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Kayaking to Vienna

Posted on February 9, 2019February 9, 2019 By Tom 2 Comments on Kayaking to Vienna
History and Genealogy, Paddling, Photography

Early settlers seemed to have a fascination with reusing old names. The US is full of place names with the word “New” appended. In some places they didn’t even bother with the “New.” This longing for a hint of European homeland was the case with several of the ghost towns along the Savannah River – Hamburg, South Hampton Lisbon, Petersburg, New Bordeaux, and Vienna. On this unseasonably warm February day I decided to paddle out and see if I could find any remnants of the tri-city area of Lisbon, Petersburg, and Vienna, now located under Strom Thurmond Lake.

Return to Old Santee

Posted on February 2, 2019February 2, 2019 By Tom No Comments on Return to Old Santee
Paddling

I haven’t really gotten back to my paddling routine since returning to the east coast. When I saw that my friends at Tri-County Blueways Paddlers were heading back to the Old Santee Canal, I jumped at the chance. It also turns out that with my new church duties this would be my last Sunday paddling excursion for quite awhile.

Episode IV – A New Hope(well)

Posted on February 1, 2019February 1, 2019 By Tom No Comments on Episode IV – A New Hope(well)
Music, Religion

New things on the horizon. I have accepted a position as music director for Hopewell Methodist Church in Simpsonville, SC. I start there the first of March.

Searching for Wolfe’s Angels – Part Two, The Search

Posted on January 24, 2019February 2, 2019 By Tom 4 Comments on Searching for Wolfe’s Angels – Part Two, The Search
History and Genealogy, Photography, Rambling

I had done the research. I’d read the book. I was ready to head out and find the angels sold by William Oliver Wolfe’s monument shop in Asheville, made famous by his son, Thomas Wolfe, in his novel Look Homeward Angel. Joining me would be fellow explorer Alan Russell.

Searching for Wolfe’s Angels – Part One, Setting the Stage

Posted on January 22, 2019January 22, 2019 By Tom No Comments on Searching for Wolfe’s Angels – Part One, Setting the Stage
History and Genealogy, Photography, Rambling

Look homeward Angel now, and melt with ruth.
And, O ye Dolphins, waft the hapless youth.

Cruising and Catching Up

Posted on January 17, 2019January 17, 2019 By Tom No Comments on Cruising and Catching Up
Family, Travel

It’s been a crazy start to the year. We returned from Florida, had five days at home, then we left for a seven day cruise around the Caribbean to celebrate our 30th anniversary. That hasn’t left much time for blogging. Here’s a wrap-up…

Prairies, Marshes, and Beaches

Posted on January 6, 2019January 6, 2019 By Tom No Comments on Prairies, Marshes, and Beaches
Family, Photography, Travel

I’m still trying to catch up after a whirlwind holiday travel season. Given our upcoming activities, I’ll probably be trying to catch up for the next month or so. Regardless, while we are in Florida we like to get out into nature as much as we can. This holiday season we were able to visit Kissimmee Prairie, the Stick Marsh at the Sebastian River Preserve, and several beaches.

Winter Solstice Full Moon Drum Circle

Posted on January 4, 2019January 4, 2019 By Tom 1 Comment on Winter Solstice Full Moon Drum Circle
Family, Music, Paddling, Photography, Travel

The Christmas Dinosaurs have been put away and the trees taken down. We’ve been catching our breath before ramping up for the next round of madness. The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. There were paddle trips, swamp outings, drum circles, and we even celebrate a major milestone. All of this, while wrapping up 2018 and seeing in 2019 in grand fashion. Over the next several posts I’m going to try to summarize the Winter Holiday happenings.

Santa Paddling

Posted on December 24, 2018December 24, 2018 By Tom No Comments on Santa Paddling
Paddling, Photography

I have a thick white beard that I’ve let grow out longer for the season. I have a Santa hat. I have a red PFD. I have a big red kayak. Of course I’d combine all of these for some Santa paddling. What I hadn’t counted on was eight tiny dolphins to pull my sleigh.

Winter Solstice Paddling 2018

Posted on December 23, 2018December 23, 2018 By Tom No Comments on Winter Solstice Paddling 2018
Paddling, Photography

When possible I’ve tried to watch the sunrise from a kayak on the solstices. Winter solstice we’re usually in Florida for Christmas. Last year we missed it while we were away in Washington State, but this year I was determined to get out for the sunrise. The added bonus? I had two new boats to christen.

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