It's Almost Punkin' Chunkin' Time!

 

Every year at the beginning of November some rather unique individuals get together and do some crazy things.  It's a great way to spend a weekend.  Every November, whether we're all supposed to be getting ready to vote or not, Royal Farms, or Wheatley, in Bridgeville, Deleware becomes ground zero for guys with really big toys designed to shoot and fling pumpkins as far as the eye can see.
Now, don't worry if you can't make it, you can see it on the Discovery Channel on Thanksgiving.  This is one of the biggest cult classic events of the year in the United States.  I follow it every year on TV.
Here's how it works.

Take some pumpkins that are carefully chosen for size, so they fit into the machine that you've built.  Make sure that they aren't too soft, so they self destruct on their way, which won't count.
   Build yourself a really big, powerful machine,

or cannon.
And shoot the pumpkin as far as you can.

There's even a division for the kids, so they can participate too.

Now, I mention the World Championship Punkin Chunkin Contest because I love it.  It's the craziest way I've ever seen to have good old fashioned family fun.  It's also a great way to blow the crap out of some pumpkins, but that's okay.  Everyone loves a good cannon.  Another thing that I thought I would mention about this craziness is something that maybe not everyone knows.
 
First, Punkin Chunkin in Deleware was conceived back in 1986.  It happened quite by accident.  They were throwing around some pumpkins and the next thing you knew, they had a contest.  The World Championships officially started in 2001.
 
Second, this is one of the world's most popular offbeat events.  In recent years, it's drawn up to 20,000 people a year.  The field is limited and it gets closed every year.  There is a long waiting list too, just in case someone has to drop out.  There are plenty of other potential competitors waiting in the wings.

And most important is the one thing that everyone might not know.  Punkin Chunkin is a non profit event.  That's right, if you thought it was just a bunch of rednecks shooting pumpkins out of a cannon, you missed the point.  Here's some of the causes that Punkin Chunkin is currently supporting:
         
    So, in addition to putting on a great show, they really do good work.
So, pack you bags, and come to the party.  There's many festivities to go along with the contest.  You can camp at the site if you like.  There's a festival, there's a Miss Punkin Chunkin contest.  There's crafts, and food for all.  It's a great time and a great way to give Fall one last hurrah.

 http://www.punkinchunkin.com/
http://www.zazzle.com/warning_i_do_stupid_things_tee_shirt-235988231419408545
http://www.atbeach.com/punkinchunkin/gallery.html
http://www.visitdelaware.com/
http://science.discovery.com/tv/punkin-chunkin/
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings
 
Enjoy!

This One is Off the Beaten Path and for Outdoorsy Types

What is it?  Excellent question.  This is one of the most unusual National Parks in the world, and it sits at the southern tip of Madagascar.  This is Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park.  It doesn't get much wilder than this.
Can you hike here?
  Yes you can.  There are 600 square miles of stone spires, slot canyons, unique to the area wildlife, and water features that sometimes fail description in human terminology.  There are no roads.  There aren't many modern conveniences.  The accommodations are rustic camping at best.  So why would you go here?
   
Maybe just for the unique view of the world.  This is a Sifaka Lemur.  They jump so high and so far that it looks like they're flying.  They don't live anywhere else is the world.  That slot canyon above is one of hundreds, and it's over 400 feet deep.
The entire area and it's spires are a result of ancient water erosion.  The spires used to be caves.  The tops eroded away and the canyons are what was left of the caves when the ceilings caved in.  

  There's nothing quite like it anywhere else on Earth.  
   This would appear to be a small area, but in reality, this picture is of an area a mile, probably more, square.  These spires are hundreds of feet high.  It's hard to understand the scale without looking at it first hand.  That's why, for the outdoors person, it's a must see.  The area is dry and arid, basically it's desert.  There are some other strange sights to see in the area just outside the park.
  These are Baobab Trees.  They are a desert dweller and can hold up to 300 gallons of water in their massive trunks.  The things look like they should be on the moon or something, but they are a natural wonder.
 
The area is full of all kinds of succulents.  Most of them only grow here, and no where else.  
Tsingy and the surrounding area are a wonderful place to visit, but be sure you like the outdoors.  Encountering Lemurs, and other lizards, and insects that survive only in this area is not necessarily for the feint of heart.
If you would like to take a tour rather than risking life and limb on your own, there are several companies that offer half day to three day tours in Tsingy.  There are some guided group tours that encompass other areas along with Tsingy that last up to nine days.  The guides are experts on the area, they speak several languages and are friendly.
  Not far away, along the shore at the mouth of the local river is the town of Morondava.  Here the local fisherman shore up their boats along the sandy shores and take their fish to market.
   The village is small and sometimes appears to have gotten lost in time.  This is the place where you would stay and catch a tour into Tsingy.
   The local ancient culture which survives to this day is called the Sakalava.  You don't want to rush in and out of this town.  The Sakalava culture is a very spiritual culture.  They have many different spiritual rituals and they communicate with their dead at certain times of the year.  The tradition of Tromba, where the spirit of a deceased relative is invited to possess another person's body is practiced especially during the dry season.  You will have to get special permission to be present at a Tromba ceremony, but do it.  You'll be glad you had the experience.
So, I know it sounds like a crazy idea.  I know you'll have to spend countless hours on many planes to even get to Morondava.  It's rugged.  It's wild.  The southwest Madagascar area of Tsingy and the Baobabs is one of the most memorable places on Earth.  Don't miss it.  Take the time and effort for a once in a lifetime experience.
 
The sunsets aren't bad either.
Enjoy! 

 http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/11/stone-forest/shea-text/2
http://www.earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=41407
http://travelmadagascar.org/index.html/
soilsci.wordpress.com/2009/11/01/madagascars-tsingy-de-bermaraha-national-park/
 http://www.travel-images.com/madagascar.html
 http://www.wildernesstravel.com/trips/search?terms=madagascar
 http://www.madagascar-tour.com/
 http://www.ecotours.com/dest_madagascar.html
 http://madagascar-tour-guide.com/madagascar_west_tours_guide.html
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html

Wuzhen China, the Venice of the East

 This is Wuzhen, China.  Wuzhen lies on  the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou Alluvial Plain.  There are no real hills here, only interlaced rivers and canals made in a distant past.  Wuzhen is new on the China tourist scene, which is exactly why it has popped up on my radar as a unique spot.  It has only recently been added to the list of attractions available to outsiders by the Communist Government of that country.  Wuzhen has long been compared to Venice, even though it's been here for even longer with records of inhabitants from 7,000 years ago.  There are around 12,000 full time residents of this town which hasn't changed its look or its lifestyle in at least 1,000 years.  It's an amazing step back in time that is waiting only a little over an hour from Shanghai.


There are some unique venues in Wuzhen that will give you a unique view into the lives of these people who to westerners appear to be standing still in time.  One of these unique places is the Hundred Beds Museum.  It is one of the only places in the world that displays ancient beds--even those of royalty.
 

  You can learn some important facets of the local culture at the Folk Culture Museum where they will show you things such as birthday and wedding traditional ceremonies.
 

  You can learn both the art of performing and the art of making the puppets at the Shadow Play Museum.
Other local shops and traditional items made and sold include:
 

  The Sanbai Wine Workshop where rice wine has been made the same way for centuries, and the Tobacco Workshop where they have been producing dried red tobacco for hundreds of years.  There is also the Foot Binding Museum where you can learn about the ancient art of mutilation for beauty, if you're into that kind of thing.  There's a silk shop, an ancient foundry, the Paste Company that makes soy paste and other products.  There's an ancient learning academy and even foliage dyeing.  There are many ancient traditional arts and handicrafts that make this stop a must for anyone who is into history.  A lot of China is trying to jump with both feet into the 21st century.  This is a refreshing trip back in time.


Wuzhen has an entire culture that lives and works on the water.  This is one of those towns, like Venice, where single oar skiffs (similar to gondolas) are the main style of transport.  The bridges over the waterways also remind the westerners of Venice.  But, they are all much older.  It is rumored that Marco Polo came to this town once.  He was supposedly the one who dubbed it the Venice of the East.



  

Wuzhen is a traditional town where it's not unlikely that you might see silk fabric that has just been dyed and painted drying in the wind.

   

The dwellings sit directly on the water and are entered and exited largely from the waterways.  

 

There are temples to visit that have operated in the same fashion for thousands of years.  This is some of the most authentic culture in China.  You don't see this everywhere.
   

Meeting areas, like parks are along the water.  They have benches so that people can gather and visit.  There are some parks along the water where the locals  gather to play Mahjong and have lunch.



Wuzhen is a beautiful little town where you can learn about an ancient culture by walking right into it.  There are several tours that you can take that will provide an interpreter.  There are buses that will take you there on any given day leaving from Shanghai Stadium.  Do you pack an overnight bag?  I'm not so sure.  There are one or two options for staying overnight.  It depends on how much you want to delve into the experience.  The city is ancient, so the accommodations are not going to come with a wet bar or wifi.  The restaurants won't serve burgers either.  This is a place where you step into their culture and when in Rome, do as the Romans do.  If you aren't prepared for that, then make it a day trip.



So, step back in time and enjoy this little piece of ancient history not far from Shanghai.  Spend the day, or more in the fabulous water city of Wuzhen.
Enjoy! 

http://www.chinadiscover.net/china-tour/zhejiangguide/zhejiang-wuzhen.htm
http://www.shanghaifinance.com/attractions/zhejiang/wuzhen/wuzhen.php
http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/wuzhen/154895.htm
http://www.http://blog.chinatraveldepot.com/tag/wuzhen/chinatour.com/attraction/wuzhen.htm
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/picture/zhejiang/hangzhou/wuzhen/
http://www.chinahighlights.com/hangzhou/attraction/ancient-village-wuzhen.htm
http://wuzhen.com.cn/wuzhen.eng/index.html
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings
 

Fall Continues With the Mohawk Trail

It's no secret, I love Fall.  So, I wanted to share one of my favorite Fall drives which I took again just the other day.  It's called the Mohawk Trail, which is actually an old Indian trail that was at one point paved over to become Route 2 in Northern Massachusetts.  My favorite drive is from Greenfield to North Adams, with many wonderful stops along the way.  If you like beautiful meandering drives with great vistas, interesting stops along the way, and winding roads through mountains, then this is for you.

This is the French King Bridge.  It's a magnificent stone bridge just east of Greenfield on Route 2.  The bridge is amazing, and so is the view.  It's not on my driving route, but it's so close that I had to include it.

This is Poet's Seat Tower, and this is in Greenfield--the beginning of my driving route.  This tower sits on top of a small mountain and provides great views of the city and the valley below.

Now, Greenfield has all the well known shopping spots and restaurants, but I don't advise stopping there unless you really want a Big Mac or just have to buy new clothes.  Once you head out on Route 2, you will find all kinds of great little places to stop.  There are all kinds of gift shops and restaurants along the way.

This time out, I stopped at Gould's Sugar House.  This farm has been here and making maple syrup for 100 years.  They have a place where, in season, you can see how they make the maple syrup.  They also have a great gift shop with all kinds of country and rustic things.  You can also get maple flavored ice cream and apple cider (hot or cold).  If you like, and you happen to catch them when they're open, they have a restaurant.  They only serve pancakes and waffles, with meat if you like, and burgers.  It's worth the wait though, because these guys do those few items very well.  Not to mention that it's still family run, and Mrs. Gould will seat you.  You have to watch those hours though.  They open the restaurant pretty much when they want to and they close when they run out of food for the day.  It is a great little stop along the Mohawk Trail though.  It gives you the perfect essence of a country drive.

Next on my drive, I stopped off in Shelburne Falls, which is the cutest little town just a couple of miles off of Route 2 along the Mohawk Trail.  There are actually two towns there, the other one is Buckland, but it's on the boring side of the river.  Shelburne Falls is the quintessential New England small town and looks fabulous in the Fall.  But it does have some unique features.

This unique feature is called The Bridge of Flowers.  It's an old trolley bridge that connects the two towns.  The locals turned it into a park full of flowers that is also a Vietnam War Memorial.  It's beautiful to walk across and see all the flowers and the unusual trees.

The view from the bridge is pretty cool too.  But that's not the only unusual feature of this tiny hamlet in the middle of nowhere in Mass.

There's also this waterfall that was at one point or another made into a hydroelectric dam.  It's still a beautiful sight to see.  As you would suspect, it's called Shelburne Falls.
In downtown Shelburne Falls, there are all of those little cute shops that sell books, handicrafts, antiques and souvenirs that we all love to visit when we are ambling around on a country drive, fully equipped with friendly owners who love to know where we all come from.  If you're lucky, you'll even catch local author, Archer Mayor, a mystery writer who writes stories set in Vermont.  He comes by to do book signings in the general area quite a bit.  If you don't catch him, like I never do, you can normally buy an autographed copy from his last visit.

 From Shelburne Falls it is a wonderful country drive through colorful valleys,

 over scenic mountaintop vistas,

and down winding roads with hairpin turns.  We saw wonderful fall foliage as we drove from on Indian themed gift shop to another and played in makeshift teepees on our way to North Adams, Mass.  Once we reached North Adams, we had one last place to stop.

 This is the natural bridge at Natural Bridge State Park in North Adams.  These are actually quite rare results of the most recent ice age.  The property was being used as a rock quarry when the owners discovered this natural formation, and now it is a state park.

 These washed out areas are called glacial potholes.  They are where the water has simply washed away the rock and in this case has carved a beautiful, small, narrow gorge.

 The park is navigated through a series of walkways and stairs, so it can be a climb in some areas.  But it's worth it.  The views are great.

 And great for me, it comes with waterfalls,

and scenic vistas.
North Adams was a town in distress a few years ago, but it has turned into a thriving artist community, so while you're in town, go to a gallery or a loft and enjoy the talent that lives and works in the area.  You can also take a drive up Mount Greylock while in town and get a great view from the tower at the top of the highest peak in the area.  
The Mohawk Trail is one of my favorite New England areas.  I've lived here a long time and have found many wonderful things, but in the Fall it would be hard to beat this.  So, grab your camera, pick up some apple cider to drink along the way and come out and look at the foliage before its too late.  It's New England's last hurrah against mother nature before winter sets in, and we love it.

http://mohawktrail.com/
http://mohawktrail.com/driving-tours.html
http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/10/07/travel/driving-the-mohawk-trail-in-massachusetts.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/scenic-drive-in-massachusetts-mohawk-trail-ga.htm
http://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g41589-d218984-Reviews-Poet_s_Seat_Tower-Greenfield_Massachusetts.html
http://www.goulds-sugarhouse.com/
http://www.shelburnefalls.com/
http://bridgeofflowersmass.org/
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/nbdg.htm
http://northadams.com/
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock/
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html

Enjoy!

Halloween Under Chattanooga

 
This is Ruby Falls, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  For anyone who loves interesting and beautiful caverns, it's a must see.  This underground waterfall got it's name from the way that light from above the falls reflects off of the red rocks that abound in the clay hills of southern Tennessee and Georgia.  Rock City and Ruby Falls are a great tourist attraction all year round.
But, at Halloween things get a little different.
 
Dreadhaven is what Ruby Falls Caverns have become this Halloween.  The Haunted Caverns at Ruby Falls are one of the most celebrated haunted events in the country.  It was ranked in the top 10 by Rand McNally. #6 to be exact.
The event runs weekends in late September and through October, and of course will be open on Halloween.  On nights of operation, the haunted cavern experience opens around 8 p.m. and goes on until about 10 p.m., 11 on Fridays and Saturdays.  The actors will put on a great interactive show during those times, and will hopefully scare the crap out of you.  It is their job after all.  The event is a three parter, so dress accordingly.  There's bus ride, there's the scary part outside, and then the haunted cavern.  You will have a good time if you like to be scared.
 
Ghoulies, ghoulies, ghoulies.  These guys are not for the feint of heart.  You may not want to bring the kiddies if they're not old enough to appreciate being scared.
 
They also tend to be a little camera shy, so save the picture taking for the ones who will come outside to have their pictures taken.  The caves are dark, and the flash just ruins it for everyone whose eyes have already adjusted to the dark.
 

Now, Ruby Falls is a beautiful cavern to visit.  It's one of the most colorful caverns that you'll ever see.  If you happen to be visiting the area, I recommend going to see the caverns in all their glory during the day, and then heading back to be scared to death at night.  It's a wonderful experience all the way around.
 
Don't forget to visit nearby Rock City at Lookout Mountain Georgia.  It's just a few miles away from Chattanooga, and it's a shame to see Ruby Falls and not stop.  This place has tons of hiking trails, caves, and waterfalls for the outdoor enthusiast.  I just had to mention it, because it's a shame to go and see one and miss the other.
 
   If you go to Rock City and Lookout Mountain, don't forget to take a ride up the mountain on the Incline tramway.  It's a wonderfully unique way to get a view from the mountain and it's a great ride.
 

   So, come to the castle and start your adventure, whether it be a tour of the caverns or a great way to scare yourself to death at Halloween.  Remember, there's only one Dreadhaven, and it's 26 stories underground at Ruby Falls in Chattanooga.

 http://www.chattanoogafun.com/exit.asp?page=www.HauntedCavern.com
 http://rubyfalls.com/
 http://www.seerockcity.com/
 http://ridetheincline.com/
 http://www.chattanoogafun.com/
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings

Enjoy! 

Go To Hell...Michigan

 

 

The slogan for the town is "Go To Hell Michigan."  I'm not joking, but everyone in this town is.  Hell is not far from Ann Arbor, and it's name has encouraged the people there to make fun of themselves.  Hell celebrates Halloween 363 days a year, which is why I'm mentioning it now.  Halloween is on the way, and Hell is one of those towns that everyone should visit, particularly at this time of year.


Here's some of the unique things that you can find in Hell.  Hell in a Handbasket, Hell's Kitchen, and Screams Ice Cream are three of the unique places that you can shop, eat, and visit in Hell.  Hell residents call their town the Hysterical Town.  This is the place you want to go if you don't want to do much of a serious nature for the weekend.  In Hell, you can join the Hearse Club, which is called Just Hearsin' Around.  They have a rally and parade every year in September.  For me that's a can't miss.
But there are any number of things that you can do in Hell.  They have a road race every year for runners who come from all over the country called The Run Through Hell.  Most people come just to get the T-shirt that says "I Ran Through Hell."
  Here it is.  It's the tiniest wedding chapel you'll ever see, and it's here so that you too can be married in Hell.  They aren't joking, you can check out Hell's Facebook page and see pictures from the weddings of the comedicially inclined folks who have done this for real.
  You just never know what you're going to see.


Even the fire department has a sense of humor in Hell.
And that's not all.  I highly recommend coming for Hell Fest with coffins, hearses, and people in costume running around everywhere.  It is the best time of year to come to Hell, but if that's not enough for you, then become the mayor.
Mayor for a day is a fund raising program that this comedic town has been doing for a while now.  For $100 you can run the place for a day.  It comes with all the perks of being a leader, including getting awakened at 5 a.m. to start your busy day as mayor of Hell.
There are so many ways to enjoy you time in Hell.  At Halloween of course, visit the area's haunted houses and haunted forests where you go on haunted hayrides.  It's all part of the town that just can't understand why anyone wouldn't want to go to Hell.

So come to Hell and have some cake, get married, or run the town for the day.  You won't find a town that's more fun anywhere.  And, if you can't find it, they'll be happy to show you the way.


http://gotohellmi.com/home
http://www.facebook.com/Hell.Michigan
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/2456
http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=55275
http://www.michigan.org/property/hell-michigan/
http://www.runningfoundation.com/Run_Thru_Hell_Halloween.html
http://pattyinglishms.hubpages.com/hub/Holy-Halloween-in-Hell-Batman
http://www.originofhalloween.com/hellfest-hearse-show/
http://www.madmanmike.com/halloween_michigan.html
http://halloweenalliance.com/halloween/hell-michigan.htm
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings

Enjoy! 

Camping...In Boston?

My, what a view.  Imagine where this might be.  It looks like the rustic coast of Maine, or maybe Rhode Island.  It could be part of Martha's Vinyard or somewhere along the Cape.  Nope, it's Boston.  Surprise!  This is just part of Boston's Harbor Islands National Park.  Who knew?  There are 22 islands out there with forts from the Civil War and lighthouses to see.
There's tours to take to view the lighthouses.  Most of them are about three hours.  There are also tours of varying lengths to take of the forts.  Fort Warren on George's Island is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.  Visitors still can see what the fort was like 150 years ago by taking a short ferry ride to the island.  Most ferry rides to the islands are about 15 minutes.
  You can take your own boat too, if you want.
Here's the thing.  Boston is one of the most congested cities in the country.  I can't even drive there.  It makes me crazy.  So, here's the idea that simply floored me.  You can take your tent and gear, and go camping on these urban centered islands.  I mean real rustic camping.  Grape Island, Bumpkin Island and Lovells Island have rustic campgrounds where you can go and pitch your tent, make a fire, get out the marshmallows and watch the city lights of Boston across the harbor.  That's one of the wildest ideas I've ever heard of.
 
I'm not joking.  This is the view.  That's amazing.
 
And this is the view.
 
And this is the view.  In the city.  On and Island in the harbor.  You can catch a ferry to take you to these amazing islands from many places in the city including Long Wharf.  It's really that easy.  If you decide to camp, you do have to make a reservation.  But it's all possible.  It's all within the city.  The islands are beautiful, historic, and accessible.  Some of them even have snack bars.
So hey, if you've never done any urban camping, then this is your quest.  This is the most beautiful rustic camping in a city that you'll ever find.  Try it out, and see what you're missing by driving hundreds of miles to get away from the city.  You' don't have to.  Your big getaway is sitting out in the harbor in Boston.

http://www.bostonharborislands.org/
http://www.youtube.com/user/Bostonharborislands
http://www.fbhi.org/index.html
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings 
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html 
 
Wish that they would have linked up better, but check them out anyway.  You can see seals, whales, lighthouses, and forts as well as rugged coastline, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets.  Enjoy!