Cabin Flats to Dark Ridge Trail Nov 2012

Susan is my hiking guide/guru/friend showing me some great walks in our beautiful mountains.  On Tuesday we had planned a walk off the Blue Ridge Parkway; however, the Parkway was closed due to ice so we dropped back and punted, walked at Cabin Flats but took a trail going toward the Parkway and Dark Ridge.  The views were awesome.

 

Sky and I

Looking toward the Blue Ridge Parkway, the tree on the right is covered with ice.  It was in the 40's where we walked, til we got into the north side shady area's, then we experienced the 30's, and could see why the ice was still on the trees up high!

With all that said, there were some warm protected area's where the Goldenrod was just in bloom!

Sky was so excited to see Rizzie and Bandit, they love seeing each other and getting to get out on the trail together.

Earl turns 80, Lisa is 60 - Party Time!

Earl Worsham, our good friend and fellow Weimaraner owner, turns 80 this month and his eldest daughter Lisa turns 60, so it was a wonderful excuse for the family to host a fabulous party.  Pictured are his wonderful daughters, Lisa, Henslee, Elizabeth and Lynn

Lisa and her beautiful and wonderful family from Washington State/California.  Knowing her children really give me hope for the future, they are smart, poised, funny and delightful young adults and I am sure will make their mark in this world. 

Joe and I at the party!

We hadn't seen Michael and Maria in quite some time, first met them at Norton Creek when they were still in school studying music.  Michael and Maria are both originally from St Petersburg, Russia and came to the US in the 90's, with their mother, an accomplished opera singer.  Michael is interested in becoming a Weim owner!

 

Belly dancers were part of the entertainment

Lisa's husband Charlie and son Ben showing off their tap dancing skills as part of the entertainment.

Lisa and Earl in their party hats!

View from Earl and Margit Worsham's side yard, does it get any better than this? 

Party tent, note the chandeliers.  A huge weather front came thru on Sunday evening prior to the caterers and tent folks coming, and swept this tent off the hill, broken glass everywhere in the English Garden where it was set up.

The tent and Joe, the morning after the party, after a wonderful catered breakfast.

Margit and Earl have some really cool statuary, small and large.  This little guy is sinking into the ivy. . .

Earl and his friend Elvis.  Elvis watches Earl's every move and always knows where he is.  Elvis became a member of the Worsham household thru Margit's son's Sven's family, and has attached himself totally to Earl.  I think the feeling is mutual.

First Snow Oct 2012

We only had a dusting of snow, but had to capture the first "snow" of the season.  At higher elevations it actually put down a foot or more, and the area ski resort was able to open at the end of October!

Sky's Agility buddy Merlin, out for a romp

Janessa and her Aussie Merlin on hike at Cabin Flats.  Merlin is in Sky's agility class and we have shared crate space at recent agility trials along with Anne and her Poodles (Janessa has a great mini Poodle who blind in one eye and is awesome running agility too)

Merlin had a great time getting to run off lead and he and Sky are great hiking partners.

 

Colorado trip Sept 2012

Near LaJunta CO, this was a famous and well used trading post along the Santa Fe Trail

A welcome sight to pioneers, trappers and others traveling the plains.

Imagine traveling this country on horseback or in covered wagon!

My sis and I had to visit the Colorado Alligator Farm.  The alligators were first introduced as "garbage disposals" for the tilapia fish farm here.  The hot springs keep the water temps in the 80's, and the alligators thrive!  Pam and I are holding "Draco"

Guests actually pay extra for the fun of alligator wrestling.  They actually wade out into a pond and pull the gator out, then sit on it for the picture opp and for the staff to examine the gator for any cuts or bites that others may have inflicted.

Near Alamosa CO, the UFO viewing platform. . . always something fun to do when my sis and I travel together.

The Great Sand Dunes with the San Juans in the background.

 

View of the Great Sand Dunes, the San Juans the plains from the trail to Zapata Falls.

Visited the cemetary at Central City Colorado, a place we visited often when we were young and lived in Colorado.  It's fun to go back and see how places have changed, and how they have not.

 

There is a great animal sanctuary in Keenesburg CO that rescues large animals ( bears, wolves, tigers, panthers, lions, etc) from circuses, individual owners, etc.  It is well kept, all the animals look healthy and happy and have many acres to enjoy life on.

 

 

 

 

Two of my sis's Goldens out for an early morning romp with me.  It's nice to get my "dog" fix when I travel without Sky.

They say you never forget how to ride a bike, guess it's true but it take a little practice to not be shaky on it, it's only been 35 years plus ha ha.

 

Misc pics from Sept/Aug 2012

Sunrise in the Carolina's, picture taken in August driving down to Columbia SC to visit my folks.  We're so lucky to live in such beautiful country!

Sky on point at Max Patch

Sky and I on walk in September at Panther Creek State Park in TN.  We visited this beautiful area one evening while near White Pine TN at the Greater Kingsport KC agility trials.  They have a fabulous new site that I would recommend to anyone.

Lake at Panther Creek State Park

Fields behind hotel, can any one say "tracking"????

Sky taking it easy during a visit to the Worsham's at Norton Creek TN.  Her lovely collar (a gift from friend and breeder Linda Hartheimer) goes very well with the sage in bloom!

Earl and Peach coming  back from their walk to the Orchard.  Peach is 13 plus now, the last of the Hyatt/Ayla puppies.

A new sculpture given to the Worsham's by some friends to replace one that was stolen from their property during the summer.  It is very whimsical and fun.