I'm back!!  A few photos from our trip to Turkey in 2013.

Apostle Islands Trip

We spent a few days camping on Madeline Island in Lake Superior at the end of September. Chilly for a night or two, then warmed up a bit. We had Big Bay State Park almost to ourselves. Madeline Island is the largest of the 22 Apostle Islands and the only one that it not part of the National Lakeshore thus people live on it.

A beautiful tree-lined island with upcropings every now and then of pasture. Discovered the recently opened Madeline Island School of the Arts which might be a good place to study writing in the future. Hiked every day. Enjoyed talking to the locals about their experiences living on an island which is expensive to get on and off (ferry boat only) except during a small window of opportunity when an ice road is created to allow residents and visitors to drive the 2.5 miles to the mainland in the winter.

A great 5 night get-away. Beautiful leaves also throughout Wisconsin on the way up to the lake.

Mexico

Spent two weeks in Mexico in May. Visited the Presidential palace in Mexico City, the crafters in Oaxaca, parasailed in Acapulco and walked the winding streets of Taxco. Plus, of course, visited lots of ruins.

New York City

Yes, I went to New York City over Christmas and got in on one of the heaviest snowfalls there in a while. Just kept plowing through the snow though because, as you know, the subway runs almost non-stop--as long as it's below ground.

Had the privilege to go to Marjorie Eliot's apartment on the upper west side to hear jazz/gospel on Dec. 26. Visited standard traditions like Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building and Staten Island also. Plus had great Turkish, Indian and Caribbean food.

Great to be back in the city again!!

Utah

Yes, I have been negligent about writing again. George and I traveled to Utah last month to Canyonlands, Momument Valley and Arches National Parks. Camped for 5 nights. B&B'ed it for one. Hiked every day. Really enjoyed ourselves. This is a view from our tent in Momument Valley during sunrise. We hiked around the "mitten" --as this monument is called--the night before.

MIni tales

I've been so involved with my new life in SE Iowa, that I've completely forgotten about blogging. I have been on some mini weekend vacations though. Discovered Oakland Mills County Park and Geode State Park. Oakland Mills is right on the Skunk River, has hiking trails and a cool new swinging bridge. Plus camping, fishing from the dam or shore and a remodeled nature center.

Went kayaking last weekend at a small fishing lake (Gladstone Lake) in Illinois. Have visited the Villages of Van Buren County, watched a barge and tug go through Lock No. 18 on the Mississippi, discovered new restaurants and generally had fun. Here's a photo taken in my backyard.

Jack Frost

Just got back from a short walk. Very refreshing! 5 degrees with lots of snow drifts. Loved it. Of course, wore my Yak Traks which prevented me from slipping. This photo is from Jack Frost's visit last weekend.