I attended a non profit fundraiser this weekend to help support the educational center for the La Grange Railroad Museum. As soon as I arrived, I was engaged in a conversation with Jimmy, who was an elderly gentleman wearing a conductor uniform and a bolo which reminded me of my Papa Snyder. This man was a kind soul, telling me his time on earth was limited and he wanted to tell his stories to anyone that would listen. So I listened. He gives tours at the Railroad Museum the first Saturday of every month and the other volunteer beside him noted that Jimmy struggles sometimes to understand that some people are in a hurry, but I assured him I was not.
Please donate to this non profit as they continue to be a landmark in La Grange and provide such historical and educational lessons for kids and adults alike.
On the brick wall out the back of the venue where the event was held, this mural perfectly wrapped up what I had felt in the couple hours I spent with this team. Kindness Capital of Kentucky.
This volunteer spoke about how he volunteers to keep the railroad up for his grandson and got teary eyed while expressing the generations to come that would/could benefit from this small town educational center.
As he was speaking, the railroad started roaring down the main street which I had never seen before.
I ran out to be a tourist and witness it from the sidewalk. Reminded me a bit of Bangkok marketplace I went to with Rebecca, where the train also comes so close to the shops.
Admired the railcar graffiti.
The train was empty, so I questioned one of the volunteers who explained that it was most likely headed to the Ford plant to pick up some trucks.
Do graffiti artists know where trains set at night?
My great grandfather on my mother’s side worked on the railroads and I recall reading a newpaper article found in our giant keepsake family Bible about him dying in a train accident the day of his retirement. Ironic.
Stopping to admire what we don’t see every day and being curious about so much we don’t know fuels me.
On my schedule for about a month in advance was another hike to check in with my friend Sarah. I appreciate people that make time, set dates and stick to them. But more importantly, I can appreciate friends that don’t judge, accept all walks of life, embrace change and growth, listen and appreciate nature. That’s Sarah!
We needed a hike close by that wouldn’t eat up our entire Sunday.
This one right across the river in Fort Thomas was perfect and I haven’t been there before.
As soon as we started, I noticed this cardinal brightly colored, carved out of a stump.
I googled and found an entire article written in their local press about this trail and the artist Chris Rust. https://www.crcarving.com/the-artist – I’m contacting him to see if he would be willing to do a carving in my back yard as a memorial to our beloved Cookie who we had to put to sleep this February.
The trails were muddy in parts. We literally slid down a hill and saved ourselves by cutting through an off trail area. But you could see a lot of gravel dumped on the sides, so they definitely maintain and look to be ready to freshen up the trails for spring/summer.
There was a lot of running water areas throughout this loop.
Another carving, a beautifully colored owl.
Along the mile hike were bright blue park benches which contrasted with the dull, dried, tan landscape, but I imagine in the summer will blend in with the cool green background.
The wise soul was my favorite.
Another babbling creek.
Then we discovered this cool fort along the banks. Reminded me of my childhood forts and made me wonder if any adults discovered them like we are now.
We spotted three green aliens up ahead.
One was cowering on the stump looking up at others.
I asked Sarah to pose by the peace sign guy.
Loved the creativity. Even put some alien scribe along the fallen log.
On her way back down to the path, Sarah noticed the alien was not holding a rock, but rather was intently looking at a sculpted rabbit who was posed looking equally interested in him.
As we continued wandering, we noticed this path with a humorous no trespassing sign. Noting that “violators will be shot and survivors will be shot again” 🙂
Looking up at where the path led to, besides to these clever tongued gun -toating Kentuckians, it looked like a tiny house or possibly a self sustaining area.
Bridges were accessible at many points where crossing the creeks would of otherwise posed an issue for the less avid hiker.
I stopped to admire the lush greenery that was now covering an area in between the two creeks.
Crossing over again.
Loved seeing the purple flower heads peeking out from winter’s wrath.
I posed by the last gnome, happy to catch a glimpse at all these clever carvings which added such fun discovery to this trail.
I literally had the most life changing spiritual awakening yesterday while watching the sunset out the second floor window at George’s home. I debated whether to write about it, because even during my mesmerized state, the sun told me that words would never be able to describe what I was feeling, as if laughing at me for trying to capture a moment that needed to be experienced.
Every night last week, while sipping our cocktails watching a series, I caught the sunset view over my shoulder from his open sunroom. I would get up from my swivel chair to walk over and watch the colors settling behind the open view. Little did I know the sun had been “calling me”.
This is the view from his sunroom consistently.
I always take the time to admire it nightly, and mention how happy I am to be in a place where I could catch this view. But what happened yesterday completely caught me off guard.
I walked up to the spare bedroom where my office is set up during the week to grab my journal and a pen since George was working late. I thought I’d get some of the chatter out of my head and onto paper. Instead, while clutching my journal and pen I was frozen in my tracks starring out the window at the sunset.
As if out of body, my physical form started swaying and my head started bobbing front to back as if in a trance of some kind. I watched myself from the inside in observation of my strange physical movements which felt contradictorily completely natural to me. My breathing started getting seriously deep, forceful and outwardly loud as if in chant. Let me tell you guys, I have NEVER moved or breathed like this before. But it felt oddly familiar as if pulling from a past life. While physically allowing my body to move, I still had control of my thoughts as I observed my own behavior and feelings.
I understood clearly now why historically people worshipped the sun. It made such complete, clear sense to me that The Source could speak through it. It wasn’t like how I was taught before, that the sun was worshipped because it provided warmth, light and helped grow crops -yada yada. It’s not that. It was more.
The gravitational pull of the sun literally brought me to tears.
Tears were silently streaming down my face as I was still frozen in wonder and bewilderment. I even coherently thought, if George comes home and sees me crying he will definitely think something is wrong, but how could I explain this overwhelming joy that was causing a pure sense of peace to happen inside me. I couldn’t.
I was speechlessly communicating to nature and it was providing responses telepathically back.
I am struggling to even write this, because it was more real that anything I have witnessed but yet it sounds absolutely insane when describing.
I have never, ever, felt such clarity. Such extreme, almost orgasmic out of body experience as this. I closed my eyes and the sun showed me a light of white that was surrounded by red fiery warmth that radiated and I saw who I truly was. When I opened my eyes and silently questioned the sun, if I was the center, it clearly spoke back saying that I and it was and everyone is. Like one of those crazy poems that go in circles, the ying and yang ….but at this time was so crystal clear to me. It was true. I knew that this was true and for the first time it made sense. Reminded me of the Bible “I am the alpha and the omega.”
I was completely stuck connected to the sun’s energy embracing pure satisfaction and was thrilled to be witnessing this ability to speak to the energy of the sun who had all the answers. It revealed that I was gone for so long and it was time to return. It also told me I was in the right place.
The colors heightened to shades of blue. orange and lavender like I have never seen. The colors felt brilliant to the point of unreal. It’s impossible to explain. As I starred admiring the sky, three large black birds gracefully came out of nowhere and formed the most perfect contrast and silhouette. I literally laughed out loud and said “you have to be kidding.” It was like I was watching The Sun move my view to reveal its power and magnificence.
Not my view, but very similar to the colors I witnessed.
As the sun was moving lower, I longed for it to stay, but also treasured the moments I still had left watching. I tried to form words to remember, but as said previously, I felt laughed at for trying. The sun started to melt into a liquid gold like you see pouring from a kiln for jewelry making. It was as if it was being squeezed and its innards were oozing out into a beautiful shiny thick goo. I again thought it was surreal, like a Dali painting.
I was giggly and crying at the same time. I cannot describe the emotions because I have never felt them before. I felt light and heavy.
Made me think that artists certainly tap into this energy which I was only witnessing for the first time, in my 50s. It took this long to feel the truth and see through the other porthole to the most indescribable place and calm imaginable. I can see how I would be tempted to chase it again to try to find the same precious moments and form new awareness. It was such a gift.
I honestly felt afterwards that I could now be okay with dying, knowing I had tapped into this energy source and felt confirmed of the immense beauty and understanding that all was perfect. At this time I also felt like a hippy from the 60s.
There were two layers of clouds in the sky that the sun was bouncing its light off of that night. One layer was filled with white fluffy ones and the lower layer was a filmy, transparent, smoke like cloud. They were both perfectly still. Unmoving. As if time stood still. And then the minute I started to wonder if I was stuck in a time warp or something, the lower grey layer started to move quickly to the right as the upper layer stood still. I laughed out loud.
As if in perfect timing, just as the sun settled behind the house, George walked in and I bounced downstairs to ramble all about this experience. Being the perfect man that he is for me, he listened intently and when I asked if he was going to make fun of me, he said no”. That he was listening to help me to remember this huge life changing moment in hopes that he could describe what I was trying to say when time faded our memories.
I am still literally high from the experience.
I will never look at the sun the same again.
I will always appreciate that The Universe took the time to grab ahold of me to reveal the truth of the world and its glory.
Last weekend, I wanted to hike a trail and get outdoors while the weather was somewhat sunny. While checking my AllTrails app, I noticed there was an arboretum within an hour drive and it was the place where the Forest Giants lived.
I heard about these giants years ago, when my sister and brother-in-law stopped to see them on their way back from a concert. Tim always finds interesting off- beat places of interest.
This is the trail I saw on AllTrails that I thought I would conquer.
Sign at the entrance, where they ask for a 10$ donation. I read that there was usually a long line to get in, so I arrived at 10 am. When I left at 12:30 the que was backed up to the road.
According to their website the giants were placed in 2019 as part of a 90th anniversary for the forest. Completed by Danish artist, Thomas Dambo, who constructed three giant sculptures throughout the arboretum using recycled wood from the region.
At the gift shop they had a write up about Issac Wolfe Bernheim and how this educational forest came to be.
As you walked around there was tons of educational signage. A perfect family friendly spot.
At the gate, they passed me this map which became my new hiking trail route.
I cut through fields and trails avoiding the baby strollers and running toddlers on the paved walkways.
First trail to follow.
Took me through some wooded areas, a prairie field and eventually to a giant.
In one of the fields was this sculpture trio.
I was having fun looking at them from different angles. Nobody else seemed to want to walk onto the grass which made me wonder if I was allowed to.
Maybe the parents were avoiding it so their kids wouldn’t climb on top.
I spotted this sweet sitting area which I bet in the summertime is a great place to find shade and hide from the crowds.
Came across a foot which made me believe I was getting closer.
I headed down another trail named Sun Shade Loop.
I wondered what families thought as they saw me solo.
Once I got to this pregnant giant, I could see the attraction. The kids sat in wonder and climbed up to become part of the sculpture.
Love how they named them. As I was walking I heard one toddler, maybe 3-4 years old, ask his mom if the giant would still be sleeping when he got there or if she would be awake. Love their imaginations and wonder.
Great facts along the route. I enjoyed seeing the families getting much needed exercise after the winter covid months.
I’m sure there were other trails deeper in the woods, but I decided my goal was to see the giants.
This giant had a little maze that all ages seemed to enjoy.
My favorite photo was capturing this little girl inside the arm looking up in admiration of the giant, seemingly unknowing of its creation but more of the life it was here to give.
I headed away from the crowds and ended up following a trail around a lake.
Natural structures were positioned along the path.
As well as black history heros of environmental conservation.
A lot of people were out fishing along the water’s edge.
I came across another sculpture. Was fun how they made you walk to see them all. Maybe families came and conquered certain paths on different days, but I tried to see as much as I could all within the couple hours I was there.
Appreciating man and nature.
I loved this tree and how it appeared as if it was a monster swooping down to earth.
Save the people from the clash of race and creed From the strife of class and faction Make our nation free indeed Keep her faith in simple manhood Strong as when her life began til it finds its full fruition in the brotherhood of man.
I hiked up a very steep hill and when I got to the top saw this old silo.
This was a truer natural hike that was practically empty. Occasionally I would come across a family who also adventured off the giant’s paved trails.
I don’t know why but these leaves reminded me of ghosts.
As if they were leftover dead hanging on. My morbid mind. But nature always shows us death is never the ending, just part of the cycle.
Once I exited this trail I saw the sign. I must have entered from the opposite way.
Across the street was another giant by the water.
I loved its positioning, as if looking at themselves in the reflection of the water.
“My vision embraces that all will be made welcomed and treated with an equal consideration with no distinction related to wealth or race.” He must have been an awesome man leaving this legacy, preservation and creed behind.
More sculpture lined the path.
A birds egg or some sort? Not really sure but interesting nonetheless.
I am struggling to upload any more photos onto this site. I am not sure if WordPress now limits the amount of data you can upload, but its frustrating since my blog is usually a visual blog and not so much about verbiage. I found a quote but the photo won’t upload.
My last day in sunny Summerville. I had driven past this park a couple of times and wanted to stop by for a visit before I headed north to the chilly, barren landscape.
Right away the pathways were inviting with their purple and red floral bushes lining the way.
As always it takes a village. Someone inspiring, then inspires others. Love the story of a retired gentleman who made making this park beautiful his retirement goal.
I snuck through some narrower dirt trails.
Artistic butterfly wings set out for picture taking .
It was about 9 am and only the dog trainers were out with me.
Cute little gazebo.
Looking through the gazebo at the heron statue.
He fit perfectly in this landscape. Love sculpture mixed with nature.
The turtles popped their heads up to see what I was up to.
There were quite a few in the pond all coming to say hello.
Loved the wrought iron bench.
Peaceful really. Such a lovely part of the small town.
Never underestimate the power of one person’s passion that may in the end, benefit many.
The Souply family has lived beside my family’s home in Findlay, Ohio since I was born. We pretty much grew up together, sharing parents, backyards, forts, memories and meals. Their 3 girls- Kelly, Kristy and Kassie are practically sisters to me.
It was my last sunny day in South Carolina and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I headed out early and grabbed a local coffee and headed to a park I’d been wanting to check out. While wandering through, I got a text from Kassie, saying she read my blog, well probably truth is her mom read my blog, and heard I was in South Carolina. She was too.
So I decided to road trip 2 hours south to Hilton Head Island to say hello.
I told her I was coming in the clothes I was in, which was completely casual beach attire.
As soon as I walked in I was put to work helping them select artwork for their condo. It was fun giving my advise and watching them all figure out how to make the best use of the space.
My second family. We tried to soak in the sun as much as possible, but the wind picked up and moved us all to a warmer location.
Chris actually disappeared and went on a coat run back to the house which was super nice and probably more importantly kept us from complaining.
It didn’t destroy our moods. We drank frozen pina coladas, mud slides, and God knows whatever other concoction the bartender was able to blend up.
Kassie and I decided to walk the beach back.
This community is in love with their bicycles. Even had them on the beach. Seems to be a popular way to get around.
I was admiring the beach houses as we were walking by.
Kassie and her extended family rent one out every year to have a reunion. She admitted that she has no idea which ones she has been in as they all sort of blur together.
The little sandpipers, as always, were entertaining.
It was an overcast afternoon but the walk in the sand filled my soul as Kassie and I caught up on how we were each doing in life. We don’t get to see each other much- maybe once a year tops.
New deck built welcoming you back into a villa community. I had to get a pass just to drive in.
We took the paved pathway back which was beautifully landscaped. This place reminded me of Singapore. Pristine in ways that were unnatural.
Then I caught a glimpse of this tree wanting my attention, as if catching my mind and saying, “no maam” it doesn’t get more natural than this.
Kassie being Kassie. We have been through a lot in these 50 years (plus but who’s counting). She’s still living in Rye, New York raising her three kids and juggling a couple jobs while I was working remote and vacationing solo.
It was awesome seeing color in February, representing the cycles of life we all go through.
Wanted to feature one of my favorite local restaurants I enjoyed in Summerville. It is literally right down the street from where I am staying.
Captured this when walking there. What a great frame into a peaceful place.
I can only assume this used to literally be used as an ice house back in the day. It is right next to a functioning railroad that blasts through the town about 4 times a day at remarkably higher speeds than what I’ve witnessed in Ohio.
Around back it has a well lit outdoor seating area which is always packed. They have a little playground for kids too.
Cute welcoming sign surrounded by all the awards this place has won.
Exposed brick walls fill the interior.
I ordered a specialty cocktail ,a caramel white russian, in tribute to my mom and the Russian war currently under way.
I am lucky I am just a single person eating. I can always find a place/seat and they love me because I am in and out fast. I went back a second time and the gal that waited on me recognized me and even asked me something which I mentioned to her prior. Everyone working there is super friendly and seemed to know most of the locals coming in. Highly recommend.
Well I was now on my own with President’s Day off work. Of course I needed to explore, so I found another beach nearby and headed over there. I noticed a lighthouse at the north end of the beach so that was my main destination.
The lady I purchased shell earrings from back at the cidery in Park Circle, said she gathered her shells mostly from Folly Beach. That’s when I decided to check it out.
Take a look at this beautiful weather forecast for my remaining time here.
When I hit the dead end of Folly’s single road to the beach, I turned left and slowly drove along the coastline, admiring all the houses. I finally found a place to pull over and parked, then climbed out onto these rocks and sat for a bit admiring the view.
Little did I know this is a big surfing community. Especially down at this end of the island. It was fun to watch them successfully catch waves.
Was admiring the shells washed ashore as I walked along the dune.
I came across this rock ledge and thought, if I were in Thailand, I most certainly would go out onto it and sit for a bit. Its interesting when you are foreigner you do different things and I am very aware of how I need to adapt that same curiosity in my own country.
The foam was rolling ashore and sticking to the beach as if from a bubble bath.
The beachfront housing here, unlike Sullivan’s, is right along the shoreline.
When I was walking back to my car, there was an older man on a golf cart looking at my license plate about to write me a 200.00$ ticket. I kindly apologized saying, I thought today was a holiday, and he explained the parking policies- which were cheap 2.00$ per hour, but free across the street. If you ever go to Folly Beach be sure to know this about parking, they don’t mess around.
As I was driving through this very quaint strip on the island, I took photos out of my car window of many of the homes. It made me wonder which one suited my personality best and if I would ever invest in such a property. It’s fun to dream. Even though I truly know my heart would never settle for the same place twice.
Looks like a space pod or something right? I loved the coloration and the chairs out front.
I understood why they were all built up on high stilts being so close to the Atlantic. Construction and engineering always fascinates me.
I felt like this one would suit my daughter Zoe.
Maybe this old fashion, humble ranch with bright colors and flamingos in the yard best represents me.
Was enjoying the asymmetry of this one.
But this beauty hiding behind the trees had my heart.
There was a lot of new construction building monsters like this one. Have to say the purple portapotty I support fully! So much cuter than the typical green ones.
This would be Sedona’s. Something classic but huge, right next door to a small original.
Once I hit the next dead end, that happens on islands, I saw this blacktop blocked off. You know how much I enjoy street art so I had to wander down and take a look.
So much to read and appreciate. Everyone leaving their mark and expressing themselves in color.
This reminded me a bit of the Austin, Texas graffiti area we went to. Just full of artistic freedom.
This reminded me of my trip out west. A lot of alien sightings out there.
And then I came across this simple reminder and wanted to breathe it in.
At the end of the graffiti paved walkway, there was a large sand mound. I climbed up and then the view of the lighthouse made its way into sight. Amazing. Not sure why. I kept admiring the way it stood still in the midst of the waves. Stable against change.
Stoic. Maybe it was also its contrasting warm colors against the blue ocean and sky.
I wandered further down the beach around the left corner and found a graveyard of driftwood.
I started being creative with capturing my new lighthouse inspiration.
Look at how the clouds mimic the driftwood and create a subtle heart shape. I was in the right spot. I was loving the vibe here at the end of the island.
Definitely a unique landscape.
I followed a path through a grove of trees only to exit to see what looked more like a desert scene.
A driftwood tumbleweed.
Dried up prickly branches seem to marry well with the soft sand and blue waters.
I nudged into a shaded spot leaning up against a long fallen tree truck and journaled for about an hour, keeping the lighthouse in view.
Showing my hidden location.
I walked the plank when I was heading back to my car. Then I decided to sit down and take in a new view for a bit.
This was taken from that seat. Had I not taken the time, I would never have captures this amazing view. Its literally perfection in my mind. The rocks, the clouds, the waves.
I decided to take the beach route back instead of the graffiti paved way.
The dunes and seagrass were so beautiful in my mind.
I ended up driving all the way down to the opposite end of the beach and found a state park. I paid 5.00$ to basically use a clean restroom.
But I stopped at the Pelican viewpoint and walked this walkway to see what I could see.
A final Folly Beach view.
This was the coastal beach street from the front view of my dirty windshield. Gorgeous tree lined drive.
I wanted to check out their little tourist area before I left town and ended up eating at Tacoboy.
I was attracted to its colors and decor.
I bellied up to the bar and had a couple tacos complete with rice and beans. Filled my stomach for the drive back to Summerville.
This morning I woke up with a call from KangKang. A perfect way to start my day off. She is one of my long term Cambly students from Taiwan and just found out she is going to Ohio State University to get her PHD! I’m stoked! I cannot tell you how exciting it is to know I will finally meet her. She has literally grown to become such a wonderful influence in my life. Her advise and perspectives have helped me through so many hard times. People that think remote friendships are not real, are sadly mistaken and missing out on a world of understanding.
After our morning coffee catch up, I headed out to Edisto Beach. It was mentioned to me by a local who has travelled as much as I have. She guaranteed I would love it and she absolutely was right.
Google maps took me down a two lane route to get there, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
The bridge connecting me to the island.
All island roads lead to a dead end. Which way to turn is always the question. I turned right and toured the little houses at the end of the island community.
Once I realized there was nowhere to eat there, I googled my way back to a coffee shop where I enjoyed a Kaluha and coffee with a biscuit breakfast sandwich. That was just what I needed to continue my mood and do a little shopping and explore Edisto. I purchased myself, and my daughters, some great light weight, beach mode, tie dye joggers 🙂
I ended up pulling into Edisto’s state park, which charged 8$. I noticed on the google maps view there was a huge wildlife area on this side of the beach. I entered the north side of the beach and walked all the way to the end. Or at least to a part where I would need to swim across.
Me snapping my location.
Not a far walk to the beach.
Immediately I was taken back by the amount of shells. I felt guilty hearing them crack under my feet but it was unavoidable.
They were everywhere! In mounds. By the thousands.
As I walked a little closer to the shoreline, I soon became entertained by the birds and their quirky quick steps.
None were really concerned about me heading their way. They must be used to humans.
It was completely misty and overcast. The sun was fighting hard to be seen with no luck. It almost appeared as if it was raining up ahead but it never did.
The further I walked the less people there were and the bigger and greater the shells. I looked up to see a few driftwood pieces completely decorated in shells that travelers had left behind.
How magnificent!
Humans playing along with nature.
I was in awe of the beauty of these shells.
A cute little sandpiper crossed my path and I was lucky to capture him in a photo. He was so speedy. But seriously how perfect is this scene.
Another tribute to the shells and driftwood that the Atlantic Ocean kicks out. Makes me reconsider rejection and my feelings around that word.
I added the fan shell with the scars.
I loved the symbolism of this. Human and a shell. Obviously stepping aside possibly even turning him over for the world to admire.
I most admired that people didn’t take the shells home. But instead played and then left them right where they belonged.
Sun-kissed on Edisto, wearing my new baseball hat purchased with their slang STO, which represents the short name for the island.
At the end of the island was literally a sea of shells.
Tried to capture these seagulls in flight.
Giving a perspective of the scale.
Just washed ashore.
The day was overcast but still beautiful.
Most of the northern part of the beach is protected from housing by the presence of the state park. At the end of the walk were these huge homes set way back with a view of both the Atlantic Ocean and the protected marshlands on the opposite side.
In the state park there was camping available which would be great one day.
At the end of the beach for me at Edisto.
On my walk back I found a spot to journal and meditate. It was enlightening. I had a partial edible and life was made so much clearer for me. I thoroughly enjoyed these moments digging my fingers into the sand to find the smoothest rocks below. It made me want to understand nature better but also glad that I didn’t fully so I could marvel at the wonder of the shells.
I sat and watched pelicans dive into the water for fish over and over again. I loved the silence and beauty that surrounded me again reminding me that I belong. For me that is bliss.
Walking back the sun started going down and the water become a glimmering pool of diamonds.
Since I had a mellow buzz going, I decided to continue exploring and I walked 1/2 mile along a bike path to find the trails on the map I was given at the entrance.
Caught a glimpse of this protected low country as I was walking along the road.
I was so happy to be able to not just drive by, but to actually be able to capture this which is a common view in South Carolina.
Once I entered the trail it was definitely different than the trails back home. I felt like I was back in Thailand with the palm landscape.
Looking up at the diversity in the trees.
I was so happy to be able to understand the woods and what was in them. I had driven past this typical landscape for a week now and had no idea of the beauty inside.
I felt alive again. Truly exploring. Alone. Not a soul in sight. Not sure why these situations make me happy but I feel so full after these walks.
Brand new for me. To experience this terrain. I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere.
It fills my soul and makes me so happy.
A map of the trails.
Capturing the Spanish moss on the trees. This greenery gives me such mixed feelings. Comforting, creepy, depressing, dead, alien like….maybe because I didn’t grow up around it?
A final shot before I left the park. Sun settling and the wind picking up. A full beautiful soul filled day.
Driving off the island I was behind this car and it reminded me of Thelma and Louise. Two older woman singing at the top of the lungs, one hanging her cigarette out to the side, not a care in the world.
Saturday morning we decided to hit a beach. It will be the first time I’ve seen the ocean/sea in 2 years. I was looking forward to having my feet in the sand, grounding myself with nature while appreciating the rhythm of the waves and warm sun on my face.
I have never heard of Sullivan Island before, but discovered it was only a 40 minute drive from where we were staying.
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge- the third longest cable stayed bridges in the western hemisphere. Crossing us over from Charleston to Mount Pleasant.
As soon as we parked I noticed this gorgeous textural palm tree and had to look up in admiration.
There was a long board walk from the street to the coast. Houses were set back quite a bit from the ocean with interesting terrain in between.
Beautiful million dollar beach front properties, seemingly vacant during this time of year.
I finally caught a glimpse of the ocean through the seagrass mounds.
I haven’t been to this part of the USA for a very long time but I don’t recall noticing these natural sand/grass dunes. Sometimes its amazing how when your life changes, you see things completely through a different point of view, noticing things you probably didn’t previously.
George and I capturing a selfie of our first time at a beach together. Definitely will not be our last.
Admiring the driftwood pieces while he picked up shells.
The day was cloudless and sunny but the wind kept me bundled up.
The sun was glistening on the water creating such an illuminating effect.
The blue dot was where we walked to. When you turned that end corner you could see the city of Charleston.
There was an old lighthouse still standing.
We noticed the shell of a horseshoe crab. Did you know they live up to 20 years and have been around prior to dinosaurs? Super cool- but hate thinking they would be swimming in the water with me.
I noticed another remnant hanging on a tree decorated in shells.
Such a cute idea that I would have loved to participated in.
Yes, we are one of those goober couples.
I love capturing the spirit of George. He makes such a great model. The beach was all ours the further we walked.
Check out the softness in the water rippling against the reflection of the sand mounds. So flipping natural and yet breathtaking. Mother Nature makes it look so effortless.
After a couple hours in the sun and wind, we decided to check out the restaurant named after Edgar Allen Poe. It was busy! A beautiful Saturday in February.
Packed. I was happy we were able to get seated quickly since it was just the two of us.
Sitting beside George in the sun sipping a mimosa and eating some fish tacos, – life couldn’t be sweeter.
Tonya Takes Thailand 