Travels Now and Then

During the summer, Hubby and I usually try to get out of town and find someplace a bit cooler than the coast of Florida.  For a number of reasons, this year we chose the Asheville, NC area and set out on the trip.  We stopped at Lake Hartwell on the way up and while I didn't take a single picture while there, I did get to see two scarlet tanagers.  I've seen only one other scarlet, so that was a real thrill.  You can take a look here for more info.  Scarlet Tanager 


Then we headed on to Hendersonville, NC.  It was such a wonderful feeling to head over that rise near the state line and see the hills swathed in blue mist rolling in the distance.  Unfortunately, our trip had to be aborted due to the elevation.  Hubby commenced having significant chest pains and we were gone in less than forty-eight hours.  To say I'm disappointed is an understatement, but given the circumstances there was no choice.   We knew this situation was a possibility but we were so in hopes that he could handle anything up to about 3,000 feet.  Didn't happen.  So, it looks like any future travels will be at low altitude.  


On our way home, we detoured through southeast Alabama to see my niece who was home visiting her folks.  She has always been a special child to me.  Starting when she was about three, every time I'd come home, she would be at the airport curled up against the glass wall waiting for me to walk into the gate area.  That was a great sight to see.  Now, she's got three boys of her own, one going into his sophomore year in high school.   My, how time does fly. 


This time of year three years ago, hubby and I were in Kenai, Alaska at the confluence of the Kenai River and Cook Inlet.  It was a unique place, with some unique architecture.   They served very good food in that cobbled together building, too.  

It had been rainy,  cloudy and blustery all day, but about 11 p.m., a break occurred in the clouds and the sun burst through.  We grabbed our jackets and a camera and ran outside.  It was one of the most glorious spectacles I've ever seen.  The whole sky and landscape were bathed in gold. 

Just across the way from the RV park was a Russian Orthodox Church which is beautiful at any time, but was especially so with that golden light washing over it. 

The salmon were running and the dip net fishermen were out in force.  I was fascinated by that whole process and wanted to be out there with them so bad!   That privilege is reserved for Alaska residents only, with permits being granted based on the size of the family.

It was simply breathtaking to see folks bring in fish after fish simply by standing the nets on edge and waiting until something swam into it.    Since the salmon had to enter the Kenai River at this very point, it was easy to catch them this way.


Y'all take care.