Here and blogging already

Birding venues run the gamut when it comes to locations and facilities. Just two weeks ago, I was sharing a cabin with 7 other women (and only 2 bathrooms!), traveling from point A to point B in a crowded van (driven by Geoff - horrors!) or bone-rattling buses (driven by pros, Thank God!) up and down twisty mountain roads, where the bathroom stops were few, far between, and governed by men.

Tonight, I am comfortably ensconced in a private room, with a king-sized bed, functional Internet access, and the freedom to plan and execute my weekend birding trips at my own convenience.

Guess what? I'm lonely for the loud, crowded, goofy chaos that was New River. Luckily, the forecast is for rain all day Saturday, so I will feel right at home.

Just to make you all jealous, here are a few photos of my current digs:

My home-away-from-home - second floor center

Couch, desk, phone, Internet and TV that works = 21st century style.

Too much bed for one person. Wonder if this hotel provides a cabana boy?

Yes, the Over-packer strikes again! And, this isn't all of it. My bins, spotting scope, field guides and other gear are in the trunk. For the record, I brought pretty much all the same stuff I took to West Virginia, just less clothes. I NEED all this stuff, I really do.

Of course, I brought wine.

Harmony Hill goes to Toledo.

Eat your hearts out, Flockers. My own personal potty. No shower schedule. I may shower three times a day.

And here are the courtyard views, just outside my door.


A hotel with a duck print in the lobby is a good omen.
Off to dinner and then the "Shade-grown Coffee House." More later ...