Kayaking

Papa’s World – Good memories and thoughts.

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Here is PJ ( Pam ), their dog, and Sherry,

and Bob ( my childhood buddy) –

They came to visit in their RV –

Staying at a campground

just a few miles from our home.

This day, we went to Sunset Beach –

To soak up some sun –

Pam had an injury to her Achilles –

So she sat in a chair-

while the rest of us walked to the NW end of the beach-

Right across the channel to OIB.

This is one of many times in the past half dozen plus years –

That they have visited us on their RV journeys!

Here we Kayak the marshes of the ICW!

We have many explorations of the area together.

And they have entertained making this area –

N.C. – S.C.-

an area they might just call “HOME BASE”!

Time shall tell –

But for now –

It is fun times spent rehashing our past!

Golfing has also become a pastime with us.

And some times the ladies take thrift shopping –

While Bob and I go golfing alone.

We played golf together in our early high school years.

Nothing special about our golfing game –

Just two old friends spending our senior golden years together once again

Many memories of growing up in a little town in NWPA –

Called “ELDRED”!

Thus, it once again after so many years –

Lends itself to forming new –

“GOOD MEMORIES AND THOUGHTS”!

Thanks for reading.

PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Past – Present and into the Future!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

The PAST – Here we are with Pam and Bob on a kayak adventure off the marshes on the ICW –

at OIB – in N.C.

They were on a six-year RV excursion –

And each year would stop near us in an RV campground –

And we would spend a week –

doing exciting things – exploring the area

( they are interested in making this area a home base)

Bob and I grew up together in a little town called Eldred –

In the NW of Pa.

Here – we do shots of FIREBALL –

Which one of the groups had a whole bag of little bottles?

Standing on a sand bar at low tide –

Little crabs were all over the place.

We stopped once to get out and stretch our legs.

I believe we had 15 or 16 Kayaks!

It was a fun time that lasted about three hours.

A BLAST FROM THE PAST!

This past Fall –

Bob and Pam once again traveled here –

We spent another week exploring-

Looking at different developments –

Before they went on to Fla. for their winter stay just outside the Villages.

Time will tell if they decide to pull the trigger and find a place to call a home base-

Or – continue with their present home in N.H.

A NEW LOOK AT THE PRESENT!

Sherry and I are on one of our ICW pontoon boat trips!

She had won a day on the water on a pontoon boat –

And we went with family and friends.

Here – I am steering the boat and Sherry is co-pilot.

Before we retired –

our roles were reversed.

I hated driving anything!

She would navigate us through the DC and NVA traffic!

Now – in retirement –

I do most of the driving and she takes care of mapping and directions –

Along with the GPS!

A BLAST FROM THE PAST!

Today – we walk the beach when we can!

Together –

This has become our routine.

Our dream – our life together –

and often say to one another –

“WE LOVE OUR LIFE”!

A NEW LOOK AT THE PRESENT!

Cindy – Dottie and Sherry-

THE THREE AMIGOS!

Here are over forty years of friendships.

To this day, it is still going strong!

many trips –

all over the Country and overseas.

Friends that see each other often at each other’s houses!

Now – all of us live in N.C.

But in the past –

We all lived near each other on the border between PA and NYS!

A BLAST FROM THE PAST!

Today – we still get together with them and Debbie –

meeting up and playing golf for long weekends.

Extending friendships for the present and into the future!

A NEW LOOK AT THE PRESENT!

Who is to say what the FUTURE HOLDS?

Our lives still revolve around those past and present friendships!

Where one walks –

The others are soon to follow!

This is not a SUNSET-

But a SUNRISE on what is to come in the future.

LIVING LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME-

and LIVING LIFE TO THE PLUS!

Looking back to the PAST-

Living in the PRESENT-

And hope the FUTURE repeats from the PAST and PRESENT!

Thanks for reading –

and as always – HGD!

PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Past times remembered!

/ Tom / Leave a comment

Tammy holding Bode with Marcus – on this day – Sherry had her first grandson –

He has since been all boy – playing golf – soccer – ice skating and flag football.

Soon he will turn ten years old – and he sent us a text message –

“He was trying out for Travel Soccer” !

He later sent another message –

“Today at my travel tryouts – I scored Three goals and blocked Five goals – I think I’ll make it in travel!”

Almost soon to be ten years old – he is following in the footsteps of his cousins –

They also played travel – Maddy and Ella and then on to college where they also played!

PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!

On one of our many times to visit our NYS friends at Lake Chautauqua – Sherry rode the bow on a trip around the lake with Buck and Cindy.

Cindy and I had just gone riding a tube –

Many fond memories back in WNY!

PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!

Sherry tees off on a par three – one of our wishes was to move here to afford to play golf!

We purchased a first tee card that gives us discounts on over 50 courses-

Most are a short drive from our home in Cameron Woods Community!

Retirement in the South – beaches – sun – surf and golf!

PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!

Easter sunrise service on Ocean Isle Beach – since we moved South –

numerous times we have attended these services at sunrise!

PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!

When family visits for Spring Break – gather on the canal at a friend’s house on OIB to Kayak!

Many memories of hiking – exploring and sand and surf!

PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!

Boating the ICW with friends and family.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAST TIMES REMEMBERED!

Papa’s World – Kayaking the canals with family!

/ Tom / 1 Comment

For Ella’s Spring break – Debby – Ella and Sarah came for a visit – we have a friend who lives on the island –

His house sits on one of the canals and he has two docks.

He borrowed two Kayaks from the neighbors – plus the two he owns –

So Sherry, Debby, Sarah, and Ella went out just for about an hour in the canals.

Here they get ready to depart – the getting in and out was the difficult part –

Once in – they had an easy time of paddling.

On their way – the canal or channel is one of many before you go out on the ICW-

We told them not to go out on the ICW – because the rough water from large boats

could be dangerous.

They had an excellent time while my friend Jim and I – had a cold beer and sat and talked.

After nearly one hour they returned.

The return of four very happy ladies after their tour of the channels.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – KAYAKING THE CANALS WITH THE FAMILY!!!!

Papa’s World – On the marshes – Kayaking from OIB!

/ Tom / Leave a comment
Launching the Kayaks into the ICW!

Our friends – Pam and Bob – stayed in a campground a couple miles from our home in their RV.

We purchased the four tickets way back last Feb. and they wanted to go with us!

So – here we are – launching the Kayaks one by one – waiting in the bay until all are in.

Bob Pam and Papa.

We all had life jackets and were led by two people familiar with the ICW and the marshes.

And we are off!

Papa – Sherry Bob Pam in the marsh.

Right in the middle of the marsh – we pulled onto a sand bar – got out and had some fun!

And someone brought “FIREBALLS”!

We were here for a half hour – and the guide was explaining blue crabs and caught one to show us.

After the sandbar – FIREBALL – blue crab- numerous jet skis – other Kayaks – we continued the maze through the marsh and reeds!

We are going to do this again – waiting until Feb. to buy at half price once again.

This was a deal!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog fitztdf@aol.com

KAYAKING THE ICW AND MARSHES WITH BESTIES! PRICELESS!

Papa’s World – Walking the Billy Goat Trail – Great Falls

/ Tom / Leave a comment

On Sunday after church service and adult education –

Sherry said

” Lets do something ” !

She had told me to wear my walking sneakers –

She said we can go to one of three places –

Georgetown – some where in D.C.

or Great Falls !

Sherry & Tom at Great Falls

Now – 18 or 19 years ago –

we went there – and have not been back since –

So – I said – how far do I have to drive

and she looked it up –

six miles – DONE –

I do not want to drive into Georgetown or DC !

Great Falls

I had forgotten just how beautiful this place is !

A man in a Kayak trying to go up the rapids

You actually can pay and go down the river in huge rubber tubes –

There were people getting ready to do this but we missed them.

The Billy Goat trail

Somehow as we were climbing up and over and trough the rocks

on The Billy Goat Trail –

They had put in and gone on their way !

We did however see one lone Kayak trying to go up the rapids !

There were several places along the trail

That people were going to rope down !

Flood stages over the years

It is really hard to believe that where she is standing –

FLOOD WATERS !

A lot of these dates correspond to major storms and ice and snow melt !

Mather’s Gorge

The Billy Goat Trail is full of rocks and boulders such as you see here.

I found myself gingerly placing my feet down in order not to slip.

It was dry and very hot out – 95 degrees –

I do not think I would walk this after a good rain.

Being it would be extremely slippery !

Below is where they put the tubes in

Most of this trail stayed away from the gorge edge –

but had little side trails that you could walk out to see over –

often times you actually could stand on rocks – NOT ME !

One of three overlooks

There were Three major over looks that had walls waist high –

Those I did – and were quite safe !

There were volunteers constantly walking the trail and overlooks –

making sure everyone obeyed the park rules !

I was surprised that they actually let people repel over the sides

and climb back up again !

I do not know if you have to have a permit to do that ?

I did read where you had to check in and register !

Old growth trees along side the canal

In 1784 – a series of five canals were constructed

and are still there

The main path follows along right where the footpath was

George Washington presided over the effort to construct the canal

and after completion in 1802 –

it operated for 26 years .

Old growth trees along side the old canal

It would take three days to travel the old canal from Cumberland Md.

To Georgetown – a distance of 190 miles –

the boats were flat –

pointed at both ends –

75 feet long and 5 feet wide !

After arriving at Georgetown

most of the boats were

sold for lumber

and the boatmen would then walk back home !

This area was a major trade center between the Indians and the colony.

View of the river

I was also surprised to see all the area to have picnics !

There were many tables and grills –

A host of families – and wide open spaces – shaded by the old trees !

A very nice visitors center and bathrooms –

along with a concession stand where you could buy Hot dogs

Pizza – other food and ice cream bars etc.

A deer eating 20 feet from us

I hope you liked our little side trip to GREAT FALLS PARK

On the Virginia side !

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Tom ( PAPA ) JIM & Buck

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