How better to open a birthday present at your Star Wars themed party?

We’re all ready to head to a galaxy far, far way to celebrate a little Padawan tomorrow.

Despite the weather’s attempts to convince us otherwise, spring is springing here in Salem.

Spent the afternoon dealing in heirloom jewelry. Some original settings, some newly reset. Not how I usually pass a Thursday afternoon, but enjoyable all the same.

We had planned on a quick stop at a local hiking spot before a visit to the MOS. We never made it to the museum, there was so much science to discover outside!

It was a perfect day and a perfect way to celebrate Earth Day.

“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.”
~George Washington Carver

Designing in the Maker Lounge at the PEM.

Mud.

(or, more specifically, Mortar.)

Dad and I before we:

Portaged a dozen or so times, over fallen trees, around dams and across roads,

Found ourselves waist deep in water after a portage misstep (well, myself, anyway!),

Overtook three boats ahead of us, and were overtaken by one behind,

Waved to our cheering squad as they moved from overlook to overlook,

Capsized in the cold, April water, soaking the few dry spots we had left,

Got covered in some kind of wriggly bug larvae,

Acquired any number of new bruises and scrapes,

Ducked completely down inside the boat to go under low trees and branches,

Paddled our way from the VFW to the Harbor,

Travelled with Andy, one last time,

Raced our way across the finish line in 2hrs, 14 minutes.

It was an awesome day for canoeing! You can check out a handful of other photos from the day, here.

Took a reconnaissance hike this evening to check out a new trail for our hiking club. Beautiful trail, beautiful wall, beautiful night!

Salem: Not just witches.