West_Virgina - Rafting

Whitewater Rafting the New River, West Virginia

Wild Wet West Virginia 

Its 40 degrees and dark when I arrive at the whitewater rafting outfitters.  I exit the truck to see my breath creating billows of fog when I breathe. I hear, oddly, a crowing rooster.  He is getting an early head start on daybreak.  I’m shivering and start to wonder what have I gotten myself into. Other rafters appear on the scene and quickly I realize I’m the more senior of the bunch. Picking raft mates that I may bond with seems to be mere luck of the draw,  so I begin summing up the guides in hopes that I find one I’m comfortable with. […]

Mt-Hosmer-View a Curious Craig photo

Mount Hosmer Challenge – Lansing, IA

A Race to the Top

Harriet Hosmer was a neoclassical sculptor, considered the most distinguished female sculptor in America during the 19th century. She is also the first female professional sculptor.

Iowa - Harriet-Hosmer.jpeg

Legend has it, that during a steamboat layover, Harriet challenged the crew to a foot race up the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River.  She won the 7/10th’s of a mile race, running barefooted, in 7:03. Since that time, this bluff has borne her name: Mount Hosmer.

Iowa - Mt-Hosmer-View.jpg

As part of the RAGBRAI festivities, the organizers revived the spirit of the legendary race and let cyclists compete. Those with a time better than 7:03 receive a gift and the honor of having beat Harriet. […]

Delmarva pennsula

DelMarVa – Chincoteague Pony Swim

Delmarva – Delaware – Maryland – Virginia

 

Assateague Lighthouse
Assateague Lighthouse

Play Misty for Me

I  somehow was never introduced to the children’s book Misty of Chincoteague. The book recounts the story of a wild pony that was purchased from auction by a young brother and sister. The children had raised money by harvesting clams to purchase the pony with the unique marking of a map of the USA on her side.  When I heard the story of the Chincoteague pony swim, I just knew it was something I had to see.  The Pony Swim is an annual event held on Chincoteague Island, Va. […]