My memory is not what it used to be so I want to post our trip from last summer before we head out on more journeys.
We left our home to head up north to the Finger lake region on Friday August 14th and stopped in to visit Ron’s cousin Nick Ippoliti who has a pretty cool place out in secluded Orange , NY. He works on-line and found an amazing property he is cleaning up and preparing for more guests I suppose. He does have a big family. We parked our van in a wooded area and had a nice fire that evening and plenty of good food and drink. In the morning I enjoyed walking on some of the nearby trails. Wish we had more time to hang around as it was beautiful and very peaceful.

Saturday we made our way to Keuka State Park and then checked in with the Peasantman race people in Penn Yan, NY. We set up camp and started dinner. Our friend Mary Pat showed up just in time and we had a nice dinner with salmon, potatoes, greens, and white wine. We had a race in the morning so we went to bed early. In the morning we headed out for our half iron distance triathlon. It was a super small race but I loved the grass roots feeling of it and all the volunteers were amazingly helpful and pleasant. I did well up until the second half of the run where the heat and my stomach no longer agreed with moving forward. I did get first in age group and was knighted by a queen! After the race we cleaned up and had a delicious dinner with friends (Diane, David, Ellen, Izabella, and Mary Pat came too) at an amazing restaurant Stone Cat Cafe outside of Watkins Glen. We headed back to the camp ground to sleep.
We woke and hung out at Keuka S.P in the morning and went swimming even though there was lots of seaweed. Met a nice older couple who come there every year. We then headed to Watkins Glen and checked into the SP there and went for a short walk. In the morning we ran the trails around the gorge. It was early so not congested with tourists yet. Loved doing this! We cleaned up and headed to Ithaca and parked in front of Ellen’s home.

Paul made dinner as it was a work day for Ellen. We drank lots of wine and had a great evening. In the morning we did some exploring and walked the Cascadilla Falls up to Cornell.

There is just so much beauty in the Finger Lakes Its hard to absorb it all. We stopped at a coffee shop and then headed to the Johnson Museum where we spent a good part of the day in the exhibits and lounging on the great wooden reclining chairs outside. It was warm out so I felt the need for a swim. We went to Cayuga Lake and swam off the rocks. Paul helped with a sailboat that had gotten grounded by accident in the wind.

We met up with friends Jenny and Warren Bunn’s at their home and parked our van there. We went to Trumansburg for dinner at the Rongovian Embassy (made up but has documents to look official) and then sang songs in the driveway till the wee hours. In the morning, after destroying the electrical system on their washing machine (yikes!) we headed out for another run towards the Taughannock Falls.

It was part of a race I did earlier in the summer but this time Paul and I ran the upper trail all around the gorge. Challenging and we were tired and hungry. We drove next to meet up with The Marvelous family. Jen was not there but Milan and the girls showed us their land and we had dinner. Everyone was tired from the day so we headed off to sleep and connected back up in the morning.

Paul helped Milan by driving him into Ithaca to see purchase various bits of hardware and get some paperwork done for their upcoming trip around the world. I hung out all day and had the most marvelous time with the Marvelous females. We hauled wood for the upcoming burn, played cards when we needed a break, swam naked in a fresh water pond, and the girls showed me their archery skills. I am just going to say that I was in a happy la, la land. Something about nature and freedom of clothes, time, necessities and dirt. lots of sweat and dirt. Hmmm… I didn’t really want to go, but then there was this museum waiting for us to visit. The Corning Museum where Warren Bunn is Collections and Exhibitions Manager. The drive took a while but when we got there we found that Warren made time to show us around. We had a private tour that could not be matched. He knew everything about every piece of art. We even ended up in the basement at one point and looked into a room where they stored things that are not currently on display. We saw Everything!! I know Warren is proud and he should be. The place is fabulous and I highly recommend visiting if you get a chance.

Okay, Its the same day and we are headed to Chautauqua. Mary Pat and Jack have a summer home here and its really hard to explain. Feels somewhat fake but at the same time its really lovely. Cute homes, lakeside, education, theater, guest speakers, music and more. We saw Carol Burnett on our first night. I am a big fan.
The next morning we went on a bike ride around the lake. 42 miles. It was pretty easy for me, and even Paul mostly managed fine, and it managed to be scenic most of the way. We had to finagle passes to get in and out as Chautauqua is a gated community, and we were technically trespassing. We had a nice dinner at their home on the back porch and then headed to an orchestra concert – a premier of a work by Wynton Marsalis, which neither of us found particularly compelling.

The next day we were off again and driving to Wisconsin. We stopped part way through the drive and did a hot run on the Wabash Cannonball Trail. We got super hungry because of running and so we had dinner outside of Chicago (in Skokie) at a tapas place we found on Yelp. Really good food and a good find. We arrived late and crashed. Next day we took it easy. I ran a short 3 mile loop around my parents. Visiting time. We decided Tuesday to run the ice age trail by Holy Hill. We ran for almost 10 miles. It was really pretty but challenging in some places. Paul made dinner. Mom was not feeling well after doctor visit.

Next day, Wed. August 26th we left my parents in the evening and had dinner with my high school friend Debbie and her husband Rick at Alpine Retreat. We even had a grasshopper(drink) for dessert. It was so nice to see her and catch up. We drove to my brother Matt’s new home on Lake Winnebago and stayed up for a little bit with him and my niece Alexan. In the morning Matt was eager to show us around. I went for a swim in the lake and then he tried to get Paul and I up windsurfing. We were not too successful. We also cut out feet on sharp shells on the lake bottom. Oh well. We took Matt’s boat to Oshkosh for lunch and went to a place with micro brewed beer which I enjoyed. There was a crazy jet pack water skier on the lake to amuse us while we ate, and then we took the boat back to Matt’s.

Up early on Friday, to have breakfast with another childhood friend, Karreen Graham and her children and children’s children at a local truck stop. Good breakfast food and good service and I do love Karreen and reminiscing  about all the fun we used to have. She is a biker chick now! Tattoos and all, way cool. Ryan, her son, was especially curious about the van and the solar panels. Paul helped him climb the ladder to see them. We said our good byes and headed to Madison to see the sisters! Paul made dinner, again, because Anne worked all day. Pat, Anne, Luna, Inde, George Carrie, and Milo were all there. Lots and Lots of Vino. I woke the next morning with a headache. Not the best way to start your 50th birthday.

I decided to do what I love, run! I took off and ran past Monona Terrace towards Turville Point Conservation Park. I enjoyed the run and doing some trails inside the park. In the evening my siblings took me to a nice restaurant and gave me thoughtful presents. Everyone was pooped but Paul and I walked to a festival down the street and listened to some pretty groovy music. Next day it was off and driving toward home. We stopped at a State Park in Ohio called West Branch. Very quiet and I took a short evening swim. Beautiful. In the morning Paul and I got up and ran about 7 miles of trails in the park before heading out toward the PA Turnpike and the increasingly familiar drive back home.

Bandera: There is beauty in dem dar hills. Paul and I were drawn to the Texas Hill Country after our first visit a few years ago. It has an unfamiliar beauty and an openess that can intimidate and calm in the same breath. We also enjoyed the vast starry skies for our nighttime entertainment. During our 3 week stay in Cowboy Capital, we found some reasons for settling there. The people are extemely friendly, the weather in winter is pleasant, and you have one of the largest selections of cowboy boots you can imagine.

Our respecct for Texas Hill Country trail runners has been magnified! We especially enjoyed running in Lost Maples SP. It has challenging terrain so much so we had to hike some parts. The veiws were spectacular and running on the flat canyon rock a treat. Driving West of Bandera the rugged natural beauty of Texas just gets better and better.

Woofing at Sage Gardens is like being invited into the Gibson Family. We will no longer feel like strangers and this made it a bit harder to leave. Our last night we enjoyed a delicious cajun meal cooked by Lulu, Debby’s mom. The whole extended family gathered to share in the food, conversation, and goodbyes. We have been blessed with luck on our first sojourn/van voyage.

Heading home we stopped in Austin to enjoy one last run on the river loop and take a dip in Barton Springs pool. We stayed a night at Atlanta SP. and caught the tail end of a sunset high above a lake on a quiet,desserted campsite. We woke to rain and rapidly dropping temperatures. We decided to run 8 miles anyways through the wet, wooded trails. Many of the paths were flooded by the expanding lake water. it was still a visually cool experience.

The next night we stayed in Arkansas at my Uncle Jim’s house. He welcomed us with a nice home cooked meal even though we announced that we were arriving that day.We felt nutured by food, conversation, and love. It was nice to see cousin Mike and Marnie.

The rest of the journey home is somewhat bittersweet. A spicy Thai food dinner in Indianapolis, sleeping well in a Flying J truck stop (thanks to our heater – it was 18F/-7C), snow flurries along the way and some sunshine to brighten our spirits. We are going home.

I was invited to assist in a workshop Debby and Eileen were having in the Sage Garden kitchen. Anyone who knows me well, knows that Paul is the main chef in our family. Still, the workshop was on making sushi rolls and this I knew very little about. I could however greet people, help with cleaning, and serving tea and saki. This is the second workshop that Eileen and Debby have done together and it seemed that all the participants learned a lot and were able to make delicious looking rolls. We set the tables, put on our kimonos, heated up the saki and invited everyone back inside to feast. There were few leftovers but I now have recipes for all including the miso soup and cucumber salad.

Eileen Rogers is a close friend of Debby’s and is also a gardener. After viewing her plants at the local Bandera farmer’s market, Paul and I decided to visit her and her husband Bill’s farm. We enjoyed looking at all the garden beds and plants that they started.     Eileen also does a wide variety of succulents and had some on display in a green house. Besides gardening and cooking, Eileen has many talents including clothing design. She sells many items on-line and you can buy them at toesteesocks.com. I am starting to get an itch to return home and get going on some of my own projects.

Bandera continues to surprise us with its friendly people, beautiful hills to run in and variety of lifestyles. Paul and I ran in Government Canyon Natural Area last weekend to take advantage of our Texas Park pass. We were not blown away by the views this time but the trails are diverse and there are many. We felt both challenged and relaxed by the subtle beauty of fields, rocky trails, canyons, and trees. It made 22 plus miles a bit easier.

Paul and I have found that time does fly but in a relaxed sort of way here at Sage gardens. When we arrived last Wednesday we were greeted with 4 generations of open arms. Can a family really be this friendly and welcoming? The answer is yes, we have felt less like wwoofers and more like guests here. Debby and Sid have a very comfortable homestead with a vegetable garden, chickens for eggs, and a plethora of dogs (including Sam the collie, who has so far run about 15 miles with us).

Debby is involved with many projects and at the moment one is getting her kitchen certified as a commercial kitchen. She can then cook and sell food products and also rent out space to other people. The garden and home have a nurturing feeling which brings both sustenance and love to this family.

Debby has recently become aware of the benefits of eating whole foods in a plant based context, and has gone beyond that to a vegan diet for herself. The family is supportive and the food Paul and I have eaten has been tasty. We enjoyed a gathering of friends last night that share her interest of healthy foods and living. It was a potluck dinner and Paul contributed his West African peanut soup from a Moosewood cookbook. I really loved the variety of people that have found their way to the Texas hill country of Bandera. Ceramic artists, woodworkers, gardeners, entrepeneurs, beer makers, restaurant owners, beauticians, and of course cowboys and gals.

There is beauty in these wide open spaces and hills. We have been mostly enjoying our runs and the weather looks like it will continue to brighten. We spent last Saturday running 20 miles in Hill Country SNA on the rugged trails that they have for hikers and equestrian use. The views were outstanding and the trails although challenging had enough of a variety to be forgiving. This landscape is what drew Paul and I here to begin with.

Today I spent the morning weeding and clearing the garden of debris. It is a pleasure to be outdoors and in such a tranquil space. I don’t know what other wwoofers will think about this place but I have a feeling they may not want to go home.

Paul and I have been very impressed on our previous visit to Texas with the state parks here so we thought we would take a break from WWOOF-ing and visit some of the closest ones. We purchased a State park pass earlier when we were doing trail runs at Bastrop State Park. For $70 its a deal if you will be traveling in the state for awhile and either camping or visiting the parks for day use.

We headed first to McKinney Falls State Park in Austin. Being so close to the city this park fills up on the weekends so book ahead of time. We arrived on a Wednesday so it was still pretty quiet and the weather warm enough to check out the trails. We slept peacefully and did a Thursday day/night exploring Austin.

On Friday the weather was getting cold and we headed North to Inks Lake State Park. We found a nice spot to park the van on a inlet where deer, ducks, and various wildlife felt comfortable milling about. We woke in the morning and waited awhile until it warmed up a bit. We bundled up in our winter running gear (it was that cold) and headed out to the trails. Inks lake is one in a chain of “Highland Lakes” created in the 1930’s through a series of impoundments on the Colorado river. It has beautiful granite-like rock called gneiss that the trail traverses that makes running slow and tricky but you then had time to enjoy some veiws. We managed to get in 10 miles but my hands and toes were numb by the end. The hot showers afterwards felt sublime. This park would be fabulous in the warmer weather with its many water play options.

Colorado Bend State Park is a very remote, rugged park we visited and decided to trail run. The park has over 30 miles of hike and bike trails so we thought this would be a perfect place to get some miles in. We arrived a bit late in the afternoon but thought we would only run a few hours. We headed first to Gorman Falls to check out a waterfall and then continued on a steep and winding trail along bluffs and canyons on the Colorado River. The trails were definitely runnable but it took concentration and careful footing as there were a lot of rocks, roots and places you could trip. We were really enjoying the run but we messed up a bit on the distances and ended up out a lot longer than we expected. It was getting late and I was really getting cold and tired. By the time we got back it was more like 4 hours and over 17 miles of trails with no one in sight. We were both spent!

Deserving a day off we took some time to relax and then move on to another park. Because of our pass we decided to stop at Enchanted Rock for lunch. It was still misty and wet outside so the main trail to to top of the rock was closed due to being slick. We just wanted to eat our lunch in the van and stare at this unique pink granite dome which rises 425 feet above the surrounding area. It is the largest batholith, or exposed underground rock formation, in the US.

Our last park to stay at was Gualalupe River State Park. Here again the weather was offputting so we pretty much had a whole section of the camp to ourselves. The park had limited trails and the wet weather had made them so muddy that it would collect on your shoes and make them super heavy. Paul especially liked a short loop called the Oak Savannah Loop which felt like a prarie run.

My favorite place in the park is where they have set up bird feeders with a blind so you can watch them. I have never been a birder but I can see why people want to sit and watch these beauties. I was mesmorized by their movements and captivated by their songs.

I would have sat alone there for hours but a creepy camper dude made me want to move on. This park would also be a wonderful place to enjoy a hot summer day floating on the river.

The HOPE outdoor gallery on Baylor Street in Austin is an amazing set of concrete walls covered by everchanging graffiti. Paul took these photographs, documenting some of the art present there on February 26th, 2015. You are encouraged to view the full resolution images to get the full sense of the artwork.

After being parked outside Austin on the farm for almost a month, I could take it no longer…I need art! Paul and I decided to head into Austin and stay at McKinney Falls State park which is 13 miles from the capital. We settled in and did a surprisingly challenging trail run that combines crossing the falls, passing historical sites (former homestead of 19th century racehorse breeder Thomas McKinney), ponds, Onion Creek, and well maintained wooden bridges.

The next day we drove to a spot on Ladybird Lake. Paul really wanted to run the Ann and Roy Butler hike and bike trail to get a feel for where the locals exercise. It was really cold, damp, and windy but I agreed. The 10 mile loop is a classic city running (and walking) location, similar to the Schuylkill River or Charles River loops in Philadelphia and Boston, that offers city views, river side scenery and widespread popularity with a large variety of runners and walkers.

We tried to warm back up in the van but I really didn’t feel better until we got into the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas. You are greeted there by a cool large foyer that is covered with watery looking tiles in varying shades of blue. The tiles reflect the light and shadows of the day and even of your own silhouette. Paul and I enjoyed the main exhibit at the museum was called “Witness” which was an interesting collage of numerous artists and their personal impressions of the civil rights movement and the general zeitgeist that surrounded it. The museum has a large permanent collection that is definitely worth visit (free on Thursdays). It is also across the street from the Texas State history museum which we skipped but it highly recommended, and a few blocks from the capitol building, as Paul demonstrates here:

Down the street we checked out the gallery and shop, Women and Their Work (1710 Lavaca St). Intimate gallery with rotating artists and some nice gift items.

Next up was a must do stop for artists visiting Austin, The Hope Outdoor Gallery and/or Castle Hill Graffiti (11th and Baylor). The art on this abandoned construction site is ever changing.

Many famous artists have painted here only to be covered over the next week, day or hour by another artist. Nothing is permanent. We enjoyed climbing around and snapping photos of all the different styles. In order to paint on the site you are supposed to apply, sign a waiver etc… etc…but even while we were there plenty of people just walked up with paint cans in hand to put up a tag or a design.

The trash bins overfowed with used paint cans. I am in love with the freedom this place exudes but hope that no irresponsible actions will shut it down. It is prime Austin real estate and the veiw is fantastic so only time will tell. Paul posted a larger set of photos of the outdoor gallery over here.
Feeling hungry Paul and I headed to Whip In. The vibe was just right with the kind of grooves Paul digs and even star trek videos playing on a single screen. Indian food and really good beer with a wine and beer shop connected to purchase more. The weather was still cold so no one was sitting outside but we were able to score a cozy booth indoors. Highly recommend.

Austin Art Garage (2200 S. Lamar), an almost hidden gallery needs a mention. Here is a placewhere many talented emerging artists show and sell their work. So many affordable pieces but not enough room in our van to display. Bummer.

Torchy’s Tacos was a treat, and is expanding locally and hopefully nationally. Tasty unique taco combinations that are affordable and delicious. Relaxed atmosphere, wi-fi, happy hour.
If you are a Dr. Seuss fan, stop by Art on 5th fine art gallery. We enjoyed looking at the drawings and design sketches most of all. The other art was not as memorable.
We put a dent in my list of art to see in Austin and may stop back on our return from the wilderness.

It is strange how one can get conditioned to new places and styles of living so quickly. The sounds of the roosters crowing, the smell of pig manure and smoked meat, sparkling starry skies, bird poop everywhere, dogs barking, birds clucking and I am not sure what the guinea hens do but they sure are noisy.

It’s been a little over three weeks since we arrived at Countryside Farm and today we are leaving. My first woofing experience has been challenging on some days but mostly it has been a means of self-awareness about what you can do when someone needs your help.

Sebastien is the kind of person who can and probably will get most things done on his own, but he really appreciates help when you can give it and was always thankful to me.

Katie (a past wwoofer who now lives on and helps run the farm) is there to help him daily. I have seen many people through the farm and enjoyed the conversations, the food, and the memories. I can’t imagine myself owning and operating such a farm but maybe this is my age showing. Your heart needs to be there for the day in and day out demands to keep it running. My heart is clearly not there. I was happy when Dave mentioned to me that they needed a new sign for the farm gate. This I could do! I found some scrap wood and put together a sign and hung it up before we left. I hope it will also bring fond memories of Paul and myself.

Au revoir Countryside Farm.

When we decided to work on a farm outside Austin for a month, I looked up what races were happening close by. What luck that the Austin Marathon was February 15th and my good friend Gene wanted to join me in running it. Gene’s good friend TJ and his wife Fran live in North Austin and we were able to park our van there overnight to get an early start on race day. After a pasta dinner plus wine, a terrible movie (Godzilla), and a good night sleep we awoke early and Paul drove us into Austin.

Now if I haven’t mentioned this before Gene is a competitive runner and a threat in his age group and more. I, on the other hand … OMG! I had only 6 weeks to train so I found an on-line program to cram for this event. It really didn’t say much except for do the distances, don’t go too hard, and you will finish. Most of my runs have been with Paul and we keep them conversational and enjoyable. The longest run I did was 20 miles and it was pretty flat and easy so when Gene and I reached mile 19 together I knew I was fading fast. He on the otherhand was using the marathon as a training run and was able to pick up his pace and kick out a 3:32 for first in age group. I struggled the last 6 miles or so but did a solid 3:40 marathon! I was pleased with the results and can’t wait to get my 2nd age group award in the mail.

I enjoyed the casual feel of the race. No corrals at the start (just self seeding) supportive fans the whole way, a variety of live music being performed, a not completely flat race, and a huge heavy finishers medal. All of this made it much nicer to participate and I would recommend it.

Here are some of the more interesting and entertaining signs we read along the marathon route.

You run slower than Betty White
Hurry and finish before Kanye takes your medal
Don’t quit like Jon Stewart
(at mile 19) If you were Brian Williams you would think you had finished by now
Run with Joy!
Run now mimosas later

I appreciated the humor along the way. Thank you

Its been about 2 weeks since Paul and I arrived on Countryside Farm.

I don’t know why I thought I would have plenty of extra time to do things like learn to play guitar, read books, run, learn Spanish, take naps and write a blog. I have been able to throw in running but the others I have had little time for. Farms are in daily need of attention. Sebastien has some part-time help but for the most part he is exhausting himself by working everyday and two nights a week cooking up product to sell at the farmers market. I have been trying to make myself useful by feeding and watering the animals in the morning but it does take me awhile. I enjoy collecting eggs that come in all shapes and colors that Martha Stewart would envy. It is like Easter morning everyday and I find eggs hidden in many unusual places, like an old grill for example.

I can’t see Paul and I owning a poultry farm let alone a pig farm. For one thing, pigs are smelly and they need a large amount of space to wallow in the mud.

The chickens, geese, guinea hen, and pigeons are pleasant at times. I am enjoying all the noises they make and even the early morning rooster crows (which last all day). On Monday we started two days of butchering. Dave and I first caught over 100 chickens with a handy hook that snags their leg. Then he would hand them to me and I would take both feet and put them into a cage and shut the lid fast. Reed was heating up water and getting the plucking machine ready. The chickens have their necks cut, then they are bled upside down, dipped into hot water, and plucked with the machine. It was my job to tweeze all the extra feathers off the birds while Sebastien gutted next to me. Yuck! This was an all day event and it was exhausting. The next day it was onto ducks who are bigger and a bit harder to catch and cage. We only did a few dozen this time. The feathers are harder to remove on ducks so they use hot wax to dip the bird in and when its removed so are most of the feathers.I had the job of tweezing again and also, bagging, labling, and freezing the chickens from the day before. I can remember doing some of this when I was young on the farm in Wisconsin but that seems so long ago.

Although I can really appreciate all the hard work that goes into running this farm, and I enjoy the experience of trying it, I just know that this farmer’s life is not for me.