the roads less traveled ...

... are nestled subtly in Hyde County, hidden beauty of the east...

Is it time to go ?

On a winter visit to magical Lake Mattamuskeet, I had hoped, but not expected, to find the Tundra Swans still there. But then, the winter cold seems late this year - with near spring weather prevalent throughout the month of January. It's a "long haul" down east to Swan Quarter, NC, and I had made the trip to attend the memorial services there of a long time old friend who had meant alot to me over many years, Tom Hood, my ex-father-in-law. Tom had died tragically as a result of an automobile accident in Morehead City, NC, where he and Janet lived for the last few years of his life. He was 88 years old, and the small country church was packed with those to whom he meant so much. A husband, father, brother, grand and great-grand-father, teacher, principle, WWII veteran, and friend to everyone he ever met. He was a very good man. He will be missed....

It was fitting then, that I decided to stay an extra day for a visit to a special place and winter home to the beautiful arctic Tundra Swans from nearly 2000 miles to the Northwest. The (Lake) Mattamuskeet Wildlife Refuge is retreat and sanctuary during the cold Arctic winters for the large and majestic Swans, the namesakes of nearby Swan Quarter, NC. They come there by the thousands each winter, each year - hopefully forever ... If you've been there, then ... I know that you know ... what I mean.