out the back. This little neighborhood was so well kept and preserved, but I would hate the attention from all the tourists mingling about. Most homes were gated in.

At the end of the block was this fortress built of course for the Civil War times.

It cost 20$ per person to get into this Point Park but it was worth it just to see the landscape, history and views.

Many of the historic cannons left behind.

Was great seeing how windy the river was from this height.

Then there were trails to Sunset Rock and other points of interest off this park. We walked down a few but decided not to do the steep mile long hikes, assuming the views were all the same in the end and there was so much more to take in on this short weekend trip.

I walked to the edge of this one to admire that feeling. Wondering what it must have been like to have this as a lookout point.

George was trying to get me to turnaround, so I snapped this selfie capturing him trying to capture me.

This rock mound was gated off to protect it possibly from any climbers.

Looking down at those that dared to venture on the trails further.

The way the trees survive among the rocks. So cool. Will never cease to amaze me.

Peaceful Perch- Wildwood, Georgia

George selected the Airbnb, not telling me where we would be staying in advance to our trip down to Tennessee. I was seriously nervous that we may be driving around and finding a chain hotel to stay at, and let’s face it, since he way paying, I would be okay with it. But he did one better!

He booked us a retreat, a modern one to suite my style, in the middle of nature which was perfect. The owner’s named it the ‘Peaceful Perch and that it was. In the middle of nowhere, on an organic farm, surrounded by nature but still just a ten minute drive to the sites and city. 💚

Driving down narrow country roads to get there, we passed a neighbor’s horse farm along the way.

The organic farm was attended to by a perfectly not-so -friendly older gentleman that I assume was appeasing his wife with the Airbnb.

We saw the wife once as we drove off while admiring this garden that she fully attended to on the property.

Had to admire this tree out front. Grand and gorgeous.

Such a well maintained entry into their guest house full of charm.

These three birds came up from the pond every eve at dusk like clockwork. I loved how they are all a different breed but acted like a modern blended family.

The view out the front window was of Lookout Mountain.

Needless to say we loved it here and wish we could’ve stayed longer.

View out the back where we sat each night enjoying our cocktails and catching up like a couple of old folks.

Sculpture in Chattanooga,Tennessee

George and I decided to celebrate our April birthdays and our one year together in Chattanooga. No real reason except it is an up and coming city that I had never visited before and it’s drivable. Even with today’s gas pricing.

One place on my list to visit was the Sculpture Fields of Montague Park. Pulling up was an eye opener with two police cars parked out front, unkept lawns and a couple of disheveled looking folks walking about. But we decided to adventure through anyways to see the art.

Its sad that the city didn’t maintain it better, but its location is surrounded by warehouses in hopes of transition. Only time will tell.

I of course took the lead and started with an upclose view of this specimen. Oddly natural looking even though it was made of tiles of metal.

Not to mention George’s humor adding to the mix mimicking this pointy piece.

Just not sure what some were or what they represented.

Was wondering if anyone climbed to the top of this ever for that perfect moment.

This is the field at a distant view. A great concept.

As I was trying to figure out this piece….

I decided it was an entryway to the unknown. A porthole of sorts. So I ventured through.

The cool thing about Chattanooga is that wherever we were, art was present. I really enjoyed walking the streets and stumbling across all the variety of sculpture.

Great representation of the beloved American past time.

I sat on a bench directly across from this grandfather and took his picture.

Another smaller sculpture at a better maintained park.

At every turn there was something reframing your view.

Admired the man on the right seated with this river view.

They had an amazing architectural addition to their museum with a perfectly winding route up from the Tennessee River.

This was interesting to me. Representing life, as it moves in circles, with its variety of personalities and activities. Clever.

Cincinnati Nature Center- Far Ridge Trail, Rowe Woods

I opened a link that someone posted on FB about the top ten hikes in Ohio and discovered the Cincinnati Nature Center which is only 30 minutes from me. So happy!

It was a gorgeous weekend, hotter than usual and I had plans with my neighbor Nancy to spend the afternoon outdoors. Nancy is usually my urban hiking partner who always leaves me in the dust going up and down the Cincinnati “hills.

It was Earth Day, what a perfect time to discover a new trail.

There are several trails to pick from and this one appeared to be in the “green space.

Beautiful garden walkways. They also had a lot of vendors selling natural hand made products which made me regret leaving my wallet in the car.

Cute metal sculpture with names of donors.

The trails were not well marked and I did my best with the AllTrails app to get ourselves started in the right direction. In the end a nice employee guided us to the limestone steps that eventually took us down.

Once we got to the herb garden, we took a sharp right and followed the path.

Lush greenery lined the trails. It costs $10 per person to get in. Seemed steep to me at first, but well worth it. I can’t imagine how much it costs to maintain this area.

There were a lot of steps. And between my lovely hot flashes and the sun, I soon lost my tee and hiked mostly in my tank.

We travelled up and down getting a very good workout.

Eventually there was a stream which we had to cross several times. I literally was so hot I walked in the water, cooling off with my easy dry sneakers. Nancy continued to rock hop to stay dry.

Many of the wildflowers were in bloom. Was really pretty. I should have stopped more to admire them.

Unsuccessfully attempting to capture the colors of the blue flowers and purple on the trees.

What do you see? Janet Jackson possibly? I loved how the flowers were sprouting off the tumors” of the tree.

Sending Nancy ahead to leap frog across.

We were pretty much on our own for this loop. Maybe one other couple took this route.

There was one area at the end where they had posts to hang hammocks to save the trees but promote the trend. We saw one person reading a book and enjoying the peace. I need to take advantage of my backyard hammock, this was a perfect reminder.

Heading down to the backside of the trail. Not for the elderly.

This dog knew just how to cool off and laid flat in the stream.

We decided to take a longer route back and discovered a small lake, gazebo and wooden walkway. We sat there for a bit and others took our cue and did the same. Nancy soaked her feet in the water and we watched the Canadian geese go by.