The Begining of 2011

Lack of inspiration usually temps the writer to expound on the beginning of things.  Thus we are arriving at Spring of 2011.  While I usually have a number of ideas for the blog, a beginning seems most appropriate. Hopefully I can overcome the pressure to be original and write about the beginning. 

My spring began with time to spent with my grandson, Bennett.  Now, most of you know I do not relish entertaining children.  After all, "anyone who hates dogs and kids cannot be all bad"!  However, time with "Beans" can be good.     To be 18 offers certain hazards to all of us.  We made the voyage in the Phaeton to Hillmans Ferry Campground in Land Between the Lakes.   I normally avoid this campground due to the 500 screaming children found ravaging the other campers.  But during March, they are fortunately in school, jail or abducted by aliens and not there.   Why do they not have a corn maze to lose the children?

Planning of our journeys for 2011 is like letting the children loose in the candy store.  What a large and interesting country we inhabit.  Casting round the country one must consider the current diesel fuel prices. Damn the torpedoes, we will push on inspite of the fuel.   The Phaeton must move on.  Where oh where do we travel?   To steal a phrase,  "can plans be written in Jello"?  We are residing at the Canal COE park at Grand Rivers, KY.  This has become of home base.  We will reside here for month of April with maybe a side trip to Crab Orchard National Wildlife Reserve and Keenland Racing Track.  Hence the "jello".  

Hiking today along the Honker Lake Trail was a wonderful and wearing journey.  Hunting the eagles was futile but the adventure along the lake and the fatigue made the later steak and beer refreshing.  After all I am the "crew" for the poparazzi, Lady Denise.  Hence, lugging heavy lens, water, binoculars, maps and keeping unwanted fans at arms length is just a part of the job. 

The flight returns to Land Between the Lakes.  These Zebra butterflies are beautiful and were in abundance on our hike around Hemitite Lake.  Spring 2011 seems to be busting out.  Watching the Osprey feed their young, building the nest larger and soaring with the wind just makes our day.

I leave you on this date, tired, refreshed, encouraged by nature and  charging into another day.  Bring on the JELLO!

Happy trails,

Denise and Barry, Bailey and Bella