We recently returned from Aiken, SC. One of the events we go to Aiken for is the Civil War reenactment of the Battle of Aiken. The war was essentially over, however; this was an important battle to the south. Sherman's forces had completed its march through Georgia and was turning their attention to South Carolina. Confederate soldiers engaged the Union army in Aiken and managed to score a minor victory, saving Aiken from destruction. 

This year was the 75th annual running of Aiken Trials, which took place on Saturday March 18. This event is always well produced and attended. The Aiken Training Track makes for a neat venue. Tickets can be obtained for infield and outfield parking. Front row reserved parking gets you a parking spot next to the rail where you can watch the races. Spectators bring folding chairs, ice chests, and barbeques. The tailgate parties will rival any football tailgate party. Events like this are always attended by other photographers and it is a good time to meet new friends. There were a number of special events this, such as a bi-plane flyover, Miss South Carolina, and one of the Wells Fargo stagecoaches. 

Dora has worked for ACE Hardware the past 15 years. She will officially retires on July 1. ACE Hardware gave her a big send off on June 9th at Lake Lanier Islands, complete with a stay in a lake house and a houseboat dinner cruise on the lake. Gifts included roses and an engraved crystal plate to commemorate her time at ACE. 

On July 9, 2011, Dora and I took a little different water adventure, white water rafting down the Chattooga River.The Chattooga River is where the movie "Deliverance" was filmed and we rafted many of the same rapids as featured in the movie. We went with two other couples who are friends of ours. David and Franziska Heinze, David and Franziska live in Germany. Scott and Jamie Gross live in the Atlanta area. David, Franziska, Scott, and I all work for Siemens.

This year Dora and I did a little something different for our October cruise. We sailed out of New York on the MSC Poesia. My brother Don and his wife Beth arranged the cruise. In addition to Don and Beth our group consisted of Gary and Susan Moll. We had sailed with Gary and Susan along the west coast of Mexico a few years ago. Also cruising with us this time were Gary's two brothers Frank and his wife Diana, John and his wife Kathy and Gary's sister Christa and her husband Jim. They were all awesome and it was great fun to sail with them.