Lake Geneva Shore Path

This past weekend, I was blessed to walk the Shore Path around Lake Geneva with my mom and Dan and extended family. It was a super special occasion, as it was Dan's 50th (yes, I said 50th!) time to complete the yearly hike - an incredible accomplishment. Dan's son Shawn (who was walking for a notable 34th time), along with his wife Erin and their four daughters were also present...plus Erin's mother and a member of the local hiking club. All in all, seven of us made the entire 22-mile hike around the lake, with the others taking turns running the support car. It was a gorgeous autumn day and while many of the boats and docks were removed for winter storage and some of the houses were closed up and winterized, there was still an abundance of beauty...and the trail was still crowded in spots with everyone trying to take in the last sunny days of the season.

The Shore Path around Geneva Lake features many historic estates with well kept lawns and gardens...and the lake itself is crystal clear. According to the website, the shore line of Geneva Lake is about 20+ miles, but the path reaches up to almost 26 miles with it weaving in and out of the woods along the shoreline. At the end of our full day, my Apple watch read 27.21 miles (nearly 60,000 steps). One of the things I found most interesting - home owners are responsible to maintain their own section of the path throughout their property, which makes the trail extremely unique. Each property owner puts their own spin on their segment of the shore path - we came across paths made from stone, brick, wood, clay, metal, grass, cement, rock, sand, gravel...you name it...and some have placed benches to rest, artwork and statues - some even have bridges over streams and creeks...and the gardening found along the path was spectacular. This remarkable trail gives the walker an up-close view of many of the mansions and homes and visitors are asked to stay on the path. Dogs are welcome on the trail (and we saw quite a few), but bicycles, scooters and strollers are not - the path is specifically for walkers and hikers. The footpath is divided into sections with only several public access points - we were lucky to have a support car, so no need to carry gear. We stopped for lunch at Popeye's on Lake Geneva (not the fast food chain) after completing the first 11 miles - then finished the walk at dusk. It was a wonderful day and a big accomplishment (especially for Maya, Dan's 6-year-old granddaughter who finished the entire hike! - she's standing in front of me in the family photo below - in fact, three of the four girls made it all the way around...and one had a leg injury but still managed 12 miles!). Here are some of my favorite sights, shown in the order taken...click on photos to enlarge...

It was an incredible journey with loved ones and I was so blessed to be a part of this special day and tradition. I truly hope I have the chance to visit Lake Geneva again in the future, because I know there is so much more to see!

For now, I am back in the studio - energized and full of inspiration...up to my eyeballs in sewing and needlework finishing - the holiday rush is here! I am steadily working through the stacks of client orders and enjoying the time in my happy place...

Take a little time to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you!

A Grand Adventure

Sometimes a journey is more than you ever expected...it tests your strength, your heart, your stamina, your will, and your determination...and it reminds you just how incredible life can be - for me, hiking the Grand Canyon in one day was all of this and so much more. Our adventure started at the South Kaibab Trailhead at 6:27 AM...and down we went...all the way to the base of the canyon...a steep decline and rough trails...beautiful vegetation and blooms...incredible breathtaking views. We crossed the Black Bridge and the Silver Bridge and walked along the Colorado River at the base, following the River Trail. Our packed lunch was devoured at the Pipe Creek Beach...where I walked down to the river, putting both my hands and feet into the water. Shortly after 1:00 PM, we started up the Bright Angel Trail to the rim...the incline was steep and steady...and we finally reached the rim right around 8:00 PM. My Apple watch read 21.42 miles for the day (that might not seem like much to some, but when you figure the very sharp decline and incline of the trails, it was a true feat!...oh, and did I mention the brutal winds - yes, it was EXTREMELY windy). There is a reason they recommend you stay at the bottom of the canyon at least one, if not, two nights in-between the hike down and the hike up - doing it all in one day is challenging, to say the least...and we trained hard for over a year. It was the most physically challenging, yet the most rewarding thing I have ever done...and it changed me - mentally and spiritually. In fact, I really don't have the right words to describe my experience...but it definitely made me stronger and more confident. The following day, looking out over the canyon, it was hard to believe that we had hiked lower than the eye can see, along the river, and then back up to the top - and I truly felt accomplished. I can't thank Dan enough for asking me to join him on this magnificent journey (his 6th time to hike the canyon in one day)...I could not have asked for better company - to say I am blessed, is an understatement - we will be forever bonded by this experience...and the Grand Canyon will always have a little piece of my heart.

Here are just a few of the almost 600 photos I snapped throughout the day...as you can see the canyon is in full bloom and truly a sight to behold...

South Kaibab Trailhead

Dan heading down the trail...

Dan shot this photo of me in action -  making my way down
 the rough terrain...

This image captures what most of the trail heading down looked
like...steep and rough...

Dan on the trail...

Mules at Tonto East (bathroom stop)

The Colorado River coming into sight...

The Black Bridge

Short tunnel - Black Bridge Entrance

Colorado River along the River Trail

It's all about the squirrel...

The Silver Bridge

Dan and I at the base of the canyon, along the Colorado River...
River Trail

Pipe Creek Beach

Bright Angel Trail - 3 miles from the top...

Love this sign...Caution! DOWN is optional, UP is mandatory...
HAZARD: Hiking to the river and back in a day can be hazardous
to your health and is NOT recommended.

Sun starting to set on the canyon...

Short tunnel - ¾ of a mile from the rim....
Bright Angel Trail

That is the short version of our one day Grand Canyon hike...a spectacular, life changing journey. I hope you enjoyed seeing it through the lens of my camera. This adventure provided me with more design inspiration than I could have ever imagined!

The rest of the week was filled with special excursions, exploring Monument Valley and Sedona. I will be back in the next couple days to share more fun photos that capture the beauty of the area!