#Some waterfalls to find in Louisiana .

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Some waterfalls to find in Louisiana .

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Exploring the US on a Budget

The United States is a vast and diverse country that offers a wide range of experiences, from bustling cities to stunning natural landscapes. Contrary to the perception that a trip to the US has to be expensive, there are plenty of wallet-friendly destinations that allow you to soak in the beauty, culture, and history without breaking the bank. Join us as we uncover some of the best places to visit in the US on a low-budget trip, proving that unforgettable experiences can be had without a hefty price tag.

New Orleans, Louisiana: Jazz, Culture, and Cuisine

New Orleans is a city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and mouthwatering cuisine. Wander through the French Quarter, soak in the rhythms of live jazz performances, and savour delicious beignets at Café du Monde. Many of the city's attractions, like the French Market and Jackson Square, offer affordable or free admission, making it a budget-friendly destination for culture enthusiasts. Also, get out of town and explore some of the antebellum homes such as Oak Alley.

Asheville, North Carolina: Mountain Retreat on a Budget

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a haven for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike. Explore the stunning landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and don't miss the chance to visit the Biltmore Estate's gardens. The city also boasts a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries and studios that often host free exhibitions and events.

Austin, Texas: Live Music Capital

Austin's reputation as the "Live Music Capital of the World" is well-deserved. Experience the city's vibrant music scene by catching free concerts in parks, at local venues, and during the famous South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. Stroll along South Congress Avenue to explore unique boutiques and enjoy affordable food truck fare.

Portland, Oregon: Eclectic Charm and Natural Beauty

Portland is a haven for budget-conscious travelers who appreciate a mix of quirky charm and outdoor adventure. Explore the city's distinctive neighborhoods, such as the Pearl District and Alberta Arts District, where you can browse art galleries and enjoy street art. Take advantage of Portland's extensive public transportation system and explore the nearby Columbia River Gorge for hiking and stunning waterfalls.

Albuquerque, New Mexico: Southwestern Delights

Albuquerque offers a taste of Southwestern culture and a multitude of affordable activities. Immerse yourself in the city's rich Native American heritage at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and take a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a budget-friendly spectacle not to be missed.

Kansas City, Missouri: BBQ and Beyond

Foodies and history buffs will find plenty to love in Kansas City. Sample the city's famous barbecue at local joints, some of which offer budget-friendly meal deals. Explore the National World War I Museum and Memorial, where admission is free for veterans and active-duty military personnel, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Country Club Plaza.

Tucson, Arizona: Desert Beauty and Culture

Tucson's unique blend of desert landscapes and cultural attractions makes it an ideal destination for budget travelers. Hike in the nearby Saguaro National Park, home to iconic saguaro cacti, and explore the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac. The city's lively arts and music scene often feature free or low-cost performances and exhibitions.

Detroit, Michigan: Urban Revival and Creativity

Detroit's resurgence as a cultural and artistic hub has transformed it into a budget-friendly destination with a unique charm. Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts, which offers free admission to residents, and wander through the vibrant Eastern Market to experience local food and crafts. Take a stroll along the Detroit Riverfront and enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline.

Salt Lake City, Utah: Outdoor Adventure and Scenic Beauty

For nature enthusiasts seeking budget-friendly outdoor activities, Salt Lake City is a hidden gem. Visit the nearby Antelope Island State Park to witness stunning views of the Great Salt Lake and its unique landscape. Take advantage of the city's bike-sharing program to explore scenic trails and visit attractions like the Utah State Capitol.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Historic Treasures

As the birthplace of American independence, Philadelphia offers a wealth of historic sites and landmarks that can be explored on a budget. Visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, both of which offer free admission, and explore the diverse neighborhoods like South Street and Reading Terminal Market for affordable dining and shopping.

St. Louis, Missouri: Gateway to Exploration

Nestled along the mighty Mississippi River, St. Louis offers a plethora of budget-friendly attractions. No visit is complete without a trip to the iconic Gateway Arch, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city and riverfront. Explore the historic Soulard neighbourhood, known for its vibrant farmers' market and lively atmosphere. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the St. Louis Art Museum, which offers free admission to its impressive collection.

San Antonio, Texas: Rich Heritage and River Walk

San Antonio's blend of history, culture, and natural beauty provides an enticing backdrop for budget-conscious travellers. Wander along the famous River Walk, where you can enjoy the lively ambience, free public art installations, and occasional live performances. Don't miss the chance to explore the historic Alamo, where you can delve into the city's past without spending a dime.

Buffalo, New York: Rust Belt Revival

Buffalo's resurgence has transformed it into a hub of creativity and culture, making it a surprising addition to this list. Discover the city's architectural gems, including the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Darwin D. Martin House, and explore the vibrant Elmwood Village neighbourhood. The Buffalo City Hall offers free guided tours, providing insight into the city's history and unique design.

Boise, Idaho: Urban Adventure and Outdoor Escape

Boise's blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure makes it a budget-friendly paradise. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the scenic Boise River Greenbelt or hike the trails of the nearby Boise Foothills. The city's downtown area is home to affordable dining options and local boutiques, while the Basque Block offers a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage.

Providence, Rhode Island: Creative Charm and Academia

Providence's artistic spirit and proximity to prestigious universities create a unique atmosphere for budget travelers. Explore the RISD Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art and design, and stroll along Benefit Street to admire historic architecture. The city's Water Fire events, featuring bonfires along the river, provide a magical and free evening experience.  

Our Final Word

With these additional budget-friendly destinations, our list of must-visit places in the US for thrifty travelers becomes even more enticing. From the urban revival of Detroit to the natural beauty of Boise, and the historic charm of St. Louis to the cultural richness of San Antonio, the United States is brimming with diverse and affordable options. Embrace the spirit of adventure, make the most of free and low-cost attractions, and immerse yourself in the local culture to create a memorable and budget-conscious travel experience. Whether you're exploring bustling cities or serene natural landscapes, these destinations prove that a low-budget trip doesn't mean compromising on quality or enjoyment. So pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on an enriching journey through the heart and soul of the United States, all without stretching your wallet.

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ALASKA

2023 Aug 7 (Mon) – We packed up and left Valdez at 7:30 a.m.  We and 3 other rigs drove for over 6 hours over some pretty bad roads to arrive at the Sourdough Campground in Tok.  This is the beginning of retrograde operations.  It is bittersweet as everyone has been having such a good time and don’t want to see it end.

      We checked in then parked everyone else when they arrived.  At 4:30 p.m., everyone started filing into the café for a lasagna dinner.  The caravan sponsored meal consisted of lasagna with meat sauce, breadsticks, salad with dressing, and 3 types of pie – apple, cherry, or rhubarb.  There were smiles all around.

      After dinner, we held a quick travel meeting in the outdoor pavilion.  We had to be done by 7 p.m. because the campground holds a pancake toss at night.  Participants try to toss pancakes into a bucket.  Those who are successful win a free breakfast the next morning.

      One of the members of our group had an incident today during the drive here.  Their tow bar bent.  They had to disconnect the car from the motor home then drive the long deserted road to Tok to find a mechanic to weld the bar back into place.  He managed to get it done and joined the caravan later.

2023 Aug 6 (Sun) – Linda made lasagna tonight and we went over to share the meal.  There was spirited discussion about the caravan, people in general, some people in particular, and Johnny thinking about putting together a caravan around Louisiana.  It will be great.

2023 Aug 5 (Sat) – Annual Gold Rush Days have been going on since we arrived.  We did not formally schedule any activities so people could participate in those activities.  A group got themselves on a whale watching cruise.  Several of us rode down to the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery.  There were huge sea lions and bears and a trillion gulls feeding on the salmon that were all trying to swim upstream.  The noise was deafening.

      After a potluck meal, Johnny & Linda and us went into town to watch a local performance of a vaudeville skit.  It was not very good but there was lots of enthusiasm in the play.

2023 Aug 4 (Fri) – The last remaining member of our caravan came in at 11:30 last night.  We are together again.  Several of the group have arranged to take another cruise today.  The weather was foggy and boxed in.

      We rode over to Worthington Glacier today.  We were there 8 years ago when we came through on the SMART Alaska caravan in 2015.  As expected, the glacier has shrunk tremendously.  Where there was just one waterfall then, there are now 12 waterfalls.  We had to hike much further in to get to the edge of the glacier.

2023 Aug 3 (Thu) – We packed up and left Glacier View bound for Valdez.  We arrived a little after noon.  The park warmly greeted us and they parked each of us as we arrived.  We did the laundry as each leg arrived and was parked.  Once everyone was in, we went in town, drove around, then stopped at the Fat Mermaid for dinner.  I had crab cakes and Paul had chicken quesadillas.  Both a bit on the spicey side but still tasty.

      One of our group that stayed back in Anchorage arrived.  They had a manifold gasket replaced.  The other rig had brake issues and we hope they can get back to the group in the next day or two.  Another member of the group had their clutch go out yesterday.  They are towing their vehicle behind their mobile home till they can get it repaired (it was already being towed; just drove it when parked).

2023 Aug 2 (Wed) – We packed up and left Anchorage for Glacier View for one night. The road was really rough and lots of things bounced around.  Almost all of our clothes came off the rod.  Things shifted around in cabinets and we arrived feeling very juggled.

      The caravan sponsored a pizza party in the Grandview Café & RV Park.  They set up 37 seats (2 rigs had mechanical issues and stayed over for the night in Anchorage).  Unfortunately, they put the pizzas on specific tables and people didn’t get to eat some of the kind they asked for when I ordered the pizzas.   We decided the problem was that we gave them too many choices.  Next time, it’s just cheese or pepperoni.  And maybe one other.

2023 Aug 1 (Tue) – We packed up and left Homer today.  It was back to Golden Nugget RV Park in Anchorage for one night.   We rode down Turnagin Arm to see the tide bore.  Joe & Diane picked up their son at the airport tonight.

2023 July 31 (Mon) – It was a free day today.  There was an optional fishing charter for those who wanted to go.  About six of our group went and brought back loads of fish.  As a result, we had an impromptu potluck with halibut tacos.  It was quite tasty.

2023 July 30 (Sun) – Ugh.  I tossed and turned all night long.  Just couldn’t sleep. Finally got up at 4 a.m. thinking I would just sleep up in the lounge chair.  I checked the computer and there I was when Paul got up at 6:30 a.m.  I never did go back to sleep.

      At 7:30 a.m. we went into town for breakfast and to see where the group needed to go for cruise to Kenai Fjords today.  Later, we brought the group down to the dock and we all boarded the boat for a whale watching tour.  We saw orca whales, otters, eagles, and all kinds of sea fowl.  It was a great trip.

2023 July 29 (Sat) – We packed up and left Homer for Seward.   It was rainy and foggy most of the way.  The last 20 miles or so before Seward, we hit road construction where they actually are blasting the road.  They weren’t doing it today but they will be back at in 3 days when we leave.  The road was pretty much torn up.  What a rough ride.

      We got to Seward Military Resort at 2 p.m.  When we checked in, they gave us the list of sites everyone was going into.  They asked that everyone come in to fill out a registration card.  We had them park first then go in to complete the paperwork.  Things went pretty smoothly.

      I was still feeling like crap so I went to bed early.

2023 July 28 (Fri) – It was a free day today.  A few guys went out fishing – Homer is the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World.  They caught lots of fish and we all enjoyed the bounty.  There was a travel meeting at 7p.m.  I know some of us will hate to leave this beautiful place.

      I spent most of the day snoozing on the lounger.  My cough has turned phlegmy.  It still hurts like hell to swallow or cough.  I hope this thing breaks soon.  There’s very little congestion yet you can here that my sinuses are full.  Ugh.

2023 July 27 (Thu) – We took a wildlife tour today.  We caught the Discovery at ramp 3, slip 1 (very confusing for us non-sailors).  Some other people were also on the boat.  The season is short and they must take as many people as they can.

      It was 2-1/2 hours out to the island of Seldovia, 2-1/2 hours exploring the island, and an hour and a half back to the dock.  We had lunch at Jack & Aiva’s.  The place was small but we all managed to find places to sit and eat.  Afterward, we all wandered around the island, checking out the historical buildings.

      During our boat ride, we saw sea otters, orca whales, puffins, kittiwakes, and common murres.  Everyone was quite excited about all our sightings. 

      I developed a dry, hacking cough today.  It is very painful to cough as it hurts my throat terribly.  I have been sucking on cough drops, spraying my throat with Chloraseptic, and downing Tylenol.

2023 July 26 (Wed) - We packed up and left Anchorage for Homer.  The drive was breathtaking.  The mountains, the lakes, the rivers, the wildlife.  It all comes together to take your breath away.  We are staying at Heritage RV Park.  Our campsites are all lined up facing the beachfront.  We look out across Kachemak Bay at the mountains rising on the other side.  It’s been overcast and we watch the clouds cling to the tops and sides of the mountains.  This is such a beautiful site.

      We took the group to Land’s End Restaurant for dinner.  It was a nice resort and we had everyone dress up a little (more than just jeans and t-shirts).  The menu choices were prime rib, chicken, shrimp pasta, and pasta.  Everything was excellent.  The place had a little trouble with staffing and the bar tender walked off for about 20 minutes, supposedly because the credit card machine wasn’t working.  The manager stepped in and served drinks until he returned.

      I woke with a sore throat today.  My tonsils are swollen.  Blah.

2023 July 25 (Tue) – The group went to the Alaskan Native Heritage Center today.  They had several dwellings like those the early natives lived in.  In the main building, they were holding demonstrations on singing and dancing.  It was most interesting.

2023 July 24 (Mon) – Busy day today.  We got up early and went out to breakfast at IHOP.  Then we went food shopping.  After putting the groceries away, we walked the two dogs for members of the caravan who went on a river raft trip today.  Then Johnny & Linda joined us and we drove to the Alyeska Resort and took the tram up to the top of Alyeska Mountain.  We enjoyed the incredible views and had lunch at the Bore Tide Deli & Bar.

      When we got back to the campground, Paul and I walked the dogs again. 

2023 July 23 (Sun) – We took the group to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center today.  It was a one-hour walking tour.  The center takes in wildlife that is unable to live in the wild and gives them a permanent home.  There were moose, caribou, reindeer (which are tame caribou), sheep, goats, elk, a very curious porcupine, muskox, wolves, eagle and owl.  They also have wood bison at the center.  They were essentially declared extinct in Alaska until a herd was discovered in Canada in the 1950s.  Alaska asked for some and have been trying to breed and put them back into the wild.  The going is slow but it is happening.  They have about 100 wood bison out in the wild at this time.

2023 July 22 (Sat) – The group took the City Trolley Tour today.  I made a deposit of one-half of the payment.  The tour company had the names of everyone in the group.  When they came to the station, they gave their name and got on the bus.  The clerk checked off their names.  When we get ready to leave, the company will bill me for everyone who took the tour.  Easy peasy!

      We took the standard tour (they offered a deluxe tour for $25 more).  The trolley drove around the city with the very amusing driver/guide telling us about different places and events around the city.

2023 July 21 (Fri) – We packed up and left Denali, arriving at the Golden Nugget RV Park in Anchorage around 2 p.m.  We parked the group as they came in and then enjoyed happy hour together.

2023 July 20 (Thu) – We went to the Husky Homestead for a visit of Jeff King’s home and dog collection.  Jeff has won the Iditarod four times.  He is an excellent storyteller.  He regaled us with the trials and tribulations of dog mushing.  There were equipment and clothing for us to examine.  We also got to hold husky puppies.  They want puppies to get used to being handled by people so all the tour groups get to handle the pups.  It was quite an educational and fun day.

2023 July 19 (Wed) – It was a free day today.  Several of us took an optional excursion on a jeep ride by Denali National Park.  We did not go into the park but drove through wilderness area next to it.  We saw a caribou and swans.  Again.  Not a good day for wildlife sightings.

2023 July 18 (Tue) – The group took a bus tour of Denali National Park today.  We drove to the park, gathered at the bus depot and presented our military cards for a refund of the $15 entrance fee that had been tacked onto our tickets.  The refund came to $540!  At 3:00 p.m., our bus took of for the 42-mile drive through the park.  We saw a ptarmigan and tundra swans.  It was not a good day for wildlife sightings.

2023 July 17 (Mon) – It was a free day for everyone today.  We spent the time getting caught up with pictures, memory book, video and household chores.

2023 July 16 (Sun) – We packed up and left Fairbanks at 7:30 a.m.  It was a long drive to Denali.  After getting everyone parked, we drove over to the Cabin Night Dinner Theater.  We enjoyed a family style meal and entertainment by a very enthusiastic troupe of singers and dancers.

2023 July 15 (Sat) – We took a 3-hour tour on the Riverboat Discovery today.  The tour included a stop at an Athabascan village where we were introduced to reindeer/caribou, a log cabin with cache, sled dogs, and a beautiful coat made of several different kinds of animal fur.  The boat also stopped by the home of a sled dog musher where we saw the dogs take off with a wheeled sled.  A float plane also flew by and demonstrated take off and landing.

2023 July 14 (Fri) – We took a tour of Gold Dredge #3.  The tour started with a guide giving us a talk on the Alyeska Pipeline, which ran right across the front of the arrival area.  The pipeline is on stanchions and everyone could walk under it.  The docent stood on top of the pipeline telling us all about the building and maintenance of the line.  After his talk, we boarded a replica train and rode out over the tundra where the former dredge now sits, unused.  We learned about how the miners plied the waters for gold and where supplanted by the big dredges.  Then we arrived at the center and everyone was given a poke (bag filled with sand and rocks).  We dumped the poke in a pan, mixed it with water while sitting in front of a trough, and swirled everything around until gold flakes revealed themselves.  The lesson on gold panning was entertaining.  Between Paul and I, we got $12 worth of gold flecks.  We gave it to Joe because he accidentally threw his gold away.

2023 July 13 (Thu) – We had a bus tour of Fairbanks today.  We dragged ourselves out of bed to meet the bus at 7:50 a.m.  Paul ran down to the café and got us bagels and coffee for breakfast before meeting the bus.  The guide and drivers were both long-time residents of Alaska.  They were filled with stories of adventure and wilderness tales.  They took us to several places around town, stopping to allow the group to visit the site.  They included the Morris Thompson Museum, University of Alaska Museum of the North, the pipeline, and the North Pole.

      After we got back from our 5-1/2 hour bus ride, we went into town for lunch.  We had pizza at a small place that was empty.  The food was excellent.  We then went shopping for milk at Fred Meyer and dropped off a letter at the post office.  When we got home, I laid down and took a good, long nap.

      At 6 p.m. we barbecued steaks with Johnny & Linda.  We provided the steaks.  They brought potatoes, salad, wine, and dessert.

      A member of the caravan, Liza, left the caravan today.  Apparently, she and her companion, Mary, had a falling out and she just left the group.  Mary is an 80-something former Army nurse driving a camper van.  We’ll have to look out for her.  Another member of the caravan spent yesterday in the hospital.  His stomach has been giving him problems and it was best he get looked at here in Fairbanks where medical help is plentiful.  Better than having a serious issue in one of the smaller towns we will be in.  Turned out he has an abscess in his colon.  He is on antibiotics.   A third member of the caravan got a call from home saying a Navy buddy passed away and there is a celebration of life on Sunday.  He will fly home tomorrow to attend the service, returning Sunday afternoon.  In the meantime, the caravan will leave this campground on Sunday.  We need to coordinate with this campground to allow his wife to stay past check-out time and after we leave.  He’ll get back and they’ll catch up with us later.

      Lots of activity going on with our group.

2023 July 12 (Wed) – Sadly, the couple scheduled to fly up and back cancelled out of their trip because of cloud cover this morning.  I got a note from Joe that everything went well at the hospital yesterday and he is on antibiotics.  That’s good.

      At 11:15 AM, fourteen of us gathered to drive to the airport for our trip up to the Arctic Circle.  We arrived, parked across the street in a gravel parking lot, and reported for our tour.  There was a small gift shop and everyone had to get their souvenirs.  When we checked in, we paid for lunch in Coldfoot and ordered our meal at the Yukon River Camp.  Then we were all assigned to one of three 8-passenger Piper planes.  I got assigned to the co-pilot seat.  We agreed that was appropriate.  Paul got the very back seat in the plane.  It was tight but we took off from Fairbanks and arrived in Coldfoot an hour and 10 minutes later. 

      We were given a bag with all the ingredients for our sandwich and we had to put it together.  They said they did that because the bread would get soggy otherwise.  After lunch, we climbed into 2 small vans at 3 p.m. and began the drive back south, stopping at different places to get out and look.  We stopped at the visitor center (Arctic Interagency Visitor Center) and wandered around the displays for half an hour.  We also stopped at the pipeline and explored the signboards on that.  The road was rough and it was 3 hours of being bumped and bounced around as the van navigated chip seal, ruts, grooves, potholes, dirt roads, and frost heaves. 

      We arrived at the Arctic Circle sign at 6 p,m. and all took time to get our pictures taken.  Then we transferred to a freightliner bus for the remainder of the trip.  The driver stopped in several places for comfort stops at porta potties, a scenic pull out, and a walk through the arctic tundra.  That is very difficult terrain to walk on.  We arrived at the Yukon River Camp at 9:30 p.m. and had our dinner.

      After dinner, we walked down to the Yukon River to look it over.  There was a barge pulled next to the shore, anchored to a bull dozer.  We could see the only bridge in Alaska that spans the Yukon River.  There were beds overflowing with fireweed flowers.  Climbing back into the bus, we continued on our way.  The sky never got dark.  The sunset was 12:11 a.m. and sunrise was 3:15 a.m.  There was just 3 hours between sunset and sunrise.  We wanted to see the northern lights but the sky was too light.  Even though there is a big solar storm happening, the lower states will be able to see them but not us.  We arrived at the airport, got certificates certifying our visit to the Arctic Circle, transferred to our cars, and walked in the door of our RV at 3:00 a.m.  It was a loooooong day.

2023 July 11 (Tue) – We went to breakfast at Family Restaurant.  It was a small diner style place advertising breakfast at $7.95.  Turned out to be without meat.  After breakfast, there was a stop at Fred Meyer Supermarket for groceries then back to the campground. 

      We spent the day working on paperwork and pictures.  At 5 PM, we went to the office to bring whoever was there to the Pioneer Place & Alaska Salmon Bake.  There were two cars, making us a carpool of three cars.  It was just 5 minutes down the road.  When we arrived, everyone else was there and exploring the site or just waiting for us.  We went to the dining hall.  First, I checked in and paid for 35 meals (one couple is sick), then we did a headcount to find another couple missing.  Joe went to the hospital to check out stomach issues he’s been having the past few days.  So I had to rewrite the check for 33 meals.  Then the girl gave us an orientation about how the meal would progress and gave us all our salad and meal dish.  We took places in the hall then got our salads at the salad bar outside.  After that, we went back outside to get the hot sides and entre – choice of salmon, chicken tenders, or prime rib.  The meat choices were huge!  After dinner, it was another trek outside to get dessert – either cheesecake or mousse.  All was good.  

      At 7 PM, we met with the folks going to the Arctic Circle tomorrow.  Just 2 couples are driving in jeeps.  The rest of us are flying up and riding back in a bus.  One couple is flying up and back.  It promises to be a fun day.

2023 July 10 (Mon) – We packed up and left Tok at 7:30 a.m.  It was 206 miles to Fairbanks on fairly decent roads.  There was some construction but not bad.  We arrived to find River’s Edge Resort to be ready for us.  All sites were full hook-up and pull-thru.  A hotel, also owned by River’s Edge, was in walking distance and we had a fine dinner in their Miner’s Hall.  Menu included choice of salmon, elk meatloaf, or vegetable lasagna.  Everything was very good.

      While we waited for the caravan to arrive, Paul drove into town and got the tire fixed.

2023 July 9 (Sun) – We drove the truck to the car wash in the campground.  It is just a power washer with the water running all the time (what a waste).  Paul supplied the bucket, soap, sponge and brush.  We both washed the truck then drove next door to Fast Eddy’s for lunch.  The food was OK.

      We returned to the campground where I finally got caught up with labeling my pictures and updating my blog.  The group went to play games at 5 p.m. and we held the travel meeting at 7 p.m.  It’s off to Fairbanks tomorrow.

2023 July 8 (Sat) – This was a free day for the group.  Several decided to drive to Dawson City (185 miles away) and spend the night there.  Dawson City is an old western mining town that was lots of fun when we visited it 8 years ago.  I am glad some folks were adventurous enough to go for it.  A few others drove to Chicken (about 80 miles away) and touch the Top of the World Highway before turning back.

       We used the time to catch up on sorting pictures, writing the memory book, and just chilling out.  Everywhere you look, folks are cleaning their cars, trucks and rigs off.  There’s been a steady line at the RV/car wash.  We’ll have to get on line.  We did our laundry today.  Then went to the Three Bears liquor and grocery stores to replenish our supplies.  Paul looked for a place to get the tire repaired but this is a small town and nothing looked professional enough to do the job.  He’ll wait until we get to Fairbanks.

2023 July 7 (Fri) – It was a long drive today over terrible roads – 290 miles.  We left at 7:30 a.m.  There were ruts, gravel, dirt, frost heaves and potholes on much of the way.  Road construction filled in the rest of the tribulations.  They were paving the road at the border crossing into Alaska from Haines Junction, Yukon.  It was a delay getting to the crossing, then the agent was annoyed because Paul scraped the headknocker driving into the lane (it was 12’10”; we are 12’10”).  He backed us out of the lane and into the commercial truck lane.  Then we sat there for over an hour waiting for the pilot car to bring cars from the opposing lane before leading us back down the road.  By the time we got going, groups 2 and 3 had arrived at the border, too.  Needless to say, when we arrived at our campground – Tok RV Village in Tok – we had a pile up.  We stacked up RVs while Paul and I tried to figure out where to put everyone.  It was strenuous but everyone got a pull-thru campsite with full hook-up without any injuries.  One of the group took a turn too tightly at one of their stops and knocked down a bollard with the side of his fifth-wheel RV.  Bent the frame of his bedroom slide and ripped the siding of his rig.  We had a flat tire during our trip.  Paul was able to get it changed quickly.

      After we arrived and were trying to get everyone parked after the 8-hour drive, I ran over to the restaurant where we were scheduled to have dinner tonight.  The reservation had been for 5:30 p.m.  I sent a message to Fast Eddy’s Restaurant last night asking to push the time back to 6:30 p.m. because of the extended travel time we would need (folks who came from Alaska to Haines Junctions told us of the poor road conditions).  I got a calendar note showing 6:30 p.m. which, I assumed, meant the request had been approved.  Imagine my surprise when we arrived in Tok and got cell phone signal again to find a voice message saying the time could not be changed.  I grabbed my paperwork and money and went over to the restaurant at 5:30 to plead our case.  At first, the waitress was adamant that the time could not be changed then she said we could slide it a bit and finally, allowed us until 6:30 p.m. to get everyone in.  I called back to the campground and told Paul to tell everyone to get over to the restaurant ASAP.  Three couples did not come over.  We got take-out boxes for them.  Everyone else enjoyed a great salad bar and choice of sausage lasagna, spaghetti with meatballs, or chicken parmesan.  And there was apple pie to boot!

[plaguedocboi]

Well lads, I decided to make a fourth water ranking list! Some of these were suggested or requested, in which case I’ll @ them, and others were just some that I’ve read about since my last post and wanted to talk about! Enjoy.

Zambezi River, Africa, @marshmallowmachinegun

This river is making the list primarily because of the massive, terrifying rapids that you can apparently surf on. I don’t care for that shit at all. It earns the first spot on this list for being super freaky, 1/10.

Lake Toplitz, Austria, @darthlenaplant

This is, strangely, a lake with two bottoms. Around 52 feet down is a bunch of sunken logs, essentially creating a false bottom that divers can’t get through. Below this level, there is no oxygen in the lake and life becomes very scarce. But the lake has a maximum depth of 328 feet, and allegedly contains boxes of Nazi gold somewhere in the deeps. This draws in treasure-hunters, but I definitely won’t be heading down into this false-bottomed lake anytime soon. Since this lake doesn’t have any visible drop-offs or looks particularly scary, it gets a 2/10.

Dean’s blue hole, Bahamas

Until the discovery of the Dragon Hole in China, Dean’s blue hole was considered the deepest “blue hole” in the world, reaching a maximum depth of 663 feet. One of the reasons this underwater cave is so unsettling to me is it’s proximity to land. Like, can you imagine walking along a beach and looking out at the ocean and seeing that just a few hundred feet away?? For being such a visually dramatic hole in the ground, it earns a 3/10.

Cetina River, Croatia, @imalwayssirius

Often referred to as the “natural Eye of Sauron” (or, as I saw one of my mutuals post, the earth’s vagina) this bizarre feature is the source of the Cetina River. The spring bubbles up from a cave that reaches depths of over 300 feet and drains into a river 63 miles long. Although this spring is definitely beautiful, I don’t know that I would want to raft over it. 4/10.

Red lake, Croatia

The Red Lake sits in a deep sinkhole, with cliffs soaring over 800 feet above the water. Below the surface, the sinkhole continues for another 942 feet. The depth was unknown until 2017, when a diver finally descended far enough to see the bottom. The incredible depth of this lake makes it one of the largest sinkholes in the world, and earns it a 5/10 on this list.

Lake Peigneur, Louisiana, @amzrigh

I don’t know where to start with this one. I guess we have to go back to 1980, when this was a 10-foot deep freshwater lake. Underneath the lake was a massive salt mine, and on the surface was an oil drill. Basically, a miscalculation occurred and the drill broke down into the mines and this lake began to drain into them. Unfortunately, this lake wasn’t closed off, and used to empty into a nearby bay. As the lake drained down into the mines, the water flow reversed and sucked water in from the bay, briefly creating a 100+ foot waterfall and then the largest man made whirlpool in history. Although multiple ships from the bay were sucked down and the mines were completely flooded, amazingly no one was killed in this horrifying accident. So, what was once a 10-foot deep freshwater lake is now a 200-foot deep saltwater lake. The bizarre story and extreme depth of this lake gets a solid 6/10.

Kern River, California, anon

There are signs around this river which state “Kern River, 271 lives lost since 1968”. That would be enough to scare me off, but apparently not everyone feels the same. This river is so deadly because in many places, it appears calm and inviting, drawing in swimmers, and then sucking them under with a fast undertow. In fact, you are required to wear a life jacket if you’re even walking around the river with no intentions to swim (although it doesn’t appear that the person in this picture heeded those warnings). For sheer danger, I have to award this a 7/10.

Barracuda lake, Philippines, @pineowlple

Don’t worry, the lady in the picture is fine, she was just posing for a creepy photo. And this lake is fascinating for reasons other than its sheer drop and weird rock formations! Barracuda Lake has one of the most bizarre thermoclines and haloclines in the world, drawing in divers from far and wide who want a unique experience. The surface of the lake is freshwater and roughly 82 degrees F, but as you descend to about 50 feet down, the temperature in the lake suddenly rises to 100 F (only slightly cooler than an average hot tub)! This is because the lake contains both fresh and saltwater, separated by a hazy boundary. If you continue heading down to the bottom, the water will become cool again. Divers often describe swimming in this lake as a strange sensory experience, with some people claiming you feel weightless and liken it to being on another planet. Even stranger, the sandy lake bottom is described as being “jelly-like”. Definitely an 8/10 for how downright strange this lake is.

Enchanted river, Philippines

This river is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful blue waters and fascinating history. Some local legends report seeing fish down in the depths that cannot be caught by any line or net, and claim that the river’s color came from fairies. The mysteries of this river continue in modern day, as no one has been able to find the source of it. Exploration of the enchanted river started in 1999, and a hidden cave was soon discovered 98 feet down. During the sixth exploration of the cave, a diver died after reaching 130 feet deep. So far, divers have descended 269 feet into the cave, and mapping efforts are underway, but the bottom has yet to be found. 9/10 for the strange legends and seemingly being bottomless.

La Fosse Dione, France

This beautiful karst spring has a name which literally translates to “Divine Pit”. The spring has been used for water since Roman Times, but despite its long history it is shrouded in mystery. The strangest part of this pit is that no one knows where the water comes from. Roughly 82 gallons of water enters this spring every second, but the source is unknown. Several divers have descended into the depths of this pit, and none have been able to locate the bottom. In 1974, two divers went down and never resurfaced. In 1996, another diver attempted to find the source and died as well. In 2019, yet another diver went down and reached 1,213 feet before having to resurface. He did not find the bottom either. 10/10 to this lovely, French bottomless pit.

[scribbling-stiks]

Retrievers - XXVII - Grey

"What do you mean 'What?'?! You were glowing!" Massachusetts snaps.

"Oh..."

America huffs and starts giggling. Then he leans forward and nuzzles Russia's chest, laughing even harder. Russia happily sits back and pets America's head.

"Well, what did you just do?" Massachusetts asks, scowling.

"I felt a pull in his chest, and then I could see a lot of colors."

"A lot of what?" Massachusetts pushes.

"I'm not sure. I think it was magic. Meri and you were glowing with your magic colors. Arizona had a ball of fire over her heart. And there was lots of white magic floating around outside. I reached out for it and it felt very static-y. America's magic was flickering a little, so I gave some to him."

Everyone stares at him for a moment before Manitoba pipes up.

"That's not fair! I'm a channeler too," they complain.

"Yeah. It's weird. I've never seen anything like it," Massachusetts says, scratching at his temple, "the only thing I can think of is that Russ has ridiculously low resistance."

"I have a low resistance, how low is Russ'?" Louisiana asks.

"I have no idea."

Massachusetts runs off and returns with a large, newer-looking book. Massachusetts sits on the floor in front of Russia and opens the book. He flips to an empty page and starts writing.

"Okay, so, can you do it again?" Massachusetts asks, not looking up.

Russia takes a deep breath and re-opens the valve. He opens his eyes and looks around. The sounds around him become tinny and warped. The colors seem to dull, and Russia's own body feels numb and disconnected. Russia sees Massachusetts trying to ask him questions, but the words are warped, and it takes a moment before Russia understands.

'What do you see?' Massachusetts had asked.

Russia looks around and slowly stands up. He stumbles a little and carefully wanders to the door. He stares at the swirls of magic in the air. Russia carefully ducks down and wanders outside. There is sound out here, but he can't identify any of it.

"Magic people glow with their colors," Russia mumbles slowly, "and the air is full of magic. It comes from the stump."

'It's so strange not hearing myself.'

"___t d__s the m_gic ou____e l__k _____?" Massachusetts asks.

'What does the magic outside look like?' the line finally clicks.

"It is white around here," Russia forces through his teeth, "it's thicker behind the trees."

Russia numbly points at the path that Dixie had carved into the blackberries.

"H__ __r c__ __u se_?"

The sentence 'How far can you see?' clicks after a few moments. Russia does half-heartedly note that the wait for processing is longer this time.

Russia starts pushing his influence further and stares into the distance behind the house. His mind pulls him to walk around the house. He turns around and sees Massachusetts following behind him. He can see America's light blue glow through the walls and smiles. Then he looks further and sees something different.

"There is something over there," Russia mumbles.

Massachusetts says something else,  but Russia finds that he just doesn't understand. None of the words register, and he just stares into the distance. Then someone gently takes his hand. He's slowly pulled back inside, and Russia stumbles in. He is gently tugged over to make it past the doorframe. Russia looks down as he reenters the living room.

Massachusetts is holding his hand and pulling him back inside, slowly guiding him around chairs and other pieces of furniture.

'He seems like he's done this before,' his mind numbly supplies.

Massachusetts carefully sits Russia back on the couch, and Russia slowly looks around, admiring the magic swirling around the room. He takes a deep breath and closes the value. The magic view fades and sounds suddenly come clear.  The colors rush back, and Russia blinks.

"Woah," Russia mumbles.

"Are you back?" Massachusetts asks.

"Yes," Russia replies, blinking a few times.

"What were you looking at?"

"There was a cloud of grey," Russia says, "and I could see pretty far. I think I could've gone farther, but the grey felt wrong."

"Wrong?"

"It wasn't any threads. It was a fog. I couldn't tell if there was a source."

"Huh. No source. That is weird," Massachusetts mumbles, "we should check it out."

"We should, but you have to stay here," America says.

"What? Again?! Why?!"

"You need to stay here," America insists, his hands up.

"You-! Why does Texas get to keep going?! Why does everyone else but me get to go if they want to?!" Massachusetts exclaims, throwing his hands around angrily, and Russia can feel his magic begin to swirl.

'That's a new feeling.'

Russia looks over to see America wringing his hands in frustration, a scowl on his face. Russia starts to reach out, but America shakes his head. Russia pulls his arms back into his lap, feeling a little helpless.

"I mean, for fuck sake, you literally still have broken ribs and you get to go?! Do you hate me or something?!" Massachusetts shouts, tears gathering in his eyes.

"Mass-" America tries, a hurt look adorning his face for a moment before he's able to hide it.

Russia's heart sinks, and he starts to stand, getting ready to pull them apart.

"No! Why do I keep getting stuck at home anyway?! There isn't even a thing I can do here! You can't do wards next to a source!"

"Massachusetts-" America tries, standing up.

"What did I do?!" Massachusetts snaps, his arms flying back behind him and tears falling from his face.

"Sett, you gotta calm down," Virginia says, putting a hand on Massachusetts shoulder.

Massachusetts shakes her off with a scowl. Massachusetts turns back and sneers at America. The look would've been intimidating if it wasn't for the waterfalls flowing from his eyes.

"I have magic! I can fight! I can help! I want to go, but you keep telling me 'no' for no reason!"

"There is a reason!" America retorts, baring his teeth in an attempt to hide the hurt behind his eyes.

Russia's heart crumbles a little and he rests the urge to pull America into a tight bear hug to protect him from this pain.

"What is it?! Please, I would be absolutely delighted if you just told me!" Massachusetts screams, spitting in America's face.

America shakes for a moment and Russia reaches out to comfort him when he breaks. Tears start streaming down America's face at startling speed and his chest shakes. Russia looks between the two, his eyes wide. America takes a shuttering breath and he tries to hide the sobs that threaten to take him to the ground.

'What do I do?!'

"YOU ALREADY HAVE A HUGE TARGET ON YOUR BACK!" America bellows, his eyes squinted shut and his whole frame trembling.

Massachusetts takes a step back, looking back with wide, tear-filled eyes. America gasps and a sob erupts from him before he manages to find his words.

"NOT ONLY ARE THE FEDS HUNTING ALL OF US FOR OUR IMMORTALITY, BUT THEY ARE ALSO FINDING POWERFUL MAGIC USERS TO KEEP AS SLAVES! KEEPING YOU HOME IS THE ONLY WAY I CAN FIGURE OUT HOW TO PROTECT YOU!" America wails, his voice shaking the house, and his magic begins to flare, "AND IF I HAD MY WAY, NONE OF YOU WOULD BE GOING WITH ME AT ALL! BUT I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF THIS IS SAFER, BUT IT'S LITERALLY THE ONLY THING I CAN DO IS TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR SIBLINGS TOGETHER!""

America looks at his hands with a sneer.

"I can't protect you. If they found out about your potential, they would fight to break you and you would become a tool," America says, his voice low.

"Dad?" Massachusetts breaths and his voice is lost to the everpresent ringing in Russia's ears.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," America says shakily, wiping the tears from his cheeks, "I can't protect you. I can't risk it. You have double-no triple the target everyone else here has. If they got you, I- we would never see you again. "

America takes a shaky breath before he stands up and hugs Massachusetts, who stands frozen.

"I'm just trying to keep you safe. If they take you, I'm terrified we wouldn't be able to escape with you with us. I'm sorry, I know you want to help. I know you want to go, but I... I'm sorry. Netti and I don't have enough magic to make it worth their while to convert us, but you... they would sooner torture you than let you out of their sight."

Massachusetts gently hugs America back and buries his face into America's collarbone. America grimaces but doesn't say anything.

Russia looks around a little more and he catches Dixie's eye. Dixie looks on with a grimace and crosses his arms, his head down. Russia walks over, not knowing what else to do.

"Are you okay?" Russia asks, averting his gaze and rubbing the back of his neck.

"No," Dixie grumbles with the shake of his head, "I hate all of this."

Dixie storms off, and Russia hangs close to the wall while America starts rocking a sobbing Massachusetts.

'This is going to be the death of us.'

~

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Table of Contents

[cherriedsin]

           𝚆𝙸𝙻𝙻     𝚈𝙾𝚄     𝙳𝙴𝙵𝙴𝙰𝚃     𝚃𝙷𝙴𝙼     ,     your     demons     and     all     the     non     -     believers     ?

tw     :     child     abandonment     ,     foster     care     system     ,     death     &.     murder     mention     ,     ferocious      writing      .

and     here     we     are     at     the     final     one     !     this     whole     time     i     have     been     telling     dorian     i’m     ready     to     stop     this     so     i     know     for     a     fact     she’s     as     happy     as     mwuah     .     i     didn’t     proofread     any     of     these     and     i     am     so     sorry     in     advance     for     the     quality     .     last     but     certainly     not     least     i     present     to     you     the     one     muse     i     truly     love     ,     miss     love     locklear     !     she     is     the     embodiment     of     pure     perfection     and     literally     would     die     for     anyone     even     if     they     don’t     know     her     there     i     said     it     .     as     before     and     before     that     ,     a     lil     hearty     heart     on     this     post     and     my     ass     is     urs     !     

╰     𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒     𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐒     𝐀𝐓     𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑     𝐎𝐖𝐍     𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐄     ;     the     anthem     won't     explain     it     ,     a     world     that     sends     you     reeling     from     decimated     dreams     !

government     name     :    love     chantal     -     marie     locklear     .

nicknames     :    lo     ,     lala     ,     ve     ,     perfect     sweet     baby     (     mine     for     her     get     ur     own     )

physical/actual     age     :      twenty     eight     .

hometown     :   west     monroe     ,     louisiana     .

occupation     :   psychology     teacher     at     watermount     high     school     .

gender     :     cisfemale     ,     female     pronouns     preferred     .

orientation     :     pansexual     .

height     :   162     cm     ,     5′3     .

weight     :     48     kg     ,     108     lbs     .

complexion     :     tan     and     hydrated     ,     skin     is     almost     like     silk     and     smells     of     fresh     lavender     and     waterfalls     ,     crafted     by     gods     to     deliver     sweet     messages     of     hope     and     love     .     no     blemish     or     marking     ,     only     a     butterfly     tattoo     behind     right     ear     that     dares     to     touch     jaw     bone     .

hair     :     thicker     than     both     blood     and     water     ,     cascading     perfectly     down     back     in     mesmerizing     waves     always     well     -     kept     except     for     nights     found     sleeping     at     home     desk     or     gaming     chair     ,     stops     right     before     back     dimples     and     smells     of     sunshine     and     coconut     .

distinguishable     characteristics     :    southern     octaves     twisted     with     sincere     tendencies     ,     attention     -     grabbing     smile     meant     to     make     ice     melt     ,     exuberating     positivity     and     hope     as     if     she     were     being     paid     to     do     so     ,     a     laugh     so     loud     one     with     hearing     loss     could     hear     at     perfect     pitch     followed     with     a     childish     snort     .

favored     :     forms     of     affection     ,     overindulging     in     junk     foods     ,    romcoms     &.     soap     operas     ,     cherry     lip     gloss     ,    hooped     earrings     ,    binge    playing    skyrim    for    days    at    a    time    ,    over    exaggerated    wardrobe    choices    ,   tequila    on    the    rocks    ,    fried    foods    &.    sweets    ,    watermelon    blow    pops    ,    being    the    mom    friend    ,     teaching     her     students     in     various     methods     to     find     out     what     best     helps     their     future     ,     the     idea     of      love     &.     soulmates     with     happy     endings     .

distastes     :     snakes   &.   most   bugs   ,     students     turning     in     assignments     late     ,   complusive    liars    with    no    remorse   ,   not     organizing     school     events    ,    the     bar      being     out     of     cheesed     fries     ,     music     that’s     not     2000′s     hits     or     any     female     pop     icon     ,     meat     that’s    not     burnt     to      a      crisp     ,     someone     being     mean     to     those     she      cares      about     ,     having     to     yell     &.     not      be     from     joy     ,     heavy    partying    but    not    exclusively    liquor    itself   ,   anyone   telling   her   no   ,   being   on   time   for   events   ,   &.    someone   telling   her   what   to   do   .

fears     :    failing     her     students     as     a     teacher     &.     fuckin’     around     too     much     &.    becoming     sinister     .     

aspirations     :     becoming     the     best     educator     for     her     students     &.     havin’     those     cute     thank     you     cards     written     about     her     .

╰     𝐌𝐀𝐘     𝐆𝐎𝐃     𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄     𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐘     𝐎𝐍     𝐎𝐍𝐄     𝐒𝐈𝐍     ;     your     misery     and     hate     will     kill     us     all     so     paint     it     black     and     take     it     back     !

it’s     hard     to     pull     the     roots     of     your     origin     when     you’re     just     at     a     lost     for     words     .     the     ladies     at     the     foster     home     back     in     louisiana     would     say     you     were     a     church     baby     ,     found     as     a     newborn     on     the     steps     of     the     chapel     and     taken     into     the     local     foster     care     system     .     apparently     the     pastor     couldn’t     afford     a     youngin     ,     for     he     said     he     would     have     took     you     in     a     heartbeat     .     wasn’t     that     what     they     all     said     after     your     fellow     government     secured     siblings     would     get     picked     for     a     vacation     away     from     that     hell     but     you     ?     some     would     tease     and     say     that     you     were     too     quiet     ,     too     nice     ,     no     one     wanted     a     silent     child     .     but     how     should     you     act     ?     you     knew     nothing     better     .     you     wanted     to     stay     out     of     the     shadows     ,     out     of     the     eyes     of     others     ,     you     wanted     to     be     safe     in     your     own     arms     and     nothing     else     .     as     a     child     ,     being     without     a     real     family     scared     you     .     who     would     you     fall     back     on     once     school     would     let     out     and     you     were     of     age     ?     who     would     you     turn     to     in     dire     need     of     a     helping     hand     ?     look     in     the     mirror     for     that’s     all     you     will     have     .     being     at     the     foster     home     made     you     crave     for     better     ,     didn’t     it     ?     getting     shoved     ,     pushed     ,     sometimes     going     without     meals     .     you     never     interacted     much     with     the     adults     outside     of     coming     and     going     to     school     .     they     would     yell     for     bed     and     howl     for     morning     ,     punishment     would     follow     if     you     did     anything     besides     what     they     said     ,     and     sometimes     the     punishments     never     really     fit     the     crime     .     but     looking     at     you     now     ,     you     could     never     tell     what     childhood     scars     decorate     you     now     .     from     middle     school     until     grave     ,     you     would     be     the     personification     of     light     .     you     would     give     name     to     the     word     love     ,     for     that’s     all     you     ever     wanted     .     to     love     and     to     be     loved     .     to     have     a     family     to     fall     back     on     ;     cousins     ,     aunts     ,     uncles     ,     siblings     all     pestering     you     at     family     gathering     to     tell     them     what’s     what     and     who’s     who     .     but     ,     alas     ,     god     never     wanted     you     to     sip     from     the     chalice     that     is     a     happy     home     life     ,     and     who     are     we     to     question     our     maker     ?     

excellence     in     schooling     showed     as     you     moved     onto     college     ,     securing     your     degree     and     becoming     what     you     wanted     to     be     felt     like     that     last     quest     in     a     game     you     couldn’t     wait     to     beat     and     soon     ,     you     did     .     during     this     time     ,     though     ,     becoming     the     world’s     punchline     seemed     to     be     in     your     deck     of     cards     .     a     phone     call     from     an     unknown     number     sent     you     through     the     ringer     ,     going     back     to     your     hometown     to     demand     answers     from     the     hands     that     still     held     you     in     their     grasp     despite     the     poor     treatment     felt     from     theirs     .     you     had     gotten     violent     ,     something     you     never     desired     to     become     ,     as     you     sat     there     with     the     woman’s     collar     in     hand     while     top     of     her     body     dangled     out     of     the     window     .     she     was     twice     your     size     and     yet     you     lunged     her     out     of     the     opening     without     ease     .     that     was     when     you     first     screamed     .     it     was     almost     too     powerful     for     you     ,     yourself     ,     to     take     .     ears     rang     and     spewed     crimson     like     a     toddler     with     their     hands     in     a     stream     of     paint     .     it     was     an     instinct     that     turned     into     sound     ,     a     gut     feeling     bellowing     out     like     a     high     pitched     holler     for     the     devil’s     aid     .     the     woman     in     your     grasp     collapsed     from     such     sound     ,     it     had     caused     her     to     meet     her     untimely     end     and     since     then     ,     no     matter     how     confused     you     have     been     from     what     happened     ,     you     forbid     to     indulge     .     you     forbid     to     entertain     anything     of     the     nature     or     kind     ,     for     you     still     smell     the     death     on     your     fingers     .     you     still     feel     the     life     of     her     drain     from     contact     with     your     skin     as     sound     waves     bounced     off     earth     in     a     fit     of     fury     .     even     the     most     evil     didn’t     deserve     what     they     dished     out     ,     karma     had     always     been     a     hard     ass     ,     but     sadly     ,     mostly     to     you     .     you     fled     the     town     to     come     to     watermount     and     teach     ,     to     take     your     mind     of     past     events     and     to     create     lasting     memories     with     the     new     .     if     only     you     could     get     that     empty     feeling     in     your     gut     to     silence     the     rumblings     bound     to     find     their     way     out     .

[madamslayyy]

Log Cabin And A Brewing Fire VII (Trevante Rhodes x Reader)

Pairing: Nebraska Williams (Trevante Rhodes) x Reader

Warnings: This is a SLOW BURN fic. I know a lot of people are ready to see some action but the progression is supposed to be natural in this story.

A/N: if you didn’t get tagged, I am so sorry in advance. I don’t update my taglist before every chapter/ fic I put out but I will get around to it soon!!

Wanna Catch Up on all my other fics? Wanna Catch Up on any previous chapters? Tune in to my Masterlist for exclusive content you can’t find anywhere else!!!

~*~

The next morning you woke up first, which was an unusual break in routine. Nebraska woke up before you pretty much every day because he had to be at work earlier than you and he cooked breakfast so by the time you opened your eyes most mornings, he was already up and dressed.

Today was not one of those days. Somehow, in the night the two of you had shifted and you were now laying directly above him, your head on his chest, his arms wrapped around your waist holding you in place. You glanced up to see him sound asleep. You watched him, admiring the look of calm on his face as he slept. And that’s when you felt it. His member was painfully hard and pressed directly against your thigh.

You could feel it creeping down your thigh hinting at an obviously impressive size and you felt your face immediately heat up. Maybe you should just pretend to go back to sleep and ignore it until it went down? No that’d be awkward. Maybe you should wake him up? Definitely not, that’d only make things even more weird between you two. You resolved that your only option was to climb out of his sleeping bag as quietly as you could so not to wake him up. You softly unzipped it so that you could make a clean exit and tried to slid out when you remembered that his arms were around your waist locking you in. You tried rising up but it was impossible without actually straddling Nebraska, causing you to sit directly on his... guest. Just as you were about to crawl off of him, Nebraska opened his eyes. He stared at you and you stared back awkwardly, still perched on top of him.

“Hey,” he said in that damn sexy ass sleepy voice of his.

“Hi,” you squeaked out.

“Comfortable?” He said looking to where you were sitting. You swore you felt his dick jump beneath you.

“Oh um actually I was just trying to get up without waking you.” You stumbled, getting off of him. You unzipped the tent and stood outside, enjoying the escape into fresh air. There was a clear blanket of snow covering the ground around you.

“Breakfast?” Nebraska hummed beside you. You nodded in his direction then began gathering more twigs to get the fire started. Luckily he’d chopped enough firewood last night so that you guys wouldn’t have to worry about it this morning.

You got the fire started while he went off to get some water to boil for tea. Even though there was snow on the ground, the temperature wasn’t that cold in itself. You still were gonna wait until closer to midday when the sun shown brighter so you could go and take a “shower” by the little waterfall at the end of the stream. It’d be a cold one so you were going to have to make it quick or risk hypothermia.

Nebraska came back and got started on breakfast just like he was at home and not in the woods. He cooked bacon and scrambled eggs he’d seasoned and scrambled before loading it in a large hydro flask. That way all he had to do was leave it in the snow last night and it actually kept it colder that refrigeration. You couldn’t deny it was smart and you wished you’d thought of something like that before on one of your solo trips.

“Bob Apetite, O’ Cher” he said passing you your scrambled eggs and bacon.

“What accent is that?” You asked taking the plate.

“Creole. I told you I grew up in Louisiana,” he smirked.

“You did say that, didn’t you? Do you ever miss it?” You asked digging into your breakfast. It was delicious, as always.

“Sometimes. I miss the people. The heat.” He had a sort of far off look in his eyes and you could tell he was deep in thought.

“What do you miss most from there?” You asked and he smiled. Whatever it was he was remembering really made him happy.

“This is gonna sound weird but uh, the weeping willows.” He looked at you and you could nearly see the joy in his eyes.

“Weeping Willows?”

“Yeah, you ever seen one?”

“Can’t say I have.”

“They’re these really big trees. The leaves grow down and float in the wind, hanging all around you. Back home I used to sit under them for hours, reading, thinking, sleeping. They really make you feel... something,” he sighed nostalgically.

“Sounds beautiful,” you offered, nibbling at a piece of bacon.

“Yeah, it is,” he smiled, his eyes back on you.

“So what’s life like down there, Country Boy?” You asked and Nebraska howled with laughter.

“It’s slow. Real slow. Time doesn’t move at all. Or at least it feels like it doesnt. Everybody can cook-

“I see you’re a product of that,” you winked at him and he looked down bashfully.

“Thank you, I do what I can. Can’t help but learn growing up, y’know.” He said and you nodded in agreement.

“So you’ve lived in New England your whole life?” He asked, drinking his tea.

“Oh, no I’m originally from (Y/H/T) but then I went to live with my Aunt and Uncle. Then I moved out when I graduated high school and moved to the city but I hated it. So I ended up... here,” you shrugged.

“Why’d you hate the city?”

“Too busy. Too many people. Too... lonely. Felt like everyone was going a hundred miles per hour and I just wasn’t keeping up. Fell into depression and from there things just got worse. I knew something had to change... so I left,” you were just now realizing you had never told Nebraska this before. You’d actually never told anyone this before except your Aunt and Uncle. It was silent now and you looked over to see Nebraska staring into the fire, seemingly lost in his own thoughts.

“I get it,” he spoke after a pause. And with that the two of you finished Breakfast and began the day. You helped Nebraska clean up from breakfast then he went off in the woods alone, saying he was going to cut more firewood.

You cleared the snow off of a spot by the fire and threw a couple of more logs to make it burn warmer. You then stretched out in front of it and began reading your book you’d brought with you. You were halfway through it and planned to finish it this weekend but you couldn’t really get yourself to concentrate on the words. You mind was full to the brim with thoughts of Nebraska.

You weren’t sure how long you were lying there, desperately trying to concentrate on your book when Nebraska came back. He had a huge pile of logs on his shoulder, set them down, then went back to retrieve more. He made several trips back and forth until eventually you were nearly surrounded by wood.

“Did you cut enough wood for the rest of the trip?” You asked, surveying his piles.

“Nah, I’m gonna build a bushcraft,” he said and set out to work constructing the shelter. You’d given up trying to read you book so you rose to help him.

“Want some help?” You interjected, picking up a log.

“Sure.” He smiled and the two of you got started.

It was different to say the least, making the makeshift little hut looking structure but it had a certain charm to it none the less. And it was twice the size of your tent so at least that was something.

“Where’d you learn how to make these?” You asked, hours later as you packed leaves and twigs in between the logs. Nebraska said it’d keep the wind from slipping through the cracks.

“Army taught us some pretty basic survival skill. Everything else was the internet.” He was currently laying a reflective tarp over the other side so that it would reflect the fire into the Buschcraft.

“Neatooo,”you murmured sitting down on a log. You checked your watch and realized it was already nearly four o’clock. You’d missed the warmest part of the day to go “shower” in the waterfall. You jumped up and ran to grab your outside shower kit out your pack.

“What’s the matter?” Nebraska asked, his eyes holding a bit of alarm to them.

“I’ve gotta go bathe before it gets cold,” you said dashing for the end of the river. It took you about 10 minutes to walk all the way to the edge but you had to get to where you where the water could pour over you easily. You quickly undressed and started showering, the feel of your loofah and scent of your bodywash was extra comforting when you were out in the woods. That familiar feeling of home that really put your mind at ease.

You finished washing and drying off, putting on a new set of clothes you’d packed. You headed back to the camp site. As soon as you came back, Nebraska left to do the same and you cozily stretched your limbs out in front of the fire.

You had to admit the little hut the two of you had built was the epitome of cozy. And warm, you felt yourself growing pretty hot actually and peeled off your jacket followed by your long sleeve shirt, leaving on only a tank top.

Nebraska came back from his bath soon after to find you lounging by the fire, all the snow around you melted.

“I’m guessing the fire reflecter works, huh?” Nebraska grinned, plopping down next to you.

“A little too well, it seems. I’m burning up. Here, feel,” you had rolled your tank top up to your bra, leaving your midsection exposed so it was unnaturally warm due to the heat from the fire. You grabbed his hand and placed it on your tummy.

“.... wow,” he murmured to himself, rubbing his hand up and down the soft skin of your stomach. You felt electricity roll throughout your body at the touch of his rough hands upon your belly, time seeming to stand still as he stroked your skin. Nebraska seemed to shake out of his trance and snatched his hand away, standing up.

“I’m gonna go get some water,” he said then stormed off. It was... odd to say the least. Did he feel what you felt? Maybe not, and you were just imagining things again but you couldn’t deny something had just transpired between the two of you. Something powerful yet nonverbal.

You waited for what felt like forever before he returned. He went straight to attending the fire in front of him, boiling water and unloading the ingredients for dinner.

“You really packed all that? Where were you putting all this stuff?” You asked watching him.

“Space conservation. Why do you think it was so much heavier?” He smirked, still attending to the fire.

“Incredible,” you murmured, watching him once again with the fire.

As Nebraska cooked dinner you found yourself in a particular Harmony that you could easily see yourself getting used to. In the months that Nebraska had been with you, you always felt completely safe, as opposed to the paranoid and vulnerable feeling you’d felt prior that came with being a single woman living alone virtually in the middle of the woods. You also felt somewhat spoiled. You were so accustomed to having to do absolutely everything for yourself that having someone around to cook, take out the trash, pick up groceries, clean, etc. etc. was a perk you didn’t know you’d love. You’d never had a man take care of you the way Nebraska did, not even former boyfriends. If you fell asleep on the couch, he’d carry you to bed. If you couldn’t reach something, he was right there to hand it to you. Sometimes it really did feel like you’d found the yin to your yang with him. He was easily the most considerate and thoughtful man you’d ever met.

There was a part of you that never wanted him to leave. That wanted to stay in this routine for as long as you could, maybe even forever. But that wasn’t fair to him, he had an entirely different career before this, maybe even an entirely different life. He probably wanted nothing more than to get his head straight so he could do things the right way. Find a girl, a beautiful girl at that, not just some blob like yourself but someone he could actually show off and be proud of. Then he’d marry her, have a couple of kids because he seemed like a family man, and then eventually he’d settle down from such an active military career and just focus on loving his wife and his kids. He would have an amazing life awaiting him once he left and you would still be here. Alone. The thought of that never mattered to you before but now the thought seemed almost unbearable.

“Y/N....” Nebraska called out softly, and you looked over at him. You’d meant to clear the dark thoughts from your mind but it was too late, you had looked at him with big, sad eyes almost threatening tears and it alarmed him immediately.

“Y/N talk to me, what’s wrong?” He said sitting down next to you. He rubbed circles on your bare back and you could smell the hint of cologne on him that you loved, he must have brought it with him. That made you let out a small laugh .

“I’m fine, Nebraska,” he lifted your chin to look in your eyes, probably to see if you were still crying but that was a mistake. You didn’t know if it was you or him ( maybe both) but the two of you had leaned into each other, lips pressing lightly together.

His lips were soft and oh so warm. You could feel the heat coming off of him in waves, warming you both inside and out. His hand that was under your chin found its way to your neck drawing you closer. His other hand was wrapping around your waist.

The kiss was simple, could have even been seen as innocent until Nebraska suddenly pulled you onto his lap. You gasped and he took that opportunity to explore your mouth. You moaned into the kiss, wrapping your arms around his neck. You felt his length growing hard beneath you. You decided to grind into him to help stimulate that growth but that’s when he pulled away.

“Shit,” he whispered breaking the kiss.

“Y/N I’m... I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for... I didn’t want you to feel like.. um... I wasn’t-“

“Don’t worry about it.” You said cutting him off. His eyebrows furrowed.

“Let’s just, uh, pretend this never happened,” you said, standing up from him and sitting down across the fire.

“Y/N I really am sorry. I didn’t mean for that to happen.” Nebraska said and you felt even worse.

Of course he didn’t mean for that to happen. He made a mistake. He was with Tonya, or at least you presumed by the way he was with her all the time. He even spent the night there, so you naturally assumed he was sleeping with her. And you were nothing like her. Whatever the status he had with her, he probably didn’t want to mess that up over someone like you. Or even if the two of them weren’t anything special, that still didn’t mean he’d go for someone like you. The two of you slept in the same bed almost every night and he hadn’t tried anything ever. Not once. If there was even a slight chance anything could happen between the two of you, it would have happened by now. But it hadn’t, because he didn’t see you that way. You were just something he slept next to so he could fall asleep and you were kidding yourself by overemphasizing your place in his life. That was your fault, not his. You should be the one apologizing.

“I know Nebraska, it’s fine. Let’s just eat dinner,” You said, putting an end to the conversation.

~*~

Nebraska couldn’t sleep. How could he when you were less than three feet from him but never felt more distant.

He knew he shouldn’t have kissed you but he couldn’t control himself and now you wanted nothing to do with him. He’d always had a feeling something like this would happen if he pursued you. That’d he’d only end up pushing you away. But you were right there, and you looked so sad and it just felt... right. Of course he’d fantasized about being the man to kiss your tears away but if this was the price to pay then it wasn’t worth it.

Judging from how far away you were sleeping from him, he knew you had to be thinking the worst of him right now.

She probably thinks you followed her out here to take advantage of her. Force yourself on her.

Nebraska tried to get that little voice out of his head. Tried to shake it off to no avail. How pathetic he must seem. Making a move on her alone in the woods when she’s probably too scared of him to say no. He really was a scumbag.

As much as it pained him, he was just going to have to stay away from you. No more cuddling up at night, no more close touches, no more instinctual affection. He had to cut himself off from you cold turkey. Obviously he’d gotten too comfortable and let his delusions take over that you’d be open to being somebody like him. How fucking pathetic could he get.

~*~

The next morning Nebraska woke up to see you already up and gone. He exited the tent to find you outside, packing up.

“Good Morning, Y/N,” he said still groggy.

“Morning,” you said chipper as ever. Apparently you’d been up for a while.

“What are you doing, I thought we had one more day out here,” Nebraska asked eyeing you.

“I know but I thought it’d be best if we go ahead and turn back now. It’s been a long trip and we both could probably use some proper rest.” You said as you continued to pack a little frantically.

Nebraska silently began to help you without a word of protest.

~*~

A/N: Hewwo!!! Long time no chapter but I realized quickly how much I hated writing a camping scenario but it was too late to turn back so I just went with it. Anyway let me know what y’all think!! 🤗

Wanna be tagged in any future fics? Tune in HERE to find out how!!

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[edward-richtofen-queen]

Monster Musume | My Life as a Monster (Halloween Special!)

Pairing: Ri/De and Ta/Ni for Ultimis & Primis!

Summary: It's Halloween time! Both supernatural crews are finally able to show their colors without fear of their existence!

Notes: [First Section is Primis, Second is Ultimis] A special request from a server I'm in! We all brainstormed together and came up with the idea for each of the characters' monster, so I wrote it and they drew it! This is really short (only 1000 words) but was very fun to do. Special Tags to my technical husband @danktempsey and my best "father" figure @griffincastle. Kudos if you can find a refrence to two shows in this one. Please enjoy!

═══════ ◈ ═══════

Halloween, a spooky spectacular for children, teens and adults alike. Dressing up as myths and legends, young ones knock on doors for candy or party whilst the older ones go to gatherings or dates.

Unbeknownst to society, monsters do, in fact, coexist with them right under their noses—and Halloween was the one time they weren't afraid to show themselves off to the world.

"Dammit Edward, what did I tell you about wearing my stuff?!" Dempsey yelled from across the room, seeing the Vampire has stolen his thick flannel and heavy jacket, wearing his own set of pants and some nice boots. "I like it. Besides, you're not using it, remember puppy?" He teased, baring his fangs teasingly as the werewolf bared his own in response. "Children, Children, you're both adorable, now please be quiet," Takeo hissed, running a hand through his hair as his tails swayed behind him. "Oh hush, Tak. We've all got sensitive ears, alright? Calm down," Dempsey retorted, lip curling downwards but quickly turning up when he feels arms wrap around his chest.

"I'm hungry," He whined behind his ear, Dempsey's tail lagging behind him as he sat down on the loveseat. "Then come here," He purrs, ears flopping to the sides as he helps Edward into his lap. Cupping his face, he gave him a passionate kiss as he relaxed into him, letting Edward sink his fangs into his neck with a hiss of pain. "Did you have to bite that hard, Eddie?"

"Of course, it leaves a really pretty mark!"

"You two are sick," Came the gruff voice of Nikolai from the doorway, wings folded back and tail idly swaying behind him. "All sticky and sweet all the damn time. Rotting my damn teeth," he huffed, but immediately turns his head at a noise in the hallway before he pulled away. A familiar purring of Takeo catches both of their ears as they laugh, holding hands lovingly as they stars at each other.

"Are we that gooey, Tank?"

"Why the hell not? Shows all those other blood-suckers that you're taking by your supposed "Mortal Enemy" bullshit."

"Gosh, I love you Tank."

"I love you too."

"Alright, Time to go!" Nikolai yells from the hall, Edward tugging his boyfriend along as he grabs his umbrella and flicked it open, pulling him outside into the evening light with a loving hold and a sweet smile. Halloween would be great this year.

· · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·

"Waffle House? I've never been here," The Oni hummed, slipping his mask on the side of his head as he lifted a finger to open the door.

"I like to hang out here sometimes; lots of light, great food—tastes like America!"

"America? Tastes more like blatant capitalism," Nikolai scoffed as he scratched behind his bear ears, Dempsey walking up to the stand-by waitress to get them a table, immediately getting one due to the lack of foot traffic. Sitting at his favorite corner table, Nikolai and Takeo took one end and the animal/insect men took the other. "Edward, why do you insist on keeping the mask on in public? We're not on your damn bridge," Dempsey huffed, watching the German remove the mask from his face to set it on his hair. "Only because we're going to eat. Besides, I'll get to scare some more trespassers later tonight," he hummed, leaning his head against his nothing boyfriend's fluffy neck.

A waitress arrived to their table, her body wrapped tightly in dark clothes and adorning a beautiful tattoo from her leg down. "It is so nice to see my own out this time of year," She speaks, her voice softly accented in southern drawl which made Dempsey smile. "Louisiana?" He asked without context, her giving a warming smile. "New Orleans—got family there? You picked up my accent quite quick." He leaned forward, bringing Richtofen to his lap in the process. "A good chunk of family, yup!"

Giggling softly, she held out a pad and a pen and gave a small chant, letting both float beside her. "Ready to order, lovely gentleman? And may I say it, you four look adorable together—you make perfect couples," she cooed, making Richtofen blush slightly along with Takeo. Taking their orders back to the kitchen, she left a complementary "witch's brew" (which was the equivalent of make your own drink anywhere else but with a bit more magic) as they waited.

"Have you always known there's been a witch here?" Richtofen asked, looking over at his boyfriend as he idly stirred the cauldron. "Yeah. She's usually in the back, though. The special little pentagram on her hand glows when she does anything with magic, most of the humans just think it's parlor tricks," He explains, pecking his lips with a grin. Chatting amongst themselves, their food arrived rather quickly as they began to eat. The ambiance of slow Halloween music along with the period tapping of utensils to plates were quite soothing, small chatter amongst themselves and other customers (whom only seemed to be monsters at the moment) another welcome noise.

For the majority of the time, it was food and small talk, getting to know a bit about their waitress and enjoying the food, knowing they'd have to leave soon due to their normal routines. Leaving a token of appreciation and their billed paid, both couples parted ways with goodbyes as Dempsey and Richtofen traveled to their "shared" bridge. The clack of his hooves against the wood made him smile—he was home again, even if it was just a bridge. The sweet smell of swampy water and the soft sound of a nearby waterfall was enough for him, leaning against the creaky wood to inhale the familiar scent.

The sun slipped under the horizon as the sky painted into murky Navy blues, a signal of showtime as Richtofen lit one of his oil lamps. Watching Dempsey get drawn to it was quite cute, pressing a small kiss to his cheek. Pulling through skull mask over his head, he gave a genuine smile, turning devious when the distant sound of teenagers caught his ears.

"Let's have some fun today, okay?"

"Course. Make me one of my special lamps after all this?"

"Anything for you, you fuzzy demon."

[mainstreettalk]

My Top 5 Disneyland Attractions

Disneyland is home to many fun attractions and rides for guests of all walks of life. When you go to Disneyland, one of the hardest decisions to make during your trip is choosing which attractions to visit first and which attractions you’ll have to skip on. So, here are the attractions that I personally deem are the top 5 attractions that every guest should experience at least once during their trip.

5. Mickey and the Magical Map

Image by D23

It’s important to note that though many guests go to Disneyland to enjoy the rides and food, the live shows really should not be skipped out on. Mickey and the Magical Map is a musical live theatre show located at Fantasyland Theatre near the back of Disneyland park. This show features the titular icon of the Walt Disney Company, Mickey Mouse, but also incorporates some of Disney’s most popular characters, including Rapunzel, Mulan, Stitch, and many others. I could go on and on about how much I love this show, but there are a few distinct characteristics that make this one stand out above the rest. The fact that so many of Disney’s most recognized ballads and anthems are performed by live actors and singers really makes you feel like you’re immersed in Disney canon. The dancers have incredibly creative routines and perform them flawlessly. The show uses a visually stunning blend of live characters and set pieces as well as a digital background that’s really able to capture the magic that Walt Disney had originally intended for all guests of his park to experience. This show runs only about 20 minutes long and it’s a great place to just sit down, relax, and keep yourself entertained. Personally, I think this is the best live show at the park, even topping the live Frozen show at the Hyperion Theater in DCA. Mickey and the Magical Map is definitely worth your short amount of time to go visit and watch and it will really help round out your whole Disney experience.

4. Storybook Land Canal Boats

Image by Disney

The next attraction on this list is one of the original 13 attractions that debuted on July 17, 1955 when Walt Disney first opened the gates to Disneyland park. The Storybook Land Canal Boats take the guests through a calm, narrated boat ride on a river that winds through various detailed dioramas of iconic buildings, scenes, and sets from Disney films. Some of my personal favorites are Pinnochio’s village, the sultan’s palace from Aladdin, and a London-set park from Peter Pan. Though the ride starts with the boats entering Monstro the whale’s mouth, it’s all smooth sailing from then on. It’s sad to see that many of the original 13 rides that Walt himself had a hand in creating- including these canal boats- have lost their popularity to the newer, flashier rides at the park. However, this is a ride that guests shouldn’t sweep under the rug just because it isn’t thrilling; the lines are usually short and move fast and the ride itself is a substantial length, so there’s no worries about you or your children getting antsy waiting in line. This attraction is especially a must-ride for couples- there is a beautiful fairy-light adorned overhang that the boats pass through that is notably stunning when it gets darker outside, and the overall ambiance of the ride itself is very romantic. The Storybook Land Canal Boats is honestly my favorite ride when I just want to sit, rest my feet, and enjoy that nostalgic old-timey Disney feeling you get when you ride classics like these.

3. The Haunted Mansion

Image by Disney

Now we’re finally getting to the E-Ticket attractions. The Haunted Mansion is a celebrated fan favorite attraction at Disneyland, and this is reflected by its often extensive wait times. The thing that makes this attraction- and the next 2 picks- so fun to ride is the level of in-depth immersiveness that the theming of the ride gives to the guests. The exterior facade of this ride is quite possibly the best themed facade in the entire park. It just fits perfectly in the land that it’s in (New Orleans Square) and the antebellum-style of the mansion accurately emulates the large manors of the old South. When guests are taken in, they are immediately thrown into the story of the Mansion before the ride even begins. The guests are placed into what is known as the “stretch room,” where the walls of the room, by an optical illusion (I’ll talk about this in a future post), look to stretch up vertically to show the morbid demises of the portraits hung up on the walls. While this is happening, the prologue of the story is presented by the Ghost Host, who reveals that he himself is the spirit of a corpse that is hanging from the ceiling of the room. It should be noted that the Ghost Host’s voice is done by Paul Frees, a voice actor that is legendary for lending his voice to other Disney attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, and Adventure Thru Inner Space. After the stretch room, guests are ushered down the hallway that has portraits hung up on the walls that look to be changing or following them. The ride itself includes some of the best of Disney Imagineering, and each scene makes great use of Disney’s animatronics system as well as hybrid-projections. One of the most famous Disneyland characters, the Hat Box Ghost, is from this ride. The Haunted Mansion is a prime example of how perfect theming, memorable characters, and an invigorating story can truly immerse the guests in the fantasy world that it has created. This attraction would be higher up on this list if not for the fact the next two rides are not just my favorite attractions at Disneyland, but are likely my two favorite rides ever.

2. Splash Mountain

Image by Disney

Ever since it debuted in 1989, Splash Mountain has been one of the most popular E-Ticket attractions at the park. Splash Mountain takes the guests on a log-flume ride through “The Laughing Place” and the woods where the Br‘er animals live. The story is based off of the controversial live action Disney film Song of the South (again, I’ll go over the controversy in a future article), and the charming woodland creatures are some of the most entertaining animatronics at the park. The joke, they dance, they sing, and the light-hearted tone of the characters really balances with the scarier, darker part of the ride (The Laughing Place), as well as the large drop down the waterfall. Speaking of the drop, I believe this drop is the biggest drop at Disneyland (not counting DCA) at a height of 52.5 feet, a 45-47 degree angle, and up to 40 miles per hour. Personally, Splash Mountain is far and away my favorite “mountain” at the park, beating out Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and the Matterhorn. This is objectively the most physically thrilling attraction at Disneyland. Funny personal story about the Splash Mountain ride- I hadn’t ridden this attraction until about a year or two ago since, before that, I was too young/scared to get in line. However, I unknowingly already cherished a part of the ride from a young age- the “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” scene during the Disneyland Railroad was my favorite scene during the train ride and I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was actually a scene from Splash Mountain. Disclaimer- this ride will get you wet. I tend to enjoy this attraction the most in the middle of a particularly hot day, and I try to avoid it at night or on colder mornings.

1. Pirates of the Caribbean

Image by Disney

For my number one, absolute top favorite pick of the attractions at Disneyland, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride was a no-brainer for me. Pirates of the Caribbean is often the first ride I’ll run to as soon as I enter the park, and the last one I’ll visit before I leave. There are not enough words to say all the good things that I want to say about this attraction. Aside from being an iconic, classic attraction at Disneyland, PotC features some of the most impressive and quality animatronics to ever come out of Disney Imagineers. It has one of the largest collections of advanced animatronics at any given theme park and has beautifully designed set pieces. The guests are taken on a boat ride through a Louisiana bayou, passing by an old man on his banjo, before being dropped down a waterfall and transported back in time to an era where pirates openly ruled the high seas. The attention to detail in every single scene of this attraction is what truly makes it, in my opinion, the most immersive ride at Disneyland. The guest is truly made to feel as if they are experiencing the battles of the pirates on Isla Tesoro. From the moment you step foot onto the cobblestone pathways of the queue, you instantly feel the connection to the adventure that you’re about to embark on with the characters. The song “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” plays every now and then during the attraction and, like “It’s a Small World,” it’s a catchy tune that guests will find themselves whistling as they spend the rest of their day at the park. Another thing to note about this attraction is the immediate wave of smell the guests notice when they walk into the building. The famously dubbed “pirate water” scent is one that was so popular that it is one of the things that guests remember about the ride, if nothing else. It truly makes the guest feel as if they are sailing the seas with the crew (although technically, the smell of the pirate water is actually the cleansing chemical Disney puts in their water attractions called bromine). A great thing about the PotC ride is that the ride vehicles are constantly moving and seat approximately 20 guests (5 rows of 4) and sends through about 3,400 guests per hour. This means that the line is consistently moving so you and your young ones will never get too antsy. Though it seems as if I’ve exhausted this attraction of all it could offer, there’s actually one more notable feature about this attraction that makes it stand out from the rest- built right into the attraction is the Blue Bayou restaurant, which is one of the best dining options at the park (and very expensive at that). Though this isn’t a necessity by any means, it is just another unique characteristic of this attraction that makes me love it so much. Though I’m always sad when my day ends at the park, I’m comforted by the fact that I can end the day right by riding Pirates one more time and then, if it’s early enough, grab a snack from the Mint Julep Bar right beside it.

So there you go guys, my top 5 Disneyland attractions of all time. Let me know if you agree, disagree, or if you just want to talk about anything Disney parks related with me!

*Revised 2 Oct 2019

[mind-reader1]

The Twins of La Huerta (Ch.3)

A/N: This is a collaborative fic from myself, @bbaba-yagaa, @brightpinkpeppercorn and @roonarific. It is DIFFERENT than the one posted by @sceptilemasterr over the past few months. That being said, this story doesn’t strictly follow canon, it’s got crack-fic moments, serious moments, NSFW moments. A bit of everything and so we really hope you enjoy! Not for the faint of heart. (This is the last time this warning will be posted.) It’s also come to my attention some tags aren’t working, please let me know if that’s the case! 

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1,920

Catch up with Chapters 1 and 2 here!

Last Time: The group decides to celebrate having the hotel to themselves with a pool party. Estela and Tyler had a little heart to heart under the stars, and Taylor saw something strange in the jungle that Jake tried to help her forget. 

Chapter 3: Trails and Tails

She woke up the next morning, Jake was gone. Slipping into some clothes she found the group downstairs, chaos reigning. Raj had made everyone his famous 'hangover cure’ breakfast, no one had time to eat it though because Lila came in with big news, she had figured out what happened to the guests. They were at some emergency shelter, only no one knew where exactly that shelter was.

“I'm in.” Jake said, everyone looking at him confused.

“You said you were going to look for the shelter. I was supposed to be on a beach in Mexico by now, everyday I spend here is money lost.”

“Me too! I'd love to see the island.” Quinn giggled turning to Tyler who was looking for Estela. This kind of thing seemed right up her alley.

“Are you going to come Tyler?” She rested her hand gently on his arm, but he ignored her.

“Whaddya say Princess? Are you coming?” She could feel everyone's eyes on her, she couldn't stop thinking about the tiger, the way it stalked her in the bushes. Her hands were getting sweaty, Tyler watched her closely, worried about her.

“I...uh.” Jake grinned.

“It's okay if you're too scared. You can stay here with the rest of the goof troop.”

“We should stay Tay.” Tyler leaned over to whisper. She scowled at both of them, she wasn't some scared little kid.

“Wait! I'm coming.”

“Why?” Diego asked.

“Aren't you at least a little curious as to why no one came back from the shelter yet?”

“Yeah, but that doesn't mean we need to go looking. It's horror movie 101, but I'll go just so I can say I told you so when something attacks us.”

“I’m going too then.” Tyler jumped up as the rest of the group was getting ready to leave.

“I think we've got enough Boy Scout.” Jake grinned.

“Tyler can protect me!” Quinn giggled grabbing his arm.

“Who are we to stand in the way of love Jake?” Taylor teased her brother. Strolling through the forest, Quinn began to admire the brightly colored flowers, they seemed to be glowing unnaturally. She leaned in to smell them while Jake took a step back, something about overhearing stories in the right dive bars and not trusting anyone after running secret government missions. Taylor took a step back from the flowers wary, Jake pulled her closer to him.

“Good call Princess.” His arm snaked around her waist as they walked together. Tyler's hands balled into fists as they walked, catching glances of Jake's hand sliding a little lower, as Diego grilled him about Estela.

“Oh no! This doesn't make any sense.” Lila frowned looking around.

“What doesn't make sense?” Taylor asked.

“The shelter should be right here according to the signs!” Aleister rolled his eyes annoyed.

“Great. The tour guide is lost. What do they even pay you for anyways?”

“Tactical scouting 101 kids. Get to high ground. See that rocky cliff over there? I'm checking it out.”

“Ooh that sounds like a waterfall nearby. I'll bet the shelter is near it.” Quinn piped up.

“I really think we should stick to the trail, the shelter should be just up ahead.” Everyone was bickering about why their idea was better and it was getting old.

“Why don't we split up!” Taylor suggested.

“I'm staying here on the trail.” Diego said, Aleister plopped down indicating that he wasn't going anywhere.

“Want to keep me company Princess?” Jake winked. Tyler jumped up to interject but didn't have time.

“That'd be fun.” They ran off and Tyler tried to chase after them, but Quinn stepped in his path smiling at him.

“Want to come with me? Keep me safe?” Quinn giggled. Tyler rolled his eyes and let her drag him off.

****

Jake deftly leaped and ducked as they combed through the forest to the mountain.

“You do this alot? Hiking through the forest that is. You seem pretty confident in the outdoors.” Jake turned to look back at Taylor and smiled, make sure she was keeping up.

“I grew up in a Louisiana town that was so rural it wasn't even on the map. When it comes down to it, the swamp and the jungle ain't so different.

“Probably less gators though.”

“Less gators, more jaguars, I'd call it even. How about you Princess? This your kinda scene?”

“I love the outdoors. Blue skies, fresh air, a soft sea breeze...it's perfect. I mean I should be more freaked out by...whatever that thing was I saw last night, but being out here? I can't help but feel happy,” she saw Jake watching her intently as she spoke a twinkle in his eye, “the company doesn't hurt either.” She winked but Jake had turned away and didn't seem to hear her.

“That why you come with? Wanted a nature hike?”

“It’s not a nature hike unless we're au natural. I came for the company.” Taylor tried again and this time he heard her.

“Oh!” She could tell she caught him off guard.

“You're not like the others here Jake. You're confident and capable, and you seem like you know what you're doing. I don't know what it is, but...I want to be near you. I feel safe with you, is that weird?”

“Naw, not weird. Just classic Princess.”

“Are you ever gonna use my real name?” She playfully crossed her arms.

“Only when you've earned it.” He winked.

“And how do I do that Top Gun?” They emerged at the base of the cliff they needed to climb.

“Well how's your rock climbing?”

“Let's find out.” She sauntered off in front of him, shaking her hips, knowing that Jake was watching her. They began climbing the cliff using small handholds to pull themselves up. Breathing hard, Jake crested the cliff first, Taylor just about to follow when the rock she had hold of crumbled beneath her grip.

“Ahh!” She grabbed the edge of the cliff, before Jake could even react she was pulling herself up.

“Nice moves Princess.” Jake walked over and looked out over the forest, it was an incredible view. The forest went on for miles in different shades of green, blue water just barely visible on the horizon. She sidled up beside him, but he wasn't paying any attention to her, so she decided to have some fun. She peeled her shirt off.

“It's soooo hot.” She fanned herself and Jake turned around, his eyes widening as they raked over her body with desire.

“This place never stops taking my breath away.”

“It's one hell of a sight.” Jake grinned and forced himself to look away.

“Hey Top Gun, that look like a shelter to you?” She pointed out to a small grey building by the river.

“Hot damn Taylor, nice eye.”

“So, I earned it?” She grinned.

“Don't get ahead of yourself Princess. Maybe before I leave we can go on another climb.” There was a genuineness to his voice that made Taylor smile.

“I'd like that.”

“Let's get back to the others.”

****

Tyler and Quinn walked in silence until she turned to him.

“Thanks for coming with me.” She grabbed his arm and smiled at him.

“I just wanted some space from Jake…” she trailed off, tears welling in her eyes.

“Not your favorite person?”

“No. He made me feel dumb earlier… calling me Pippi Longstocking and throwing pumpkin spice lattes in my face. He has me pinned as a spoiled, sheltered college student which isn't true at all. I just wanted to enjoy the flowers! This is my first time ever enjoying the outdoors, I didn't have a normal childhood.” Tyler did feel bad for Quinn, Jake's comment had been harsh and demeaning, he didn't know what his sister saw in that low life.

“Yeah, that was pretty messed up. I'm sorry he said that to you, I don't think you're dumb.”

“Thanks,” she giggled, “is this your kind of vacation?” Tyler nodded.

“I really enjoy the outdoors, everything about it. It's just... peaceful.”

“Maybe Jake just doesn't understand that. He seems like he's seen some scary stuff.” They heard the sound of rushing water getting closer.

“I just think he's a dick. Don't worry about what he thinks Quinn.” She smiled just as they emerged through the trees and into a beautiful lagoon with a waterfall. Quinn quickly peeled off her clothes, wading into the water. Tyler hung back on the beach, a pang in his chest, he wished that he was here with Estela. They could be bitching about Jake, maybe swimming together, he could finally disarm her of the stupid pencil. He snickered to himself and hung his head between his knees as he sat in the sand. He was pining for a girl who threatened to kill him with a dull pencil, not once but twice, and told him to stay away. There was just something about her that drew him in, like a moth to the flame.

“Tyler come swimming!” He sighed and peeled his shirt off headed towards the water when a glint caught his eye. He bent down to pick it up and it was a pirate doubloon.

“What'd you find?” Quinn wadded out of the water, resigning herself to the fact that she wasn't going to convince him to go swimming. He showed her the piece of pirate gold and her eyes widened in surprise.

“Do you think it's real?” Tyler shrugged.

“We've seen lots of crazy stuff on this island. Wouldn't surprise me much.” he snatched it back and stuck it in his pocket, Quinn frowned.

“I guess we should go back then.” Tyler nodded and started the trek back.

****

Jake and Taylor had found the shelter, it was a short walk from the where everyone had split up, off the path.

“Why are we celebrating? Is this place not giving anyone else 28 Days Later vibes?”

“Shelters are made to keep you safe, not look pretty. C'mon.” Jake led the way into the dilapidated shelter only to find it was empty and worn down on the inside as well.

“Maybe pop culture Petey was right. This place is giving me the creeps.”

“I don't like this Tay.” Tyler appeared at her side.

“Anyone else want to go back to the jungle with pretty flowers? Anybody?” Quinn's voice was shaky.

“Lots of muddy shoe prints. They seem recent, someone was here.” Jake knelt down. Tyler uneasy feeling began to grow.

“Tay. We should get out of here.” He grabbed her arm.

“I'm not leaving our friends Tyler!” everyone jumped as they heard a skittering noise, like rats, but it was something much larger. They followed the source of the noise to a large black hole where the concrete wall had collapsed, the flowers from outside growing out of it.

“I think it came from in there.” Diego pointed. Tyler took a deep breath and stepped up to look.

“Something's definitely alive in there.” before anyone could process, a small figure came bounding out of the darkness. It was a small, blue, fox looking creature, ice clinging to the wall behind it. It seemed afraid, no one knew why until they heard the low, deep growl behind them. Turning they came face to face with the creature Taylor had seen the night before.

“Jake! What do we do?” Taylor looked at him and it was the first time she had ever seen him look scared, he grabbed her hand, she grabbed Tyler's with her other one. 

Perma-Tag:  @brightpinkpeppercorn @sleepwalkingelite @ooo-barff-ooo @endlessly-searching-for-you @agent-bossypants @roonarific @likethetailofacomet @zaffrenotes @mysteli @vickypoochoices @kayann93 @jlouise88 @zigortega4life @findingdrake @bbaba-yagaa

Jake Tag:  @endlesstaylormckenzie @sophie-summer  @darley1101 @emomoustache​ @xo-endlessmayhem-xo​

Twin Tag:  @sceptilemasterr @queerchoicesblog

[duncvns]

Untitled Fic Teaser

Just a spin-off of sorts to my Nothing like Normal series which you can find here. Full story is on my Wattpad, which you can find here. The only difference in this story is that it is more detailed and it actually builds up Lilith’s backstory more. 

Year 2021, Outpost 3

him.

Everything about him aches.

Her touch deprived body aches for the cool bite of his rings brushing her skin, and lips.

She hungers to tie her hands messily in his waterfall of golden locks, nourishing the silkiness as if it was her second water supply.

His body was a feast, ready for her to indulge. He was so close, yet a thousand arm lengths couldn't reach him. Now she was stuck.

Stuck reaching for this distant man so heartbreakingly close to her, his black scent fills her very lungs like a noxious perfume she wanted to bathe in. He looked so utterly in-control standing there in the doorway of her sleeping quarters. Lilith's freshly fucked mind repeating the word 'master' on a loop as her steady olive eyes locked on his.

God, her mother must be so disappointed in her.

"M-Mr. Langdon," Her breath caught pathetically in her throat. Almost as if her voice feared the astonishing man. His hands were very precise in the way they moved, she noticed. Never a finger out of place or time, not a ring even slightly slid to the right. They'd trail feather light up the fabric of his pants, his fingers twisting beautifully back onto his palm or he'd wind them behind his back, giving his already suffocating aura of dominance an entirely new meaning. "Is this a part of my interview?"

He hummed, spanning the expanse of her mellow bedroom. The dim fire crackled lowly, covering the room in a dull orange sheen. "Isn't everything?" His hand trailed lightly over the purple satin adorning Lilith's shoulder. He leaned closer to her ear, and suddenly her lungs forgot how to work. "Mrs. Langdon?"

floodgates.

~

Year 2015, Roanoke, Virginia

"Lilith Winchester, if you don't get over here right now-" She left the threat empty but Lilith didn't care. Her toxic mother wasn't going to stop her from leaving, even if it was to go get drunk at some lazy high school party where too many people were busy losing their virginities. "Lilith!"

She angrily pushed a lock of her naturally auburn hair behind her ear before picking up her other shoe, an expensive pair of red-bottomed pumps her daddy got her once she turned 17, and slid it onto her foot. "What are you gonna do, mom? Call dad to come and beat my ass? Oh, apologies, he's probably out screwing that young new assistant he just hired," She spat, the words falling out of her mouth like vomit.

Parrie Winchester was always Lilith's worst enemy. Ever since she gave birth to the stunning little girl, jealousy erupted through her veins. In the wake, Lilith was left to be raised by nannies since her father was too busy having affairs and her mother, too insecure to look her own child dead in the eyes.

"You devil child! I did nothing but love and support you and you repay me like this?! You can go straight to hell,"

Lilith's hand twitched, the tiny spark burning warmer into metaphorical flame. Her heart punched in her chest as she flicked her hand, sending her mother flying onto the opposite wall, paralyzed.

"I'll see you there,"

Lilith has known about her gifts since she was a child.

Her grandmother would tell her stories of the ancient witch, and first supreme, Scáthach, who's very blood ran in their veins. Her nana was a witch but decided to pursue a family instead of pursuing her gifts. Thankfully she didn't pass it down to her mother, but instead, she passed it down to her. In her memories, her grandmother was always young and beautiful. Her supposedly fifty-year-old face never reflecting past thirty.

So, as the train shook lowly over the tracks, her mind flicked back to her grandmother who helped her discover her gifts.

Lilith claimed her little outburst an accident. She was shaking as she talked to a woman by the name of Cordelia over the phone. She mentioned her mother was afraid for Lilith's safety, as well as her own, and that she would feel better if she was surrounded with girls that harbor the same gift.

She offered her a place at Miss. Robichaux's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies in New Orleans.

Lilith wasn't ever one to be nervous. So the thought of moving cross country to Louisiana didn't seem frightening to her. At least she'll be far away from that satan spawn she called her mother. She wasn't nervous when a gaudy redhead, alongside two men, seemingly bodyguards, practically kidnapped her and sat her on the first train ride to the school, so why should she be nervous now, standing alone in front of the sturdy iron gates that encompassed her home for seemingly, the rest of her life.

The house stood tall in front of her. The tall columns staring down at her, as to intimidate her. She pushed the iron gate open, her luggage in hand, and made her way up the paved walkway. The air felt different at Robichaux's, it felt calm but strong and powerful. She placed two sturdy knocks on the front door before it drew open, a boy around her age stood opposite her, his shaggy blonde hair falling to his shoulders.

"Lilith Winchester?" He asked, glancing down to the sleek black bag in her hand. She nodded, peeking past him and into the house. "Welcome to Robichaux's, I'm Kyle."

"You don't seem very witchy. I thought I'd walk into a bunch of girls levitating or chanting Latin," She laughed lightly, as to not disturb the heavy silence of the school. A short steady succession of taps echoed through the room and both you and Kyle's eyes met the cloudy one's of a woman's.

"Not quite, Lilith. We usually have private sessions on controlling our gifts." Her voice sounded familiar, almost as if you've spoken to her before. "My name is Cordelia Goode, welcome to Robichaux's,"

She remembered her voice from over the phone, shortly after 'accidentally' injuring her mother. "So what are you? The supreme?"

Cordelia laughed, her eyes void of emotions. "Not quite. My mother, Fiona Goode, is the reigning supreme. And not a very good one either." She cleared her throat before continuing. "I'm surprised you know about the supreme, given you've only become aware of your witch."

"I've known ever since I was a little girl, Ms. Goode. My grandmother was a witch, she taught me everything she knew,"

Cordelia sighed, a smile playing on her lips. She walked slowly in the direction of Lilith, her cane scraping against the floors. "May I hold your hand? My sight is through one's soul,"

Lilith held out her hand for her, allowing her to read her soul, as weird as that sounds. A gasp tumbled from the blonde's lips before she dropped her hand, a look of disbelief crossing her face. "Is something wrong, Ms. Goode?" Lilith furrowed her eyebrows as Cordelia's look of disbelief turned into wonder.

"You're directly related to Scáthach, the first supreme." She gasped out. "My dear, you are more powerful than you ever could fathom,"

"My grandmother told me something about her. I never gave  it much thought though,"

"Do you, perhaps, have any contact with her? From the legends, she is said to harvest the gift of immortality, which in relation, you harbor that gift," Lilith chuckled, not believing a word that escaped her mouth. Crazy blind lady, she thought. "Ma'am, I'm not immortal and I don't have contact with a witch from the 1300s,"

Cordelia shook her head her hand still lightly grazing Lilith's arm. "I know this may seem far fetched, Lilith, but the idea of witchcraft is far fetched but you must believe it. I can feel the immortality in your soul, it's something I've never stumbled upon. It feels... rainy."

"What are you droning on about, you blind bat?" A petite blonde descended from the stairs. Kyle rolled his eyes and moved to pick up Lilith's luggage. "I'll take it to your room," She nodded in understanding before turning her attention back to Cordelia.

"Lilith, this is Madison Montgomery, a fellow witch," Lilith gave Madison a tight-lipped smile, clearly not recognizing her. "Madison, this is Lilith. She's new here."

Madison bravely walked up to Lilith and wrapped her arms around her in a hug. "You're like, really pretty. And given the other options here, looks like you're my new best friend." She smiled widely before grabbing her arm and dragging her up the stairs. "I'm stealing your bitch, Delia! Don't wait up!"

Cordelia sighed, "Please introduce her to Queenie and Zoe while you're up there!"

"Wait, did you just call me a bitch?"

Madison paused on the steps, lanky hand still locked onto Lilith's. "No promises, go read braille or something." She turned to smile at Lilith before jogging her way up the rest of the steps.

"It's only four of us here, five, including you." She knocked once on a door before opening it. A small brunette, around the same age as all of them was sitting in the middle of her bed, a large book opened to a random page in front of her. "This is Zoe, a.k.a boy toy stealer."

"Get out, Madison." She ordered. It was clear they didn't get along. Madison blew her a kiss before shutting her door and venturing to the next room. "This is my room, but soon I'll get the Suite. Since I'm next in line for the supremacy."

"Good for you," Lilith mumbled, letting the excited witch drag her through the house. Madison led Lilith into her room before plopping down on the bed. Lilith took a seat next to her, watching as Madison toed off her bulky black platforms. "So, you're an immortal, eh?"

"No, I'm not immortal. I don't know what she's talking about." She answered plainly. Madison ran her hands down Lilith's chest, catching her animal skull necklace her grandmother, Stacy, gave to her when she was young. She then ventured down her chest and across her arms, stopping at her hands. "Why are you touching me?" Lilith asked, slightly unsettled by the stranger's hands.

"You're enticing. Something about you is different. Maybe it's the immortality," She furrowed her dark eyebrows in concentration.

"I'm not immortal, Madison."

"Bullshit. Didn't Delia tell you-you're grandma was the first supreme or something? In the legends, they say she has a direct descendant that will be crowned with her supremacy. Who knows, maybe you'll be next to get Fiona's suite,"

"We'll just have to see about that,"

-

Tags- @icylangdon @langdonsrapture @lvngdvns @wroteclassicaly @duncvn   @lanawintrs @holylangdon @gypsylilacs @queencocoakimmie @langdonsdemon @ccodyfern

[sceptilemasterr]

ES Act 2, Scene 2 - The Princess and the Wolf

Title: Endless Summer: The (un)Official Screenplay

Main Pairings: Estela x Ian (M!MC), Jake x Alyssa (F!MC)

Other Pairings: Craig x Zahra, Grace x Aleister, Michelle x Sean, Diego x Varyyn

Genre: Full Rewrite

Rating: PG-13 for swearing, violence, alcohol, and sexuality

Summary: Lost en route to the emergency shelter, Jake and Alyssa seek higher ground.

Previous Scene: A Mystery Solved

Masterlist: Link

EXT. LA HUERTA JUNGLE - DAY

Jake’s group follows Lila along a dirt path through the jungle, the sounds of nature all around them. Quinn and Grace lag behind, stopping every so often to glance at the strange, glowing flowers they are passing by.

GRACE: I’ve heard La Huerta’s ecosystem was unique, but these flowers are... the shape, the texture, it’s like nothing I’ve ever come across in my textbooks!

QUINN: They’re just so beautiful! Like something out of a dream...

In front of them, Alyssa plucks a brilliant purple flower and tucks it into her hair.

ALYSSA: You’re right, Quinn! How do I look?

QUINN: Wow, you look amazing!

JAKE (simultaneously): Ridiculous, Princess.

ALYSSA (to Jake): Wasn’t asking for your opinion anyway. (To Quinn) Thank you, Quinn!

Jake reaches over and yanks the flower out of Alyssa’s hair, tossing it to the side.

ALYSSA: HEY! The hell was that for?!

JAKE: How much d’you wanna bet those flowers aren’t drenched in radiation? I just saved you from growing a new head.

ALEISTER: That is preposterous.

ALYSSA: Huh. Never thought you’d be the conspiracy theorist type.

JAKE: Is it a conspiracy theory if it’s true? You’d be surprised by the kinda rumors you hear about this place, if you know where to look.

ALYSSA: ...Rumors? Like what?

JAKE: I’m just sayin’. In the military, you hear a lot of things. Criminal plots. Weird experiments. Missing-

ALEISTER: Jacob, enough! This is, quite frankly, absurd!

Jake follows Aleister’s gaze behind them to see Grace looking down at her feet, obviously scared by the pilot’s words. He looks back to Aleister.

JAKE: Oh, give it a rest, Malfoy-

Up ahead, Lila suddenly stops, glancing around in confusion.

ALYSSA: Uh... something wrong? What’s the holdup?

LILA: This doesn’t make any sense. According to the signs, the shelter should be right nearby, but...

She gestures at the jungle around them.

JAKE: Yeah, I don’t see any shelter. Or any anything, unless it’s some kinda invisible treehouse.

Jake heads off toward a rocky cliff visible in the distance.

ALYSSA: Wait, where are you-

JAKE: Always get the high ground. That’s basic tactics, Princess.

QUINN: Do you really think you can find the shelter from there?

JAKE: Dunno. You got any better ideas?

QUINN: I hear a waterfall nearby! What if the shelter’s over there?

GRACE: Ooh, that sounds fascinating! I’ll come with you!

The two girls walk off in the opposite direction from the cliff, following the sound of running water. Jake looks over his shoulder at Alyssa.

JAKE: ...Well? You comin’?

ALYSSA: Are you asking me, Top Gun?

Jake gives a noncommittal shrug and continues toward the cliff. After a moment’s deliberation, Alyssa follows, jogging to catch up.

ALEISTER: Oh, brilliant! Absolutely genius, everyone rushing off into the unfamiliar jungle heedless of personal safety! I shall wait right here, thank you very much!

Jake moves through the jungle like he was born to it, easily ducking beneath branches and hopping over fallen logs. Alyssa has a much more difficult time of it, getting repeatedly smacked in the face by undergrowth and gasping for air as a result of the exertion.

ALYSSA (out of breath): Holy shit. Do you do this a lot, or something?

JAKE: What, get stuck on an island with a bunch of college kids? Gotta admit, haven’t done that one before.

ALYSSA (out of breath): I meant this stuff. Nature. You make it look so easy!

JAKE: Well, sure. Even before basic training, I grew up in rural Louisiana. More gators and mud, but otherwise not too different from here.

ALYSSA (out of breath): My brother should be the one out here right now. He’s the outdoors guy, not me; I’d prefer sidewalks and nightclubs any day.

JAKE: Figured.

ALYSSA (angrily): You... you...!

JAKE: Hey, easy, that wasn’t an insult! All I meant was, you could use some advice. That’s all.

Alyssa takes a moment to digest the meaning of his words.

ALYSSA: You’re serious?

JAKE: Sure I am. I do have moods other than “sarcastic,” you know.

ALYSSA (laughs): Uh-huh. Alright, I’ll admit, you know way more about nature than I do, so... I’m all ears.

Jake parts a dense patch of ferns in front of them to reveal the cliffside seen earlier, which is now right in front of them.

JAKE: Alright, Lesson 1: when in doubt, get the high ground. It’s easier to get the lay of the land from higher up, plus you have the advantage against your enemies.

ALYSSA: Jake? We don’t have any enemies here. At least I sure as hell hope not.

JAKE (sheepishly): Right. Sorry. Military habits and all that. Still, the “lay of the land” part still stands.

ALYSSA: So, how do we get up there?

JAKE: You kiddin’? How do you think?

Alyssa looks up at the steep cliff.

ALYSSA: ...Please tell me you’re kidding.

JAKE: I mean, you can just stay here if you’re too scared-

ALYSSA (sighs dramatically): Screw it, let’s go!

Jake smiles knowingly before cupping his hands to give Alyssa a boost. Together, they begin to scale the steep cliff, with Jake making it to the top first.

ALYSSA: Oww... this... sucks...

JAKE: Just a little more!

When Alyssa is almost to the top, her next handhold breaks off in her hand, and she shrieks! Jake lunges down and grabs her arm in both of his hands.

JAKE: Gotcha!

ALYSSA: Jake!

Jake strains his powerful muscles, finally pulling Alyssa up to the top of the cliff. They both stand and take in the sight of the jungle canopy around them.

ALYSSA: I gotta admit... this view was almost worth falling for.

Jake looks over at her to see her staring at him. When she notices him looking, she coughs and looks away.

JAKE: Uh. Right. One hell of a sight, ain’t it?

Alyssa shuffles her feet, lost in thought. Then, the glint of sunlight on metal in the distance catches her eye.

ALYSSA: Oh! Jake, look! Is that a building out there?

She points toward the jungle. Jake follows her gaze to see:

JAKE: Hey, that’s gotta be the shelter! Hot damn, Princess!

ALYSSA: Well, I wouldn’t have made it up here in the first place without you.

They stare into each other’s eyes for one long, drawn-out moment.

JAKE: We, uh... should probably find the others.

Alyssa tucks a lock of hair behind her ear awkwardly.

ALYSSA: Yeah. Right. Of course.

Next Scene: Rooftop Chat

Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn​ @mysteli​ @edgydepressedchoicesthot​ @bbaba-yagaa @endlesshero1122 @endlessly-searching-for-you

[fareferryflights]

10 Best Destinations for a Romantic Getaway

Have you been feeling itchy to go on an itsy-bitsy romantic getaway with your loved one in dreamy quaint towns of the United States. From serene beaches to shining seas, across the waves of grain; United States has plenty of destinations that qualify for being the most romantic getaways in the country. Even the continent of Europe is often thought of as the iconic home of beautiful romance, but it's too tough to jet off to Paris or Rome every easily. From Rhode Island to Savannah to New Orleans and beyond, there are plenty of options offering sweetness & love to the couples coming to celebrate their moment of togetherness. Look out for these most Romantic Getaways in the USA for your loved ones to find your perfect trip today:

New Orleans, Louisiana

Flanked on the romantic shores Mississippi River, the city of New Orleans has the best architecture imbibing French and Spanish influence. The lovely public fountains and exotically designed squares having the European influence and Creole culture, bestow the feel like you're in a European city. A romantic stroll with intertwined hands with your loved one through the Garden District or the French Quarter along and sitting down to eat some beignets, crawfish, jambalaya at a restaurant is the best romantic thing to do. 

Having a thriving arts scene, the couples love to wander through many parts of the city and you can find local painters and crafters selling their work, as well as plenty of beautiful bookstores. In the evening, New Orleans comes alive with street performers and there is no shortage of music and romance as restaurants are often seen playing the classic New Orleans jazz. Overall, it’s a quaint city to make memories with your loved one and stroll through the streets, eating, drinking, and enjoying New Orleans unique charm.

2.Savannah, Georgia

Indeed, the best romantic town in the United States having 22 beautiful town squares, stunning antebellum architecture, a dripping Spanish Moss, an epic food scene make Savannah is one of the favorite romantic getaways in the country. Couples can commence their romance-filled day with a scrumptious breakfast at Collins Quarter, rent a bike and look to cruise through the scenic Spanish moss trees, picnic in a park at one of the city’s 22 squares, grab crafty cocktails at the popular Alley Cat Lounge, and take a romantic walk on River Street.

If you do drop your shoulders after hectic strolling around the Savannah city, checkout at least one of the fantastic southern meal–Savannah’s restaurants that are reckoned to be legendary in the south. Visit one of the Savannah’s charming coffee shops or to City Market selling pralines, amongst most well-known desserts in Savannah.

3.Eugene, Oregon

Without a doubt, Eugene should be the cutest and most romantic place in the United States as it blends everything that couples love all in one place! If you are scheduling to visit wine country that isn’t swarming with tourists, Eugene in Oregon is the place to be and it is as romantic as ever. The romantic city is located on the Willamette Valley which is abode to many wineries that produce nationally known wines namely Pinot Noir.

It is also a land to scrumptious food and plenty of craft breweries than you can count so if you aren’t a wine lover there are still options for you! In Eugene, romance overflows when you go for a stroll to a waterfall followed by a swim in a hidden hot spring in the woods and then going for a romantic dinner at a local winery or craft brewery!

4.Park City, Utah

Having cozy mountain resorts, magical snow falling from the sky, and the coziest & most charming downtown strip street ever found in the U.S., Park City in Utah has all the ingredients for romance. This amazing ski resort destination is only 35 min drive from the Salt Lake City airport that makes it easy to get to while still apprehending worlds away from hectic city life.  Couples can cap off your day with a romantic dinner out, either taking in the views at the Stein Erickson Lodge, going for a delicious steak dinner at Ruth’s Chris, or an amazing dining experience at Handle, before retreating to your hotel for a dip in the heated pool, hot tub, or in-room Jacuzzi tub. With great skiing amenities, local shops, great food, and gorgeous resorts; all make for Park City in Utah, a super relaxing romantic vacation.

5.Key West, Florida

An exotic and romantic destination for couples, Key West is famed for being the land of Southernmost Highway, Southernmost Brewery, Southernmost Tattoos. Couples here love the fact this is the southernmost point in the United States and they can reach here without ever leaving your car. The mundane island of Key West is poised with inspiring history and tourist attractions.

Couples should visit the Historic Marker, Duval Street and Southernmost Point Buoy, Ernest Hemingway House and Museum, The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, and the Key West Lighthouse. Move towards Malloy Square for experiencing a romantic sunset with your beloved and view street performances while sipping coconut or pineapple drinks and snacking on fried conch bites. Engage in day trip gateway from Key West, we recommend an excursion to close by Dry Tortugas National Park.

6.Charleston, South Carolina

 A perfect destination for celebrating romance in South Carolina has serene spots such as plantations and gardens that are minutes from the hustle and crowds of downtown Charleston. Head across to the bridge to Mount Pleasant with your beloved for even more as each blends beauty, botanic, architecture, and history - and many have cafes for a taking a break and having midday interlude.

Couples will relish the Old South Carriage Co.'s horse-drawn ride through downtown that kicks off a first-time trip with a history lesson. Catch a few rays with your loved one at one of Charleston's five distinct beach towns. Both of you can even trek to The Edge of America, better known as Folly Beach for its surf, beachside bars, relish the cuisines at food trucks, and take part in outdoor activities. Enjoy a moment of togetherness at Isle of Palms for a day of sandcastles and splashes

7.Asheville

Enveloped by the Blue Ridge Mountains and situated along the French Broad River, Asheville just might be the most exotic romantic city in the United States. Couples visiting have plenty of things to do in Asheville and for such a small city, it really packs a punch when it comes to activities on offer. They can go for a hike in the mountains, feasting on southern cuisine, relaxing in hot springs, and sampling craft beer are just a few of the things you won’t want to miss. 

Take your beloved for a drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway with awesome views and the stop over at Craggy Pinnacle with a short trail to have an amazing 360-degree views of the mountains that will surely take your breath away.

8.Carmel-by-the-Sea

A sleek, artistic town located in the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most popular romantic getaways of California. Commence your romantic getaway with a glass of exotic wine and some fruit and cheese on the beautiful Carmel Beach. Have a cozy place on the sand with your beloved and watch the sunset over the water.

Take an unforgettable tour at the wonderful art galleries, unique boutique stores, and have lots of fun at food and wine places. Checkout the secret passageways, lovely courtyards, and the Spanish architecture, the village is immaculate for roaming arm-in-arm with your beloved.

9.Sandusky, Ohio

Sandusky in Ohio offers a lakeside retreat that is ever-so inviting for couples. Meander through the historical streets with your loved one, or just make a splash down at Cedar Point Beach, and then take it all up a notch with craft cocktails at Volstead Bar, which rocks the speakeasy vibes. But if you really want to test your love, step up to the Top Thrill Dragster to set the pulse racing, the second tallest rollercoaster in the nation. Nothing will bring the couple closer than riding some of the wildest coasters at Cedar Point amusement park.

10.Mendocino County, California

No sunset beach stroll with your loved one will ever be the same after you explore the shores of Glass Beach in Mendocino County. At Fort Bragg in Mendocino County, the shoreline sparkles with millions of pieces of beach glass, making for a magical seaside adventure. Indulge with your loved one in the pinots and Syrah’s at the family-run Drew Wines, and then sample the libations at Philo Ridge Vineyards, a wind and solar-powered winery.

More Information : How to Stay Healthy When Traveling to the United States?

[swradiogram]

Shortwave Radiogram, 19-24 May 2022: Digital modes are a form of wireless power

This weekend, we in the northeast USA will get our first taste of hot weather. Temperatures will be in the mid-90s F, or about 35C. We will quickly find out if our air conditioning keeps the radios and PCs cool enough for reception and decoding. A video of last weekend's Shortwave Radiogram (program 256)  is provided by Scott in Ontario (Friday 1300 UTC). (See also tutorials on how to use Fldigi by GueroGram here and here.) The audio archive is maintained by Mark in the UK. Analysis is prepared by Roger in Germany. Here is the lineup for Shortwave Radiogram, program 256, 19-24 May 2022, in MFSK modes as noted:   1:34  MFSK32: Program preview   2:41  MFSK32: Wireless power transmission at 10 GHz*   7:47  MFSK64: Cubesat will prepare for Lunar Gateway mission* 13:22  MFSK64: This week's images* 28:31  MFSK32: Closing announcements * with image(s) Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net And visit http://swradiogram.net Twitter: @SWRadiogram or https://twitter.com/swradiogram (visit during the weekend to see listeners' results) Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/567099476753304 Shortwave Radiogram Gateway Wiki https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Shortwave_Radiogram_Gateway                                                                                                                                                                                                    

The Mighty KBC transmits to North America Sundays at 0000-0200 UTC (Saturday 8-10 pm EDT) on 9925 kHz, via Germany. A minute of MFSK is at about 0130 UTC.  Reports to Eric: themightykbc@gmail.com . See also http://www.kbcradio.eu/ and https://www.facebook.com/TheMightyKbc/. “This is a Music Show” Most of the show is a music show, but the host transmits some MFSK-64 text and image near the end of the broadcast.  It’s transmitted on WRMI, Thursdays at 0200-0300 UTC on 5850 kHz (Wednesday evening in the Americas). Also look for a waterfall ID at the beginning of the show. thisisamusicshow@gmail.com   www.twitter.com/ThisIsAMusicSho/    @ThisIsAMusicSho   https://thisisamusicshow.com Pop Shop Radio from British Columbia, Canada, includes "a whole variety of pop music, such as records from the 1960s and 1970s that were played on Top-40 radio stations not only in North America but also on offshore radio and stations like Radio Luxembourg." The programs now include some MFSK text and an image. Website: popshopradio.ca. Twitter: @popshopradio1  Email: radiopopshop@gmail.com.

Bobby in Louisiana  received these images, via SDR in Alabama, 14 May 2022, 0230-0300 UTC, 9265 kHz from WINB Pennsylvania ...

[fishihavecaught]

Summer Road Trip

Did a summer road trip with my daughter from Atlanta down through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee and and back through Mississippi and Alabama to Atlanta over the course of about a week. Goal was to explore some interesting terrain, find some interesting creatures, and get out. Here is a quick overview of our main stops.

First stop was Splinter Hill Bog which we explored. It was filled with thousands and thousands of pitcher plants and other carnivorous plants as well. I would definitely recommend visiting if you are ever in the area. 

We then hit Mississippi where we met up with Noah and fished a bunch of spots in the De Soto National Forest. I ended up getting two new species:

Species #299 - Rough Shiner (Notropis baileyi)

Species #300 - Lepomis solis (one of the newly split long ear species)

My daughter also got a nice L. solis 

Even though Noah was catching them and pointing them out to me for hours, I was never able to get the Cherryfin Shiners. Big thanks to Noah for showing us around - we will fish together again some day.

In Louisiana we decided to hike and explore Sicily Island which is a weird geological anomaly. We spent the day hiking in the rain up and down steep hills collecting crayfish. We were only able to find a single species of crayfish and I also caught several Creek Chubs.

Pinelands Creek Crayfish (Procambius vioscai)

Nothing but Creek Chubs here..

Waterfall in Sicily Island hills.

We spent some time hiking and exploring around Arkansas as well. We also caught several crayfish in the creeks there. 

Ringed Crayfish (Faxonius neglectus) and unidentified cray.

Stonefly larvae - Perlidae family

Rainbow Darter 

Actual Longear Sunfish...

We stopped at the famous Bass Pro Shops in Memphis on the way home. It was amazing.

[guttersvillemayor]

Unexpected In So Many Ways

[It was unexpected, he was unexpected. He was invited on the trip by mutual friends who talked about how funny, smart and even sexy he was. Although that last one was mentioned in a wistful tone by the recently-singled gay man in the group who would have happily rebounded with the gorgeous man who now stood before me asking if I wanted to go see the Beaver Falls and Colorado River. The group we’d tagged along with were the one who had made the reservations well in advance but he was the only one interested in taking the full hike along Havasu Creek. I wouldn’t say I was a very outdoorsy person or a fan of hiking in general, but since I couldn’t imagine myself ever coming back here again, I easily agreed. The trip started off with the whole group together hanging out at the Navajo and Havasu Falls getting to know one another with those in the group they were less familiar with, and that’s how I became friends with Pedro Guerrero.

By the time we made camp between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls, he and I had found that despite the age difference, we had a lot in common. Big families, although mine came from siblings and his was more from extended family. Religious upbringing, both Catholic although we didn’t practice like our parents did. Slightly similar taste in humor, books, entertainment and some music. But there were also the differences between us that let us learn more about the other person. However, we didn’t get too personal in backstories and such, like what brought us both to travel across the country. Yet still it felt like I had always known him and that he knew me in a way that no one else ever had. It was probably the main reason I found myself that next morning curled up in his arms after us staying up late talking. We ate breakfast with the group before setting off on our own towards the Beaver Falls. Along the way we kept talking about what would be considered little inconsequential things, but somehow they felt like a window into who each of us really was. It didn’t feel like small talk so that by the time we got to the falls, I had no doubt he and I would probably stay up late again and share a tent and sleeping bag.

I took several pictures of the beautiful landscape around us and sneaked a few of Pedro when he wasn’t looking. There was something about him that was so down to Earth and yet at the same time was just indescribable. At one point, he turned around and almost caught me snapping a photo of him. His smile wide and bright as if it was the most natural thing in the world for this person he just met to be taking his picture while he gazed up at the waterfall in front of him. “You better send me a copy of that one cause I’m sure it’s beautiful.” With a quick nod of my head, I turned my camera away to take other shots of the falls and the slowly descending sun. Pedro offered to set up our camping accommodations if I’d be willing to make our dinner. Something I was more than happy to agree to do. I wasn’t sure what real campers or hikers would eat on their trips, but I’d lucked out in that the more experienced members of the group offered to get the necessary food supplies for everyone if we chipped in to pay them back. It was a good thing they offered cause I’d never known before about freeze-dried meals at least not in the camping sense.

Of course, as someone from Louisiana and New Orleans, especially, I knew about MREs thanks to Hurricane Katrina. But these freeze-dried meals were different. I’d watched the night before as the others had put together the food so I had a pretty good idea of what to do, and besides I did have some idea of how to cook in general and follow instructions. So while Pedro set up the tent, I started to boil the water for the food before going through the meals he’d picked out for us this morning from the group’s supplies. With a raised eyebrow, I called out to him and held up the package I just came across.] Seriously? I can almost promise you that this is not at all authentic. [He had to step a little closer to get a better look at what I was holding up, but he ended up laughing as soon as he noticed I was holding a meal labeled ‘Louisiana Red Beans & Rice.’ “I was just trying to make you feel at home while out on the road. Thought you would enjoy it and even grabbed some dried sausage to add to it.” With another laugh, he walked back to finish setting things up while I shook my head in reply.] While I do miss some good food from home, I have rarely found any dish that has the name Louisiana in it to actually taste like something I’d find in New Orleans. [He laughed again and we returned to companionable silence while we finished our tasks.

Once he was done, Pedro sat down next to me and dug into the packet of red beans I’d cooked. Hearing his hum of happiness at a good meal, I shook my head once more.] I promise you, that doesn’t taste like real Louisiana red beans and rice. [Turning his head towards me, his rich chocolate brown eyes catching mine and pinning me in place as he spoke. “Well then I guess you’ll have to show me sometime what those taste like.” Mutely, I nod my head and take a quick bite of the food while I try to recover from my reaction to him. “But for now, these taste pretty good. Thanks for making them.”] This was nothing. Thanks for putting up that. [I motion back to the tent which probably would have taken me a lifetime to put together no matter how easy he said it would be if I did it. We continued to talk about what foods we enjoyed while finishing our dinner and once we were done, it didn’t take long to clean everything up.

By this point, the sun had fully set and the moon was bright enough for us to see around our camping area. I watched in fascination as Pedro pulled out his sleeping bag as mine was already set up in the tent. My eyebrow shooting up in confusion as to what he was planning. Seeing my facial expression, he just chuckled and continued on spreading it out on the ground and grabbing a pillow before holding out his hand. “Senorita.” My own chuckle bubbling up at his gallant ways as I place my hand in his.] Senor. [And with that he helped me lay down on the covered ground before joining next to me. “Now this is better than any book, TV show or movie I’ve ever seen, don’t you agree?” I simply hum in agreement because what could anyone say when staring up at a beautiful night’s sky with what looked like thousands of stars shining down on us.

This wasn’t the first time I’d seen a starry night out on the road away from the big cities, but I’d never really stopped and laid down to enjoy them. It felt like this was something Pedro did regularly. As if he went through life at his own pace. I definitely went through life at a pace of my own, but it still felt rushed and confused and like I had no idea where I was going or how I would get there. I was so absorbed in the stars and my introspection that I almost jumped at the feel of Pedro’s fingers interlacing with mine. His hands were rough and yet smooth at the same time. The contradiction of his touch feeling very much like a Pedro thing. And what started off as a few soft and slow trailing brushes of his free hand over my arm escalates as he shifts on the sleeping bag to face me instead of the stars. The intimate touch of the backs of his fingers against the length of my jaw is enough to steal my breath away, but it’s the look in his eyes that has me frozen in place almost as if I’m going through an outer body experience watching his lips descend to my own slowly and cautiously. But the moment our lips touch, it kickstarts me into reacting. My hand shoots up to grip the back of his neck and while I’ve experienced a few kisses in my lifetime, it’s as if my body has a mind of its own and knows exactly what to do in this situation.

Who knows how long we lay there making out, not pressing any further until at one point, I feel his free hand start to slide down towards my chest. And while my body is on fire wanting to feel more of his touch, those same flames seem to lick the more rational part of my brain that has me breaking apart our kiss and resting my hand on top of his. I’m thankful for the dim light of the campfire which hopefully isn’t making it obvious about my growing blush as I rush through what I feel compelled to say at this moment.] I don’t want you to think that I’m not enjoying this, that I don’t welcome all of this. But I think it is only fair that you know that this isn’t something I do… ever. [My gaze shifting away from his as the mortification of my admission slowly grows now that the adrenaline of our make-out session has begun to subside. “What do you mean ever? Like you never make out under the stars or with people you’ve just met?” His tone gives away his incredulous thoughts despite the humor he tries to tack on at the end. I shift my body so that I can sit up because as much as I really don’t want to talk about this, I can’t deny that this is something that has to be talked about.] I mean I’ve never made out with anybody… ever.

[The silence stretches out for long enough to have my anxiety spike and I pull my hands into my lap to nervously pick at nails. “You said you’re 30, right? Are you saying that not one guy in all those years has realized how amazing you are before now even enough to simply make out with you?” It was as if his words speared me right in the heart, putting words to the insecurity I’d felt for so very long at reaching adulthood with barely any form of intimacy that I’d seen others partake in, to feel like such an outcast and oddball. To feel as if I was never good enough for anyone. If his hands hadn’t gently grasped my face, I no doubt would have fled from the sleeping bag to put distance between us. From his piercing words and gaze. But seeming to notice how vulnerable he’d made me, he quickly pulled me in for another kiss. This one soft and gentle and lingering, as if he was trying to soothe whatever hurt he might have caused with the clear action and message that I wasn’t unkissable like I’d believed myself to be.

“I hope I made that well worth the wait, senorita.” HIs words are soft and whispered against my lips to where all I can do is nod my head and feel his grin at my eager response. He pulls me back in for another series of kisses that are sweet and yet somehow still imbued with a passion that strokes the flames inside of me and I have to pull away once again.] Not that I enjoy continually pointing out how inexperienced I am, but I bring it up because while I enjoy kissing you… a lot. I’m not ready to… I don’t want you to think… [I can’t seem to find the right words to let him know that while I’m attracted to him and feel things for him I’d never truly felt for anyone else, I wasn’t ready to push too far, too fast into uncharted territory with someone I’d just met. Thankfully he seemed to understand as he raised a finger to silence my rambles. “No worries, hermosa. We have time to go as fast or as slow as you want.” Unable to say anything back, I show my appreciation by initiating a kiss of my own.

And for the next few hours we made out and slowly explored each other’s comfort zones until the campfire died down enough that we knew it was time to climb into our tent and find some rest. His arms wrapping around my body and pressing me to him while we slept. It was all new and exhilarating and I didn’t know how to process it all before falling asleep comfortably in his arms. The next few days were much of the same, with hiking and conversation throughout the day, snapping photos and getting to know each other better as people. And then at night, we laid out under the stars talking about slightly more intimate topics and getting to know each other’s bodies.

There was something different about that last night as we were planning the next day to trek back to the helipad to return to our vehicle and civilization. I didn’t know when I’d see him again, if I’d ever see him again. But in those few days, I’d felt closer to Pedro than I’d felt to any other person in the world. It seemed so clear to me that I couldn’t go back without fully giving myself over to that connection. So when it came time to pick a spot in the main campground for him to set up our tent, I made sure it was far enough away from most people that there would be some privacy. He probably figured I’d thought of this for our make-out sessions that had gotten more hot and heavy with each night. However, after dinner when he went to go grab his sleeping bag to lay down under the stars, I made sure to douse the campfire we’d set.

The moon was more than full enough to illuminate the area in case we needed to see something. His gaze looking up at me questioningly as he finished laying out the bag and I walked over to him and interlaced our fingers.] I want to thank you for this trip. I didn’t expect to find someone like you on the road or ever, really. But the past few days have been beyond what I could have ever hoped for in my life and I hope that you won’t mind doing me a favor tonight. [His eyebrow lifting in the sexy way I’d noticed it did whenever he was curious about something but didn’t have the words to ask what I meant. Letting one hand slowly work its way to the hem of Pedro’s pants, I lightly tease the top of them and bite my lip to gain my courage to ask my favor. The intake of his breath at my actions gave me the small boost of courage that I needed.] If you’re willing, of course, I’d really like to see what I’ve been missing out on… all of it, I mean. [A nervous chuckle escaping me as I wasn’t sure how else to ask someone to sleep with me, to look past my inexperience and virgin status that had felt like an invisible scarlet letter for so long. But it seemed I’d found the right person and Pedro dipped his head to press a soft kiss to my lips and whisper. “I’d be honored.”

He insisted that we not jump right to the end and we started that night as we had every other night by slowly making out and slowly building up to other things. Giving myself to Pedro was not something I had expected by any means. I’d pretty much resigned myself to live a solitary life indulging any notions of motherly instincts on my nieces and nephews. But as Pedro slowly made love to me under the stars, I felt that maybe my life wouldn’t be what I had assumed, what lot I’d consigned my life to be. That maybe there was more yet for me beyond what I saw. That night would forever live in my memory as well as Pedro’s touch would be forever burned and branded on my skin. It seemed like it was never going to end until eventually we fell asleep and the sun slowly rose the next morning.

We stayed quiet most of that day as we packed our things and headed past the first falls to the village. Each of us reaching out for the other from time to time for little touches and kisses. It wasn’t until we were back on the hilltop and approaching our vehicles that either one of us said something. “I don’t know if you’d be interested or not, but I’d like to see you again.” I couldn’t help but chuckle softly at how unsure he sounded, as if somehow I would ever refuse Pedro.] I’d like that. Maybe we should exchange information? [My teasing words highlighting how we’d gone days and shared intimacies never before crossed and yet hadn’t exchanged phone numbers. As we swapped phones, I input all my information from my full name to phone number even down to the addresses for my parents’ house and the Alabama beach house, before handing his phone back to him with a gentle kiss saying goodbye for now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So it shouldn’t have surprised me when the same man who I unexpectedly gave my virginity to, the man who unexpectedly got me pregnant and who I’d given my heart to unexpectedly would follow along those same lines and show up unexpectedly in the same small town I was currently staying. Apparently while I was trying to subconsciously hide from my family and the pregnancy that was turning my life upside down, I had never considered that the man who had helped do the turning would ever find his way to Fairhope or Point Clear, Alabama. Yet there he stood with a huge smile on his face as if he was expected… didn’t he know he would always be unexpected to me. “Talk about crazy. I was just about to call you since I realized I didn’t know exactly where your place was here in Fairhope.” My reply comes out immediately, more from my unflattering habit of correcting or answering things I shouldn’t than anything else.] Point Clear… My family’s vacation house that I live at is actually in Point Clear, but they butt up right next to each other and overlap in some ways. This is, of course, Fairhope and not Point Clear…

[I would have kept going if not for his laugh at my rambling and more importantly for the soft, lingering kiss he presses to my lips. My body is frozen in place for a second before instinct kicks in and I kiss him back. He is chuckling softly when he finally breaks our kiss. “God, I never get tired of hearing you ramble on, woman.” I’m blinking as my brain catches up with everything that is going on. How does one process the father of their unborn showing up unexpectedly and just kissing them out of the blue. Thankfully, or not really when I think about it, I’m saved from talking as I hear Dahlia’s voice chime in. “And who might this be, Ems?” It’s then I remember I am not alone as I was out with Dahlia and Reba for some lunch after my doctor’s appointment. They were only in for the day, claiming to have brought me some much needed supplies from New Orleans. How they had pulled this excursion off without Wendy or complaint from my brothers was a mystery to me, but I appreciated having them earlier as the whooshing sound of my baby’s heartbeat reverberated through the ultrasound room. Now I didn’t know what the hell I was going to do as I introduced them to the baby daddy. No doubt a blush has creeped up my neck and I’m not sure if the nauseous feeling in my stomach is from morning sickness or simple anxiety.]

Guys, this is Pedro whom I met while out on the road. Pedro, this is my sister-in-law Dahlia and my brother Jackson’s hopefully soon-to-be fiancée Reba. I’m sure I’ve mentioned them a few times in my stories. [He chuckles softly and it only adds to the conflicting feelings in my stomach as I would usually melt at the sound. “Yes, she’s mentioned you a few times.” “All good I hope,” asks Dahlia with a teasing voice while they all shake each other’s hands. “Oh yeah, all the bad stuff was focused more on her brothers.” This causes both Reba and Dahlia to laugh. “Of that there can be no doubt,” Reba chuckled. “Were you all just going to lunch?” I don’t know what to make of the hopeful look on Pedro’s face, but I can tell the gears are turning in Dahlia’s head from her expression. “Sadly, we just finished eating an early lunch so that Reba and I could head back home before rush hour traffic.”

“Oh.” His short answer says so much and if I wasn’t afraid I’d lose my lunch before, I’m close to blowing chunks now from the flipping of my stomach. “But obviously, we’re just here visiting Emma Jean so you two can stay and catch up.” Reba pins me with a serious look while she starts to wrap her arms around my body and whispers into my ear. “Talk to him about things and give us a call after, okay?” With a quick nod, I hug Dahlia next as she places a soft kiss to my cheek and relays a whispered message of her own. “He is yummy, but don’t let this opportunity to talk to him go to waste.” I keep nodding my head as both of them bid farewell to me and Pedro. My eyes stay glued on them as they climb into Dahlia’s vehicle and start to drive off, waving goodbye. “So… that’s the infamous Dahlia?”

Taking in a deep calming breath, I nod and shift myself to once again take in all of Pedro.] Yep, the very one. Although Reba can have her moments too. [Trying not to catch his notice, my gaze runs over Pedro’s visage and taking note of any little changes since the last time I saw him before the new year. “It’s clear that they both love you very much just from those few moments.” A hum of agreement sounds forth as I fight with myself to not blurt out what I’m thinking.] What exactly are you doing here, Pedro? [Great job, Emma Jean. Smooth, real smooth. He chuckles showing how unoffended he is by my outburst. “I never tire of how refreshing you are. I’m here because I missed you, if I’m being honest. You said you didn’t know when you’d be back out on the road so I figured I was more than capable to come see you.” He glances around as his head bobs. “This isn’t a bad place even if it is in Alabama.”] I try not to hold that against them either, but I like the view from our beach house.

[As I’m speaking, he closed the distance between us, slipping his fingers between mine much like that first night alone together and presses a soft kiss to my lips the moment I’m done speaking. “If it’s not too presumptuous and you don’t mind showing me, I’d love to see this view.” From the twinkle in his eye and the intonation of his voice, I know what he’s trying to say without spelling it out for any person passing by us on a random sidewalk in Fairhope. I wasn’t sure what to do. There was so much to tell him and yet I still didn’t know if I should tell him. But there was no doubt that if I didn’t agree to him coming back with me to the house, he would know that something was up. In another world where I wasn’t pregnant with his child, I would have happily taken him off the second he randomly showed up. Dahlia and Reba here or not.

So as hard as it was to do, considering I’d just heard my child’s heartbeat and got a print-out picture of them, I did my best to act as if I wasn’t pregnant until I could figure out what I was going to say, if anything, to Pedro.] I think that can be arranged. [A teasing grin slowly spreads across my face as I motion towards his jeep, which he usually had hooked up to the back of his camper that was no doubt left at a park or somewhere similar. I make sure he takes us to that first so that at the very least he can park it at my place before leading Pedro towards what had been my sanctuary through all the upheaval in my life, including him and his child.]