As promised, I've finally gotten around to posting some photos from my recent trip to the east coast. It was such a great trip and a wonderful time to relax and catch up with some friends. I loved having time close to the beach, and even one day on the beach. The weather was perfect for the entire trip and especially for our weekend in New York.

The anticipation for our trip to New York made it hard to sleep Friday night and as I began to see signs in north Jersey it was everything I could do to keep from hanging my head out the window to catch a glimpse. The first sight of the skyline through the trees was like a dream.

Kathy and I stayed at a hotel in Weehawken on the western bank of the Hudson River and took the ferry into the city each day. The ferry ride the first day was a little surreal. I mean, I've always loved New York, or so I thought, but without having been there I really didn't know what to expect or if it would live up to the extremely high expectations that I'd set. I'll tell you this, it didn't disappoint.

We got off the ferry at 39th Street (which essentially leads into the Theater District and Times Square.) We had walked a bit and I was just about to say something about how it would be cool to see the New York Times building and all of a sudden, there it was. Right next to it was a Dean & Deluca, which may be one of my new favorite coffee spots (save for the fact that they don't have them here!)

We did a quick run through Times Square, which is sort of a given for a NYC trip, but we didn't linger as it's a little much for me. We headed down 7th Avenue and into Central Park, which, by the way, is so much larger than I ever thought. It was definitely a busy place, but I guess that makes sense because it's one of the only places to get a little nature in the big city.

We managed to see a good portion of the south end of the park before heading back south down Fifth Avenue. We saw the Plaza Hotel (where, when I looked, the best price for a room on a random Wednesday in October was at least $1,000!) and there was an extravagant wedding being photographed outside. We passed all the high end stores like Tiffany, DeBeers, Saks, Lord and Taylor, Fendi, etc but didn't make any stops. We figured at the very least we weren't dressed for most of those stores let alone did we have the money!

We proceeded on toward St. Patrick's and saw Grand Central Station where another wedding was being held before we headed back toward the ferry. When I mapped it out after the fact we put in at least seven miles that day and by the end of it I had totally realized that I had worn the wrong shoes. My feet ached and I had blisters in places I didn't know I could have blisters, but it was all worth it!

That evening we had wonderful seafood at the Chart House on the Hudson River and very much enjoyed our nice comfy beds and several hours off of our feet. The second morning we headed back across the river, checked to see if there were any great deals on any Broadway shows (no such luck) and then proceeded back toward Fifth Avenue south toward the Empire State Building. We went inside but decided that it was very crowded and that we'd save a trip to the top for another trip.

We ran into a Dominican parade which was kind of fun and made our way to the Flatiron building and then on to Washington Square. I remember that largely for the shots from I Am Legend. I would have loved to see the NYU campus but we pressed on to get as much distance out of my feet as we could. :) We went through Chelsea, Soho and Greenwich Village and finally ended up at the site of the World Trade Center. It seemed to be business as usual for most folks, but I guess if you are around that every day it sort of blends into the background. It was a little eerie though.

Then we headed toward the South Street Seaport for dinner and finally got to see the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a beautiful sight!

After dinner we made our way down Wall Street as the final activity for the day before calling a cab to get us back to the ferry. It was another 7 mile + day but it was worth the limping and Kathy was a great cheerleader to get me to see as many things as possible even when I didn't know if I could take another step!

Like I've said and will continue to say, this was an amazing trip. It was everything I could have imagined and more. It met and exceeded my expectations. It was a time to relax, explore new things, break away from the routine, sort some things out and be refreshed. I had so much fun with my friend Kathy and God couldn't have provided a better trip or a better hostess!

I arrived in Baltimore yesterday afternoon after almost missing my connection in Atlanta. It was a fairly smooth process to get my rental car, get cash for tolls and get on the interstate. I made a brief Panera stop for a late lunch bagel and coffee in Essex, MD and was back on the road. What a blessing to be driving a brand new car for 8 whole days! As I was driving I remembered just how much I love to travel. There is just something about seeing new things and new places and the independence of figuring where to go that I just can't get enough of.

As I entered the Wilmington, DE area things started to look familiar and coming off the Deleware Memorial Bridge it seemed like just yesterday that I was here last. I made it to Ventnor, NJ (just south of Atlantic City) around 5:30 to Kathy and Joe waiting on the front porch. What a blessing to be able to stay with them! Hands down 2 of the most hospitable people I have ever met. From a variety of coffee options to a pre-packed beach bag complete with ice cream money, Kathy has thought of it all and I am so BLESSED!

The initial reason for this trip was a two day planning retreat for the upcoming year. I had initially thought I would have to stick around New Orleans for this time, but the generosity of the Fisher's and some extra money from a wedding I am photographing this summer have made this trip a reality without being stressed about money. I've been here less than 24 hours and I already feel so much more relaxed. We took a walk along the beach last night and it was amazing. There is a beautiful breeze, AC isn't required and being so close to the ocean seems to make all things simpler. I look forward to sharing photos and more activities as I can.

We are taking a weekend trip to NYC (my first time!) and I get to visit a college friend in DC early next week. Praise God for good friends and time to get away and relax!