Canoeing on the Clarion River

We went out for our first canoe trip of the season this afternoon. It was sunny and warm, but the water was way too low and we kept getting hung up on rocks sticking out of the water. We did a nine-mile trip and it usually takes us maybe three hours. Today it took us over four hours. Don't think we'll do that trip again unless the water is much higher.

We saw quite a few ducks and Canadian geese as well as snakes and bugs. I am not a fan of snakes or bugs, but the birds were nice to see. One did bomb the river a few yards ahead of us though. Glad we were going slower than usual. That would not have been fun.

I got a bit too much sun and have a nice red shading on my arms and face. Now it's really summer. I have my first burn. It's raining now, so we made it home just in time to keep from getting wet.

Tomorrow is the Memorial Day parade and A is marching in it with the band. Not sure what we'll do after that one. Probably have a BBQ.

Altoona Curve

Spent Sunday at an Altoona Curve game. The weather was perfect, not too hot with a cool breeze. A little overcast, so it was a great time for photography.

I had my new camera - a Nikon D200 - and took almost 900 photos. Yeah, I was a bit slow that day. :) The camera worked great and I'm pretty pleased with the results. There is a lot I need to learn about how it works, but that's part of the fun.

Before we got to the stadium, we ran to the mall for my Hot Topic fix. They're renovating and have moved into a tiny little place until July. Got a couple pairs of earrings and T got a new Halo 3 shirt. Was hoping to find a nice messanger bag, but they weren't out. Ah well, there's plenty of time.

The next Curve game we're going to is June 1. They're giving away a mini tote and I'm so addicted to purses!

Short Bike Trip

Just had to get out of the house yesterday, so when Randy got home from work, we loaded up the bikes and headed out to our favorite trail.

We only did an eight mile trip this time, I wasn't feeling real well. We had to stop quite a bit on this one, but that's the only way I could make it. The kids liked having the chance to explore more often, so it worked out ok.

On our way back, they were a couple yards ahead of us when we heard them yelling and saw they were stopped. When we get there, they said a bear had just run across the trail. It had been down by the river eating skunk cabbage and when it heard them ran up the other side of the hill. I missed seeing it! Maybe next time.

We did get to see a blue heron, so that was a good way to end the trip.

Tonight, we're heading off to the drive in. Shrek 3 and Blades of Glory are playing. Both look good.

Election Day

Here it is going on 11 p.m. and I'm sitting here waiting for the final election results to come in, so I can finish up my article and get some sleep. One race is too close to call, with the second and third hopeful only 8 votes apart. Only two will make it to the November election, so that race just shows how important every vote is.

I do vote in every election and have for as long as I can remember. My 12-year old son has gone with me since before he was born. He knows it's important to vote. Of course, the fact that we always go for donuts afterwards might have something to do with it. We do talk about issues and he knows what his party will be when he turns 18 and can vote himself. He has learned a bit by reading some of my articles and going to the websites I visit regularly. That might not be a good thing, but at least he has chosen a side and it's not the dark side! I'm sure most people know my thoughts if you've read this blog even casually or have ever talked to me. :)

Only one precinct left to come in. I can't even begin to imagine what those two people are going through right now. I know I wouldn't have any fingernails left.

Mothers' Day Trip

After a great rib BBQ at our house, we decided to grab the bikes and head out to a local trail for a ride. The trail is about 9 miles from our house and is gorgeous.
The weather was just perfect for a long ride, not real hot, just cool enough to make it nice.

We start riding and the trail is empty. We take it easy and stop quite a lot to get off the bikes and explore the ghost towns, side trails and just to rest. We ended up going 11 1/2 miles round trip. My legs were like jelly, but that's just a sign I need to get in shape.

While we were riding, we saw a HUGE bird flying around and when it got closer, we realized it was a bald eagle. I had seen them in zoos and aviaries, but never in the wild. It's quite a sight to see.

We stopped at a swinging bridge and crossed over. I do not do well on heights, so I was holding onto hubby in a death grip. The kids ran right across with no fear. Can't remember the last time I felt that free.

With the warm weather here, we'll be going on lots more day trips like this. Next weekend is the drive in and a baseball game. Hopefully, we'll get canoeing the following weekend and out camping.

It's prom time

My cousin's oldest daughter went to her first prom tonight and he asked me to take the pre-prom photos. Of course, I was happy to do that since it gave me a chance to see her all dressed up.

How did she get to be old enough to even go to a prom? I know in my head she'll be 16 next month, but in my heart, I still see that little girl who use to carry the kittens all over the farm, even when they'd rather not be carried.

She looked like a princess in her dress, with her hair all pulled up. She couldn't wait to take off those heels though. :)

Ridgway Forest Fire

We were out for a nice bike ride yesterday. There is a beautiful biking/hiking trail that runs along a local river. We were about five miles out when we saw smoke and flashing lights. Hmmmm.... What else would a reporter do, but head right to it.

The forest on the other side of the river was on fire. Did I have my camera? Of course not. We were just going for a ride and figured the cell phone cameras would be enough. BIG MISTAKE!

Hubby and T get on their bikes and fly back home, pick up cameras and the videocamera, jump in the truck and race back. Our 12-year old son was ready to drop after that fun, so he went down to play in the river for a while. Of course, he fell in and got soaked, but at least he was out of the way and safe there. He won't melt. :)

The not fun part for the firemen was the only way to access the fire was to cross a huge train tressle and carry all the water on their back because there was no vehicle access. An aerial tanker had to be brought in with two 800 pound loads to get the fire under control, then the men had to walk up the mountain to put the smaller fires out. It was hot and smokey. They are brave men. I could never do it.

We stayed on the tressle, which is about 15 or so feet tall where the railroad tracks cross the river. I don't like heights. Yeah, I'm committed to the job or maybe I should just be committed?

We were there about two hours before it was finally under control. I will NEVER leave the house to do anything without at least one of our cameras in my pack. Our son told me that in no uncertain terms. :)