Yesterday, I led 11 hikers on a wooded 3.6 mile loop trail at Devou Park in Ludlow, Kentucky. The trails are seven minutes from my home. I’ve been a member of Meetup.com for 15 years and am an Assistant Organizer for the Tri-State Hiking Group, one of the meetups. Recently, I’ve been making more of an effort to get out to meet people and do more activities. In the past three years since the death of my husband and son, I’ve tended to isolate and lost my passion for most things in life, except travel, which I’ve used as a form of therapy. It was a great 1 ½ hr. hike with wonderful weather.
The leaves are finally beginning to change color.
Afterwards, a couple of the hikers and I went to The Standard Covington Restaurant in Covington, Kentucky for dinner/drinks. This morning I scheduled the same hike for an upcoming Saturday.
Picking up where I left off from the first part of our Louisville road trip…we checked into our Airbnb at 4:00pm on 10/1/22. It’s located in Paristown Point near the Highlands neighborhood. It was clean and modern.
We had some wine and relaxed on the front porch, before getting ready to go out for dinner. On the eight minute walk to our restaurant, we passed a number of other restaurants. You’ll notice the friendly people as I took this photo…
We dined at Taco Luchador. It’s very inviting with inexpensive delicious tacos.
On the walk back to our Airbnb I noticed the unique lighting…
Tomorrow I’ll post about our Sunday in Louisville.
My friend and I left yesterday (10/1/22) from my place in Covington, Kentucky and drove an hour and 43 minutes to Louisville, Kentucky for an overnight stay. I had been to Louisville once before about nine years ago on a girl’s trip. I took my bicycle since we would be cycling for part of the day. We couldn’t check-in to our Airbnb until 4:00pm, so I had an 8 mile bike route pre-planned on Google maps. It included riding through the neighborhoods of Smoketown, Nulu, Downtown, and Old Louisville. I researched the LouVelo bike share so my friend could rent a bicycle. There was a station 7 minutes walk from our Airbnb, so I parked the car and we purchased a 300 minute plan ($25) for her. I’ve only seen this friend a few times in the past 8 years. I met her when I took a group of people to four countries in Europe back in 2014 and she joined the group. Although she’s 16 years younger than me, she doesn’t bicycle very often and never in a City, so she cycled quite slowly.
I discovered that Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville. Here’s a sculpture in his honor.
We passed Louisville Slugger Field
The downtown architecture is nice
We stopped for a tasty lunch at the Sidebar at Whiskey Row restaurant
As we passed a playground, I suggested we take a swing
After three hours of exploring and having lunch, I drove us to the Ohio riverfront where we walked across the Big Four Pedestrian bridge to the Indiana side of the river. The weather was perfect!
Come back tomorrow for the final part of our day/evening.
The year started with three weeks in Miami, Florida in February on a solo trip. Most of my time was spent bicycling, walking on the beach, photographing, and exploring.
I was gearing up for a big year with my business, Cincinnati Urban Adventures when the pandemic hit. Suddenly, I was alone with my grief – no travel – no business – no boyfriend. I went to a local shelter and brought home Grayson, who has been a comfort.
I had two trips previously planned before the pandemic hit – one in May to Utah and Idaho, and the other in August to various destinations in Oregon. I ended up cancelling the flights for both and drove 4400 miles round-trip out west to Utah and Idaho.
I’d already explored Bryce and Zion Nat’l Parks in Utah years past, so this time I went to Arches and Canyonlands.
On the drive to Idaho, I spent a couple of nights in Salt Lake City for hiking and also had a masseuse come to my Airbnb for a 1 ½ hr. massage to treat myself on my birthday. I hiked a 6 mile roundtrip, 3,000 ft. elevation change trail while there. This was at the top…
Next was Idaho. This is the Snake River Canyon near Twin Falls, Idaho (where Evil Knievel attempted jumping the mile wide chasm with his rocket, but failed).
Shoshone Falls Park, Twin Falls, Idaho
I visited Sun Valley, Idaho, which I found to be gorgeous. I rented an e-bike and explored for miles. I also hiked a lot. I stayed away from people because of the pandemic.
Then I drove up to Stanley, Idaho in the Sawtooth Mountains and stayed in this cabin on a small river.
There was time spent with friends throughout the remainder of 2020, doing mostly outdoor activities (because of the pandemic). Lots of hiking and also get-togethers at our homes for patio dinner/cocktails.
Madison, Indiana
Rough River Lake, Kentucky for our annual ladies long weekend. I reserved a 5 bedroom/3 bath home on the lake. We rented a pontoon boat and had fun!
Bengals football game
A visit to my cousin’s place in central Ohio. He has built quite the mansion/castle – it has hidden rooms, so many things to look at – very eccentric!
Birds in my backyard…
An outdoor Thanksgiving with family…
My dear friend helped me put up my Christmas tree. Holidays are rough when you’ve lost your parents, spouse, and only child.
Christmas with my brother and sister-in-law…
All things considered, I was doing pretty well with everything I was going through. I tried to be grateful for what I had.
2019 was a tragic and heart shattering year. It began with a trip to Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. I was gone for 18 days with people I didn’t know, on an adventure tour through Intrepid Travel. After a short introduction to Santiago, Chile…
We took a bus across the Andes
And spent a couple of days at a ranch in Argentina. I took this time to recuperate from the worst intestinal bug I’d ever experienced. I had a doctor come to my hotel room because I was so ill and dehydrated. When you go through the loss of a loved one, it manifests itself physically in addition to emotionally.
We then moved onto Mendoza, Argentina (wine country), which was gorgeous.
Buenos Aires was next on the agenda. Very vibrant and busy!
Next, we visited the amazing Iguazu Falls, from both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides.
Finally, we arrived in Rio de Janerio, Brazil…
It was an interesting trip, but I didn’t feel like myself. A week after arriving home, I flew to Playa del Carmen, Mexico for the annual Urban Adventures conference, and was ill there also.
In May, I moved to my lovely condo with a beautiful view of the skyline of Cincinnati from the Clubhouse/pool.
I began online dating and was beginning to feel more settled, when my only child, my beautiful boy, Justin passed in July. If you’re a parent, it’s your worst nightmare. This is the last photo of he and I taken 3 weeks before his passing.
Unless you’ve lost a child, you can’t fathom the suffering, pain, and grief you go through. He was my universe, my heart. Eleven days later I went on a solo 1,000-mile road trip to Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Toronto. I was trying to distract myself from the horrific grief.
Detroit, Michigan
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Toronto, Canada
I continued with the travels…next was Three Oaks, Michigan with my girlfriend for a long weekend, where we explored Indiana Dunes State Park.
I climbed Mt. Leconte (3,000 ft. elevation change – 11 miles roundtrip) with a friend
And on the way home, met another friend at Red River Gorge, where I spread my son’s ashes at Whittleton Arch Trail. He used to love going hiking/camping there.
I led a group on a hike nearby my condo. I found some solace in the woods.
My next trip was to Palm Springs, Joshua Tree Nat’l Park, and Death Valley Nat’l Park, California with a friend.
Palm Springs, CA
Joshua Tree Nat’l Park, CA
Death Valley Nat’l Park, CA
Death Valley Nat’l Park, CA
I finished the year with a trip to Cape Coral/Ft. Myers, Florida
I discovered the travel was a temporary shallow distraction, but I continued searching for beauty.
In between the travel, I was working hard continuing to build my company, Cincinnati Urban Adventures. We were having a great year – 2,500 passengers and I now had 7 freelance Tour Guides.
I grieved for my son and sometimes I would feel guilty that I wasn’t grieving for my husband as much. It’s odd that there’s a name for someone who has lost their spouse “widow” and lost their parents “orphan”, but the grief is so heavy and heart-wrenching, there is no word for a parent who has lost their child (only child for me – with no hopes of being a biological Grandmother).
2017 began with me on assignment at the Casino in Cincinnati for Cincinnati Refined. A very colorful and loud party to photograph.
I continued finding much joy taking photos in my free time…like the sunrise captured in this church window a couple of minutes from our place in the country.
and Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati at night…
The Licking Riverside Historic District in Covington, Kentucky with a beautiful view of Cincinnati’s skyline.
Get-togethers with friends…
Over-The-Rhine, Cincinnati, Ohio
Family time…
My brother, sister-in-law, nephew, and niece.
I was busy growing my new business, Cincinnati Urban Adventures. Friends accompanied me on trial runs for some of the tours.
The Carew Tower, Cincinnati, Ohio
My husband, son, and a girlfriend were models on my Over-the-Rhine Sights and Bites tour for my website.
I hired a few models for my Beyond the River tour in Covington, Kentucky.
Here are some of the photos shoots I did for Cincinnati Refined…
Cumberland Falls, Kentucky
Eighteen at the Radisson – a revolving restaurant on top of the Radisson Hotel
Cabana on the River, Cincinnati, Ohio
Diner en Blanc (everyone wears white and brings everything for the party including chairs/tables, decorations, food, drinks)
Taste of Cincinnati, an annual event
The Renaissance Festival
The Circus School, Cincinnati, Ohio
Danger Wheel
The Thanksgiving Day Race – I got up very early to be downtown in time and it was cold!
The La Boheme Opera at the Aronoff Center in Downtown, Cincinnati
I began managing an Airbnb located in Covington, Kentucky…
I had a few photo shoots for my own company, Sherry Lachelle Photography. A senior photo shoot…
A family photo shoot…
I was the Tour Guide and Photographer for a wedding with 40 people. It was 5 hours long, but everything went smoothly.
And I photographed my first gay wedding – 2 beautiful ladies.
I attended an annual weeklong Urban Adventures meeting in Portugal and arranged a trip to follow for a few friends. They met me in Lisbon, Portugal, where we saw the sights for a few days before moving on to Seville and Granada, Spain.
The La Alhambra, Granada, Spain
The Plaza de Espana, Seville, Spain
Cheers – Salud!
My husband and I were able to get away to Florida for a week in December.
As you can see, my year was very busy, filled mostly with photography and growing my business, with a little travel sprinkled in.
Cave Run Lake in Kentucky is absolutely gorgeous! My husband and I met friends there on Thursday for a few days of camping and boating. We’ve been there before, but I didn’t remember it being so picturesque. We used to camp a lot before we moved to the house we’re in now, but with five acres of land and trees surrounding us, we feel like we’re camping without the tent. Camping is a wonderful way for families to enjoy the great outdoors and each other. My son loved it growing up! We’ve camped at many of the area lakes located within a three to four hour drive from Cincinnati…Lake Cumberland and Laurel Lake in Kentucky and Norris Lake in Tennessee, not to mention those within an hour drive…East Fork Lake and Caesar’s Creek near Cincinnati, and Brookville Lake in Indiana. Cave Run is a little over two hours from our home, which makes it a great option.
Had a great weekend! Went 4-wheeling/gun shootin/fishin and of course photographing in Kentucky at my husband’s cousin’s cabin. My son and his girlfriend joined us and we brought our dog “Jake” for the first time on a car trip longer than 30 minutes. It was a 3 hour trip and he panted the entire way there. Next time I think we need some doggie downers! He had such a good time exploring the property and tracking all of the smells…the ride was worth it!
Here’s some of the land surrounding the cabin…
After unpacking the vehicles…I made sandwiches for them and had a huge salad for myself. They snacked on organic cheeries/grapes/strawberries/blackberries and celery/carrots/apple with hummus. I tried a trick with the apple that I found on Pinterest…cut the apple and put a rubber band around it so it won’t brown.
Then…it was time for the 4-wheelin fun! We used to own 4-wheelers but sold them about 10 years ago…so it was a treat to get to ride again. Here’s my son and his girlfriend looking like “The Terminator”…
After taking a quick ride, my husband and I went for a hike. We walked in the glorious sunshine and stopped occasionally for me to take some photos…
We came up through the woods to find our way back to the cabin…
Then it was time for more photo fun…
I like it when people aren’t afraid of looking silly!
The porch had a lovely view of the fishing pond and was a great place to kick back!
This was calling my name….”take my picture—please”!
We did lots of target shooting!
A different perspective.
I brought along the ingredients for Se-mores…but I was good and only had a chocolate bar! The next morning the lighting was different so I took this photo of the cabin…
We went fishing and I caught one. This photo is of my son taken from the cabin with my zoom lens…
Jake wanted to ride in my lap for a few minutes on the drive home…
It was a wonderful weekend and we’re blessed to have our family and such a wonderful place to visit! I hope you had a great one too!
I’ve always wanted to check out Big Bone Lick State Park! My girlfriend – Gina – wanted us to go to Elk Creek Winery in Owenton, Kentucky (less than an hour’s drive from Cincinnati), so we stopped by Big Bone on the way. There are some hiking trails and a campground there.
We didn’t stay long and were on our way to Elk Creek. This is Gina…
The winery was gorgeous! They have a bed and breakfast, a restaurant (with good food…I had the veggie sandwich), live entertainment, and a large bar.
There was a wedding going on at the winery…
This is where we were sitting…
You get 5 wine tastings for either $5 or from the better wines…$8. These are some photos from the winery…
It was a beautiful day and a great way to spend it!
This weekend I went on my annual girls’ weekend with my friends Sherry, Gina and Dee. This was Dee’s first trip with us. The tradition started almost 20 years ago with a trip to Put-n-Bay and the destinations have included Myrtle Beach, Red River Gorge, Ky, Indianapolis, Shawnee Nat’l Forest, and Nashville, to name a few. Typically, we would find a cabin with a hot tub and the weekend consisted of eating, drinking, talking and hiking. But more recently we’ve been heading to cities for sight-seeing and listening to bands. I’m usually in charge of finding the accommodations and booked a 3 bedroom condo in the Highlands section of Louisville for the weekend that I found through VRBO online. It was in a great location, within walking distance to restaurants, boutiques and a large park with walking trails.
The Highlands reminds me of Yellowsprings, Ohio. It was an eclectic blend of boutiques selling handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, books and wares from around the world; cozy coffee shops, a yoga studio, art galleries, and many restaurants that varied from Indian to Asian.
This painting caught my eye in one of the shops!
An interesting sign…
While walking down the street we were stopped by a local T.V. reporter wondering if we’d be interested in giving our opinion on pornography pop-ups on the internet. So…being it was a new experience…I volunteered. I don’t remember most of the questions, but I’ll be able to view it on their website.
We had fun trying hats on in one of the shops…a little pricey for me at $190 per hat!
It was a beautiful fall weekend for our escape…so we went hiking in Cherokee Park.
We went to a bar that caters to the over 40 crowd called Jim Porter’s Good Times Emporium. Boasting three live bands (Pop, Rock and Blues) we had a great time dancing most of the evening! Our husbands don’t particularly enjoy dancing…so we indulged ourselves!
We stopped a man on the street to take our photo before we left the condo…he was a bit shaky I believe! As you can see, Gina was a girl scout! But what was remarkable about it, was that it was her uniform from when she was 9 years old!
After having a very tasty dinner at the Red Star Tavern, our plan was to party downtown…but it seemed a little dead…so we took a taxi back to Jim Porter’s.
Being “Supergirl” I had to pick someone up, so I chose this girl…but the photo turned out too blurry to post!
This girl “the naked girl costume” won third place in the contest at Jim Porter’s. I didn’t think it appropriate to take a picture of the front, although it wasn’t real!
My husband thought I should call this post “Cougar’s Weekend”! Hope you had a Happy Halloween!
Sherry Lachelle Travels 