Summer memories: Scene 2- #HaveAnAdventure

The Mad-English teacher and I have had a great time with our #HaveAnAdventure twitter hashtag!  Of course this centered around our Denver trip, but kayaking in Lake Superior made the cut too.  Lake Superior will have to wait for another post.

One of the absolute BEST times of  the summer (the best time of all I just can't really decide on and might not be able to disclose!) was my trip to Denver, including airplane trip and snow covered mountains.  It was so chock full of firsts and awesomeness that I can hardly stand it.  And it got like, what? 4 blogposts of it own?

The thrill of seeing the airplanes take off while still in the parking garage!  so fun

Those clouds though!

To reiterate the progression of this trip:  The Mad-Art teacher had never been on an airplane before and the Mad-English teacher had offered a couple years ago (and to think we were mostly joking) to hop on a plane with me to anywhere, get out of the plane walk around at the airport and then get back on and go home.  Basically in 24 hours.  Isn't that cool?  He's such a giver. Anywho, once I made the commitment to go to Italy next summer, I decided that I needed to actually get on a plane.  So, though there were moments that we thought maybe it wouldn't happen - :P - it was decided that it was ON!  So, research was done, a location was settled on, the trip moved from one day to over night, to since we are there, we really should go do some hiking- because hiking, mountains..... seems obvious, you know?  And yeah, 4 days happened.  Our itinerary was simple: airplane, mountains, hiking, good food.  And some time in the city.  check check check check and double check.

Lookout Mountain 

Rain and hail did not spoil our afternoon!

Panorama Point, Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Snow was somehow acceptable here....

One of the best decisions of my life!  What an excellent time we had, there was really no downside or bad moments.....  The closest we had was getting rained on and having a tornado warning pop up on our phones....  It just added to the FABULOUS stories that accumulated on this trip.  I will always remember:

1. The feeling of taking off in that airplane the first time. (I loved it,  just like someone told me I would!  ;) )

2. Seeing the clouds from above.

3. The moment when we saw our first snow-capped mountain from Lookout Mountain.

4. Feeling the effects of heights when we were hiking.

5. Seeing the sign for "fight back" if attacked by a cougar.

6. Rain in the city coming off the Denver Art Museum

7. Picking up snow after that amazing drive up to Winter Park.

So many other things, but these stand out and came first to mind.

Hiking at Red Rock

Driving to 11,000 feet

Hiking at 9000 feet

My take away- what I will be relishing in as I begin my new school year- you can not wait until the time is perfect.  I realized when almost everything I loved to do was limited or eliminated for a short period, that I have to take advantage of my time and abilities and cravings for adventure.  I think the authentic Debi is the one who is out doing things that are scary.  Those are the things that stay with me.  The other night we were visiting some wonderful friends and got talking about St. Peters Dome and how the path opens up at the top with a stair step type of overlook towards Lake Superior.  One of the couple is afraid of heights (like me!) and was not happy reliving the moment when they got to the top.  I said how I was scared to death, and it is one of the reasons "clinging to trees in unusual places" came to be....  but that didn't stop me from doing it.  Anything for a great photo, you know!   And the second time I went up there (I do torture myself at times) was easier than the first.  I was able to get closer to the edges, but of course not like Adam, who peers over the drop-offs.  I can't watch.  lol.  During that discussion, I understood just how much I LOVE doing things like that, in spite of or because of these fears.  Totally different than just 5 or 6 years ago when I would NEVER have faced these mental roadblocks.  These are the times that make me feel totally thrilled and alive. The mountains were amazing!  And scary.  #HaveAnAdventure  #bringitbaby

And then get me started talking about the food we ate... but that is apparently for another post.

Colorado was an amazing, perfect trip.  The ONLY thing that could have made it better was more time there.  But we were tired and ready to go home after 4 days of shoving every moment possible full of every shred of joy that we could find.  I will go back.

A shared favorite moment with Adam- flying under the contrails....  

Random people at Lookout Mountain

Berthaud Pass

Summer Memories - take 1

I had a whole different plan for this particular post, but I am going to kick off these memories with the most recent one.**

The Madeline Island phase of Bayfielding

As I said, we went for  a trip up to Bayfield yesterday.  Even though it was cloudy here in Park Falls, it was much more pleasant and sunny up north farther.  It was not warm, so it didn't quite seem like swimming weather, but that is indeed what the Mad English teacher and I did!  But I digress....

OH well, yeah, we may have stopped at Big Waters Coffee!

We headed out for Bayfield, but had our requisite stop in Bayfield for breakfast at Coco's in Washburn.  It was outstanding as per usual.  We picked up some bakery to take home, which is also part of the routine.

The best lunch EVER!

We landed downtown first, did some shopping and then headed to the ferry for a lovely ride over to Madeline Island.  The unusual and noteworthy thing here was the fantastic picnic that was provided by the Mad Science teacher, courtesy of the string of company that she had had last week.  We had a decadent selection of yummy things to choose from and we ate until we were stuffed.  So fun to eat on the beach!

Swimming in the COLD waters

We walked on the beach, which was super nice- the water was not too cold, or so it seemed, and then after lunch we headed out into the water for a swim.  Swimming in Lake Superior has been something that has been discussed for a while now.  It has been tricky to arrange schedules to accommodate this particular item on the list, but we did it!  The air temp was not particularly warm, but we were far from the only people on the beach!  Lots of kayakers, swimmers, beach walkers on Madeline!

Looking UP while on the beach

I will admit that I have not been swimming in YEARS!  I guess the last time was when I was in the Boundary waters!  It was a hoot!  But it took several minutes for me to work up the courage to dunk myself under, as that water was chilly!  Yikes.

Heading onto the Madeline with the car!

It was a fitting way to finish up my official summer adventures with my dear friends-and the Mad-English teacher who will be farther away now than any of us would like.

We got to wave like maniacs to the people on the other ferry!  (Oh wait, maybe that was just me!) This was so fun, usually the ferries aren't this close!  

And we all certainly found our share of joy...

**So, I wrote this several days ago, and of course I got busy and didn't get around to posting til now, so insert words that make sense: like instead of "yesterday" think, sometime earlier in the week, or possibly in the month.... you get the picture.  Work with me here.  :)

Aaaaaaand scene....

IPhone photos- no edits- I have a boatload of pix to edit from my big camera

Today was sort of the last official day of my summer vacation. While I knew that this was coming, to stare it in the face is quite upsetting in many ways.  I understand that in order to support my summertime habits, I have to work.  And I know my sweet kiddos at school will be very excited to see me.  This is a wonderful thing, and come Sept. 1 I will actually feel this happiness again.

Today I did my final paddle of the summer.  I possibly may kayak again this weekend, and definitely this coming week, but the flavor is not going to be the same.  It won't be that "I wonder what day this is" relaxation that colored my weeks.  I kayaked with the Mad-English teacher today, fittingly enough on the Flambeau, which is where we did our very first kayak together in May.  It was a symmetrical end to a wonderful, busy, active summer- a perfect bookend.

When we finished our paddle, the statement was made: and now summer vacation is over.  It was poignant and very sad.  But I need to remember the amazing time I had this summer of 2015,  where I discovered the need to LIVE life and not whine about the freaking summer going so fast.  Live your life people, don't complain about it.  Even if you are busy, have family, etc, etc, etc, you can find time to go out and do something.  As simple as a walk or as complex and expensive as a trip.  It is better than sitting in the house.  Don't wait until the time is right, because it never will be.

This morning was chilly, in fact cold, as I was taking my canoe stuff to the truck.  I found as I loaded the canoe how much easier it is now to handle.  I noticed when I got into the kayak how much easier that seemed as well.... I am not graceful by any means- lol coughbrokenelbowsahem- and I finally feel like my balance is getting back to what it was.  I have a dry bag and have been using my DSLR on the water, which has enhanced my enjoyment and doubled the putz factor when I paddle.  I feel calmer, stronger and my joy factor has tripled.  I have seen real progress in physical and internal ways that I didn't realize could be possible.  I have lived with no. freaking. regrets.

Hanging out by DeMars bridge for a moment of rest

  Holy smokes.  

Adventures, activities, fun with many or with only one or two.  I have done so many things that I have never done before.  It was a full, fulfilling and joy-filled.

The fact is, though, that I had tears all the way home from the boat landing, which is not that far, but still.  A wonderful friend, an awesome friend, my partner in all things biking and kayaking and snowshoeing and traveling and eating awesome vegetarian foods is moving away.  It is NOT fair and it is not right but it is true.  Maybe the universe was altering the course of an extraordinary human being for some good reason, but I do humbly object.  I heard voices telling me not to cry- I'll still see him and talk to him and tweet/message/text him, but it is not the same.  Not at all.  I had a very enjoyable last day at home, but it was sprinkled with my tears.  Don't cry debi....

Amazing clouds

Alright, so facing up to this final day that was filled with allllll the feels I could possibly feel was hard. However I have to keep pushing ahead.  I need to do some things for school this weekend- as in buying a few supplies I need to start the year, including new skirt hangers for some new clothes (this is making me smile for a moment!) and other little sundry items that I need to get. So, unfortunate or not, I have to move on.  Fortunately I have another Friday and then a Monday coming that will make this transition a little easier.

Lol an ironic vandal....

The weekend is upon us tomorrow and I have a few things going on.  A little this and that and ending with a little grandboy time.  But weighing on my mind will be the changes that are happening and the school year coming up. However, if you know me at all, I will end the summer and begin the new school season with a positive attitude.  Because that is my gig and it is how I can continue in my quest to be a joy giver.

Summer time memories

Well, good morning!  I was planning on beginning my favorite summer memories countdown today, but alas I sort of got up too late to really do it justice.  So this is a prequel to events...

As perhaps discussed before, today I a Bayfield day!  Maybe I didn't discuss this... whoever knows.  Today will be great day, as I am going Bayfielding with my good friends the Mad English and Science Teachers.  This is going to be our final summer outing together and we have our plans made and our stuff packed.  Hopefully it will be nice enough for a little dip in the Big Lake.

I have been feeling very sad that summer is coming to an end, and so the thought came to me, and I have had encouragement to review my summer and what a truly incredible time I have had.  Something about having life altering experiences has changed my attitude towards many things, and not waiting until the time is perfect or the planets align, or the weather is exactly like it should be.... there is no time like the present and if you don't plan to do something, you just WON'T!!!

I lived like that long enough.

And, seriously, housework and crap like that is way over rated.

It is almost time for school brain to take over, so Summer Debi would like a little recap so she will be able to access those times when School Debi is wanting to escape for a few moments....

And hopefully can immerse herself in some joy.

Early morning kayak and the reason for having one....

I got up early this morning, even though I really wanted to go back to sleep.  I had "planned" to do this yesterday, but I didn't.  Somehow actually loading the kayak into the vehicle makes it more likely to happen.  The weather was right for some mist rising off the lake and river- the water is warm and the night air was cold- perfect for a smoky look with the clouds.... the synergy was in place.

I got up and filled a travel mug with coffee, a perfect idea if I do say so myself.  I was half bundled in a hoodie as the temperature was 45!  Yikes!  So with flip flops and a hoodie, coffee and a camera, off I went in search in of some lovely sunrise photos.

This kayak has been a thing of wonder.  I have spent so many wonderful hours in it, out by myself and out with friends as well.  It has been a vehicle in which to carry my camera and a device in which I have found my peace.  I have found that the freedom of being alone in a kayak has been an experience that I find to be unequaled.  I love the altered point of view that I have, encountering things that I never would have otherwise...

I use my summer to recharge my batteries for the next school year, and this summer I have discovered that I need to do something else.  There are lingering effects and lessons from the breaking of the elbows and also from the Lymes that I had last summer.  The effects of course are minor physical limitations that I am in the process of overcoming.  The lesson centers directly around the idea of living in the now and living how you want.

I love to travel, I needed to get on an airplane, I wanted to be able to go on a mini-vacation when I needed one, and  this summer has been one of truly making the most of my time.  I had a week here and there of decompress and reboot.  Some days where I did almost nothing other than what I had to. I did what I NEEDED, not what I should have done, virtually every day.

Having the kayak and to a bit of a lesser extent, my bike, has given me the freedom to recover slowly from my arm injury and to become stronger in many ways.  I felt brave going into the water the first couple times all by myself.  Then heading into the river channel and going against the waves and the current.  Heading out to bike 5 then 10 and even 30 miles!  Going to Lake Superior.  Overcoming mental roadblocks that needed to be overcome.   And all the while finding out new things about myself that I would not have guessed.

This was a summer full of joy, of adventure, of travel and of discovery.  It was a summer of passion- I have found some things that I have never would have guessed would make me tick and respond and make me thrilled and excited to get up in the morning.  I am hoping to use the energy I drew from my experiences and from the universe in general, to get me through this upcoming school year in a positive way.  And I hope I can pass that energy onto the people in my life.

And I have some really awesome photos as a bonus!

School vs.summer Debi

There is a massive battle going on in my being right now.  My school persona is starting to intrude on the summer spirit that is me.  Of course it had to happen and of course it is beginning now....  but I am not ready for it after this amazing summer.

I have friends whose children are heading back to school today (those poor things), and virtual friends who are teachers who are headed back or have gone back already (someone send them some tequila), there are all those nasty school supplies in ALLLL the stores, and it is drawing me in.  I even had to call one of my art supply companies to confirm part of my order, as I had apparently transposed a couple numbers in my frantic ordering session the day before the requisitions were due back at the end of June- imagine that!  So all that will be waiting for me as well.

I have decided (with the smallest encouragement) to do a summer redux here soon. I think it will be a nice way to really revel in the luxury of summer days that are there for the filling with all things amazing and entertaining.

The school year coming will have it's usual challenges, but it will be uniquely odd this year.  One of my best friends and favorite colleagues has moved on to another position in a different school.  It pains me more than words can say.  I can't imagine what I am going to do.  We also have another big turnover in staff at the high school.  For a variety of reasons- and that is also hard for those of us who are remaining.

I am feeling anxious and a little sad and definitely restless.  I am trying to make plans, but need to spend a day or two at home working on a couple of projects.  This is pretty typical for me to feel this so I am not too concerned, but it makes me want to run away and hide big time.  I have to work through the sad today I think.

I have no doubt that there could be some people who think I should suck it up, buttercup, but that is not very nice now is it?  Whatcha reading my blog for then??  :)

Alright, time to start the day.  Because I never know what it will bring, and so often it is a joyful thing.  Have a good day everyone

Denver art museum

Imagine my surprise when I noticed that I had begun and did NOT FINISH one of my Denver adventure days....

LOVE the work of Deborah Butterfield

We went to the Denver Art Museum on Wednesday, our first full day in Colorado.  We had driven to Golden Gate Canyon Park for hiking earlier, then ate a YUMMY lunch at the Mediterranean restaurant in Golden.  So part of our master plan for the trip was to hit up the art museum and so after consulting map lady off we went.  

We were able to navigate through the city and found the parking garage for the art complex.  A very handy place to park and turned out to be a stroke of excellent luck.  

Photo taken from an upper floor of the museum (notice the gathering clouds)

The Denver Art Museum is housed in a very interesting building, I definitely enjoyed the architecture and the various sculptures that were on the grounds.  Inside, there was a great collection and I LOVED the Miro exhibition!! 

I took a bunch of random photos of things that caught my eye!

Monet- a sentimental favorite

The beginnings of Cubism...

This installation was so amazing to walk through!  An alternate reality?  A fantasy?  Lol, I loved being in that brilliant red and the grey foxes were in suspended animation.  The action and snapshot reality made it so enjoyable to experience.

This piece was my favorite of the day.  It was so compelling- I looked at it for at least 15 minutes.  I loved seeing a modern take on a classic Romantic painting.  And the black and white definitely caught my eye....  I just kept searching the picture for something- I am not sure what.  So much I could talk about here- the angel in the center that is the lightest, the repetition of shape, the  use of contrast  and value and form.....  I also like the relatively large size of the painting- so easy to immerse yourself in the tumble of items that lead your eye through the composition.

I am glad I had a nice text discussion about it, even if the Mad-English teacher was no where to be found at that moment.  I did direct him to the piece so he could see it for himself.  :)

The art was just so good- a very nice museum indeed.

In other news, our original plan was to roam around downtown Denver for the evening.  Just as we were getting ready to leave as the museum was closing, the storm clouds rolled in.  We went outside to notice the rain starting and we found a very nice museum security person, who directed us to Mad Beans..... when we walked out the heavens opened up, or the bottom fell out, or any other rain metaphor  you want to use,  and the same very nice man lead us up into the museum and told us how to get to the back door where we scampered across the road to the coffee shop.  We sat there and enjoyed a beverage while watching the rain, then hail and then even more rain come down...  and SUDDENLY both of our phones alerted us to a tornado warning!  Fortunately for us, the tornado was in the southern part of the city.  And like previously mentioned- our rental was safely tucked in the parking garage during the hail!

Just to add to the excitement, there was a flash flood warning on our phones about a half hour later.   Sadly this was bike to work day in Denver- I wonder how many people were caught in that little situation.  We eventually got out of the coffee shop and went on down to a little bakery/cafe where we had pastry for dinner (life was good), but the rain was not our friend that night.  So we hustled on back to the car and headed for Golden.  We attempted to get another walk/hike in, and that did not end well- well, it did not end in a dry manner.

In my usual way, I had some very interesting discussions about all sorts of things in the coffee shop with people I didn't know.  So much fun to travel.  I did have interesting discussions with the person I do know, as well, don't get me wrong.  We had a really great time comparing notes about the art work.  And we, of course, began planning our next adventure.

I have gotten a lot of joy out of reliving my trip this evening.  I hope you may have as well.