OBX

Over the last few years I had heard allot about the Outer Banks (OBX) in North Carolina from coworkers. Even though it sounded like a really nice place to vacation, I didn't think I would get the chance to visit because I have allot of other places higher on my list of places to visit.

A couple of weeks ago I was sent out to North Carolina for work. I had one free day, and luckily I was only about a two hour drive from OBX. So, on my Sunday off I hopped in the rental car and took a drive to the beach. I quickly discovered it was the off-season, everything was boarded up, shops were closed, and I think I was the only person on the beach that day. The blustery cold winds off the Atlantic didn't help either. I made the best of the day by taking a drive down the coast, walking along the beach, visiting a lighthouse, and snapping a few pictures of course.

After spending just a cold day on the beach in the OBX it has definitely moved up on my list of places to visit. My mom mentions from time to time that the family should all take a cruise together, but I am going to tell her that we should all rent a beach house in the OBX for a week instead.

Signs of the Seasons

"One swallow does not make a summer, but one skein of geese, cleaving in the murk of March thaw, is the spring."

-Aldo Leopold

When living in 'Da Nort' you know that seasonal changes are inevitable. Although it is not March and spring is not on its way for many more months, the geese are telling me winter is on the way. Last week I was outside with the dog and the distinct sound winter was just across the street.

There is a lake across the street from our house and it is always the last lake in our area to freeze over in the winter. Since it is the only open water around, the last waterfowl to head south use it as a place of rest. During the summer months we very rarely hear any ducks or geese on the lake, but once the temperature starts to drop the honks and quacks are bountiful. As the honking from the geese gets louder and louder it tells me winter is just around the corner.

Frozen Footsteps.

Bur Oak

One time someone asked me what tree best represents me. I surprised myself by coming up with a quick response, "Bur oak, because they are big and reliable, like me!"

I was working in Missouri last month and I paid a visit to one of the largest bur oaks in the United States. It is listed in the National Register of Big Trees.

http://www.americanforests.org/resources/bigtrees/

Enjoy!

Autumn Sunset

After an extended sabbatical, I am hopefully back for awhile.

Mohawk Trails

I have been working out in western Massachusetts for the last couple of weeks. Today was my day off and I wanted to do some hiking, someone had suggested Mohawk Trails State Park, so that is where I went. I hiked to the top of Todd mountain, and through some old growth forests. The weather was great, the scenery was beautiful, and the trees were big. I came across come Lady Slipper flowers at the top of Todd mountain, and an old abandoned truck on the middle of the forest.

Break a Bat, Plant a Tree

I haven't been traveling too much lately, and have been working in front of the computer for the last month or so. Therefore I havent had much time to take photos, or get in the mindset of writing about traveling.

I did come across this article about trees and the Minnesota Twins that I wanted to share. The Twins plan to plant 100 trees in Minnesota State Parks for every bat a Twins pitcher breaks.

http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4266:minnesota-twins-to-plant-100-trees-for-every-bat-broken-this-season&catid=71:sponsorships&Itemid=164

"The Twins claim that on average, a team breaks one bat every game. That would result in 16,200 new trees planted on Minnesota state parks and trails as a result of Break a Bat, Plant a Tree."

I think this is a great program, and I hope more teams start doing things like this.

Candlewood Suites

I called the Candlewood Suites in Elgin, Illinois home for about two months this winter. I have to say that I really lucked out with this hotel! The hotel was only about 4 months old when I stayed in it, so everything was pretty much brand new and super clean. Most hotels I stay in talk up their work out facilities and they end up being some old crappy equipment from the early 80's. The Candlewood had some really nice workout equipment that I got some good use out of, granted the hotel is brand new so the equipment hasn't been used to much in the first place. One thing that I really like about all Candlewood Suites is that they have FREE washer and dryers! Most hotels charge an arm and a leg to use their washer and dryer, if they even have one. The rooms were equipped with a full kitchen, granite counter tops, DVD players, flat screen TVs, and very comfortable beds.

A couple of views of my room.

The staff of the Candelwood of Elgin was also a treat. Everyone was super friendly and very helpful with anything I needed. The hotel is also pet friendly, as you can see my dog Cloey relaxing in the room.

I would highly recommend staying at this hotel if you are in the western Chicago area.