Escape from reality

Yesterday brought the closing of an extremely well needed, well deserved vacation. It was actually unplanned and just sort of fell into place. Words cannot express how fantastic the break from work has been. It almost makes me want to have a baby for a maternity leave. ONLY kidding. ;)

Our cottage in North Carolina - we weren't here much, but it worked like a charm for our home base at night!

White water rafting was, of course, the best part of the trip. My past experiences were with guides and in rafts with several other people. It was just Scott and I in a two-man duckie this go 'round. The best part was the anticipation of what was to come. I was the guide, having to yell out to Scott (loudly, I learned .. it's hard to hear over those rapids!) I personally had never been on this river and Scott hadn't been for years and years, so navigating the rapids was a lot of fun. My favorite part was when a giant wave would crash into my face. Sounds crazy, but there is something about a 50 degree wave in your face that makes you feel alive.

Our evening rides down the Blue Ridge Parkway were especially memorable. We left the windows open, yet had our seat heaters on and our heat turned up as high as it would go. I was wrapped in a hoodie and a blanket, but putting the window up was not an option. Again, there is something about the cold mountain air blowing on your face and looking out across the mountains for miles and miles and miles that makes you feel alive.

My first trip to the Biltmore.

The view I didn't want to leave.

I still have a few more days before I have to return to work, but it isn't TOO long before our next adventure. Taking this long between vacations again is NOT an option! Plus, there's entirely too much of this world that I am yet to see. Sometimes returning to the places I've already been is just as special.

"I'd be safe and warm, if I was in L.A., California dreaming .. on such a SUMMER'S day! :)"