Just wanted to post a couple of pics and give you a Lucy update. She’s been doing much better after switching to a urinary support diet. She seems to be doing well on Pro Plan Urinary Tract wet food. Everything is day by day of course, I have no illusions this is all palliative. As far as food goes, the only other thing I really changed is the dry food I put down at night. I switched her to Royal Canin urinary support, and one can of the urinary Pro Plan food a day. I also added some CBD twice a day. Other than that she gets everything else the same. #ad
We did get a new, but not so new vet. In the midst of the chaos after we arrived back to Kentucky, her vet practice decided they were closing. This has been her doctor’s office since she was born BUT, one of the older doctor’s spun off a mobile vet clinic years back, so I hit her up. She gladly accepted Lucy as a new patient.
Lucy Update- Weight Check
Lucy has lost about 4 lbs. during our trip out west which I’m trying to get back on her. She is currently weighing in at around 8lbs.
The dragon sleeps
Thanks for reading and I’ll keep you posted when things change! xxooC
This past February, I was fortunate enough to get back out to Redding, California. I spent a couple of weeks with my good friends Sam and Kristian. One day Kristian wanted to show me a few of her favorite spots in Shasta-Trinity National Forest north of Redding, especially this one particular place where three bridges stood.
Basically, lots of old pieces of bridges remain throughout the state. As the interstate flourished, these relics were blocked off and forgotten about. But at one time, these old bridges were the life and arteries connecting cities and towns. Some remain in use but many are abandoned and subsequently nature is reclaiming them.
What makes this place is so amazing was because we could stand in one place and view three different bridges. Two were still in use and one was not.
The bridge on the bottom is the old I-5 and the one on top is the new I-5.
In the photo above, looking directly to my left was this bridge. It was another road which no longer exists on the map. It’s remnants ran from the parking lot, across this bridge and dead ends under the new I-5.
This is where this spot is located in case you ever get a chance to visit.
The Abandoned Bridge
The photo above is the bridge to no where. Dirt and trees have taken over this road and it is lost just beyond this photo.
Under the bridge, off in the distance on the left side of the stream, is where the old road dead ends. At some point earth was piled up, or maybe some sort of land slide happened which completely covered it long ago.
These views were from standing on the old bridge and looking over. I wasn’t brave enough to venture inside nor did we have time that day.
An Abandoned Bridge
There was water running under the unused bridge. Nearby on the map was Boulder Creek which runs into the Sacramento River. I’m not quite sure where this water was coming from. This spot was secluded with the distinct sound of running water, with the occasional noisy car or truck sounds from overhead. I found it peaceful. I hope you enjoy my pictures! Thanks for reading.
So after the excellent tacos I had to go out walking around the city to explore. I’ve been here once before but that was last year and the end of summer. I was also nursing a severe leg wound from dumpster diving (I may write about that at some point) which cut my day short.
Directly across the street from the Power and Light District where the restaurants were was some amazing architecture. I love photographing buildings and murals. I definitely don’t consider myself a photographer by any means but I find the experience fun. So here goes!
The Parade of Hearts
I started to see these hearts around town. After a little Googling, I discovered they are part of an art installation from March until May. Over 100 artists contributed and you learn more about them at The Parade of Hearts website. There you can see all of the hearts and a map of where to locate them.
This heart above is called Fil-Am and by artist Jessica Endaya Keefer. It is a graphic representation of the Filipino-American culture. More about this particular heart can be found here.
This blue and yellow lemon heart is called What Do You Do When You Don’t Have Lemons by Ivey Zoellers and you can find her story here.
This lemon heart represents overcoming hardships with hope.
This heart is called Community Bookshelf. It’s in front of the library and is by Dimensional Innovations and Whiskey Design.
This is the library. The exterior is fascinating. Yes those are book spines of famous literary works.
Down toward the river is a walk. I’ve noticed this in other parts of the country wherever there is a fence type structure, there are locks.
Out Walking The Riverfront
A couple more photos from my walk. So there you have it. The city is so beautiful. I also visited the World War monument last summer. There’s a post coming about that soon also!
Well that’s it for this trip. If you have photos or comments of KC I would love to see and hear them! Thanks for reading.
My last night in Kansas City, MO and I wanted to eat tacos. So before heading home from this last trip, I spent it out and about in KC. Last stop over I stumbled upon Guy Fieris Dive and Taco Joint in The Power and Light District downtown. I tried to go then but they were closed during the afternoon I visited so I opted for another restaurant across the street. It was good but it wasn’t Guy Fieri’s. If you didn’t already know, I am a huge fan of Triple D and Triple G!
This time I got to go and eat tacos! I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was to visit Guy’s Taco Joint and yes, it was everything I hoped it would be. The atmosphere inside was just like stepping into a dive off of Triple D. Or maybe I imagined it but either way it was a great time.
I sat near an open air window. They have these garage door type windows that roll open on nice days. The weather had been nice that day and the air was a little chilly but nothing too terribly cold.
I can’t believe I’m actually here!!
Navigating The Menu
I located the menu online before going and found it large enough but not overwhelming. The taco menu was still hard to decide upon. Each order was for 4 tacos. I could order the same 4 tacos or split the order and have 2 different ones. I opted for the latter and had 2 el Pastor and 2 grilled shrimp. My friend also split his order and had 2 grilled shrimp and 2 carne asada. We also tried the carne asada fries.
I typically don’t eat beef. After driving past the cattle ranch in Stockton, I gave it up. It broke my heart but on occasion I will indulge and this was definitely a special occasion.
I think the pictures tell it all. The food was amazing. Everything was so flavorful just as you would expect from the name. I will absolutely go again next time I have the chance.
A Glimpse Inside
Here are a few shots of inside the joint. The decor is a mix and very eclectic. Lots to look at. The women’s bathroom had magazine covers on the stall walls and doors which was interesting. I highly recommend if you ever have the time and are in Kansas City, MO to go check this place out.
Before I get I get into telling you about my day riding, let me talk about my experience so far with snowboarding. It has been smaller places like Perfect North Slopes and Paoli Peaks in the beginning. Afterward, I advanced to Snowshoe Mountain, WV and thought I was doing well. This was in the early 2000’s.
Turns out I have osteoporosis. I found this out after I broke my wrist in 2005, and then my foot in 2013. Yes, both breaks were while snowboarding. I thought my days on the slopes were over, that was until I talked with some friends out in California over the summer. They invited me out to go snowboarding, so I went. Unfortunately the weather had other plans and most of the snow on Mt. Shasta had melted by the time I got there. The warm weather over the next week did not help either.
Then came an invite to Mt. Hood in Oregon. This was bucket list. This I did. Happily. Being on a mountain again was good for my soul. It reenergized me and cleared my head. I rode Timberline Lodge and dare I say only after 4 runs, I felt great! You can find Timberline’s trail map HERE if you are interested in looking. I’ll tell you all about that experience later.
Getting ready for my first run down the trail at Timberline Lodge!
After I arrived back in Kentucky, my dear friend in Kansas City saw my social media pictures and asked to go to Colorado for the end of the snow season. I immediately screamed YES!! Of course I will go!! Getting a taste of the mountains again was something I had longed for.
Wolf Creek Ski Area Trail Map
Prepping For The Day Out
Not really knowing what to expect I was a bit intimidated. I forged on with the trip. Remember I haven’t REALLY rode for about 9 years. Wolf Creek Ski Area did not disappoint. We started out slow on Friday with about 5 runs to get acclimated to the altitude. Acclimating is something I’ve not had to do before although believe me when I say I felt it. All of it.
The Second Day Riding
The next day it was ON! We rode a total of 15 runs for the day. The longest run we took that day being a little over 1.6 miles. On The Snow.com will tell you lots more about this area. Wolf Creek is in southwest Colorado between Pagosa Springs and South Fork. Wolf Creek is also called a “small” area although it is large enough to stay occupied all day and never really hit the same slopes more than a couple of times if exploring is your thing. Which for me it is, until I find a run I really want to conquer. With speed. The trails higher up were not sloppy at all. Also being the end of the season weekend, this meant the trails weren’t crowded.
Sorry so grainy but you get the point!! L)
Takeaways From A Day Riding
All things considered, this was a spectacular day. The sun was shining (which also led to a sunburnt face…always wear your sunscreen people!!) the wind was howling through the tree line towards the ridges of the mountains. I was able to get through the day with just a hoodie I picked up in the shop and a medium pair of snow pants. If you want to know more details of what I wore and the trails I rode, just ask! Thanks for reading!
When my good friend says “hey, I want to ride this train up in Durango so I booked us some seats” you say yes! I had no idea what it was or what I was getting into. Easter Sunday came and off we drove from Pagosa Springs to Durango.
Now let me tell you a little bit of what I learned about this train ride. Apparently it’s famous, and it’s one of the most scenic tours. This train, railroad, and the station are all national historic landmarks. A quick history search which can be found Here says the town of Durango was established by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway which arrived in Durango in the late summer of 1881. The train was used to haul passengers and freight. To visit the main page go to DurangoTrain.com
The main engines are coal fired steam and all of the rail cars are restored antiques, each with their own stories.
The page goes on to tell how it came to be what it is now. I also learned there is more than one train used for these excursions. There is also a museum and restoration/maintenance facility for the cars right on sight. Rail services include multiple types of rides with different destinations depending on your interests. Prices are reasonable. Seats are available in economy and first class. We took first class on the Alamosa car and it was truly a memorable ride.
Our trip went to the Cascade Canyon Wye and back, about half way to Silverton.
Train Ride Half Way Point
At the Cascade Wye we stopped for lunch. There was a scenic little picnic area to relax. This was also the place to take photos of the train, and go exploring for a bit. We found an old bridge.
The views from the bridge were breathtaking. The whole trip was actually. The train tracks hug the canyon wall with a sheer drop off to one side of the train. This allowed spectacular views and lots of photo opportunities.
The Way Back To The Station
On the way back to the station, I tagged along with another couple that wanted to walk the inside of the train cars. I’m so glad I did. We made it all the way up to the first car. Here are some photos I took along the way.
This was the roof of one of the cars. This was definitely a vibe.This is the roof of the sky car that is used in the night rides.This was in the first car. I took a photo because I thought it was cool.
Surprisingly the cars moved around more on the tracks up towards the engine.
Here are some shots from around Durango and the station. I stayed and had lunch at a little taco place that was a whole other story. I would definitely take another ride and I hope to do this again someday.
