Chautauqua Wildlife

Every year there is some exciting snake spotting at Chautauqua. Last year it was Maura's rattlesnake spotting. This year there was another rattlesnake spotting. This snake was shot and then driven around the grounds for everyone to take a look. There was also a nest of snakes in the creek this Summer. We've been told they are not poisoness but they still freak me out. Other not so freaky wildlife at Chautauqua are the deer, butterflies, frogs, etc...- I can handle them :)

Jersey County Tree

We've driven past this tree for years on our way to Walmart in Jersey County. I always notice it. This year I pulled over and got a picture. I'm not sure why it always draws my attention. Maybe it is because of the contrast with the blue sky and clouds or maybe it is just because it is dead.

The 13 Year Cicada

Millions of "13 year cicadas" could be heard for weeks in STL this year. The trees were covered and the noise got so loud you could hear them over the air conditioner with the windows closed. The kids didn't want to go outside because they would dive bomb you. 13 years from now we are going to have to plan a month long vacation- maybe one of the kids will be studying in Europe and we can all go there for the month!

Georgia Mountains Part 4: Highlands and Dry Falls

Drive through the mountains in an area that connects GA, SC, and NC- beautiful views and waterfalls


Crimshaws- the smallest post office in the US

Highlands, NC


Lunch at Pescados

Dry Falls


More of our drive through the mountains



Mica found behind Morris property

Morris' land in Satolah, GA. It has been in his family for generations and is beautiful. It backs up to the state park reserves.

The trip wouldn't have been complete without a lesson in shooting.

I actually made a bullseye!


Morris giving us a real lesson.

Georgia Mountains Part 3: Burrell Ford

We went to Burrell Ford for a hike along the Chattooga River. It is a gorgeous trail with amazing spots to camp along the river. Hopefully when we get back to GA with the kids this will be one of our main spots for a camping trip. The air was very cool and we definitely needed gloves and hats. By the end were warmed up and the sun felt great.

Shannon and I on one of the bridges made by the Reserves. The states parks are kept in beautiful condition.




This spot along the river has a sandy beach. Just beyond this point is a camping spot. Shannon, Morris, and the kids have camped there on a few occasions. They said the key is to get there on a Thursday so you can claim the prime spot.

Georgia Mountains Part 2: Horse Farm

Morris takes care of land and horses on much of the properties around his own. Many of these properties once belonged to his family but have since been sold. Across the road from his home is this farm which once belonged to his grandparents. It now belongs to a family who owns an advertising school. They come to Georgia for weekend retreats and also bring students for week-long seminars. The majority of the time the house is empty and Morris (and sometimes Shannon) care for the horses and the land.





Brenden can actually drive this "Dragon" all on his own. He took me on a tour of the property. We got a little lost and had a little trouble turning it around on the path but finally managed to make it back to the farm. His spatial skills are incredible for six years old!


This is the art studio on the property. She does pottery, pencil drawings, and water color. Look at all that natural light! I like to imagine my inner artist would come to life if I had a studio like this :)






The owner is a woodworker and makes every piece of furniture for the home. He also has a studio.

Monkeys

Kate bought us this tree when Ben was two. It has grown into a beautiful climbing tree. Ben has his little perch on top that he climbs with a notebook and pencil to draw. Max is content on the lower branches.




Finally a leaf pile!

Anniversary

View from the bluffs/Centennial Trail

Almost sunset

Bottle of wine we had with our bread/cheese/salami appetizer.


Charlie telling me the story of how he and the boys got lost on the trail and ended up almost in Elsah. Maura and I ended up picking them up along the river road. They were covered in tics.


After our hike we went to dinner at the Mississippi Half Step in Grafton. The food there is delicious. I got scallops with artichokes and mushrooms and mashed potatoes. Charlie got the beef tips and tomato bisque soup.
Next year we may close the cottage a week later so we can come here for brunch on Sunday. They offer brunch November-February during the months the bald eagles come to the area for the winter. Their brunch menu looks delicious too.




Charlie made breakfast using the left over beef tips, port salut cheese, and eggs. After breakfast we got to work getting the cottage ready to close up. It always surprises me how much time it takes to get everything done. It is sad closing the cottage especially when the weather is so beautiful. Now the count down to reopening the cottage- 139 days!