Catching up after MULTIPLE vacations

July has been a whirlwind (not quite as much as July '06 though - moving halfway across the country and getting married!), but it's been busy in its own right. After finishing two 2-week vacations, I'm finally sitting down and getting caught up with work and tying those loose ends together that inevitably development.

My first trip was to St.Louis for a wedding (late June/early July). A life-long friend of my Dad, Leroy Gibson, was getting married and instead of him flying (he probably wouldn't have attended if that was the case), I volunteered to drive my Dad across country. I would use the opportunity to drive the extra 3+ hours to Kansas City to see some old friends and try to fit a run in with the KC Trail Nerds....if even just for a night.

The wedding went off without a hitch. I met Leroy and his daughters, Sheri and Melissa, who I hadn't seen for 20 years. Leroy's brothers are a hoot and hung out (drank) with them while the wedding party did their thing. Funny wedding facts: the original preacher DID NOT SHOW UP! Yes...it sounds like something that only happens in movies, but he didn't show, didn't call, and everyone was seating ready to begin. After 30 minutes of sitting, everyone was getting restless and we didn't know what the problem was until a groomsman told everyone the problem. Luckily, they had called another preacher who said he would quickly change and be there in 30 minutes. Everyone then exited the Hall, went outside, and preceded to start DRINKING! Yep....it was kinda like 'pregame' so everyone was loosened up. When the backup preacher showed, I can't imagine what he was thinking seeing 50 or so people all drinking outside! Fun times.

My Dad and I drove to KC early Sunday morning and caught a Royals game before settling in for the night. We probably averaged 3 hours sleep a night during our stay in St.Louis, but I managed to push through one more night on Sunday. I ran with Ben, the KC Trail Nerds organizer, for 6 miles ON PAVEMENT before relaxing and having some of his 'home brew' he makes in his garage. Much of the Midwest was experiencing flooding so many of the trails were under water. Maybe soon, I can go for an extended stay in KC and hit all the multiple trails around the area. On Monday morning, we woke and started our 14 hour drive back to Georgia.

It was a perfect opportunity to spend time with my Dad as we were trapped in a car for 25+ hours both to and from the Midwest. He's not one for long trips or being trapped in a car, but I think (hope) he enjoyed the trip and seeing his buddy. I think it was his first MLB in 20 years also!

My second vacation was to Hilton Head Island, SC (July 14-21) with Lucy, her mom and dad, her brother, Tim, and his girlfriend, Kristy. I honestly can't remember my last beach trip, but it had to be around 2000/2001. Needless to say, that's far too long without seeing the ocean considering how close I live to the east coast. Lucy and my 1-year anniversary took place during the trip (July 15th) so we spent a nice evening dining out and walking the beach.

I think my favorite part of the trip is when I explored the Island on my biked. During the week, I probably put in 100+ miles. One day, I decided I'd bike the 20+ miles to Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge and put in a few hours in the trails there. There are no paved roads or buildings on the Island - only some dirt roads and paths. Years from now, that's what I'll remember about the trip - biking on an island with deserted beaches and not seeing ANYONE! I probably won't forget biking over the long bridge on I-278 from Hilton Head to Pinckney Island either - it's not that fun biking when only a few feet separate you from either getting squished by semis on your left or plunging in water on your right. I pushed myself a little too far though by only carrying one small water bottle with me which ran out about halfway through the ride. I had to stop on the way back and fill my bottle with water at multiple service stations (didn't carry a wallet with me either).

Overall it was a great time relaxing at the beach. Mostly, I hope Lucy's parents enjoyed the week. After his diagnosis of lung cancer and the subsequent treatment, Lucy's Dad, Donald, has been weak, but he managed to get out a few times to see the beach and eat seafood. Actually that was one of the highlights of the week, seeing him happy eating Oysters!

Now I'm back behind my desk in Greenville, SC trying to figure out how to get on track with work. Instead of it being hard to get started after relaxing for weeks, I'm excited to be able to pick up a pen and splash ink. I've gathered some pics of the month and will post them all together soon.