Sunshine

We all know how I have a minor issue with S.A.D, well this year I just had to get away. A friend  and I went to Dominican Repluplic, Porto Plata. We chose that particular location because the prise was right. Stayed at a 4 star, nothing major to complain about. Although we may have had a bat in our roof, or perhaps a rat. Either way it woke me up at night. Not having to cook for seven days was perhaps the best part.

Did lots of walking on the beach. Our resort was in a bit of a compound, which was fine due to the fact I was walking alone. Only one day of rain. Would have not have minded more as I did only get out running twice, due to the heat and maybe the amount of liquor consumed.  

 

On the compound, there were 15 original resorts, however only 9 were operational. This one was falling into disrepair but there were still quite a few security guards minding the place.

Booked an excursion on the beach with a no- named operator. Don't do that. Wanted to do a waterfall climbing adventure, but to get there had to ride this open air death machine on winding mountain roads and then to get home on roads where there are no traffic laws. Terrifying, and not a good choice. Kind of a wasted day.

I have tanning problems and thus spent the entire week being asked if I had just arrived and from the locals as 'white meat'. Joy. Next time I will pre tan. 

A Dying Sport

 

Our family adventure today took us to Port Elgin today. My ulterior motive for the location was 50% off bikinis at Beachin, but the added bonus was new to us ski trails.

Evers lack of glide skis and Mayas inability to focus allows us to move along at approximately 1.5k/hr. I am not exaggerating we move that slow. Yes walking would be faster.

 

There was fresh snow, fresh tracks, the temperature was just right, and the forest was lovely. Amazing good family time. Then I saw dogs, then i saw the owners were on foot. And I signed loudly, and skied along not uttering a single word. At this point the track set remained with foot prints here and there, but there was still glide. Then i heard voices and a couple appeared smiling enjoying their day and also wearing snowshoes. My shoulders slumped and dejectedly i admitted defeat.

 

Initially, I was angry, why would anybody ruin the track set? Don't they know it is like destroying a child's fort, or an art creation? And then I remembered a conversation I had had with some non skiing folk about their ignorance of all that is skiing.

I also realized that apart from a couple clearly in their 70's, active and in good shape but still can be defined as elderly, we were the only people on the trails using skis.

 

I am happy that there are people out and being active, using snowshoes, walking etc. However, I feel conflicted. I want the nice ski trails in every small community as opposed to having to drive 40min so I know the track will not will have been obviated by snowshoes. I see the ski club bursting, and think cross country skiing is thriving but in reality perhaps we have been marginalized and thus the only place to go is the fancy club where you have to pay only to belong.

 

I was recently told that there used to be a ski club in Hanover that gave badges to kids developing their ski skills. What happened to it? Was it lack of funds, lack of volunteers, the insurance scare, or did hockey overtake it? The single sport phenomenon? Snowshoeing seems cheaper, more accessible, is that the outdoor sport that people want to do now? Or are people just doing nothing?

 

Just my thoughts.

 

Detroit

 I saw these photos awhile ago, but while reading an article about the mess the city of Detroit is in today, made me recall the beauty of them and I wanted to share.
Here are some pictures of an abandoned high school. Superimposed on is the same scene is the school when it was alive and vibrant. The website also has other images of abandoned Detroit. Post apocalyptic.

The photo is the Bellamy Mansion,  near twilight, in Wilmington NC. My attempt at photography with my point and shot.