Million Dollar Highway by Nicki Hurd
It was a white knuckle drive in the rain as we ascended this narrow two lane part of the San Juan Mountain Skyway with steep cliffs, but well worth it. Parts of this 12 mile stretch through the Uncompahgre Gorge from the Summit of Red Mountain Pass are chiseled into the mountain and a breathtaking visual. August, 2009
Lane’s Victorian Photo by Andrew Leggett
Lane’s Victorian Photo by Andrew Leggett
Lane’s Victorian Photo by Nicki Hurd
Lane’s Victorian Cottage is charming, a great place for two with amazing views. Located in a residential area with the high street only four blocks away. The high street seemed pleasant to stay on, everything is nearby and it wasn’t boisterous anywhere. There were some workmen clamoring briefly during the day, and the neighbor next door started construction on his home the day we left, but for most of the stay it was a serene retreat.
August, 2009
I always travel with some, if not all of the ingredients from this. While on a hike at Canyon of the Eagles at Lake Buchanan; one of the Highland Lakes, in the Texas Hill Country, Andrew grabbed a cactus to get a closer look at its pretty flowers. The tweezers were handy for getting the needles out of his hand. (@_@)
The main ingredients are listed here.
Nic’s RX Kit
Nic’s Vanity Kit
I keep separate cosmetics for traveling (they last a long time and are ready to go) I bring this with me in my handbag or carry-on to have with me for overnight flights, or in the event we have a unexpected stay- over.
Key Allegro Canals Photo by Nicki Hurd
We parked on the outside of the gate of the parking lot to prevent our Kia from getting locked in at 5:00 pm, as instructed by Anna from Rockport Birding and Kayak Adventures, who was a great help. I was happy that clouds were overhead saving us from basting in the sun. After loading our water bottles in and carrying the kayaks into position to set off …. the local watching over the domain approached us to warn us that a storm was coming in and it would be best if we wait until it passes. He was getting frustrated between staying with the call on his mobile and convincing us. We waited out the storm, and were eager to set off once we returned and re-positioned the Kia
Key Allegro and Rockport Beach Park seperate Little Bay from Aransas Bay. It may have been quiet on the water because of the storm that had passed. We only encountered the power boats in the bay as the kayaks swept through the tranquil waterway across Little Bay to the canals. We stayed along the sides to avoid contact and the wake. At the edge of a long pier in Little Bay, a man was casting his rod out a great distance from where he stood…the look on his face and perhaps his overenthusiastic effort hinted that he may not have been too successful that day.
The next angler was calling out enthusiastically to someone, and gave the impression there was something to see at the end of his hook. A couple of poised Herons posed themselves so well that at first it was difficult to tell if they were real or a statue until they changed positions. As we stroked through the canals, we could see very large jellyfish at the surface, but they must have caught our eyes; they would retreat and sink as soon as we spotted them. My seat was soon soaked from splashing in a significant amount of water while paddling… may have to work on my technique. It was a nice cooling effect but I was grateful that I brought clothes and would not have to be dripping as we gathered the items from the market for our dinner later.
Bottlenose Dolphin photo by Andrew Leggett
Generally, I am awake very early on holidays and bouncing off the door anxious to get out and about, but I was still waking up as we set off on the Sunday 9:00am Dolphin Cruise from Fulton Harbor on the Skimmer with Caption Tommy. He also does a Whooping Crane Tour when the cranes are wintering on the coast, and enjoying the Blue crabs. If you would like a ride it is best to call. The morning jaunt was not listed on the site when I looked. 877-892-4737 361-729-7409 http://whoopingcranetours.com/
As we headed out to the gulf, it was clear that captain Tommy, a naturalist, knew what he was doing… find a shrimp boat and there would be dolphins following. We spotted the fins of an adult and calf jumping and playing. Within minutes we were surrounded by these lovely mammals, including at least two different species.
It was a challenge to catch the face of these Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) as the boat rocked. I decided to visit the loo but soon changed my mind when I realized that when I wasn’t looking out… I began to feel nauseous and then understood what he meant by “hold on to your kittens”. Fortunately we were at the end of the stalking. The agitating stopped as we jetted back to shore. September 1, 2012
The Goose Island Oak Photo by Nicki Hurd
The big Tree of Lamar is said to be a survivor of extreme weather, climatologists estimate this tree has endured forty to fifty hurricanes, floods, wildfires and droughts.
This charter member of the Oak Society of America is located on the Lamar Peninsula near Goose Island State Park. It is estimated to have been anchored here for between one and two thousand years, and it may be one of the oldest oak trees. Age is determined by radiocarbon dating, or counting or cross-referencing tree rings. The Live Oak (Quercus virginiana), is a species of Oak trees that grows from Texas to Florida, and up to Virginia. The gulf breeze limits the height of oak trees. The Big Tree is more than 45 feet tall and has a crown spread of 90 feet. It is big because of its girth not height, the circumference is over 35 feet.
The horizontal length of the branches (in botany limbs are called the ramus and the large branches are known as boughs) of oak trees is bewildering to me…the core strength the limbs must have. They look like they are defying gravity. Trees are much stronger in the vertical axis than they are in the horizontal, because the cells at the tree trunk are long, skinny and have a tremendous amount of beam strength, which allows the tree trunk to hold up numberous branches.
Classified as the Champion Live Oak in Texas, this beautiful Live Oak is showing its age. The boughs are supported and it has a lightning conductor. It has been treated for pest and disease. There is a fence surrounding it, allowing it some space, to keep us pests away…as it is almost impossible to resist the temptation to sit and lean against it and meditate on all that has gone on around this mighty oak, to touch and congratulate the Big Tree for persevering and trying to discover its secret. August 31, 2012
Kettle Moraine State Forest Photo by Nicki Hurd
The terrain features of this area is a result of the Wisconsin Glacier movement during the last Ice Age. The Ice Age National Scenic Hiking Trail has three shelters for those keen to hike all of the way. Maybe next time. It is in the works to complete a trail through the state of Wisconsin, 600 miles are finished and it will reach a 1000. iceagetrail.org July, 2012
Oak Street Beach Photo by Nicki Hurd
I decided to stay near due to blister on my feet from walking around the Loop, and have a casual dinner at the Lake. The Margarita on the Rocks was $9.00 nearly the same price as my Fish and Chips at $12.00 but seemed a fair price for such a great location. Watching Lake Michigan splash was very relaxing. July, 2012