Critters and Flowers

Turkeys

 The Turk and I headed to Cade's Cove, an area in the western part of the Smokey Mountain National Park. It used to be inhabited by over 700 people in the 1860's but many left in the later 1800's and then when the park was formed in the 1930's, all were gone.

Left behind are their farms and a number of log cabins and structures used by the community. And an active group of animals who like to show off for the tourists. They strut around and stroll in front of cars as often as they can. And we humans apparently love it.

More critters crossing the road

why do I always get the tail shot?

Turk scouts the river trail

Another scenic hike - this time a 5 mile round trip hike to Abrams Falls.  And this time, there was enough water falling over the edge to be a real falls.  Much of the trail was along the river which made a nice hike.  Then we crossed the crest of the mountain and the sides of the trail was now bordered with wild flowers.

There were 4 or 5 bridges to cross.  Each one was a log cut in half long ways so you could walk on it. For my needs, they added a hand rail.  

Finally, falls with water!

Turk on a rock

Baby Bears

Why Goats?

View across the Smokeys

 To the Smokey's for perfect fall weather and the appearance of looking at the fall colors. This is what people do during October. Especially older people.  We don't see ourselves in this category, and the leaves haven't changed color, so I think we are safe.

Gatlinburg is our destination. The cabin is near there and the less we can cross into Gatlinburg or nearby Pidgeon Forge (think Dolly Parton), the better off we are. Think middle America - overweight, fascinated with Rigley's Belief It Or Not Museums and pancakes. The Turk and I skirt as much of this as possible to get to the mountains, the trails, nature and our hot tub.

The Turk grilled some amazing lamb chops, accompanied by hearty red wine, grilled sweet potatoes and salad.  All compiled in a kitchen with a bowl, 2 plates, 3 forks and 1 wine glass. Yes, this is roughing it.  I guess the jacuzzi makes up for some of that.

On Tuesday, we headed out for a day of adventure and were stopped by 2 baby bears running across the street. Once the big momma bear got them rounded up on one side of the road, one would run across to the other side.  This did not help traffic, or calm momma bears' nerves. 

 The bears finally settled to one side of the road so we could continue.  To a hike! What's a mere 3 miles, each way, up a mountain to a waterfall.

Momma bear thinking her cubs are behaving

Deer who jumped into 'our' trail

It was a wonderful, 6 mile-3 hour hike, complete with a deer who joined us for a short time, some interesting fellow hikers, some exhausted fellow hikers, and a waterfall that was really a trickle.

Our energy was also a trickle by the time we finished.  The jacuzzi was calling....

The bridge with railing on only 1 side

Finally - the water fall...er...water trickle

More waterfalls

 Found these cool old cabins. 10 people lived in a space that today would be considered a small bedroom.  There is a glimpse of slight leaf coloring going on... but just a glimpse.

Dinner?  Fresh chicken sausages grilled while the Turk growled and yelled silly Turkish things to keep the bears from checking out the dinner. A growling, grilling Turk is quite a site and sound.  So, no bears ventured near!

Turk checks out the pile of rock foundation

Go North, Find Leaves

The Turk and I have been planning our escape for the past month. My client gave me the first 2 weeks of October to not be at work.  So...where to go?

The Turk's extended Turkey visit countered any thoughts of going overseas this year...and besides, he hasnt seen much of the east coast yet. So, Smokey Mountains it is!  And, its FALL. I had  no idea that this was considered high season in the mountains.  Apparently people plan their year around when they estimate the leaves will 'change'. So, we are now part of that crowd.

Off we go from Dunedin, with a quick stop to pick up cables for my iPod...and what parked next to us? This amazing 1960 Chevy Impala convertible.  A great start. To contrast with this siting, at a gas station we found a miniature van  underneath a lawn tractor.  No idea why.

We arrived in Atlanta for a couple days with Dave, Judy and Kati. Important stop to catch up, drink wine and shop at Trader Joe's.  We also stretched our legs along the Chattahoochee River. Beautiful way to start the day.

After more festing, the next day were were onto our mountain adventure...ah...the mysteries of the Smokeys await!

The Turk Hits New York

Checking out the food in Chinatown..CRABS!

Checking out the food in Little Italy..Sausages!

 The Turk joined me for a week during my NYC stint for my client project.  Because I needed to be there 2 weeks, I rented an apartment.  A months rental was cheaper than 2 weeks in a hotel!  We 'lived' in Chinatown, with a landlord who greeted us carrying a bottle of chianti and beer.  We liked him immediately.

A knitted tricycle - a must have in NYC

9/11 homage to first responder fire fighters

 Being in NYC for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 was interesting.  First, the flight was empty. Second, the traffic entering the city was at a halt as all trucks were being searched - so we took a train in from Newark airport. And, being blocks from ground zero, we saw firemen and police officers in dress blues all day Sunday, 11th.  The first responder firehouses were open and filled with visitors.  The beautiful day was being enjoyed by sightseers, locals and visitors.  And it seemed everyone was connected to the reason for the date.

Our Kitchen, complete with wine and flowers!

Our roof deck, right off the kitchen

Food is always interesting in NYC and the Turk and I were ready.      
An Austrian restaurant - in chinatown! - was the size of a hallway.  The best thing I found was fresh pretzel bread from the oven, spaetzle, sausages and goulash.
We had to try some Chinese food - so off we went to Vanessa's Dumplings which are really pot stickers. Another very small space, but you could see the back room where several potsticker experts were rolling out and filling the dough about as quickly as they were being cooked. We ordered several servings of potstickers, a large sweet and sour soup filled with mushrooms and sesame roll (also made there) filled with sliced duck.  The cost of this feast?  $12.50  wow
There was the mandatory brick oven pizza in Little Italy, complete with accordion player, for a huge price.  But it was fun and delicious.
While I was working, the Turk and the Landlord went to Dim Sum in nod to the landlord, and to a turkish restaurant to have it validated by the Turk.
Wanting to try out the kitchen, the Turk fixed lamb stew for my team one evening.  A fun evening on the roof deck!

We even got to have dinner with our friend Blake from Austin who was in town for work. We had just seen him in Tampa. Small world.

Then, before we knew it, the Turk was heading home. :'(
And I stayed for another week.  While work took up most of my time, I did get to have some fun.
 I saw the sold out Broadway show - the Book of Mormon.    I laughed so hard, sang along with the tunes and thoroughly enjoyed it.  

He was calling to me in the Village

Enjoying his NYC adventure

Man camping in a parking spot - pinecones, tree, sleeping bag

Sitting at outdoor cafe for some wine

Finally a walk on the High Line over the Meatpacking district - old elevated railway tracks. Now a park above the streets.

Pirates on the subway. Must have come up from Tampa

Art in the Meat Packing neighborhood outside the Standard Hotel

Menu for bubble tea/jelly tea shop....don't ask!

Birds, Sand, More Birds- Caledesi Island

A perfect August morning is sunny and warm, light breeze and not too humid.  Mornings and evenings are special at the beach as acknowledged by the wildlife more than the humans.  We joined nature's morning activities by setting out in kayaks this morning.

Our destination was Caledesi Island, reachable only by boat.  This island is really the south side of Honeymoon Island that split off in a hurricane in 1921.  The pass between the islands is aptly called Hurricane Pass. Because the current in the Pass is so strong, we headed out a bit east from the causeway between Dunedin and Honeymoon Island.

 We kayaked some 'bumpy' waters from the wake of boats heading out for the day. Once we passed the channel (highway for the boats going to the gulf), the water calmed down and we made it to Caledesi beach.

We pulled our kayaks to shore and hiked the island a bit.  Very few humans and very many birds.  These birds clearly owned the island but were not too concerned with us walking around.  The water was great to cool us down and get us ready for more kayaking.

seeking shade in the mangroves

We headed over to the east side of the island - the mangrove side - that is full of fish and osprey.  I guess that is a perfect match!  The water is so calm and there are no motor boats allowed so this is the peaceful side of the island.  We hid in the mangroves for a  while to cool down and have lunch.  Then, with the August heat starting to bear down, we headed back. 

A great way to start a Sunday!

Farkel Time

It's hot, it's muggy, it must be farkel gathering time. Farkels converged to Dunedin from Orlando, Winter Park, and Winter Springs.  Frozen watermelon mojitos were waiting and set the scene for the weekend of talking, eating, drinking, talking, shopping, sunset, talking, more eating and talking!

Our weekend to catch up, share stories, enjoy everyone's eccentricities. After all, we've known one another for 35 years and those little oddities have become even more interesting .  Back then, we were so young and had no idea what life had in store. Still the case as far as seeing the future, but now we have some experience to help the journey.  The advantage to aging methinks.  The only advantage?!

 Another stunning sunset on Honeymoon Island.

Our in-house chef!

The Turk Comes Home

Working all day, trying to concentrate... the Turk is coming home tonight! The meetings seem to last forever.  He calls when he gets into the country...almost but not quite home.  Get into the car to drive to the airport... traffic everywhere....breathe and focus....you'll get there.  Plane has arrived...now waiting for the tram to arrive.  Nope, not that one.  He needs time to get off the plane.   Nope, not that one either..probably not enough time.   Lots of people getting off this one...wait, I think I see...yes!  There he is with a great big smile.
Arms outstretched we grab each other and hug tightly.  Its been a long 6 weeks and now I can finally see that he looks great.  Tired from the trip of course, but great.  Now its time to bring him back home where I can keep an eye on him.  That crazy Turk - what will I do with him!