Doing Something "New"

I haven't been in a canoe for a few years. But I was excited when I heard that canoeing was on the schedule during our visit. Could anything be more fun?

Maybe. But I'm not so sure! A perfect day, a beautiful river, just the right temperature -- ideal!

We journeyed to the New River, which has its start in Blowing Rock. We were on the South Fork of the river.

Blessed with a cloudy sky but a lovely day (which helped keep the temperature down), we paddled down the river -- generally in good spirits (apart from the times that Rick couldn't deal with my style of paddling)!

And yes, I did steer us into the rocks more than once. But we didn't fall out!

We were a happy crew (except for the rock and paddle incidents) -- our canoe and the one handled by Rick's dad and Kathy!

The scenery was magnificent. Haze over the mountains in the background, sweet smelling air.

I loved seeing the turf around the river. There were lots of McMansions, but this house struck me more. (Gotta love the laundry.)

And there were cows grazing along the river bank.

I just loved that! And the butterflies I saw so often in North Carolina were in full force once again!

I think everyone would agree that we had a wonderful time -- I know I did!

Our trip also included seeing a wonderful production of "The Sound of Music," and I enjoyed running into Rick during a shopping trip in town.

Although I have to say, when he rode off -- as it so often happens -- my heart was in my throat and I was glad to see him back home.

Our three days were all too short. I loved spending time with Rick's family, cooking together...

...though truth be told, when it came to the cooking department, we really were slackers!

But the dinners were wonderful!

There was time to watch the moon, see the array of stars in the night sky.

Time to catch up, time to laugh, time to relax.

Yes, time to watch the birds.

Farewell is never easy for me, nor is returning to the "real world" after a holiday. This time was no exception!