Smell the wet forest

Sometimes you just have to get outside. Saturday I couldn't stand the itch any longer so I headed south to Raven Rock State Park along the south bank of the Cape Fear River. When I arrived I headed away from the main trail to the rocks to avoid the small crowd arriving around the time I did strode off down the Northington Ferry Trail which dead ends at the river. After exploring a creek mouth and wishing I had brought a fishing rod as the fish jumped, I headed back and took a left down the Fish Traps Trail. This trail also ended at the river next to rapids which would be perfect for making fish traps back in the day (probably would work now too ;) ). Having enough solitary time I headed back to the main Raven Rock trail and stumbled upon the beautiful overlook of the river. It's amazing how relatively high the cliffs are along the river given the location in the southern Piedmont/Sandhills region of the state. After about a mile I arrived at the rocks which were carved out of the bank by the river and explored for awhile and marveled at the natural forces that shaped the rocks. Surprisingly the park wasn't too crowded which made for an enjoyable afternoon. According to the map I guess I hiked about 5.6 miles.

Photos Here

Contemplative

Have you ever wanted something, but not really known you wanted it? What about if you couldn't have it? You were close to obtaining your goal but it slipped away. It leads to doubt. Could I have done it better? Should I have said something in a different way? It's the what ifs in life that can bring you down and hold you back. God has a plan for everyone and I need to realize that he is the guiding light on my path. I think I know where I want to go, but only he knows if I'll make it to that destination I have dreamed about for the last six years or so. I'm impatient, dreams make me impatient. Dreams that have turned into goals and desires to prove that I am capable and can do big things. As with many things, I want it now, but the timing isn't right. One day the timing will be right and I'll keep progressing. Right now I am where I'm supposed to be and learning what I'm supposed to be learning. I've been happy and there's no need to get down about it now. I'll keep my chin up and keep working towards the dreams with his help.

Building a Cake II

Round two of cake building was Saturday afternoon and the results were much improved. As I told a coworker, "It wasn't perfect, but it was dang good." I used the same cake recipe, but switched to Paula Dean's caramel icing which didn't require caramelizing the sugar and spread much easier. We ate it on Sunday and everyone seemed to really enjoy it which made me happy.

Building a Cake

My granddad's 90th birthday is on Monday so I went to work last night trying to build a cake. The only cake I've ever made is chocolate pound cake with homemade chocolate icing. They've turned out ok, but not as good as mom makes. This time I'm trying a caramel cake. I followed the recipe and the results while very tasty didn't turn into the best looking cake. I think some water got in the icing while I was stirring it in the ice water bath and caused it to seize up and become unspreadable. I'm glad I did a test run and am going to see if anyone will go near the monstrosity today at work. Looks aren't everything! Attempt number two is tonight or tomorrow.

Bad Boys

Here's another amazing pregame speech from the Tech locker room before Saturday's win over Clemson. What a team!

Travelin'

Last Wednesday through Friday I was in Vermont for a conference and had a great time. I learned a little, met some new folks, visited a new state, ate good food, drank some good drinks, and generally had a good time. Traveling for work isn't really like work. Yeah you have to do stuff, but the change of scenary breaks up the everyday office dwelling. Unfortunately the leaves hadn't really started changing yet, but there were the scattered early trees that made me want to go back in a week or so to see the full glory. Burlington is a great small city/college town on the shores of Lake Champlain and at the base of the Green Mountains, ideally situated for outdoor persuits.

Thursday night we had an event at Shelburne Farms which was originally owned by members of the Vanderbilt family and designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. We gathered in the Coach Barn, a beautifully detailed brick structure for a reception, dinner, and an evening of hilarious comedy with Rusty Dewees aka The Logger. Also, in the world of coincidences, when I got back and was reading the NY Times online there was an article about the farm. I want to go back.

In other news, Tech beat Clemson on Saturday!

New States Visited Map (Yes I need to go out west)


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