Where We Wandered: Highlights from 2009

This is by far the longest I have been MIA from this blog. I've thought about blogging those excluded adventures more times than I can count, but my follow through is what was lacking; I kept finding something else to do. It seems like the longer you let it go, the easier it is to keep letting it be.

It started with me becoming much busier than I anticipated when I took on a new responsibility and it basically just snowballed from there. I haven't really told too many people about my new endeavor, but I suppose that there's no harm in sharing with you now. In November, I started a journey which includes taking classes that will help me acquire skills needed to work in Graphic Design. During this time I will still be keeping my regular 40 hour a week work schedule, which has created great difficulty in my efforts to maintain balance, but I am slowly learning how to stay sane.

This is why I had to temporarily let blogging fall (even further) to the wayside, that, and I seem to go through a similar phase around this time every year. My once a week blog post should have been easier to manage, but alas, I couldn't even keep that going! I have so many great things to share with you that I haven't been able to lately, although I will have time to play catch up before our next big excursion--Puerto Rico in March. Until then, I would just like to start the year by reflecting upon what has been posted thus far.

*A few Highlights from 2009*

• We joined PACT, a non-profit associated with the NC Wildlife Federation. I took on the task of creating and maintaining their newsletter and other media. Doing the newsletter is really what helped me realize that I was very interested in learning more about graphic design. Current Project: Newsletter for PACT
• I went snow tubing for the first time (March 09)! haha Not a huge highlight, but it's good for a laugh :D Sunday Flurry

• Last year's first vacation wasn't until April when we went to the Outer Banks of NC for Cody's Birthday. Some sand and sea images may be just what you need right now if you've been battling winter like we have! Outer Banks Series
  

• Spring was when we got really busy! First camping trip to Mount Pisgah, Stumbled upon Moore Cove Falls, and we attended Appalachian Trail Days.
• We beat the summer heat at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens.

• I conquered my fear of public speaking!! Before and After.
• Waterfalls, Wildlife and Caves....Oh, My! In July 2009 we went to Shenandoah National Park where we did lots of hiking, saw tons of wildlife and toured a cave. It was a beautiful place!
  

• A relaxing getaway to Hot Springs, NC was one of my favorites.

• MY BIGGEST TRIP OF THE YEAR was when I went to Oahu, Hawaii for my birthday. It was also pretty monumental because I went on that adventure solo (without Cody), which was HUGE for me. I left with a new vision and direction for where I wanted my life to go, a life changing event to say the least. Oahu Hawaii Series
  

• Our first time going to the NC State Fair was also a blast!
  

*Click on the italicized links to be taken to blog posts with more photos*

WOW! I'd say that we had a pretty action packed 2009, wouldn't you--and that's not even all of it?! Looking over my archives helped me to realize the numerous changes I have undergone over the past 12 months. And to think that I sometimes feel like I'm not doing enough?! haha I think that this simplified outline can prove otherwise. The transformation, however, is no where near complete...well, really, it won't ever be. One thing that I do know is that Cody and I encountered a great deal of highlights throughout 2009, and I can only hope that 2010 will bring just as many discoveries as the year unfolds.

I hope you all had a terrific holiday season! :o)

Eat, Drynk, & Be Merrie!

Stepping through the gates of Fairhaven is like walking into a fairytale. From the moment you cross that threshold you are transported to a captivating fantasy land complete with a cartoon-like medieval village. Countless characters are dressed the part from head to toe in some of the most elaborate get ups you will ever see, as well as those that are the epitome of peasantry.



The storybook village is jam packed with entertainment that offers something for people of all ages. It is nearly impossible to see and do everything the Renaissance Fair offers in one single visit, although that didn’t stop us from trying our best!



As you traipse through the open air market filled with artisan shops, kitchens, games and people powered rides, you are inundated by peddlers of all sorts. If you have a problem with saying no, I suggest you fake deaf and keep on walking. My trick was to laugh and keep walking, it worked pretty well. And because everyone is a comedian in this place it was all in good fun. As a matter of fact, I laughed so much that my abs were sore the next day!



Here in Fairhaven, entertainment abounds with live shows running non-stop throughout the day. If you’re looking for a chuckle the stage performances should be your cup of tea. We managed to catch a new show just added this year called, Barely Balanced, a trio of daredevils who were an absolute riot!



We also joined the mass of spectators at the Jousting Tournaments, which took place at three different times during the day. These exhibitions draw the largest crowds so make it to the arena early for choice seating.



Wandering can get you into trouble when you're in between spectacles as there are so many different things to spend your money on in this place. I can imagine that going with a group of kiddos might be quite expensive due to the games and rides sprinkled throughout the village. My friend and I decided to be a little adventurous ourselves and chose to take a tumble on the Pirates Assault Catapult. It was exhilarating!


Note to self: Next time do this prior to stuffing face!


Speaking of stuffing face....you can find a number of things to feast on throughout the village lanes. We had a turkey leg (or two) & a scotch egg to name a few. At last year's festival we waited too long before deciding to try one of those tasty orbs so we missed out, but not this time! Oh my goodness they are so delicious. I bet you we never make that mistake again :D



Just before the cannon blows and the gates close, we had time to observe one last show. Dexter Tripp is a crazy, show-off stuntman who has a penchant for putting himself into danger.



We witnessed him walk across a flaming tightrope and juggle with a chainsaw, now that's entertainment! I really like that such a dynamite day ended up with something on fire! I'm such a pyro.



Even if you're there from open till close, you are bound to miss a thing or two. Two days would be ideal, but at $20 a pop all one can afford is [a] day (not to mention that its 2 hours away located just outside of Charlotte, NC). However, if the admission is what would keep you away, I would think about attending the opening weekend when they offer a two for one deal. We hoped to do that this season but I was just getting back from Hawaii and there was no way! Maybe next year when we go, we'll dress up with all of the other faire folk for the full experience! :D Until next time fare-thee-well my good fellows. HUZZAH!!!!!!!!

Additional Info:

~North Carolina Renaissance Festival - website

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Honolulu's Most Popular Hikes

It's hard to go to Hawaii and not commune with nature. However, there are some really great things you can do to immerse yourself even farther instead of sticking to the white, sandy beaches. My favorite way to do this is by taking a hike! The island of Oahu is riddled with trails if you know where to look, but there are two trails in particular that get all of the praise. So popular, in fact, that these outdoor adventures can see hundreds of tourists everyday! The two favored hikes in Honolulu are very different from one another in the realm of landscape and atmosphere. Now, two hikes in one day may sound like a bit too much, but I chose to do so because they were very close to one another. And since I was staying on the other end of the island, I figured I should hit them both up on the same day.



My first stop was the Manoa Falls trail located just outside of Honolulu in Manoa Valley. I am a sucker for waterfalls, so I had to get a glimpse of this 160-foot tall mammoth. Since this unbelievably lush rainforest was deserted at this hour of the morning (7:30am), I decided that I would forgo taking pictures until I reached the end only because I thought that it would stay that way.



I walked amidst the gigantic Banyan trees flanked by the everpresent stream. As I made my way up the narrow pathway, portions of the trail were framed by bamboo forests. I found this trail to have a very gentle grade, and at only 1 mile each way, it's one almost anyone could undertake. One thing to be careful of on this particular trail is the mud, because it can be slippery! It receives quite a bit of rain from what I have read, although maybe it hadn't rained much lately, because the cascade was meager. It wasn't too terribly disappointing though, since it took little effort to get there.



Remember how I told you that I saved taking pictures until after I reached the falls? Yeah, well, that was a HUGE mistake! On my way down I passed numerous guided tour groups that made it nearly impossible to get a shot without someone being in the way. That is the last time I wait to take photos again!! Seriously. Who needs a tour guide to take a hike? I don't. Nature is free :D



Parking, however, is not! I didn't find this out until I got back to the Jeep where a little yellow note asking me to see the attendant regarding payment was stuck to my window. Be forewarned that they charge $5 to park in the parking lot at the trail head. I got away with only paying $2 because I claimed stupidity. Sucka! Seriously, though. I didn't see any signs that said there was a charge, and I certainly didn't overlook an attendant!



The next stop, Diamond Head Crater, is considered the most popular trail. It likely sees twice the amount of hikers that Manoa Falls does. Unlike the gentle grade of the last trail, this one is much more vigorous. Even though you start off on a concrete path that seems forgiving, it quickly morphs into switchback city!



From the crater floor to the summit you will climb 560 feet in less than a mile (0.8 to be exact). By the time you weave your way through the switchbacks, you are begging for mercy as the sun is blazing and the sweat starts pouring. It would do you good to be very well hydrated before attempting this trail unless you are a fan of fainting.



You begin to think that the worst is over, but that's when you are met with a steep concrete stairway consisting of 74 steps! Afterward, you get a chance to cool off in the tunnels that take you below the surface. The closer you feel to the top, though, the further away from reality you are because after stepping out of that dark tunnel, you are standing at the foot of yet another staircase! Some just stood there, mouth agape, staring in disbelief at the towering approach. More steps!?!? Yes, 99 of those bad boys :D And just when you think you can't take another footstep, they make you climb a spiral staircase!!



At this point I felt somewhat tortured, but the end was getting near. I could feel it. Okay, well, not as close as I hoped....More stairs?!?! So, let me get this straight, we've scaled a windy path of switchbacks, a 74 step set of stairs, burrowed through a tunnel, climbed another staircase with 99 grueling steps, spiral staircase with 52 stairs and last but not least a 3rd set of stairs with 54 more steps! Holy mama!! Lemme catch my breath......



I suppose that this trail wouldn't be so popular if the views weren't worth every drop of sweat shed along the way. The vista was most definitely a stunning sight with the Pacific ocean and Wakiki coastline in full view. As a matter of fact, this is an ideal spot to see a panoramic view of the Leeward side of the island.



One good thing about hikes that make you work so hard going up, you know it's all downhill from the top! Despite how horrible I may make this hike sound, I saw so many different types of people trudging to the summit. I even passed a lady who was wearing high heels! No lie. And she did make it to the top...eventually :D

Related Links:

• Celebrating my Birthday Hawaiin-style!
• 6 Sights to See on Highway 83 (Part 1)
• 6 Sights to See on Highway 83 (Part 2)
• A Place of Peace & Serenity: Byodo-In Temple