Utah Century Ride

Two days after we got home from the South my dad, Reece, and I

all raced in the Utah century Ride. A course that takes you from the

fair grounds, past Layton & Syracuse, across the Great Salt Lake to

Antelope Island, and back.

There are two check points with food and water, the first at 13 miles in

and the second at 35 miles in. And then you can hit them all coming

back too. The boys raced off and I never saw them again, though

throughout the race we did call cell phones for check ups and I was

pleased to hear I was only minutes away from missing them both at the two

check points. (being that close behind is more flattering than you think)

All of us were worried that after barely any training and then eating

tons of rich and greasy food for the past two weeks would make

the race un-do-able for all of us. Biking has never been my strong point

and for me to make it to the second check point, still sure that I had

enough in me to make it back, was a big accomplishment for me.

So in total I biked 70+ miles while Reece and my Dad went all the

way to Antelope Island and back to complete the full race which was

actually a little more than a 100 miles. Way to go!

I totally forgot my camera as I was also doing the race, but I did

wait for a couple hours after I finished to get these pictures of the

boys rounding the last corner of the race, with my iphone.

I love the way it feels to push and achieved physical goals.

Thanks Dad for the great example.

Charleston

Our last stop was Charleston South Carolina.

We took a boat ride in the Harbor to view the mansions from the water

as well as Fort Sumter, dolphins playing in the water, pelicans diving for

fish, and the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier.

We stayed at the Mills House, a beautiful hotel, and was able to walk

everywhere. The evening walks were just as lovely as the walks in the daylight.

We walked and walked through the town the next day. This town is so charming

but in a different way than Savannah.

Kitch and Reece hanging out on the bouncing or courting bench,

it bounces so two people slide closer and closer to each other, but its

also supposed to good for the back. It was fun to play on,

especially when I was sitting in between these two.

Walking the raised sidewalks next to the water.

My cute pops, always with a map and cheerful even when having to hold

any of our purses. I loved seeing all the pineapples, a motif that has become

a sign of welcoming. It all started when merchants would go off to Caribbean islands

to trade, when they came back they would stick a pineapple that they would have

brought back from their travels, on the fence to let everyone know that they were

home and friends and family could now come to call.

Everything was so well groomed and styled.

Still lovin' those southern dogs. This is Buster Brown, probably

Kitch's favorite.

Rainbow Row.

We went antiquing. Everything was so beautiful, but expensive.

Reece and I found a plate for our blue and white plate collection,

all the rest was just fun to dream about.

(We were happy with our find of a Wedgwood biscuit jar we purchased

in Savannah though. )

I LOVED this aqua, gold, and mustard window display. I have

always wanted convex mirror like this.

We thought it strange but love it at the same time that one of

the antique shops that we visited had two giant schnauzers roaming

around. I would be afraid that a tail or a little running would

break precious merchandise..... but apparently they are angels and

lounge most of the time anyway.

We watched women weaving sweet water baskets downtown,

I was so very impressed by the intricate and complex designs and

patterns that were created.

I will always remember walking hand in hand with my sweet hubby to

the post office to get some passport pictures taken for our

visa applications to travel to India, which we were planning on

doing a few weeks after we got back from this trip. Up until then

we were planning a trip to Thailand but were constantly checking up

on the political unrest that was rising in Bangkok. We finally decided

that we didnt feel good about traveling there at this time and moved

down our "Travel wishlist" and thought we would try for India.

Yes we knew that we were to be going during off season but

it is the only time that we can travel (both being on school schedules)

and we figured we were willing to put up with the heat or the wet

as long as we were together and we were fulfilling a dream

while we could.

One day we visited Drayton Hall plantation.

(it wasn't until after I took this picture that I realized there was

a gator sunning on the bank, a baby one. But still, I thought I was safe since

the geese were getting so close, it was a bit scary to remember how

prevalent gators were... I kept forgetting and would wander around

shooting. Im just glad I didn't come back with any bite scars)

The inside still needs to be restored but I kinda fell in love with the

worn cracking paint mixed with all the woodwork and molding.

And for those who know me and have seen my house,

I love molding.

Next was Middleton Place. This plantation was restored but no pictures allowed.

The tour guides even pointed with flashlights inside as to not damage

the furnishings and paintings. There were some beautiful

full sized Autoban prints hanging around. The grounds were huge and

gorgeous.

Out on the front grounds there were sheep that were used to keep

the grass trimmed. I followed them around to get some shots of

the little lamb, so new that his little umbilical cord was still attached.

Middleton Place provided an amazingly southern lunch.

I just cant get enough of this food!

Back in Charleston we did some last minute shopping.

We visited the market where Kate and I bought the most beautiful

framed butterflies. I also got a white ceramic pineapple to remember

how welcoming the south was to us.

Our farewell dinner had little flapper dancers that danced

the charleston for us, so perfect.

Farewell southern charm, I hope to see you again soon.