Trip to the Lake

Following a discussion in which I learned that standing underneath the fluorescent tubes at work don't count as a healthy source of light, we decided to spend some time out of doors. We headed to Black Hill Regional Park, just north of us, and went Kayaking around the lake.

Sarah, taking a brief break from the hard work of propelling the boat through the water:

This was the most work I did all day:

The lake was much bigger than the nearby lake to us, and so we didn't make it all the way around (or even part of the way around) this time. We did get some good views though, and arms that ached.... Hopefully we'll return soon and make it round further.

After this, we had Clam's and Linguine for dinner.

Also, a quick update on the plants. The tomatoes are now the second plant to be producing fruit/seeds (not exactly clear on the distinction). These look quite healthy, though:

Finally, I thought I'd post my Sunday run the past few weeks. Been running to a local Mall, waiting for my ankle to get fully better before going off road again:

Jazz at Wolf Trap

Yesterday, Sarah and I went to a concert at Wolf Trap. This is a national park with a beautiful stage built in a hill.



We sat outside and had a picnic. The picnic was great, we avoided the rain and listened to some banjo/jazz music.... I also saw my first Maryland fireflies.

Great Falls on the C&O Canal

Yesterday, we went and visited Great Falls on the C&O canal. The park is located near Potomac, a half hour drive from home in towards Washington. The park is based around the C&O canal which runs all along the Potomac, at a spot where the river cut a deep canyon through the rock when it shifted some tens of thousands of years ago. The canal, and a good footpath, follows the path of the river before this on the side of the canyon .

We started off our walk looking at the great falls itself, there was a good viewing gallery for this:

The safety rail was a little 'loose', which I think led to this reaction:

Here is a view of the rapids near the falls:

And some of the local wildlife:

Following this, we went on a small adventure. Following the leisurely stroll along the canal, we saw a sign for the Billy Goat Trail A. Whilst the sign carefully stated this was the parks 'toughest hike', to be done only by 'healthy adults' and involved 'rock climbing', we laughed at this as typical overstatement by a health and safety concerned park official. We were wrong.

Starting the walk, we noticed it got rocky quite quickly:

In fact soon, we were walking across a path on the edge of the canyon, looking over the river. I say path, and really mean a series of arrows painted on the rocks. It was wicked fun, with good views:

This was, however, only the start of the trail. After some more rock hopping, we came across this bit of the path, a steep climb etched into the rock next to the river. Both of us did a great job climbing this without freaking out.

After this, we found a spot to relax and enjoy the views, which was spectacular all the way along the trail. More rocks followed, and further climbs along the canyon edge....

Nearly home, we encountered a small ford, where this was the only way across:

Whilst others ran, fleet of foot-esque across the beam, I realised this was a situation where I would not shine in an action-hero type way. So, I ungracefully shuffled across the log really slowly on my back-side. My feet stayed dry.

Soon after this, we were out and back safe onto the canal, to much celebration:

This was only Billy Goat Trail A. I now really want to see B and C.

New Car Smell

Very exciting day yesterday. After deciding that, in the US, one car is not really enough for us, we started looking for a new car this week. Yesterday, we bought a Honda Fit - called the Jazz in the UK, not sure why. My knowledge of cars is not great for a detailed technical description, but it is a nice, small car with lots of space inside. Ours is silver (see below; note fogged photo - it is VERY humid here today). So far, am really enjoying driving it around, but have not decided on a name yet.

Also, an update on our plants. They have all shot up in the past few weeks, especially one of the the chilli plants and the tomatoes. We are now having to trim down the tomatoes to size now. This may be them attempting to escape.

Also, some great news from our littlest chilli plant. We have our first pepper! We check it every day to make sure the local wildlife don't get it. Sarah is already planning to use this in a batch of Chilli.

Am also watching the World Cup on TV when possible. Saw the US/England game yesterday; heard the ambassadors had a bet on this! Watching at the moment - currently Germany are 4-0 up to Australia. Good fun, but the whistle things are abit loud in the background.....

Kayaking at the Beaver Lake

Today, Sarah and I went Kayaking around our local lake; the one with the Beavers. We rented a two man Kayak, seen here post-adventure:

It was great fun, and really peaceful. I was, however, tired by the exercise on my usually un-worked arms, and rested frequently:

Sarah took up the slack:

Whilst we saw no beavers, we saw some fish and what we initially though was a fake plastic heron, until it moved....

A good time was had by all. Had Sushi for tea, followed by ice-cream.

Also, there is a local band playing in the square near by which I am currently listening to, and wondering if the ever more ominous clouds are going to rain and force them to stop. I hope they get a few more songs in. Time will tell.....

The C&O Canal near Shepherdstown

On Saturday, we visited the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Park on the stretch near Shepherdstown. The park is based alongside 184 miles of an old canal, which is partly dry now and only functional for some of the stretch. The canal runs alongside the Potomac at Shepherdstown, and there is a wonderful view of the river and the multiple old bridges which have fallen into disuse from there.

The towpath is great for walking- and also looks great for cycling along. We walked along a stretch of the canal, and saw an old civil war battle site at one of the Potomac's fords.

The towpath is marked every mile, which was very motivating. Here is Sarah after our 71st mile.....

We also explored Shepherdstown, a lovely University town with lots of cafes and restaurants.

One added bonus - I added another state I have visited to my list: West Virginia! Soon, I will make a list properly....

Plant Update - Memorial Day Weekend

As tomorrow is the first day of summer (and a day off!), we wanted to check on the status of the plants, to make sure they are happy before the sun comes out in earnest.

The tomato plants are now huge, nearly topping the railings on our balcony. They are also starting to flower, so I am hoping for a full crop of tomatoes for next week:

The basil and pepper plants are also doing well (if needing alittle more water, today was a hot day):

Also, the cactus has sprouted another cactus thing on its side. The only plants that aren't thriving under our care is Sarah's pot of Dirt/Hay/Strawberries....

Finally, we have also managed to grow an extra bonus species. They seem to disappear by day, and come up at night. I favoured a strong anti-fungal agent, but apparently pulling them up will also be effective...