1000 Acre Swamp - Penfield, NY

While I was back in the Rochester area a few weeks ago I decided to look for a place to wander around and enjoy the weather for a few hours since it was supposed to be beautiful.

I had lived in Rochester for 5 years and never knew that the 1000 Acre Swamp, protected by The Nature Conservancy, existed. It would have been a great place to go to just lose myself in nature for a bit and forget about the stress of college.

Anyway, when I got there I found that I was the only car in the parking lot. It made me a little nervous to be out there by myself and before I ventured down the path I quickly texted my husband to make sure he knew where I was, just in case. I put my camera gear on my back and started walking. Within seconds something came running towards me. At first I thought it was a dog, nope, it was a coyote. Once it saw that I was there it ran off. It still left me feeling even more unsafe than I was before. I tried to put it out of my mind but every crack of a twig or rustle of a leaf made my heart rate go up.

So, I didn't last long there but it really was beautiful. If someone had been with me I'm sure that I would have been able to explore more but no matter, it was still a great way to spend an hour.

              

              

              

I would have loved to spend some more time exploring this beautiful place. Maybe next time I go I'll bring someone along to share the experience with.

Assateague Island National Seashore - Maryland

My husband rode in the annual Seagull Century a few weeks ago. 100 miles of bicycling through beautiful Maryland. I was excited to accompany him not only to cheer him on but also because the event is so close to Assateague Island. How can you resist a beautiful beach and wild horses? So, after I saw him off at the start, I hopped back in the car and drove out to the beach to have a little time to myself while he was riding for 6 hours. It just so happened that one of their rest stops was Assateague Island anyway so I also got a chance to see him when he was about halfway done with the race which was exciting.

I'm always amazed at how much better I feel when I am at the beach. The second I smell that salty air and hear those waves crashing I forget about all the stresses of life. I could have spent days there just taking it all in.

              

              

              

              

              

              

              

              

Spending only a few short hours here was not enough for me. On the way back to see my husband reach the finish line I had already started planning a weekend trip for us in my head. Spring sounds like a good time to me!