October Odds and Ends

I like Octobers. It might be my favorite month. While teaching, I found it perpetually frustrating that Octobers were almost too busy to enjoy. When people would comment on how it "must be nice" to have summers off, I would cynically reply, "yeah, but I can't go anywhere in October..." In fact, when imagining my ideal life, being able to travel in October often topped the list.

So, this week I was surprised to discover that October was almost over and I'd traveled for almost its entirety. I was realizing a long-time dream and barely even noticed!

My obliviousness is a testimony to how relaxed October was. I'm getting a hang of being on the road and no longer chased by the same anxieties that followed me as I started out. Also, I had the good fortune spend time with a lot of friends and family. This gave my travels a homey, familiar feel, even as I went new places. Yes, October 2018 was a good month.

I've already told about the month's rousing start in Nashville with the Old Dogs. I've also mentioned visiting Mammoth Caves and a bit about Dauphin Island. As you might imagine, there are many more stories to tell. Since November is officially underway, I've decided to give a brief rundown of the October highlights. I might fill in with some separate blogs later, but I'm afraid of suddenly finding myself in December without having written a thing!

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My first stop after Nashville and Mammoth Caves was Lexington, KY to see my sister, Marianne, and her family. The big event of the visit came on Sunday, when we all participated in the Raven Run 5k/10k trail run. My brother-in-law, Travis, and I ran the 10k, while Marianne and a friend walked the 5k with their kids in tow. I think they chose the harder option.

Travis killed his first trail run! He was awesome!!
Me? Well, I was inspired to get back in the habit of running more regularly.
However, I can honestly say I ran down the muddy hills with more confidence than most!

Though they walked the whole way together, Marianne's friend ultimately
won at the wire because her baby's bitty booty stuck out further than Marianne's big ol' boobies.

Hanging out at Marianne's also gave time to cook some real food. Monday was dedicated to creating a pumpkin feast. No pumpkin spice, though!

Roasted home-grown pumpkin, a key ingredient for pumpkin, fruit & nut bread
 and jerked pumpkin soup.

Leaving Marianne, Travis, and the Wee Seamus, I had a few days to kill before meeting my friend's family in Dauphin Island. Following the recommendation of a fellow transient, I backpacked for three days in the Sipsey Wilderness. Northwest of Birmingham, it's part of the Bankhead National Forest, and it is gorgeous.

At wetter times of the year, it is full of waterfalls and cascades. Even with it being drier, the Sipsey River was lovely. The rock formations were a lot of fun to explore, and I rather enjoyed the steep and difficult creek crossings. There's something trilling about needed to use tree roots as a ladder.

Sipsey River near campsite #1

Day 2 took me through a 7 mile section that's traveled much less than the other trails.
Being a beautiful weekend, it was the longest I went without seeing other campers.
I was grateful I had a good map.

The end of the rarely-traveled section.
Yes, there is a trail back in there.

I love what rocks and trees can do when they work together!

Day 3: That trickle in the center is the only waterfall I saw.
This place must be spectacular in spring!

Earlier in the day, I encountered a group of well-meaning but clueless men who were
overly courteous in their warnings that there was a snake up ahead.
Clearly, they misread my interests...

Rock rises like this were throughout Sipsey.
It would be nice to go in winter when you can see them without the leaves in the way.

Leaving the wilderness, it was time for the BEACH! I really think Dauphin Island should have its own entry. So with apologies to Michelle and her family for the continued delay, here's a few pretty pictures to tide everyone over:

Live Oak

After the beach, I spent and few days relaxing with my lovely aunt and uncle in Poplar Bluff, MO. I didn't realize how tired I was until they put me in a cool and very dark room for the night. It was way too easy to sleep the day away!

Off the back porch

Next stop was Saint Louis because I actually had to work. For two days, no less! That's as many days as I worked in August and September combined. Don't worry, I won't over do it.

I stayed at my friend Olga's. Her family's house is one of my many homes-away-from-home. Her two daughters are a blast. It tickled me when they introduced to their friends as their roommate. I like hanging out with them and dominating them with my superior hide-and-seek and Just Dance skills.

Elena (left) is the owner of Pikachu.
Zecora (the My Little Pony) belongs to no one, but Sonia commissioned her to join me.

My two days of work for October complete, I headed north towards Iowa. For reasons that are hard to articulate, I think I'll be spending the winter in Des Moines. I wanted to check things out before I decide.

Iowa has been unexpectedly delightful so far. I'll have to tell about that later, however. The pictures on my phone have yet to sync with the cloud, and pictures are important for this tale...