The Music City

Zoe:

the music city

color and culture and rhythm and rhyme swirling together

 like clothes in a washing machine

bustling restaurants and shops

bubbling to the brim with soft excitement

music fills the pastel streets with sounds of

strumming guitars and trumpets blaring

music city: a name rightfully earned

Musician's Hall of Fame

Walking through a time warp
all the legends of mastered melody
one "do not touch" sign away

The opportunity to record
 your own beautiful cringe worthy
songs and beats
To feel closer to
those legends

History Class Flash Back

As I gaze upon a text book wonder,

this creation from the golden age of Greece,

I can not help

but remember

the other figures most memorable to me 

Socrates, and Hercules, Pheidippides too

along with,

Plato,  Zeus, Athena, Hermes

They all came running back!

Who knew summer could make you remember

 what you were sure you would forget!

Food and Music

Dusk was on our heels

and we were growing hungry 

Tummy's loud as traffic

we strolled into the grille

the waitress took us to our seat

 but we grew hungrier still

A mountain of fried pickles

quickly disappeared

It was only to be replaced 

with sea of more mouthwatering food

pasta and bread sticks, pork chops and beans,

Tuna sandwiches, 

and a brownie sundae for desert!

All the while a man strums a guitar 

up on the stage

He sings songs I know

and ones I do not

But it all swims in the air 

and mixes together

to make the perfect night

Swimming in Alabama

Ryan:
As we left St. George Island, we were leaving more than the company of family and a beautiful place. We were also leaving some comforts behind. We were, in fact, making the transition from luxury to camping. If the minor discomforts of camping really bothered us, we wouldn't travel the way we do. We do enjoy the relatives simplicity of it. Going from the beach house, Simsation, with every conceivable personal convenience, however, straight to camping with all of its communal facilities and simple yet laborious task, was going to be a bit jarring. Jarring or not, we were on our way back north, headed home, ready to find out what might lay on our route between St. George Island, Florida and West Springfield, Massachusetts. Our first two nights would be spent in Cheaha State Park in Alabama. It's claim to fame is that it is the highest point in the state which, while cool for the park, it  isn't saying a whole lot in relative terms.

Cheaha's CCC observation tower.

We spent the morning in Cheaha exploring some of the parks signature features. First we checked out the watch tower built by the CCC in the 1930s. From its top you have a 360° view of the surrounding landscape; the Appalachian chain to the north and the Alabama lowlands to the South. At its base is an attached museum dedicated to the CCC camp that built the park. 

Doofi.

Next we did a couple of short hikes, the bald rock and pulpit rock trails, both of which ended and gorgeous overlooks. For me the coolest part about this park was being able to look out across the landscape, imagining the Appalachians stretching all the way into Maine, while looking at the very southern tip where they seem to simply fizzle out. 

Bald rock lookout

Pulpit rock lookout

Jumping at Cheaha lake.

At this point it was still early but already becoming uncomfortably sticky and hot, so we headed back to the campsite, put together some lunch, and walked down the hill to Lake Cheaha for a swim. We spent the better part of the afternoon relaxing, playing, and cooling off in what was obviously a popular local watering hole.

The girls found this little guy at the water's edge above De Soto falls.

It was only a short 2 Hour drive to Desoto State Park, so we arrived early enough to get situated in our campsite before lunch (after switching because our original assignment was going to be just too damn sunny). We spent the afternoon exploring the area. A recent lack of rain meant that most of the areas waterfalls were not running, but we found De Soto falls at least making an effort. We had planned on cooling off in the Park's pool, but looking down on the cascade pool at  Desoto falls, we decided to try to find a way down. Kat found an online post about the trail we were looking for and we set out to find it. The path seemed pretty clear, but after a while, we realized we were still way too high up on the ridge. Luckily we came across a group of girls from a local summer camp rappelling the rock faces. They showed us a spot where we could climb down and pick up a lower trail, which turned out to be the one we wanted to be on in the first place. 

By the time we reach the pool at De Soto Falls, we were all sweat drenched and ready to plunge in. There was, however, no clear way of plunging.

The lake bottom is a jumble of slick and angular rocks, so getting in required some careful creeping. Kinsey's first toe touch of a slimy rock sent her into a frantic little "Nope, nope, no, no, no, no..." episode while Zoe and I worked our way into the water and across to the waterfall. As we climbed out of the water on the opposite side, Kat was bullying Kinsey into it. (Note from Kat:  it was Kinsey who wanted to go because she wanted to swim to the waterfall like Daddy and Zoë. I got in first and it took a bit to get her to follow me) eventually they made it across, and in the end it was a nice swim and a great hike.

The two parks have one thing in common; they are both Alabama state parks, which means they received very little funding from the state. At Cheaha there were solicitations to support the park because they are "self funded", and at De Soto there are thanks for supporting the park by being a "partner". The difference was all about the community. Cheaha was in the middle of nowhere and felt that way. The lack of support from the local community means that the roads are in rough shape and everything seems a bit run down. There is a very dumpy looking cell tower with a loud generator built practically on top of the park's historic centerpiece, the CCC tower. It seems that when the decision to build it was made, and must've been a financial compromise.

Cheaha's CCC observation tower, with cell tower.

Desoto, on the other hand, is located within a couple hours drive of Huntsville, Chattanooga, and Atlanta. It is surrounded by beautiful mountain homes and a few small towns. There is clearly more money in De Soto's local community than there is in Cheaha's. Scattered throughout the park are "Partners Pay the Way" posters explaining Alabama's park funding system and listing the local organizations and institutions that are contributors to the park. As a result of this local buy-in, the park is clean, quiet, and while there are things like a swimming pool and cable hook ups at all campsites, kept as natural as possible. The contrast in the two parks points out the flaw in Alabama's system. Cheaha is a pleasant and beautiful place, and if it had been properly funded, it might be a bigger draw and a more productive asset for a part of the state that could really use it. De Soto is a productive park for its community because of the local investment. Alabama's funding system seems to be more of a geographic lottery then a comprehensive system for protecting its natural and historic resources.

At De Soto's nature center, the girls hang out with "Muncho". (their name for him)

We had a lot of fun at both parks, and were pleasantly surprised by Alabama's beauty. Next we are headed to Nashville, Tennessee, Music City.

Family Affair Part 2

     

Zoe:
    The road was long and grey. The podcast was depressing. The banana chips were gone and the only candy we owned had liquefied. We were losing hope, but then there was light (and a pool); Saint George at last. The locals greeted us with smiling faces and flower leis, the sun kissed our cheeks (not recommended), and the air conditioning cured our home sickness with blasts of air from New England. Well, we got sun burn, dragged all our stuff up from the car to the house as the kids waved from the pool. Same difference, right? Throughout the week we jet skied with dolphins, ate delicious family made meals, paddle boarded, kyacked, practiced synchronized swimming, played the hilarious hat game, took 100 family pictures, discussed quantum physics, opened a spa,  and swam in the pool and the ocean!

Kat:

For seven years Ry's family has been going to St. George Island for a week each summer. SGI is a slip of a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico just south of Tallahassee. His parents get a big house on the beach and we spend our time hanging out in the house, by the pool and of course, on the beach. We rarely get to see our Florida family so the trip is an important part of our summer. We missed it last year due to our cross country trek and so we were very happy to be back again this year. One of my favorite activities is heading out on the kayak and SUP with Zoe to hang with the dolphins. Each year we try and make a point of getting out on the water and communing with our favorite water mammals. Two years ago we had a threesome hang out with us for an extended time and then escort us back in to the beach. This year we weren't quite so lucky but we still did have some close encounters. Unfortunately that was on our first trips out when I didn't have my phone to take pics. When I did remember to take it with me, the dolphins were conspicuously absent. Sigh. 

Kinsey:

St. George Island sure was as fun as it always is. This year we made a spa called "Sea Side Spa & Salon" in our room. We had mostly all of the cousins involved besides Ella and Jake who are the eldest. For the spa we had two twin beds and a king bed, the smaller ones for one person to get a massage and the bigger one for a couple. For the salon part we had Caleb, Alexa, Zoe and me do hair and all of us except Caleb did make-up. We made $49 enough for each of us to earn $7. We earned more but we spent $27 on supplies. Other than the spa I spent most of my time in the pool. Zoe, Alexa and I made a synchronized swimming routine that we showed everybody on the last night. I think we did pretty well. 

me jumping off of Jason's back.

I gave up on a race because I had gotten so exhausted 

Yup.

Ryan:

     As Kat mentioned, last year was the first in seven years that we missed with my family on St. George Island.  While I wouldn't have done it differently, we did miss being there last year.  I truly love this way of catching up with my family.  My favorite part of Florida life has always been the on the water, whether on the beach or river.  When we are on the island, my family is away from their respective lives, just as we are.  This makes it the perfect place for all of us to slow down and hang out.
     I see this crew so rarely, the first thing I'm always struck by is how much the kids have all changed, and this time was no exception.  The faces of the oldest kids have started to develop more adult features. They have gotten a bit quieter; not serious, just maybe more thoughtful.  There was a lot of talk about college, as Ella will be entering her senior year in high school in August.  I'll say it again, "Hey Ella, we have some great schools near us. You should visit and check them out." (wouldn't it be nice for her to have a support structure nearby, Jason [Dad])  The youngest of the bunch have really come out of their shells, even if the very youngest, Landon, never really had one.  It was lots of fun talking with, hanging out, and playing with all of them.  My girls, of course, love being with them all. There was the usual swimming in the ocean and pool, shell hunting and sand playing, kayaking and paddle boarding, but this year there was the spa.  Instigated by Zoe (as it often is with the northern cousins), I'm always amazed at the near universal appeal of this activity.   They all enthusiastically embraced their respective roles, some of which included customer outreach/recruiter/town crier , hair and makeup, chief tickler, deep tissue specialist, customer review coordinator, and some other less clearly defined but equally crucial ones.  All told, I think each employee netted $7 after operating costs (lotion and fruit shaped gummies), and it kept them out of the sun during the most brutal hours.
     The grown ups had their chances to play, too. There was general lounging as well as kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skis, and after dinner games like bocci, five crowns, and the hat game.  Along with all the fun, there were plenty of chances to hear about recent developments in each family, and upcoming plans.  Usually, this week is separated from the one with Kat's family by more than a month, but it was actually really fun having them back to back this year.  After spending a couple of weeks surrounded by the people who mean the most to you, you can't help but realize how lucky you are to a part of the clan.

South Bound Mix

Kat:
We left Camp Thursday at 2 and began our somewhat hurried trek to St. George Island in FL. We had three stops, First Landing State Park in Virginia, Wilmington NC, and Savannah GA. The drive down to First Landing took us down the Delmarva Peninsula and across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. The CBBT is a 17.6 mile crossing at the mouth of the Chesapeake consisting of 12 miles of low-level trestle, 2 one-mile-long tunnels, 2 bridges, 2 miles of causeway, 4 man-made islands and 5-1/2 miles of approach roads. It was crazy to start crossing a bridge you can't really see the other side of.  We stopped on the far island after emerging from the second tunnel to wander around and read about the bridge.

Looking back at the other island where the tunnel started.

We arrived at the First Landing State Park near dusk. The girls headed off to scout, I started trying to put together dinner and Ry went to get camp wood. The girls went too far and it started to get dark, so I headed off to get the girls, when we returned Ry was sweating away trying to get a stubborn campfire lit. In the end we cooked via the propane stove, only to discover pre-marinated chicken from Wal-Mart leaves much to be desired. After feeding the girls cereal in the truck to avoid bug bites, we settled in for the night. The next morning we headed to the beach for a few hours.

Stylin with my new "packable" sun hat. 

Our next stop was my father's house in Wilmington, NC.  We arrived just in time for great conversation, snacks and then an excellent dinner compliments of my step mother Theo. We thoroughly enjoyed a night sleeping in A.C. We were so comfortable and enjoying our time we forgot to take pictures. Luckily my sister Sarah snapped a few.

Me and my little sis Sarah

Lazy morning in Wilmington

We headed out around 10:30 the next morning to head toward Savannah. The original plan had been to camp near the Okefenokee Swamp, but two night minimums and 107 degree temperatures made us think twice about camping in swamp territory. Instead we decided to find a KOA near Savannah and do an afternoon tour of the historic district and dinner. We didn't arrive at our camp ground until 6ish. I went into the office to check in only to be apologized to and warned about our neighbors for the night.  I smiled politely and said no problem we'd be heading into town for the evening so it really shouldn't be a problem. Wanda, who was working the front office that evening, assured me that her friend Rose was just across the way and she would keep an eye out for us. We pulled in to our spot next to the family in question. Their area was a bit of a mess; they had commandeered the neighbor to the right's picnic table and our water and electric. They had a mini fridge on one table, a radio going, random items strewn about the site and their dog tied to a tree with an extension cord. We pulled in and quickly went about setting up our site. As we packed away some food I noticed the dog had chewed through the cord and had happily started to trot off. I let our neighbor know, we would later learn his name was Ray (by reading "this is Ray's tent" scrawled on all four sides of said tent).  Without further incident, we headed off to Savannah for the evening. Unfortunately, by the time we found parking and made it to City Market it was 8. We had a decent dinner on the patio at the City Market Cafe while listening to live musing in the square. After dinner I attempted to drag the family around historic Savannah in the dark, it din't go so well. In the end I gave up, I will admit not very gracefully, and we headed back to the car.

One of the few shots we got in Savannah, blurry about covers how the crew was doing at this point.

We arrived back at the campsite to some heightened tensions between our neighbors and Rose, the aforementioned guardian angel. The girls and I headed to the bathroom and apparently while we were gone there was a verbal scuffle that went on between the family and Rose. It was pretty unclear what Rose's particular beef was with Ray, other than his general state of slovenliness. When the cops arrived and started comparing stories, Ryan decided to hang around in the shadows to see what might unfold.  Eventually, the cop came over and said, "I couldn't help but notice that our conversation has caught your attention."  Ryan told him he was just trying to make sure things were not going to escalate, asked what the problem was, and was assured that "They just don't like each other."  After the cops left and Ray roared away on his little green Vespa, we settled in for the night. Ray did return the next morning and tried to pull us into the debate by putting Ryan on the phone with the manager, Ryan begged out of the conversation and we hurried to exit the campground. We were out by 9am and on the road to meet LuAnn, honorary family member, outside of Jacksonville for an early lunch.

We had a lovely lunch with Lu at Olive Garden.

We made it to St. George in good time ready to enjoy a week with Ryan's family in a house on the beach.

A Family Affair Part 1

A post in four voices

Kat:
Each year my family gathers for a week of shenanigans. For nine years the gathering happened at my parents house in Spring Grove PA on Lake PaHaGaCo, hence the gathering was dubbed Camp PaHaGaCo. Starting last summer the gathering was moved to Rock Hall MD where my sister and her family have a weekend house. We don't all fit in the house but between the trailer and my parents boat, a 40' Catalina, which is berthed at the Haven Harbor marina across the cove, we manage to house us all. However, we are down five people this year as my brother John and his wife Brandi are enjoying a long awaited vacation in Greece and my other brother, DB and his wife Natasha are expecting a second child so they and their kiddo Vivian, have stayed in San Diego. The smaller numbers has meant we have not needed to charter a second boat like we did last summer to accommodate everyone. The week here has included a road race, parade, fireworks, tie dyeing, drone flights, sailing, swimming, dance party, a multitude of games, and some fabulous meals.

I've asked the girls and Ryan to contribute to this post to talk about their favorite part of camp so it's only fair I include my own. I find that my favorite times are those unscripted moments when you look around at your family and you see people going about doing their thing, two playing a game here, a few organizing a meal in the kitchen, a group over there looking at pictures, and you are happy to have the time to enjoy each other. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the activities but really what makes this week what it is is the people. And the animals too... My sister's family recently got a golden retriever puppy, Winnie,  and my parents have a cockapoo, Dory. Quiet a bit of the week involved yelling at Winnie to "DROP IT" or Dory to "shhh!" Despite that their adorable fuzzy selves just add to the fun atmosphere of our gatherings.

Winnie and Me

We also got a last minute visit from one of my oldest friends Megan and her adorable twins, Hunter and Kate. She contacted me Wednesday night with the crazy idea she would pack the kids up and drive three hours to come see us. This meant delaying our departure a bit and a far too short visit, but at least we got to hang out for a little bit.

Meg & Me with our kiddos

Dinners on the deck were always followed by spectacular sun sets

Fourth of July Parade in downtown Rock Hall, MD

This year's T-Shirt design

Kid pyramid!

The kids spent a lot of time playing in the pool at the marina

Clare and Kinsey walking to Durdings.

Kinsey:
My favorite part of camp was...I don't really have a favorite, all of it was so fun. I liked going to a really awesome ice cream store called Durdings. We went twice. The first time I got Moose Tracks, it was so good. It's brownies chunks, chocolate chips, chocolate and vanilla ice cream and a tiny bit of fudge. The second time I got lemon sorbet, that was miraculously soft and lemony.  So if you ever come across a Durdings shop I'd recommend you go there. I also liked playing at the pool. We played games like, Categories where your pick a category like "Disney Princess", for example, and you think of things in that category and if the tagger says that thing you have to swim to the other side of the pool and not get tagged. If you make it you swim back, if not you are the new tagger.  Other games we played were Sharks and Minnows and we had relay races. We had contests too like the biggest splash, smallest splash, quietest splash or loudest splash. I discovered that I could do cool jumps into the pool that I had never done before, like flips and round-offs. I didn't want to leave because I was going to miss my family. I played games inside and outside with my cousins. I made crunchies with Grand Mar, and got to ride in the dingy with Popov. We watched fireworks on Grand Mar and Popov's boat, Brunelle.

Camp Soup

By Zoe

To cook camp soup

one must be precise

however,

the recipe can be tweaked

once or maybe twice

To start

gather the families

(be sure to get the kids)

along with some puppies

and toss lots of love

right in!

Then find

a pool that they 

all could swim

 and add six or seven 

boats

For a little extra kick

add paddle board 

a kayak

and some Popsicles

too 

To finish it all off

stir together in a 

cozy house by

the sea with 

kisses and hugs 

from me

Ryan:

       Camp week with Kat's family has always been an amazing and somewhat decadent marathon of good food, drink, and fun, but what has become my favorite part in recent years is catching up with everyone and watching the kids enjoy being together.  There are other times when we might see parts of the family throughout the year, maybe for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a "May Baby" celebration (because so many of our kids have been born in May), but camp week is when we really get to live together a bit; whether cooking or gaming or doing some sort of project or doing nothing at all, it gives us the time to connect in a way that those quicker, more organized events don't necessarily allow.  It is also a lot of fun to see the kids kind of doing the same thing. Because of their ages, they tend to play in certain groupings, but you can tell they really love being together.  It's fun, but it also makes you feel good because while they all change so much from year to year, it takes almost no time at all for them to seem as if they are together all the time.  Watching them, you get the sense that they are building the bonds that will support them as they build their own lives and families.  Every year camp is a little different, in large part because the kids grow up so much from year to year, but also because of what's going on in everyone's life at the time and because of who may be missing.  As Kat mentioned above, some of the crew were missing this year, as they are off on their own adventures creating great memories and awaiting the newest future camper.  This year's camp was maybe a bit less crowded, maybe a bit lower key, but still a great week and definitely one for the books.  

This awesome aerial footage was taken by my brother Sam.