http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW Travels and Journeys... Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:00:26 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Copyright © 2010 Footsteps heather@heatherdugan.com (Heather Dugan) heather@heatherdugan.com (Heather Dugan) posts 1440 http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/wp-content/plugins/podpress/images/powered_by_podpress.jpg http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW 144 144 Footsteps Travels and Journeys... Travel, outdoors, adventure, Heather, Dugan, stories Heather Dugan Heather Dugan heather@heatherdugan.com no no http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2010/08/13/trail-around-horn-pond/ http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2010/08/13/trail-around-horn-pond/#comments Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:22:21 +0000 Heather Dugan http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/?p=5718 http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2010/08/13/trail-around-horn-pond/feed/ 11 1:02 Sharing one's regular haunts with a visiting friend is, for me, on par with cooking them your favorite meal.  A peek at the ordinary in ... Sharing one's regular haunts with a visiting friend is, for me, on par with cooking them your favorite meal.  A peek at the ordinary in a friend's life can be even more meaningful than hitting all the tourist high points because not only time is shared... the details of daily life are being shared as well. My cousin Laura took me around her Horn Pond walking loop when I visited her last spring in Winchester, Massachusetts.  The cool spring rain dampened everything (including us) and enhanced the stark beauty of the naked woods.  We walked and talked as cousins and friends do, winding around the shoreline, not really minding the occasional drips.  She held my umbrella when I needed both hands for a camera shot. We caught up at the more important levels that finitely timed conversations never fully permit. I have talked to her by phone, both before and since, as she walked this same loop.  I absorbed the details as we walked that morning, finally having a picture to go with our cell phone chats, and a running route that worked well during my stay with her and her husband Mark. View Horn Pond; Winchester, MA in a larger map Boston Vacations Look for posts from Puerto Rico and Vieques here in the upcoming weeks!  Lots of stories, photos and (unexpected) adventures! Boston, Heart-to-Heart, Running/Health & Fitness Heather Dugan no no http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2010/08/01/planning-puerto-rico/ http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2010/08/01/planning-puerto-rico/#comments Sun, 01 Aug 2010 11:00:23 +0000 Heather Dugan http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/?p=5583 http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2010/08/01/planning-puerto-rico/feed/ 6 1:46 Some people thrive on planning a dinner or event.  Me?  You'd be better off letting me plan your next trip than your birthday party.  And ... Some people thrive on planning a dinner or event.  Me?  You'd be better off letting me plan your next trip than your birthday party.  And happily, it turns out that the mango (our Caribbean fruit of choice) doesn't fall far from the tree. Not that my daughter Hannah can't cook.  She's already at least a spatula length ahead of me in the kitchen, and I have high hopes of her excelling over a broader range than her mom.   Over the past couple of weeks as we've pieced together a last minute trip to Puerto Rico, though, I've seen glimmers of travel brilliance.  Bottom line:  she's planned as much of our upcoming trip as I have. Fortunately we're attracted to the same kinds of adventures.  It's a given that we will kayak, snorkel, hike, run and do some zip-lining and rappelling.  But this time she's done much of the research: locating the best snorkeling spots, jungle trails, even our flights! Yes, she's learned which websites are the most helpful (Trip Advisor, Fare Compare, Kayak...).  She knows to clear website cookies before checking for updated flight prices.  To say I'm impressed would be like calling my pasta with feta, spinach, mushrooms and chicken "pretty good" (and that little creation is actually quite tasty!). This trip launched out of a gift of resort nights from a friend (Thank you, Jules!).  On deck we have the aforementioned zip-lining, hiking and snorkeling as well as a visit to the Isle of Vieques where we'll swim in a bio-luminescent bay! Posts are in queue to self-publish while we're away.  I will respond as possible to comments, questions and other website inquiries.  I expect to have some terrific photos, videos and adventures to share when we return. Family Vacation 1 Adult/3 Children, Heart-to-Heart, Puerto Rico, Seascapes Heather Dugan no no http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2010/07/05/milestone-95/ http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2010/07/05/milestone-95/#comments Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:03:27 +0000 Heather Dugan http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/?p=5373 http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2010/07/05/milestone-95/feed/ 10 1:36 On many days she dwells in the memories gathered in crossing ninety-five years.  Her journey, begun in 1915, has been richer in people and experiences ... On many days she dwells in the memories gathered in crossing ninety-five years.  Her journey, begun in 1915, has been richer in people and experiences than in geographic destinations, but travel is travel, whether in distance or time. A matriarch like no other, my Grandma Dugan also holds a bit of the little girl named Mary within her, making her a completely fascinating and compelling presence in my life.  She snoozed through a recent visit having overexerted herself moments before making a break for some enticing flower beds beyond the safe edges of the care center's outdoor patio.  I love that she still finds satisfying a curiosity worth the considerable effort of propelling her wheelchair down a sidewalk. Her smiles made me smile at her birthday party this past week.  In her usual fashion, she flitted about the room greeting her guests, exclaiming at the purple decorations and enjoying all the special attention.  When presented with the first slice of birthday cake she insisted I share it with her, bite for bite, enjoying it all the more for sharing it with me. Milestones. They encapsulate our memories and plant them in a place we can revisit at will.  This year we have celebrated my oldest son's high school graduation and the life of my Grandma Prior after her passing at age 92.  On June 30th we were privileged to honor the passing of but another year for Grandma Dugan.  95 years and still counting... Heart-to-Heart Heather Dugan no no http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2010/05/07/al-fresco-arizona/ http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2010/05/07/al-fresco-arizona/#comments Fri, 07 May 2010 20:45:51 +0000 Heather Dugan http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/?p=4834 http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2010/05/07/al-fresco-arizona/feed/ 8 1:20 He ended up selecting the University of Cincinnati, but Zach didn't make that choice until after we fit in a week of hiking throughout the ... He ended up selecting the University of Cincinnati, but Zach didn't make that choice until after we fit in a week of hiking throughout the state of his second choice, Arizona State University.  Smart man.  We spent seven days hiking and, at times, crawling up and down the sides of canyons and mountains and are undoubtedly better for the whole experience.  Who needed fingernails, anyway?  There's nothing like an 1800 foot ascent to open up a conversation or two.  And there's nothing like singing along to "80's, 90's and NOW" radio to make 8 or 900 miles or so fly by in no time at all. We wore our sunscreen, although it didn't help so much when we encountered a massive hail storm at the Grand Canyon.  We drank gallons of water when the sun blazed hot.  Hail and "hot" even happened within the same day once! Highlights included hikes at the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Scottsdale, a river float around Horseshoe Bend in Glen Canyon, ancient cliff dwellings in Walnut Creek near Flagstaff and the mysterious Lower Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona. And, of course, a visit to Arizona State University which bears the distinction of having an outdoor pool which must be cooled in the summer months! Arizona, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Grand Canyon National Park, Heart-to-Heart, Hiking, Walnut Canyon National Memorial Heather Dugan no no http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2010/04/01/goodbyes-in-van-wert/ http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2010/04/01/goodbyes-in-van-wert/#comments Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:06:33 +0000 Heather Dugan http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/?p=4467 http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2010/04/01/goodbyes-in-van-wert/feed/ 8 http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2009/12/28/care-center-carols/ http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2009/12/28/care-center-carols/#comments Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:03:02 +0000 Heather Dugan http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/?p=3686 http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2009/12/28/care-center-carols/feed/ 4 1:18 One box of ornaments remained hidden in an attic recess that was probably as dimly lit as the top of this year's Christmas tree.  And ... One box of ornaments remained hidden in an attic recess that was probably as dimly lit as the top of this year's Christmas tree.  And the kids covered the landscaping with enough lighting to blow a fuse and blackout the master suite as I was racing to get ready for an appointment last week.  One of the automatic garage doors broke on Christmas Eve, but a neighbor fixed it when he came looking for baking potatoes on Christmas Day (fortunately I had already broken and replaced the kitchen garbage disposal just before Thanksgiving).  And we again had the opportunity to Christmas carol with Grandma at her care center. It was a particularly wonderful Christmas. Grandma had been primped and primed by one of the terrific staff people at Highbanks Care Center when we arrived.  We rolled room to room as usual, finishing with a group sing in one of the main gathering rooms. The kids took turn handing out candy and choosing our songs.  My nephew Michael improvised on his trumpet. This year we met the Chorgans who will celebrate their 63rd wedding anniversary in February.  Mr. Chorgan's rich bass voice provided harmony that enhanced more than mere music.  We also met two daughters praying a Christmas miracle for their mother.  Joy and pain.  Hugs.  Prayers.  Hope. It was a wonderful Christmas. Hope yours was too! Central Ohio, Heart-to-Heart Heather Dugan no no http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2009/10/26/unknown-trails/ http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2009/10/26/unknown-trails/#comments Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:42:01 +0000 Heather Dugan http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/?p=2719 http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2009/10/26/unknown-trails/feed/ 17 2:04 The thrills of an unknown trail:  fresh challenges, beauty in unexpected places and the compression of our scattered focus into more absorbent moments.  It's how ... The thrills of an unknown trail:  fresh challenges, beauty in unexpected places and the compression of our scattered focus into more absorbent moments.  It's how many of us aim to live until deadlines pile up and lagging stamina buries our gratitude.  But stubborn gratitude can grow even stronger in the dark places...  we go forward with eyes wide open, not wanting to miss any of the blessings in our finite lives. We sat with my Grandma Wanda yesterday, summoning favorite memories in her room at the care center.  She's been rushed to the hospital three times this month and has declared it "dumb" to go back again if they can't fix anything.  She knows she won't be returning to her home this time and that she may not make her 100-year birthday goal.  She's faced her share of challenges and sometimes created a few for her family with her own "don't miss a thing" attitude.  Family members knew that if no one volunteered to go with her -to parties, weddings, reunions -she would probably go anyway. She is the grandma that enabled my neighborhood plays, programs and circuses in childhood.  I'd wait for her visits and Mom's absence to roll out my latest scheme, and she would quietly cover the managerial details that flew past my creative brain.  She held me and then my children as newborns, and we held each other after the deaths of my parents. Yesterday she blessed all of us, here and away, name by name.  We've been told the obvious -that she is declining rapidly, but her frail body belies her strength of spirit and curiosity.  She wouldn't mind leaving us now.  She's tired.  She can't do many of the things she once enjoyed, but she also doesn't want to miss any of the joys still within her grasp. That's the sense of adventure that keeps one's feet in motion, one's heart engaged and life's beauty within view.  May we all live with that same expectant hope... *Photo is from this past summer on a trail in Yosemite National Park, California. Heart-to-Heart Heather Dugan no no http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2009/09/19/in-town-tourist-secrets-at-inniswood/ http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2009/09/19/in-town-tourist-secrets-at-inniswood/#comments Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:48:16 +0000 Heather Dugan http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/?p=2294 http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2009/09/19/in-town-tourist-secrets-at-inniswood/feed/ 7 0:39 It's often the surprises that elevate a day from ordinary into something special.  Sometimes they come to us in a package or on two feet ... It's often the surprises that elevate a day from ordinary into something special.  Sometimes they come to us in a package or on two feet with a familiar smile. At other times we have to go find them. As many times as we've explored Inniswood Metro Park, it still retains the "just opened" sheen of a fresh gift of nature.  This time we followed the Story Path to its treasure: the legend's hero (psst: not the lady, but the hard-working turtle beneath her). And just beyond -through a living tunnel of green, lies yet another surprise... "In-Town Tourist", Heart-to-Heart, Inniswood Metro Park, Ohio Heather Dugan no no http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2009/08/26/summer-in-the-rear-view-mirror/ http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2009/08/26/summer-in-the-rear-view-mirror/#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:50:15 +0000 Heather Dugan http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/?p=2039 http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2009/08/26/summer-in-the-rear-view-mirror/feed/ 7 1:18 I've never been good with transitions. Letting go of one thing in favor of another challenges the greedy part of me that would simply savor ... I've never been good with transitions. Letting go of one thing in favor of another challenges the greedy part of me that would simply savor it all. But life's not like that. Choice and change are elemental to each day, from the moment we place bare feet on the floor to the hour we again tuck them under our sheets. Summer ended almost silently this morning as a school bus carried my youngest off to a new school year.  My older two were already seated in high school classrooms by the time Matt took one of the privileged fifth grade seats at the rear of the bus. Just yesterday, I wondered when I'd find twenty minutes to pick up bread and milk at the grocery. I was inexorably thrilled to fit a gas tank fill-up between drop-offs for football and soccer. "Family time" was forged in the bleachers of the high school stadium minus the daughter playing on the field below us. One moment paper-clipped to the next and the next with, hopefully, a dinner break wedged in somewhere along the way. While I crave quiet moments when every emerging thought seems to coincide with a "Mom?" request, I perversely miss the interruptions when they abruptly evaporate. We spent some time remembering favorite trips last weekend.  I'll be posting some highlights this week. 1 Adult/3 Children, Heart-to-Heart Heather Dugan no no http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2009/08/16/urban-hiking/ http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2009/08/16/urban-hiking/#comments Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:45:33 +0000 Heather Dugan http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/?p=1863 http://www.heatherdugan.com/blogNEW/2009/08/16/urban-hiking/feed/ 16 1:35 The uniformed lady shook her head and informed me that my planned walking route into Chinatown was no good.  "It's all hill," she said, not ... The uniformed lady shook her head and informed me that my planned walking route into Chinatown was no good.  "It's all hill," she said, not realizing that she'd just confirmed my decision. San Francisco's drastic changes in elevation are no exaggeration.  Cars systematically park with wheels turned in to the curb.  The Metro buses and trolleys run strategically up and down the steepest slopes.  Women do not where high heels without ready transportation available.  But it's a great walking city and navigating San Francisco is excellent exercise! Chinatown is always worth a wander as is the Embarcadero along the Bay.  After a ferry crossing, Alcatraz is an engrossing ramble rich with eerie histories, and Golden Gate Park holds miles of parkland and gardens. I walked alone this time, meeting people, taking photos, and just breathing it all in.  I enjoyed wandering with vague purposes and grand appreciations and found myself gently nudging some lingering memories from my last visit there with an 11-year old boy who is now, surprisingly, a high school senior. A bike ride to Sausalito and late ferry ride back to the city, a run across the Golden Gate Bridge, an exotic pet store in Chinatown, breakfast crepes on a pier...   We jammed a lot into our time there some seven years ago and even more in the years that followed.  Life stayed "busy" the whole way through. I'm so glad we took the time to hang off the sides of a few cable cars together. Consider the Fairmont Hotel for your overnight stay and enjoy elegant accommodations and memorable dining.  The historic Tonga Room features live music on a floating stage and periodic “rainstorms,” complete with thunder and lightning. Heart-to-Heart, San Francisco, Table for One Heather Dugan no no