Schenley Park Walkabout

Another perfect day in the neighborhood.  Today, I decided to download some extra podcasts and head over to Schenley Park to check out the urban oasis and walking trails.

Phipps Conservatory Water Garden

I am pretty obsessed with the clouds and reflections off the pond.

Much like the love-locks on the Pont des Arts bridge, Oakland has started a collection of their own. 

Sand City Spectacular

Ten sculptors from from around the world came together to compete in the Sand City Spectacular International Master Sand Sculpting Championship.  Sculptors were broken up into teams of two and given 54 hours to create their larger than life structures to celebrate Pittsburgh's bicentenial.  Here are a couple of highlights:

I'm going to need to up my sandcastle game the next time I hit the beach!!

Fire Island Wrap Up

Another bright and early morning, but instead of heading to work I was heading much further west to the airport.  This time I would be leaving for Fire Island to spend five days at the beach with Dan's family.  I am always glad to be greeted by the Robot Repair shop (this time with a little less holiday cheer).  At the end of the flight, I was greeted by Dan who whisked me away to Splish Splash before be hoped the ferry to Fire Island. 

On day two we headed to the beach!  Duh!

On day three Dan and I headed out for an all day walkabout (the Fitbit was happy) and meandered through the next three towns.

My parents sent me this gem from Cape Cod!

While we were busy at the 4th of July parade, people took to the beach and built some great sand sculptures.

I can also check clamming off my bucket list.  As a kid we would always see people with rakes at low tide digging for clams.  While we didn't have the fancy rakes, we used our feed to come back with several dozen.  Those were quickly turned into some of the best chowder I have ever eaten.

Filled with soup and local beer, we got ready for the firework extravaganza.  From the roof of the house (or the bay) you could see the firework displays up and down Long Island.  Dan counted 45+ from where we were watching.

SO MANY GLOW STICKS!!!!

After a week of R&R it's back to the real world.  Until next time Fire Island!