Capturing the Moment

   Even though she happened to visit during the hottest week that I've had this summer in Stowe, it was a wonderful time with mom, or as the kids call her, Grandma Nancy. We went on hikes to waterfalls, explored new swimming holes, spent a stormy night out at Stave Island, checked out a movie (Hoppers) on the green up at the mountain, rode the Gondola up Mt Mansfield for a fancy lunch at the Cliff House, went indoor rock climbing with the kids, and had some lovely morning strolls. It was pretty nonstop, but we really got to do a lot, and really experience the beauty of summer in Vermont. I hope we get to all be together soon. Here are a few pictures to remember the visit.... A hidden cabin along the Mill Creek Trail to Bingham Falls Mill Creek Trail Lunch at the Cliff House. This is way up near the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. To get here you can take a ride in the gondola. We could see all the way to New Hampshire on this beautiful day! Back down at the botto...

  This is how I think of Savannah. This part of the US is buffered and protected from the ocean conditions by these tranquil salt marshes. It also provides deep water access to get out to beaches and fishing spots. There is something very charming about the spanish moss hanging from the live oak trees here. Savannah, Georgia is a destination worth experiencing. And for me, it is also where I grew up. So every year, I try to take my family down to experience some of the low country charm. I feel like this time, we just about did it all...even though I know we only scraped the surface.

  It was a beautiful day on Burlington's famous Church Street. People were enjoying the late summer hot weather and getting some walking in past the shops and restaurants of the city market. There are so many little villages and beautiful towns here in Northern Vermont. Today my mom was in town, and the kids were in school, so I thought we would go and explore a bit. Even though its not the capitol, Burlington is the major hub of Vermont. This is where the biggest airport is, and it is located right on the shores of the massive Lake Champlain. The University of Vermont draws in students from all over, and holds the hospital where all three of my kids were born. Every once in a while, I will descend out of the mountains of Stowe, and go explore this beautiful city. On our way out of Stowe, Vermont, we made a stop at the Von Trapp Family Lodge. This is where the some of the Von Trapp family, made famous by the movie 'Sound of Music', immigrated from Austria. The rolling mount...

  Exploring the Tuskegee River and the Charming Mountain Town of Sylva, North Carolina    Nestled deep in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Sylva, North Carolina, offers a refreshing escape into nature, history, and small-town charm. Just a short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway, this picturesque town is often overlooked by travelers heading to the larger Great Smoky Mountains National Park — but that’s exactly what makes it such a hidden gem. "The most photographed court house in North Carolina." This building sits at the head of downtown Sylva. It is common for locals and visitors to climb the stairs to get a view of the town and the distant Smokey Mountains.     One of the lesser-known yet captivating features of the region is the Tuskegee River — a meandering, crystal-clear mountain stream that snakes its way through the rolling hills and wooded valleys of western North Carolina. While smaller and more secluded than its cousin, the Tuckasegee River (often c...

  Its always great having a house guests because it gives you a chance to play the tourist, and check out things in your home town that you don't normally get to stop and appreciate. This time it was mom in town, inspiring a scenic walk around downtown Stowe. It didn't take long to walk around the downtown area because it is only a few blocks. The focal point is the Stowe Community Church. Founded in 1863, it is an open, non denominational church right in the center of iconic Stowe, Vermont. After checking out some of the general stores on Main street, we took a short detour to walk through a pedestrian covered bridge. Looking down at all the green, surrounding the town and the river, it seemed like one of the most peaceful places you could imagine calling home. Mom posing in front of the Stowe community church Entering the covered walking bridge Taking in the peaceful vibes and gorgeous views

Near miss in the fog Minke whale sighted!   I was pretty skeptical about our chances when we arrived at the harbor and we couldn't even see the boats on the dock. The fog was so intense that we could have played a game of hide-n-seek and the seeker would have had no chance. In reality the visibility was about 50 yards, and with the approach regulations inside the marine park being no closer than 200 yards I figured our chances were pretty much nil. But the crew surprised me and with a little help found us some whales! Horror Movie villain? The gang ready to go   Tadoussac is a tiny town in French Quebec, Canada where the Saguenay Fjord empties into the St Lawrence Sea Way. Its hard to understand how whales are here unless you zoom way out on the globe and see that the whales have an easy opening to the sea. They come here in the summer months for good feeding. 13 different species have been seen here, but I feel pretty lucky to have even seen one of those spe...