Norwottuck Rail Trail

Norwottuck means "in the midst of the river" 

and was the name of the Native American Tribe who lived on this area. 

The Railroad line that connected Boston with Northampton was named after them.

It is now part of the Rail Trail system, for biking, jogging, and walking. 

We grabbed our bikes and headed for the Northampton end of the trail. 

This half has been recently redone and has a beautiful wide paved trail to ride on

We crossed into Hadley and Amherst as well. 

We went about 5 or so miles and turned around at Amherst College.

The path was closed for construction past that.

 First you cross the Connecticut, on a magnificent 1,492-foot iron bridge

Most of the trail looks like this, but passes through farm land, 

residential neighborhoods, by a mall, shops, and even some industrial areas. 

There are beautiful views of Mt Holyoke as well. 

We stopped for lunch at Maple Farms; It was right on the trail.

It is a very "organic" kind of place. The food was delicious.

We splurged on some yummy desserts!

Peanut butter pie (so worth it)

View from our table

They had an area with some farm animals- and the Rooster just walked around.

"The grass is always greener"

If you live in Western MA- and have a bike, or like to walk or jog...

You have to enjoy this wonderful trail!

No Harassing Alligators!

I went with Ken to Warner Rabins GA this August. 

He was asked to do a retirement ceremony for a friend at the Air Force base there.

The base was actually very pretty. 

It had a 3 mile fitness route that wound through wooded areas, 

past a horse farm, and by a few small lakes. 

By the way, which I actually used several times :)

We had a day to site see so we drove to Macon GA.

We walked a bit, toured a historic home from the 1800's and ate some delicious burgers.

I had a burger with bacon and peanut butter (a little jelly too) 

It was DELICIOUS!

These are a few pictures from the Cannonball House.

Name thus because a cannon ball hit the home during the Civil War.

During Sherman's March to the sea,

it was ordered to destroy Macon but the bridge was washed out 

so they could only shoot the cannons from beyond the river

- this house got hit- but Macon did not endure much damage.

This was the coolest stop. The most unusual cemetery we had ever seen.

It went on forever! (65 acres)

The family lots are separated by short brick or stone walls.

It was built on a hillside- giving spectacular views. 

Over 1000 Confederate Soldiers were buried there.

Pets on Vacation

My last blog post on our Adirondack Trip is dedicated to the pets!

They both entertained the grandkids and were entertained by them.

Most cats would be stressed out to be thrown into a new place full of people.

As you can see- Prim is no ordinary kitten.

Sharing a snack.

Snuggling on the couch.

What a face,

"Who knew the wilderness could be this much fun."

"Got any lunch left"

Sadie right before she got loose and Chris chased her for a mile & a half.

Prim is actually asleep here.

More snuggling on the chair.

"Those Legos look like cat toys"

Sadie keeping Heather company.

"More snack sharing"