Summer troll trek, sunflowers and skulls

Have you ever met a troll? Trip trop, trip trop... who remembers that childhood book? The book I am referencing is called The Three Billy Goats Gruff. I read that in elementary school. Anyone else? This summer I had an opportunity to actually meet a troll, designed and built by artist Thomas Dambo. I had heard about these trolls from friends and when I discovered they would be at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake I knew I had to go. I planned a long weekend and drove on a Friday through gorgeous scenery. We were in the vicinity prior to check in so exploring the area was a wonderful way to pass time. Our first stop was at Flander's Park.

It was quite windy that day as we strolled down the well maintained walkways. There were activities along the way for all ages, playgrounds, and places to relax. The scenery, as you can see, is worth the time spent on a bench. We then headed to a place called Bog River Falls. This was a short hike down to the falls with a beautiful stone bridge.

We found an alternate path to take us to the other side of the bridge and view of the falls.

After exploring the falls we checked in to our hotel for a good nights rest before troll trekking. The morning was cold and damp as it had rained through the night. We were prepared with ponchos in case we needed them. We did! We arrived at The Wild Center to a line of cars awaiting getting in. The rain was not stopping many. We began our search for six trolls which are scattered throughout the trails at The Wild Center. There are many interactive spaces along the way. We had fun finding them despite the rain and cooler temps. Along the way there are benches and swings!!

While at the fifth spottng of our troll trek a woman mentioned to us that you have to go all around the trolls because they have the "cutest troll butts." So while viewing our last troll we made sure to wander around the entire troll... she was not wrong!

These trolls are scattered internationally and bring a message of preserving our wild spaces. They are so much fun to see in person. If you have the chance to view some you should do that!! The next summer adventure I took was to Philly. This trip was an art filled trip to celebrate a birthday that just happened to coincide with the 250 celebration of our great country! The first stop was to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We didn't climb the iconic Rocky stairs, but we did see the statue which had been moved inside for a special exhibit.

The main event for me though, was seeing Van Gogh's sunflower's. Two hanging together! I was more surprised to find several of his works hanging in the museum. Truly a knockout!!

I also enjoyed all of the other art on display at the museum. So many wonderful things to see!!

Obviously, when in Philly, you must have a cheesesteak. Stopping in at Woodrow's Sandwhich Shop which once was a featured episode on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives didn't disappoint.

In the city of brotherly love, I found the Hope Fence along the waterfront by Penn's Landing. What a nice area to walk around (had it not been 105 degrees in the shade) I did venture out and grab a few quick photos of the area.

You may be wondering where the skulls part of the title comes in... well I am getting to that now. Although there are no photos as they were not permitted in most areas of the Muetter Museum, there was a collection of skulls on display. Varying in age, each one in a case labeled with names, ages and how they became deceased (when the information was available.) These skulls told the stories of the lives and history of humans. This museum is dedicated to the education and advancement of the medical field. It is an interesting place to visit, maybe not for the faint of heart. One of the most interesting things to me was the effects of wearing a corsett had on women of the time. Disforming ribs and squeezing organs to fit into the shape. I am glad I never had to wear one! It has been a fun few weeks of travel, culture, food and fun for me! That is my kind of summer!! See more of my photos. None of this blog is sponsored by any of the above mentioned places.