Hope...

"Hope"
Valley Forge National Park
Valley Forge, PA

Sandy sure was one huge and scary BI-ATCH.  My heart breaks when I see the devastation she wrought on the Jersey Shore, New York City, and my Philly.  Day #3 of no school here, trees are still down, many roads still closed. Most still do not have power. But we are so extremely lucky to have had ours restored within 24 hours.  Can I tell ya how much I love our PECO workers now?  Someone just smack me the next time I complain about my PECO bill, okay?  It's times like these, when we are knocked down so violently, that I hold the most hope.  Because I have seen how Americans come together under the most dire of circumstances.  No matter how dark the situation....hope is always possible.

--Kathy


linked to:   Sarah Halstead's Wordless Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday, Snap It, Live and Love Out Loud Wordless Wednesday, Wordful Wednesday,, Jenni From the Blog WW

There's just ONE little problem...

I have been getting bugged encouraged to start sharing my photography a bit more, and stop hogging it all to myself.  I guess the Better Half thinks hiding all my photos in file folders via iPhoto isn't maximizing their exposure.  In political speak he wants me to "share the wealth" a bit more.  In the past, I have gotten talked into displaying some photos in a local store and in a art show, but quite honestly...I just don't feel comfortable hawking my stuff.  They are my babies.  Each one has a story and place in my heart.  I don't like hearing random passers-by weighing in on their opinion of each photo.  Who asked them anyway?  Not moi.  Not sure if they knew I was the photographer standing within ear shot who's feelings they were hurting.  But suffice it to say...I use too much moisturizer to prohibit the thick skin I need to develop for that type of exposure.

But October 26th was "Philly Photo Day".  Kinda cool.  Sponsored by the Philadelphia Photo Arts Center, the event was aimed to invite anyone in the city to take a photo of whatever grabs ya.  This event culminates in an exhibit revolving around "A Day in the Life" Philly-style.  Plus, a select few photos will grace billboards and Septa buses and trains for a whole month.  Very cool, and def more exposure than my iPhoto file folders.  I decided to give it a go.

The rules are:

1.  Photo MUST be taken on October 26th

2.  Photo MUST be taken within the city limits of Philly

3.  Only ONE photo can be submitted.

I decided to head down to Boathouse Row in Philly to see what I could find.  And I found quite a bit.  I WILL be posting, after I edit the photos, of my few hours on Boathouse Row.  But in the meantime, I kinda started crushin' on two photos I took that day.  Hmmmm...which one to pick?  I just can't decide. What do you think??????  Seriously, I'd love your opinion...just be kind 'cause I'm still working on that tough skin thingy.

"Sculling on the Schuylkill"

Boathouse Row

Philadelphia, PA

"Good Morning Philadelphia"
Boathouse Row
Philadelphia, PA

Not that it matters which one I actually choose because...there's just ONE little problem.  Philly Photo Day was October 26th....apparently I'm a moron 'cause I went out on October 27th!!!!!!  There IS a difference, right?  Well, my intentions were good.  My timing...fashionably late as usual.  Oh heck,  maybe I'll just go ahead and submit a photo anyway and let THEM disqualify it.  So my question still stands...which one do ya think I should try to slip past the judges??????

--Kathy

linked to:  Our World Tuesday, Inspiring Photography, Tuesdays Around the World, Sweet Shot Tuesday, 52 Weeks of Happiness,, Tones on Tuesday,, Show Off Your Shot, Favorite Photo Monday 

Scavenger Hunt Sunday (10/28/2012 edition)...

Taking a few moments between battening down the hatches, and hitting the local supermarket for "Frankenstorm" provisions to post for Scavenger Hunt. As a good friend of mine says "WHY does everyone buy eggs, milk and bread when a storm hits...do they plan on making French Toast?".  Never really thought of it that way, but it doesn't apply to me anyway because I bought wine and ice cream.  REEEEEEEALLY hoping this is just another case of the weather man getting it wrong AGAIN.  But, I think the odds of them finally getting one right MIGHT just be in their favor this time.  If ya don't see me around here for awhile, it means I've either lost power or am in a sugar induced coma from ice cream and wine overload.  In the immortal words of Danny Zuko...."Oh, Sandy!!!!!".

This week's Scavenger Hunt Sunday prompts are:  Pattern(s), Machine, Signs or Logos, Rocks or Stones, and Sparkle.



1.  Pattern(s)

A few of my Autumn decorations.

2.  Machine

"Horsepower-ed"

Lambertville, New Jersey

(linked to: Your Sunday Best, Weekly Top Shot, Snapshot Sunday,, 

Sundays in my City)

3.  Signs or Logos

"Do Not Take Corn"

Lambertville, New Jersey

4.  Rocks or Stones

Valley Forge, PA

5.  Sparkle

"Autumn Sparkle"
Lambertville, New Jersey

To all my friends here in the Northeast, please be careful and I hope you all survive Sandy unscathed.  Stay safe and....take photos!!!!  Maybe next week's Scavenger Hunt Sunday prompts will be:  Rain, Water, Wind Blown, Soggy, and Wine.

--Kathy

linked to:   Scavenger Hunt Sunday, Your Sunday Best, Weekly Top Shot, Snapshot Sunday,, Sundays in my City

He's a little bit country...

...I'm a little bit rock n' roll.  And let's just keep it that way.  Once upon a time, I had a brief foray into being "country" by trout fishing with my boyfriend.  But then I got him to propose to me and I promptly handed him the fishing rod, exchanged my waders for a pair of stilettos, and he become my Better-Half.  I set my trap and then said BUH-BYE to country life.

I am soooo not into the whole country/rural scene.  I don't like to get my shoes too dirty, I definitely don't like the smell, and I just CAN'T live out of striking distance of a Bloomingdales.  Three strikes, I'm out.  But, I joined a local photography group recently (Delaware Valley Photo Friends for anyone local and has an interest) and lo and behold...I found myself not only in Jersey on a photo outing, but at a freakin' FARM.  Let me tell ya, my shoes were shot AND it reeked to high heaven.  BUT...I got some cool shots.  An added plus...I finally get to participate in some link ups that I NEVER thought I'd be able to (ie, Rural Thursdays...it will be a quick visit I'm sure).  So it was a win-win. Well, except for the shoes may they rest in peace. This was actually kind of a cool place, sort of like a museum where NO ONE keeps quiet and you can touch EVERYTHING (even some things ya really just don't wanna touch, or smell).  Howell Living History Farm in Lambertville, Joisey.  Lots of animals, nature, smells and colors.  And as usual, I showed up with impractical footwear (but I looked good).

"Which Way?"

Lambertville, NJ

"Follow the Leader"
Lambertville, New Jersey

"Country Roads"
Lambertville, New Jersey

"Horse Power"
Lambertville, New Jersey

"Curtains"
Lambertville, New Jersey

"Red Rover"
Lambertville, New Jersey

"Autumn"
Lambertville, New Jersey

"Up on the Roof"
Lambertville, New Jersey

"Corn Stalks"

Lambertville, New Jersey

"Repetition"

Lambertville, New Jersey

"Wagon Days"
Lambertville, New Jersey

"Foot Bridge"
Lambertville, New Jersey

A fun day for sure.  And I met some very nice and serious photo enthusiasts who made me quickly realize how little I truly know about photography.  BUT I know what I like, and I like what I know (which is a heck of a lot more than I did at this time last year).  But still so much to absorb...and isn't that a great thing?  If only my shoes hadn't absorbed so much FARM...ugh.

--Kathy

linked to:  Rural Thursdays,  This or That Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things,  Photo Story Friday, Perspectives Photo Challenge, Favorite Photo Friday, Finding Serendipity

Does this fence...

...make my nose look big?

"disGRUNTled"

Howell Living History Farm

Lambertville, NJ (yes, I was in Joisey)

--Kathy

linked to:  Sarah Halstead's Wordless Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday, Snap It, Live and Love Out Loud Wordless Wednesday, Wordful Wednesday,, Jenni From the Blog WW

Gonna Fly Now...

72 stone steps leading to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  One of the top tourist attractions in Philly.  Why?  ROCKY.  Rocky Balboa, Patron Saint of Philly and underdogs around the world.  Yeah well, as much as I love my Philly I have to admit we do have a bit of an "little man" complex.  The New York Stankees Yankees to the north, Obama to the south..."Yo Adrienne", can ya blame us? Our big mouths and 'tude are just a cover for our Napoleon complex.  We don't want to be overlooked.  We have Scrapple, Cheese steaks, Ben Franklin and Jerry Blavat dang it (if you don't know who Jerry Blavat is...consider yourself blessed).   So when Rocky's workout culminated in running up these 72 steps he kinda carried all of us underdogs on his back with him.  And he showed us what can be accomplished if you give it your best shot.

"Rocky Steps"

Philadelphia Museum of Art

"Ascent"
Philadelphia, PA

When you get to the top, ya gotta hit the mark, turn around, do a few fist pumps while you jump up and down, and sing a few lines from "Gonna Fly Now"...trying to act too cool for school cause it would be REALLLLLY embarrassing to pass out ON top of the Rocky Steps. Because you KNOW someone will take a photo of that and put it on their blog...

In the short time I was at the steps I saw at least 20 groups of people re-enacting the scene which has become a cultural icon.  Seriously, it IS a cultural icon even beyond the city limits of Philly.  And if it's not, it SHOULD be...

"Hitchin' a Ride"
Philadelphia, PA

Local teams use the steps for training.  Perhaps a good upper body work out to go along with those steps they just ran up and down?  Just sayin'...

This is what ya get at the top.  A commanding view of my city, down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Billy Penn sitting atop City Hall...

View from atop Rocky Steps
Philadelphia, PA

Yep, Rocky is a metaphor for overcoming odds.  Philly always loves the "little guy" and embraces a hard work ethic.  Yeah, we've also been known to embrace a good heckle too.  But come on, ya just GOTTA love a good underdog. 

--Kathy

linked to:  Our World Tuesday, Inspiring Photography, Tuesdays Around the World, Sweet Shot Tuesday, 52 Weeks of Happiness,, Tones on Tuesday, 

Scavenger Hunt Sunday (10/21/12 edition)...

What a week.  I've come to the conclusion that I am waaaaaay too old to have a teenager, MAMA MIA!!! It seriously gets in the way of "spare time", if ya know what I mean.  Fashionably late to the party this week.  But I AM here, and I'll just pat myself on the back for that little accomplishment.  This week's prompts are:  Orange or Pink, Faceless Portrait (aim for a self portrait), View From the Top, Cozy, and Stacked.


1.  Orange or Pink

"Orange"
Valley Forge National Park
(linked to:  Nurture Photography Autumn Challenge)

2.  Faceless Portrait

"Moi"
(linked to:  In the Picture)

3.  View From the Top

"Acorn Reflections"

Valley Forge National Park
(linked to:  Your Sunday Best, Weekly Top Shot)

Found this lone acorn sitting atop a marble bench at Valley Forge National Park.  Loved how I got the reflection of the white birch tree and fall foliage by my view from the top.

4.  Cozy

"Arm in Arm"

Philadephia Art Museum
(linked to:  Sundays in my City)

5.  Stacked

"Linked"
Valley Forge National Park

Found the texture of these linked and stacked chains so beautiful.

Wow, very short and sweet this week...how unlike me!!!!  Gotta run.  Make sure you get a chance to hop on over to Ashley's Ramblings and Photos to check out all the other Scavenger Hunt Sunday submissions.  And as always...thank you sooooo much for taking the time to stop by and commenting.  Happy Sunday...

--Kathy

linked to:   Scavenger Hunt Sunday, Your Sunday Best, Weekly Top Shot, Snapshot Sunday, Nurture Photography Autumn Challenge, Sundays in my City

ALMOST wordless...

"If"
Philadelphia, PA

IF the Phillies had made post-season play, I probably wouldn't have had the television turned to the presidential debates...I would have been watching baseball.  IF I hadn't have listened to the presidential debates, I probably wouldn't have given much thought to how so many words can actually say so little at times.  IF I hadn't have come to that conclusion, I probably wouldn't today be so frustrated at our political system.  If I had been born somewhere else, I probably wouldn't have baseball, presidential debates,  OR frustration over a choice I am free to make due to our political system.  Sometimes IF's are something to be thankful for.  I should probably remember that...IF needed. 

Proud to be an American.

--Kathy

linked to:  Sarah Halstead's Wordless Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday, Snap It, Live and Love Out Loud Wordless Wednesday, Wordful Wednesday,, Jenni From the Blog WW

Scavenger Hunt Sunday (10/13/2012 edition)...

Yowza!  What a fun weekend I had.  Both "James Dean" and I got quite the workout.  Spent Friday in Philly with the Better-Half.  I think I MIGHT be converting my country bumpkin into a bona fide city folk...and it only took 30 years.  Who says miracles don't happen?  Came home Saturday morning with only enough time to re-think my outerwear situation, add some fingerless gloves and a heavier jacket, and head out to a Scott Kelby World Wide Photo Walk group at Valley Forge National Park.  It was a bit cold, but it IS October in Pennsylvania...you just CAN'T complain.  And it was downright BEAUUUUUTIFUL outside.  It just doesn't get much better of an Autumn Day.  If only George Washington had it so nice when he was at Valley Forge.  As I wandered around the park I had to seriously admonish myself for taking so long to re-visit this place...hmmmmm, perhaps it's been since I was in elementary school for a field trip?  Yikes.  It's only 25 minutes from my house.  I will DEF be going back with "James Dean" in the near future.

This week's Scavenger Hunt Sunday photos are brought to you courtesy of Philly and Valley Forge.  What WOULD I do without my Founding Fathers?  This week's prompts are:  Faithfulness, Then and Now, Water Drop or Water Flowing, Fingertips, and Autumn Bucket List.


1.  Faithfulness

"Hitching a Ride"

Boathouse Row

Philadelphia, PA

(linked to:  Weekly Top Shot, Snapshot Sunday)

Man's Woman's faithful companion.  Okay this STILL makes me laugh.  That bulldog has waaaay better coordination and balance than "I" do.

2.  Then and Now

"Then and Now"

Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA

(linked to:  Sundays In My City, Your Sunday Best)

One of the things I adore about Philly is there is "Then and Now" examples EVERYWHERE you turn to look.  The past is just as much part of the cityscape as the present.  And they mesh seamlessly.

3.  Water Drop or Water Flowing

"Bridge to the Past"
Valley Forge, PA

The Knox covered bridge in Valley Forge National Park.  Built in 1865 this bridge is quite surprisingly pretty darn busy with vehicles.  Since it is only a one-lane bridge...taking photos quickly morphed into the X-Games.

4.  Fingertips

"The Gardener"
Washington Memorial Chapel
Valley Forge, PA

"Sculpture"
Washington Memorial Chapel
Valley Forge, PA

(linked to:  Simple Things Sunday)

I just couldn't decide, so you get both.  Both were taken on the grounds of the Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge.  Built in 1907 as a tribute to General George Washington and the Patriot Troops of Valley Forge.  Unfortunately, we couldn't get inside as there were weddings taking place.  But the grounds were open for us to wander.

5.  Fall Bucket List

"Nature Walk"
Valley Forge, PA

Being an historic national park, I'm SURE this is an authentic "One Way" sign used for navigation purposes by General Washington and his troops.  After all...Washington really DID sleep here.

I hope everyone gets a chance to stop by Ashley's Ramblings and Photos to check out all the Scavenger Hunt Sunday submissions.  And I would REALLY like to thank everyone who has taken the time to stop and comment on my blog posts.  It truly means so much to me.  Thank you, thank you, thank you. Did I mention....THANK YOU????

--Kathy

linked to:  Scavenger Hunt Sunday, Your Sunday Best, Weekly Top Shot, Snapshot Sunday, Sundays in my City, 

Unplugged...

I did it.  I might have just committed social suicide but I am taking the bold step to unplug myself from Facebook. Why?  Because I just can't take it anymore.  I need to start my days without a social media barrage. Without opening up Facebook's home page only to find posts, ad nauseum, basically telling me I'm an apparent moron for not necessarily agreeing with various political agendas. Whatever happened to a civil exchange of ideas instead of a daily Chinese water torture until the victim yells UNCLE?   I need some peace.  I need some tranquility.  I need MY SPACE (and not that OTHER social media gathering spot).  And for the record, I am referring to supposed mature adults who should have enough life experience under their belts to be able to respect each others' differences.  I mean isn't that one of the lessons we TRY to teach our own kids?

"Unplugged"
(Self Portrait Project 32/52)

So I sat with my Wawa Pumpkin Spice coffee this morning and just breathed before taking on the day.  Just me and silence.  Well...me, silence and two dogs.  So I guess it really wasn't that silent.  BUT, they are of the same political party and leanings that I am...so we get along quite famously.   I am what I am.  I believe what I believe. No postings of derogatory cartoons,  agenda pushing "news" stories, or venom filled diatribes is gonna change that.  All it does is make me angry.  Sure wish I was mature enough to rise above it all and not let it effect me. But I guess I prove that just because someone is 52 doesn't necessarily mean they can control their emotions and rise above the fray untouched.

"Hear the Silence"
(Self Portrait Project 33/52)

Call it a self-imposed "time out".  But I am quite content to sit myself quietly in the corner until after the elections, as far as Facebook is concerned. MAYBE even longer (but that is a quite tentative 'maybe').  I had been toying with the idea of a Facebook solitary confinement for awhile now.  But recently two things happened that forced my hand to either act upon my thought, or go ballistic and lose some friends who I might go Chris Matthews or Shawn Hannity all over (I want to remain equal opportunity ballistic here):

1.  I was having a Facebook discussion about one of my favorite television shows "Downton Abbey" which happens to be on PBS.  Before I knew it the discussion somehow morphed from HOW we were gonna survive until January to see what happens to poor Mr. Bates, to  "Romney wants to obliterate PBS".  To me, this is akin to going to a Bruce Springsteen concert and being lectured on the evils of the GOP.  I didn't sign up for this.  I'm being held hostage against my will.  FREEEEEE MEEEEEE PLEEEEEEEESE.  All this girl wants is for Mr. Bates to be happy.  I don't think President Obama OR Mitt Romney have that power.   I quietly left the conversation, but quite honestly...the seething inside me percolated much longer than it should have.

2.  I find myself finding it harder and harder to curb my enthusiasm.  I can't tell ya how many times I've copied links to the BEST posts...and then delete it before I hit "publish".  I came perilously close the other day.  Yep, I found the dreaded PERFECT quote on Pinterest and was gonna slam all my "friends" of the opposite affiliation.  It was definitely time for an intervention.  My name is Kathy, and I ALMOST became a bully.

"Fingertips"
(Self Portrait Project 34/52)

Too much coffee isn't suppose to be good for you.  But now that Facebook is outta my life until at least after the election...I'm pretty sure I can drink as many cups of Joe as I desire and STILL not come close to the jitter levels I was feeling before unplugging.  I'm not sure if this election is different from previous ones, or I'm just getting older and not as comfortable with the levels of dare I say it...hate...that I am seeing from people I consider friends. And I'm unbiased on this because I see it on BOTH sides of the aisle.  I don't want to participate.  I consider myself a well-informed citizen.  I know which candidate I feel is best for the country.  It might not be the same as your candidate.  But I respect that you are passionate enough to have an opinion..whether it is a shared one or not.

God Bless America, Fox News and MSNBC for giving us the rights and the knowledge to make informed decisions. And God Bless Big Bird for teaching us how to be good friends.  But for now...I'm unplugged.  I've made my choice, so it's time for me to find silence.  Not to mention with all the extra time I can finally knock off some of those pesky portraits I need for my dreaded self-portrait project.  God forbid my family think I REALLY just sit around and drink coffee all day.  Only my dogs know for sure.

--Kathy 

P.S.  For those interested, the two color photos are edited using Florabella's new Colorplay actions set.  After doing my "basic" every day edits (sort of like washing my face every morning), I ran the Perfect Color Action and toned it way down (sort of like when I tell Thing #3 to take some of that crap cat-eyed eyeliner off those beautiful eyes of hers)...then I finished it off with the ButterCream Action (yep, that's sort of like spritzing a bit of my fav Thierry Mulger's 'Angel' scent on my wrists).  I'm totally going Bill O'Reilly over Florabella's new collection.


linked to:  In the Picture Self Portrait Project, Sarah Halstead's Wordless Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday, Snap It, Live and Love Out Loud Wordless Wednesday, Wordful Wednesday,, Black and White Wednesday,  Jenni From the Blog WW

Scavenger Hunt Sunday (107/2012 edition)...

Welllllll, I really wasn't even going to do Scavenger Hunt this week. My plan was to take a break.  Not sure WHY I felt I needed a break.  Seems I've been REALLY inefficient lately and not getting much of anything done to take a break from.  But I found myself in center city Philly today with three hours to kill.  And let me tell ya, it was a beauty of a day to wander the streets with 'James Dean'.  How did we survive pre-cell phones and internet?  I really had no excuses NOT to participate in this week's hunt.  I forgot to bring the prompts with me?  Nottaproblem.  I-phone to the rescue.  Where is the nearest "Banana Republic"?  Nottaproblem.  I-phone to the rescue (I like to multi-task).  Where is that parking gargage I left my car in?  Hmmmm...there MUST be an app for that.  Note to self:  don't forget to google that.

This week's Scavenger Hunt Sunday prompts are:  Smile, Unedited, Key, Shadow, and Spice.


1.  Smile

"You Make Me Happy When Skies are Gray"

Thing #3

(linked to:  Weekly Top Shot, Snapshot Sunday)

Thing #3 turned 15 this week.  The braces are off and what a beauticious smile she has.  It was because of my youngest Thing that I found myself with free time to roam Philly earlier today.  Dropped her off at the Walnut Street Theatre for some classes (because we can never have ENOUGH "drama" in our lives), and I was OFF.  FREE.  UNENCUMBERED.  Sort of felt like a lonely loser.  Yeah, I knew THAT would make you smile my Thing.

2.  Unedited

"Towering Reflection"
Philadelphia, PA

Not a cloud in the sky today.  If I had been allowed to edit this photo for the hunt, I would have played with the levels a bit.  But I didn't.  Even tho I WANTED to.  Like REALLY badly.  FYI, I'm gonna do it as soon as I hit "post".  Even before I google a parking garage app.

3.  Key

"Love is Key"
Philadelphia, PA


"Love is the master key
which opens the gate of happiness."

--Oliver Wendell Holmes

As soon as I saw this prompt I high tailed it to Love Park and the world famous Love Sculpture. This sculpture has been a part of the Philly art scene since the Bicentennial in 1976.  Fun fact for the day:  I was a part of the Bicentennial celebration as a junior in high school.  Yep, wearing white knee high boots and an outfit so short I can't believe my dad let me out of the house, marching down Broad Street, twirling a baton.  Oh...I wasn't doing this alone (that would just be weird).  Oh yeah, and it was hot, hot, FREAKIN' hot that day.  Made it totally worth it to be wearing next to nothing, but let me tell ya...calves sweat wearing pleather boots in 101 temps.

4.  Spice

"Got Garlic?"

(Linked to:  Simple Things Sunday)

Philly has some amazing outdoor farmer's markets, especially on Saturdays.  Today I wandered over to Rittenhouse Square to take in the colors and smells.  Which were MUCH nicer than some of the other colors and smells I encountered en route.  Just sayin'.  

5.  Shadow

"Me and My Shadow"
Academy of Music
Philadelphia, PA

(linked to:  Your Sunday Best)

2 hours flew by and I needed to FIND my parking garage so I could pick up Thing #3.  I KNOW it is on Broad Street SOMEWHERE.  Which is when it dawned on me that not only do all parking garages look alike, so do all the attendants.  As I strolled Broad Street I passed by the Academy of Music.  I LOVE this place.  Built in 1857 is the oldest opera house/concert hall in the country that is still used for it's original purpose.  Just one of the many things I love about Philly, all the history here.  I think it is so cool to come to a show here at night and see the outside of the building illuminated by these gas lights.  Didn't realize they would be JUST as cool during the day with the shadows they cast.

SHOULD have taken note that my car wound up being in the garage on Broad Street directly across from the nicest Banana Republic I've ever been in and next too a pretty cool gastropub called "The Perch"  Did I mention that I love Philly?  If anyone ever wants a tourguide to the City of Brotherly Love...I'm available as long as you remember the parking garage we park in.

If ya get the chance, hop on over to Ashley's Ramblings and Photos to check out all the other Scavenger Hunt submissions.

--Kathy


linked to:   Scavenger Hunt Sunday, Your Sunday Best, Weekly Top Shot, Snapshot Sunday, Sundays in my City, Simple Things Sunday

"Magic Mountain" is not in Disney World...

It's in Spain...and it's called Montserrat.

"One method of getting loved ones to look more fondly on your mountain climbing

is to tell them that since you started climbing...

you hardly do drugs anymore."

--David Harles

Montserrat, Spain.  A multi-peaked mountain outside of Barcelona in the Catalonia region. "Montserrat" translated from Catalan means "jagged mountain".  The perfect domain for mountain goats (altho I saw NONE, but was informed there are wild boar in residence.  Do wild boars even climb mountains????), hardy tourists, and....mountain climbers.  This isn't your Disney World "Magic Mountain" folks.  Hmmmm, we were actually told by a woman from Croatia "I'm so glad you aren't some of those lazy Americans."  Seriously?  I'm not only climbing this sucker, I'm hauling "James Dean" along for the trek...and he needs to go on a diet.  I am woman, hear me roar. 

Montserrat is one of the most important religious sites in Spain and is the residence for the Benedictine abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat.  Some have even identified it as the location of the Holy Grail in Arthurian myth.  

People come from near and far seeking spiritual rewards AND the most spectacular view of Catalonia.  You start your ascent via cable car to the first way station.  From there?  Well...we have options.  Some walk the long, winding and increasingly steep path up the mountain, on the lookout for the wild boars grunting in a Catalan dialect...

And some wild boar fearing cowards, take the more direct route...

"This Mountain Isn't Big Enough for the Two of Us"

Montserrat, Spain

"Which Way to the Top?"

Montserrat, Spain
(linked to: Nurture Photography Challenge)

"The  Climb"

Montserrat, Spain
(linked to: Photo Perspectives Challenge, Favorite Photo Friday)

Hmmmm, did you notice how high these guys are?  Did you notice that I am even HIGHER than the crazy people????  My mountain is bigger than your mountain!!!!  No boar could survive on the thin air up here, just sayin'.

"My Mountain or Yours?
Montserrat, Spain

Totally worth the workout to ascend to the summit of Montserrat.  Some do it the hard way...some do it the even harder way.  Stay tuned, and I will show you some of our "hard way".  And no wild boars were hurt in the process.

--Kathy

linked to:  This or That Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things,  Photo Story Friday, Perspectives Photo Challenge, Favorite Photo Friday, Finding Serendipity