#* [ queue. ] babbling like a brook.

[lightchoice]

i got a six string killer, she murders like a guillotine!

[thefishwitch]

I love seeing something, realising its familiar and wondering if I've queued it, queuing it again anyway because, surely not. And then going to my queue and seeing the post there a minimum of 4 times.

[lightchoice]

"Ya should learn to breathe yer own air from time t'time, sugar." the words come with an ounce of realization and a pound of understanding. she knew well the feeling of believing you have something to live up to, something you need to show for yourself. she was no stranger to the idea of something being too big to fill on your own ; it was why she was so eager to help, even after she had died and found herself here at the the crossroads of a time long forgotten.

but she's patient. outstretched hand allowing for time and tide to crash and crash again, being a stalwart pillar for someone who seemed like they needed a person to rely on. like they needed a person to tell them that they can laugh again.

( she can't help but wonder what the girl had been through to make her believe that laughter is some awful curse. that song and dance could lead to disaster. she would burn the world for anybody, but for friends and family, which she does see kairi as a friend, now, she would make sure the world was better to live in. )

"Thank ya kindly," she chuckles as she offers to walk alongside her, rather than being another person watching her back. ( they were in a safe space, despite how many times it had been attacked in the past, and would be in the future. that was something she stood by ; strength is not measured by gates and gardens, but by shields and swords. ) "So, tell me about yerself. Somethin' you enjoy."

Kairi blinked — not out of confusion, but almost disbelief, as if the castle itself had finally spoken back, and its voice came wrapped in laughter and leather gloves. Buckaroo.

The word made her heart lurch — not because it was strange, but because it wasn’t. It wasn’t stiff or ceremonial like the rest of this place. It was lived-in. Friendly. The kind of word Sora might’ve tossed her way in jest if he were teasing her about falling behind.

And that voice — warm, sure of itself, and painted with a tone so different from anything she’d heard in the polished echo of these halls — settled something in her. Gave her breath back.

She looked at the offered hand. It wasn’t a command. It wasn’t a test. It was an invitation — open, honest, a promise that she didn’t have to keep walking in silence. And maybe that’s what undid her, just a little. Because in all her imagining of what Disney Castle might be, she had never pictured someone reaching back for her.

She didn’t take the hand right away. Not because she didn’t trust it — but because for a long moment, she had to remind herself that it was okay to accept. Kairi had always felt like a passenger in someone else’s war. A girl defined by prophecy, protected by legends. Even now — summoned for training, dressed in clothes that felt slightly too new, with a title she wasn’t sure she’d earned — she still carried the quiet ache of being just a little too late to everything.

But Justine… Justine didn’t look at her like she was too late. Or too fragile. Or even too sacred. She looked at her like someone standing at the edge of a path, ready to walk side by side. And maybe that was all Kairi had really needed.

She finally smiled — not the polite kind she gave to royalty or mentors or those who expected grace. This one was smaller. Real. Crooked like a wave that had crashed too many times but still came back for more.

Her voice, when it came, was soft but clear — and held a glimmer of gratitude that ran deeper than words. “Fresh air sounds nice,” she said. “I think I’ve been breathing someone else’s expectations since I got here.” And then, quieter, more to herself than to Justine:

“It’s strange. I thought this place would feel like a monument. Something to rise toward. But now that I’m in it, it’s… quieter. And maybe that’s okay.” She reached forward then, finally placing her hand — smaller, less sure — into the armoured one before her.

“Lead the way.” Because for the first time since stepping into the castle, Kairi didn’t feel like a stranger. She felt like someone finding her way forward.

[midnightmoonkiss]

I was told by your wonderful wife, birds-have-teeth that you were in need for some asks/requests. How about Izuku and S/O on their wedding day?

She truly is a wonderful wife 🥺💜

Ahh! I dont usually take requests, but this was just too cute to pass up!

I hope you don’t mind that these are headcanons!

Izuku Midoriya X Reader

Wedding Day.

Category: fluff

——————————

First of all! I think their wedding would be set sometime in spring. The time of year where it’s not too hot and not too cool, just after all the leaves and flowers bloom. I mean think about it, Sakura petals flowing in the wind on your wedding day? What a dream.

It sounds crazy, but I always imagined Izuku as the type of person to want to have their wedding outside.. Kind of like- in a garden? Or a forest? You know that the wedding Bella and Edward had in the forest? Kind of like that! Except surrounded by flowers!

Flowers like.. Magnolia, forget-me-nots, tulips, and of course - sakura! Or, well, Cherry blossoms~ Just! Flowers that really brighten up the secluded space. You’d need seclusion, after all, especially since you are marrying the number one hero.

Wouldnt it be so cute to be married under a willow tree, a brilliant white arch covered in white roses and vines standing above you both? Ackk vines.. So beautiful. Oh! Maybe there’s even a little rock pathway down the aisle?

The air is fresh.. Because you’re in the countryside! Maybe even in the mountains. Somewhere where a little babbling brook is not too far behind the trees, its soft bubbling noises relaxing the party-goers. 

Speaking of! Wouldnt a little plant themed engagement ring be the cutest? Something like this! 

Wedding ring.. Well you both have to pick that out dont you?

The wedding day is obviously going to be the most important day for both of you! But also, nerve-wracking as hell. Im positive Izuku has probably freaked out five times since he woke up at 6AM. Maybe a mental breakdown. Yknow. 

He’s a sensitive guy! And he’s terrified! Nono, he doesnt have cold feet. He wants to marry you! He cannot imagine his life without you in it, but God is he absolutely terrified that you might be the one leaving him at the altar.

Not that he doesnt have faith in you! It’s just.. His insecurities and anxieties taking over him. Even after all these years of unconditional love, he still cant help but feel you deserve someone way better than him. And he fears one day you’ll wake up and realize that as well.

But you’d have to be absolutely crazy to even think about doing that, huh?

So yeah. Wedding day morning is filled with Izuku’s best man - Shoto - trying to calm the sporadic man down, bringing Toshi and his mom in to aid as well. He may have thrown up. Who’s to say.

You, on the otherhand, are having a great morning. You’re bouncing with excitement! Ready and oh-so impatiently waiting to marry the man of your dreams in the most scenic area you could find. It truly was a catch! A relatively cheap place - the majority of your funds were spent on food and flowers. You can get pretty good deals on wedding dresses if you’re marrying the number one hero, apparently. So long as they get to display one of your wedding photos.

Hell, it’d help a local business boom, and who wouldnt want that? You got a discount on your bridesmaids dresses as well~

A dream.

But the start time was quickly approaching. Tick-tock!

Soon enough, the both of you are ready to start a new chapter of your lives together.

The scene is set! Your husband-to-be stand beneath arch drenched in morning dew, light breaking through the trees reflecting on each little droplet and showering the little patch where your wedding was being held in brilliant lights 

It honestly looked magical, straight out of a fairy tale. Hell, you were about to marry your prince, after all

God this wedding is like every outdoorsy kid’s dream

The piano starts up once the player gets the queue that everyone is ready.

Your friends walk down the aisle first in pairs, bridesmaids with bridesmen, silky gowns flowing in the gentle spring breeze

Soon enough the flower girl trots happily down the aisle, throwing Sakura petals every which way with a happy little smile on her face, dress as white as snow and a little pink belt. 

It was truly a miracle no one tripped on the rocks yet.

Once everyone was in their place, a traditional wedding song began to play. 

Showtime.

Izuku swore he saw an angel the moment those vines swayed to reveal you.

A sunbeam hit you from behind, its golden glow cascading down your body.

Tears formed in his eyes as he watched, paralyzed, as you walked down, heels clicking against the floor

The biggest, goofiest smile cracked onto his face, eyes connecting with yours. All was going to be alright. He had nothing to fear.

He’d probably openly sob while stating his vows, hands trembling as they hold onto yours.. It’d probably be something along the lines of.. “Ever since the day I met you, i’ve become a better man. You helped me grow into who I am today. You guided me towards the path that would lead me to happiness with your loving embrace, with every word of endearment you’d whisper to me, and with love as a whole. I always wondered what it’d feel like to be loved like this, and now that I have it, and that I have you, I don’t ever want to let go of it. Because you’re it, princess. You’re the love of my life, my one and only, my soulmate, and so much more. Every day we’re apart I always think of you. You keep me going. Without you, I wouldn’t be me.”

Something cheesy, yknow! Somethin sweeter than candy corn. <3 what a sap. 

He may have had to wipe his tears a few times… cough.

Surprisingly though, his hands are super steady when he slides that ring on.

A shaky yet firm “I do,” green eyes now a shimmering viridescent as he stares at you with the purest form of love swirling in his gaze.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

His hand reaches up, delicately placing itself on your cheek. He cant help but take this moment in, condemning your smiling, angelic face to memory, the flashes of photos being taken completely ignored as he slowly leans in. 

His lips are softer than they had ever been in that moment, the kiss itself so sugary sweet - the embodiment of innocence and passion. Love.

Eyes fluttering closed, he cant help but kiss you over and over again, each one making both your smiles grow larger until giggles erupt between the two of you.

Oh boy. He had lipstick smudged all over his lips. He couldnt care less, though. Pulling you close to his body, he smiled cheekily over at the photographer for a photo.

HE’S YOUR HUSBAND NOW! IZUKU IS YOUR HUSBAND! Praise the lords. (Y/N) Midoriya has a nice ring to it, doesnt it?

Inko welcomes you to the Mrs. Midoriya family with a hug.

The rest of the day was filled with you and Izuku being stuck together like glue, surrounded by friends and family.

The wedding photos would be filled with you two standing in a meadow, sun raining brilliantly down on the two newlyweds.

ackk just.. sakura petals flying in the wind~ how pretty. Maybe one even lands in your hair and he gets to pluck it out. <3

He’s the happiest he’s ever been.

Hell, he’s sure this is what being high felt like. 

He cant stop smiling! He’s just so so cute.

Of course, a few goofy photos have to take place! Maybe Uravity uses her quirk to make it look like the number one hero is floating away whilst you ‘run’ to try and get him.

There was even one where he and his bridesmen wear parts of their hero costumes to show off a bit. Like Deku wears his hood, Shoto wears his.. Bracelets and backback..? Stuff like that! Truly it’s a weird fuckin photo. But so so dorky and so them.

His favorite photo is definitely the one where he has you sitting on his arm as he flexes. Yep. He turned into a bit of a show off. Could you blame him? Haha.

At night is when the real fun begins. Mainly because of the party! Lanterns are set up everywhere, and due to being so far from the city- the stars are shining in the sky! Much more than youre used to.

Izuku took a dance course, unbeknownst to you (Shoto and Bakugou were forced to join him- talk about chaotic!), so that first dance together is honestly breathtaking. He’s so gentle with you, leading the way and twirling you around.

May or may not have bawled when you danced with Toshinori. 

CUTTING THE C AKE. OKAY OKAY.

It’d probably be forest themed. Green and white blending beautifully together, maybe even a little frosting stream cascading down the side. Hand made models of you and Izuku stood proudly at the top. I guess the flavor would be something you both chose together?

He loves touching your soft hands so holding that knife together is awesome for him.

Oh yea. After the perfect photo is taken, he definitely smears frosting on your cheek - just so he has an excuse to lick it off.

Sticky!

You both leave in a black limo, a “Just Married!” sign placed on the back.

Ahh. honeymoon time.

It’s going to be a long night,

Mainly because..

Well. Traveling- and.. Y’know (;

All in all! It starts off as stressful, and ends in the sweetest way possible.

[lightchoice]

a firm handshake and a chuckle past grinning pearly whites, and roxas stands up properly, stretching a little bit. "I've heard so much about this place, and especially all the places you can see from high up, but I've never gotten a chance to truly explore. Bit of a closet case, myself." he nudges hayner a little bit before resting a hand on his hip, eyes glinting with mischief and a little bit of fondness.

"Lead the way, o' wisened one of the earth and sky," he gestures with his free hand before him, trying to subtly reassure hayner that it's okay to still be himself. ( after all, it's still him ; it's still YOU. ) "I'm sure you don't want to be here during sundown, and get yourself some proper rest, huh?"

❛ geez , if you don't understand it , i never will. ❜

hayner shakes his head , closing his eyes for the moment. it's freaky sometimes , the way he feels like he's done this before with roxas , & yet he knows he hasn't , not really. memories he shouldn't have , things he shouldn't know flicker in & out of his mind sometimes , cutting through like tv static , feeling familiar & yet not at the same time. it makes him feel strange , torn between the feeling that roxas is a complete stranger , yet at the same time , a friend.

❛ ... alright , sure. name's hayner. ❜

playing along , hayner holds out his hand for roxas to shake. if they were going to start over , might as well get back to basics. he briefly wonders what it was like , in that other world where they were really friends. hayner's half tempted to ask , but he bites his tongue. he won't make roxas relive that just to satisfy his own curiosity.

❛ twilight town's not exactly the coolest place out there , but it's got its charms. that is , if you don't mind a train ride. ❜

they never did get that beach day , after all.

[autosparks]

Have an unproofread NYE drabble for @artoutforblood ‘s kids of the lost light!

You slip into the kids’ room, where all are peacefully sleeping. A small smile spreads across your face at the unfortunately rare sight. Brooke adjusts their grip on the bear, Brownie, that had been gifted by Nautica. Slowly you raise the light dimmer, stopping at about a third so as not to jar them, and begin nudging their sleeping forms.

“C’mon,” Sanoh rubs her eyes and begins nudging her brother. “I know it’s late, but there’s something we wanna show you all.” Jedah, for all his composure during the day, frowns bitterly and squints in your direction.

“It can’t wait?”

“Nope, but I wouldn’t be waking you all up if it wasn’t worth it.” You scoop Monay into your arms and boop her nose lightly. “After all, we all know how much of an adventure it can be to get this little thing to wind down.” He huffs as the others shuffle to the floor and into their slippers, but his smile is unmistakable.

The older kids are mildly confused as you ignore and avoid their usual destinations: All that’s really left is the bridge. They were never told they couldn’t go there, quite the opposite. You made sure they knew that if they were ever in trouble or needed someone immediately during the day cycle they should go to, depending on what’s closest, the bridge, your office, Rung’s office, or the medibay. Otherwise, though, they really didn’t have too much a desire to go there after their initial tour. There are plenty of other places to stargaze, and it’s not like there’s anything entertaining once you get used to living on a spaceship.

Sumaira raises a brow inquisitively at you as you open the door, which you answer with a thumb pointed toward the interior.

There’s a large lit up ball suspended high in the air, streamers and balloons which you and the others had written “Happy New Year” all over. There’s a bottle of (caffeine free) soda next to the kids’ cups on a small table. All of their favorite bots greeted them as they entered in a mild daze.

Minimus relieves you of Monay while Rodimus calls for everyone’s attention. You’re already off to the side, pouring drinks for the kids and water for Monay.

“Get ready, guys! It’s just about time to ring in Earth’s new year!” You start passing out cups when Izzy catches on and helps. Rewind queues a countdown and displays it against Ten’s back in front of the main windows. The final few minutes tick away as the kids process what’s going on.

“New Year?” An looks to you, then Swerve. You let out a sheepish laugh.

“We wanted to do this before bedtime, but may have spent too long deciding which New Year to celebrate. It’s also why this is all a bit… rushed.” No one seems to mind- chaos like this is normal for the Lost Light. Even the kids understand that.

“It’s almost time!” Rewind waves their attention to the projection as those last ten seconds begin and holoforms sparkle to life.

“Ten!” Rodimus appears next to Brook and slings an arm over his shoulder, earning a toothy smile.

“Nine!” Whirl sneaks under Marie, lifting her to his shoulders and sloshing some of the soda from

her cup.

“Eight!” Velocity takes Sumaira’s free hand in hers and smiles.

“Seven!” Cyclonus stands behind Sunan, watching as Sanoh awkwardly lifts a laughing Tailagate into the air.

“Six!” Swerve smiles at An, startling when he slips his tiny hand into his own.

“Five!” Rung kneels next to Izzy and straightens out her glasses.

“Four!” Minimus bounces Monay as the corner of his mouth lifts at her babbles.

“Three!” Drift anchors Emilia with a strong, gentle hand on each shoulder.

“Two!” Skids drops to a crouch and playfully nudges Duiri.

“One!” Chromedome rests a hand on Rewind’s leg and links arms with Jedah.

The ball descends to the floor and explodes into confetti and streamers.

“Happy New Year!” You raise your cup high, kids and bots following. Not just the acting guardians- Ratchet, Brainstorm, Nautica, Aid, Riptide, and other friends too raise their glasses. It’s all laughter and cheers until Monay throws her arms up in excitement, dumping her water all into Minimus. Everyone pauses for a moment save Ravage. You hadn’t even known he was here before watching him slink out with an amused flick of his tail. Sanoh snickers, all eyes on you as you quietly relieve him of her and pass a rag. Slowly, though, Monay’s giggles fade. Minimus’s surprised-neutral face along with the silence is starting to unnerve her. As her lip begins to tremble he rubs her thumb along his cheek and leans his face to hers.

“You seem to have saved me a trip to the washracks, little one.” She giggles again and the whole room relaxes.

“Alright, mushy shi-“

“Whirl,” Rung levels him with a mildly disappointed look.

“-stuff! Mushy stuff over with!” He sets Marie down and vanishes his holo, getting up and slinging an arm over Brainstorm’s shoulders. “Take it away, magic mech!” It takes him a moment to realize what he’s referring to before lighting up and getting out a remote. Ten takes his leave from the main windows to help Minimus dry off. With a flourish Brainstorm presses the button, starting off what is easily the best fireworks display you’ve ever seen.

Then again, you muse, the company could have something to do with that.

[thecoroutfitters]

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Editor’s Note: A guest contribution from Scott Huntington to The Prepper Journal.

Before we had ovens, cooktops and microwaves, there was only one way to cook up some grub — over the fire. You have to admire fire’s staying power. How many other old-world methods remain relevant thousands of years after they were invented?

Cooking over an open flame isn’t just fun, it’s popular for a good reason. The flavor you get from a flame-cooked meal is difficult to match on even the finest bar-b-queue. Plus, sometimes it’s the only cooking method you have. From surviving and camping to just getting creative, here are 10 things to try next time you’re around the fire.

Blueberry Orange Muffins

Let them try and tell you that baking on a camping trip is a bad idea! This environmentally-conscious muffin recipe makes your pack lighter by re-using the peels of oranges that you can eat on the trail. When it’s time for dessert, mix water and muffin mix as directed and then spoon the result into the empty orange halves. Wrap the mini muffin trays in a double layer of tinfoil and set them in a warm — but not flaming — section of coals. Allow eight to ten minutes of cook time. Boom, a sweet treat that you wouldn’t expect around a campfire.

Kebabs

While they’re simpler to do over the backyard fire pit than on the trail, kebabs can be packed and made in the wilderness with little hassle. The beauty of these simple-but-tasty creations is they allow you to create a multitude of flavor combinations and can customize for meat-eaters, vegetarians or omnivores. As your skill in combining flavors improves, you can play around with mixing things that cook faster or slower, like meat and fruit, and using the thickness of each slice to help the entire skewer cook evenly.

Pizza

Everyone loves pizza, right? But you might not think to cook it over a fire. With a simple pizza stone, you can make it on your backyard grill or beside a babbling brook. Fresh pizza dough can easily pack into camp for a first-night-out feast, and of course, it transports well from your fridge to the bar-b-queue. Similarly to Kebabs, you can enjoy a number of flavor combinations and you might be surprised how much you enjoy the nuance of a crispy-yet-chewy grilled pizza crust. It’s not unlike a gourmet wood-fired pie.

Steak

We’re not surprising anyone by including steak on a list of things you can cook over a fire. A steak traditionalist might even argue this is the only way meat should ever cook. Choose a flavorful piece such as New York Strip or Rib Eye to make over the open flame and the fat on the meat will nearly cook it for you. We recommend a good coating of butter or olive oil, complemented by some salt, pepper and rosemary, but you’re welcome to get more creative with your steak seasonings. Another great thing about this fire-cooked meal is there are several sides you can make over a fire as well.

Corn on the Cobb

Sure you could boil your corn, something we’ve probably all had. But flame-grilled corn-on-the-cob is without question the better way to have it. Plus, it’s so simple. Pick up some good fresh corn, shuck it and wrap in tinfoil, and place in hot embers for 20-30 minutes.

You can also do it with a campfire grill to reduce the mess. Throw a nice chunk of butter and some salt and pepper inside the tinfoil wrapper to add the perfect finishing touch to this sweet and healthy side.

Baked Potatoes

Similar to corn, baked potatoes can be made easily around a campfire by taking advantage of the wonders of tinfoil. However, as a heartier dish, baked potatoes can serve as a main dish when stuffed with the right ingredients. Do some meal prep before hitting the trail by splitting your spuds and packing them with bacon, chives, butter and seasoning. When you arrive at camp, everything will have melted together in the foil — you can finish it off by cooking it over the fire.

Egg and Sausage Taquitos

We tend to focus on dinner when the idea of making things over a fire comes up. But what about breakfast? For the most important meal of the day, breakfast can get neglected on camping trips, but these simple breakfast taquitos will give you a morning boost whether you make them for the kids at home or cook them up after a night on the trail. Meal prep is fairly simple — you make some sausage links and eggs, season them up and then wrap in a tortilla and add seasoning. Make sure you have a good means of keeping these cold if you plan to make them at camp.

Campfire Griddle Cakes

Your camp-mates will be thrilled to wake up to the smell of hot, fresh pancakes on the trail. If you’re used to cooking on a cast-iron skillet, these are about as straightforward as making pancakes at home. You can whip up a batch of batter in 15 minutes at home and jar it or bring with you on the trail using a Tupperware container. Make sure you bring along the necessary flatware. These aren’t as easy to eat with your hands as a kebab, hot dog or s’more. Extra points if you remember syrup and fresh berries.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Similar to the baked potatoes we mentioned earlier, these stuffed veggies can easily serve as a main course. The recipe we chose uses a combination of rice, veggies and ground beef for a well-rounded and nutritious dinner that helps get all your food groups in while you’re out on the trail. The stuffed peppers are cooked in a Dutch oven and take about 30-45 minutes, which should be enough time to prepare additional sides if needed. They look pretty gourmet when done — proof you don’t have to be at home to enjoy something special.

S’mores

What would a list of fire-cooked goodies be without s’mores? These old-timely favorites will bring a smile to anyone’s face, whether on the trail or in the backyard. Did you know, s’mores have gone upscale? Try them with fruit, peanut butter and other wild combinations.

Cooking over an open flame is a wonderful social experience and a way to make plain-old good food. It brings the family together and gives you an excuse to try some truly special recipes that you otherwise might not. So try out some ours, or let us know in the comments below what your favorite flame-cooked eats are!

Be Safe out there and be sure to check out The Prepper Journal Store and follow The Prepper Journal on Facebook!

The post Things You Can Cook Over a Fire appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

from The Prepper Journal Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

[troop2017]

We did a lot of walking in the North York Moors – even when we were ‘going’ somewhere!  So this post will deal with 1 of the days that we were, sort of at least, heading somewhere and I will do a separate post for the days we actually set out just to walk (to the top of Roseberry Topping and to see Captain Cook’s Monument to be precise).

On day 2 in the Moors we headed to the nearest decent sized town, Stokesley, which turned out to be extremely pleasant.  The parking system was disc parking and, not having a disc, we drove through and parked as soon as we could, giving us a short walk back into town.  There are an awful lot of old buildings in Stokesley and the centre has a really nice feel about it, with lots of independent shops and several butchers, bakers and greengrocers.

We also found a dedicated running shop here (I needed a new water bottle).  The 1st bottle they showed me was £35 – I politely explained I wasn’t actually THAT much of a runner!  I did get what I wanted though, and then realised that I recognised the couple from my previous morning’s ‘run’ – I had stopped to wait for them to pass me with their 4 dogs as I was embarrassed by my shambling and didn’t want them to observe it!  These 2 are proper runners – he went up the hill like it  was a Sunday afternoon stroll, whereas I had to bully myself up this hill (all 20m or so of it…).  The shop is called Let’s Run, and they are very involved in coaching and getting beginners out with groups.

Packhorse Bridge in Stokesley

Looking toward the Packhorse Bridge in Stokesley

From here we headed towards Middlesborough as we both wanted to see the Transporter Bridge that crosses the Tees there.

We found it, and we went across the river on it (£1.30!), a very quick crossing after which we found ourselves in an area called Port Clarence, which used to be very busy, but which is now less so.

We had a quick drive around Middlesborough and were impressed by the evidence of past grandeur, and also the clear evidence of ongoing regeneration.

Making our way back the, slightly long way, we saw another bridge that appears to lift.  I have since discovered this to be the Newport Vertical Lift Bridge which is no longer in use, so no chance of seeing it in action unfortunately 😦

Transporter Bridge, Middlesborough

Transporter Bridge, Middlesborough

Newprot Vertical Lift Bridge, Middlesborough

A couple of days later we decided to head south through the moors towards Helmsley.  Our route took us east first towards the National Park centre; we had to turn round and find somewhere suitable to park off the road (the car park charges in the National Parks are ridiculous – anything between £2.40 & £4, regardless of how long you’re staying – 10 minutes or 10 hours…)

North Yorks Moors

North Yorks Moors

North York Moors

North Yorks Moors

North Yorks Moors

North York Moors

The centre itself was interesting though, and we think that you must be able to book accommodation there as we heard the cashier asking for some astronomical sums of money!  (£324/£687..)  Or they were buying truckloads of pencils, notebooks and mugs 🙂

Map of the North York Moors

  We travelled down through Danby and headed for Rosedale Abbey, a pleasant little village where we stopped for a cuppa.  There used to be a priory here, for nuns, and there are the remains of a tower from this period in the church yard.  The church itself isn’t actually particularly old.  There is also a school building that really confused us, as the front looked like houses but the end like a school!  Also the public footpath actually passes through the playground (although the gate is locked when the children are actually as school!

An old guy we were talking to in the café did tell us how many children attended the school – unfortunately I can’t remember how many, but we do know it was very few!

The Church at Rosedale Abbey

Tower ruins in the churchyard at Rosedale Abbey

From here we took the road that DIDN’T avoid the steep hill.  We were so glad we did as at the top of the peak we found a number of structures that turned out to be the remains of old roasting kilns of Bank Top.  We spent a short time exploring these, together with a number of others who had been lucky enough to find them (or maybe they already knew about them..)

Lime Kilns at Bank Top

View from the Lime Kiln remains at Bank Top

Looking down at the remains

We then drove through Hutton-le-Hole, a really pretty little village with a brook babbling through it and the ubiquitous tea shops!  We would have loved to stop, but the same problem with parking raised it’s head and there wasn’t anywhere else suitable to park in the village.  We are honestly not skinflints, but with the amount of places we’re visiting we can easily stop 4, 5 or 6 times in a day.  If the car park tickets aren’t transferable  between car parks (which they aren’t usually)  this could cost between £10 & £25 per day depending on where you are….

Next stop was Helmsley, a lovely market town with it’s own castle (English Heritage).  We visited here, as usual quite late in the day!  It was quite interesting, in particular 1 of the rooms which still had the original panelling and frieze in place.  In the shop I found some recipe cards which I picked up and also bought some ginger curd to make one of the cheesecakes.  The recipe cards have since gone missing….  We’re now on the hunt to replace them!

Helmsley

Helmsley

Helmsley Castle

Helmsley Castle

As we left Helmsley we noticed that there were signs up for motorhome parking, so we investigated.  Motorhomes are indeed welcome to park overnight between 6.30pm and 9am – free 🙂

By now we were pleasantly shattered so headed home – via the Chip Shop in Great Ayton.  Long queue; lovely dinner!

Keep travelling! 🙂

A few more days on the Moors and seeing the Transporter Bridge We did a lot of walking in the North York Moors - even when we were 'going' somewhere! 

[lightchoice]

"I can't imagine why you would show up out of the blue like this... but I'm sure your reasoning sounds reasonable... to you." she crosses her arms over her sternum, less annoyed and more curious. the darkness inside her that lingers like an instinct, like a symbiote, hungers to understand why.

@multif0rmed - aqua & xehanort

[wanderluster-blog]

Buried within the Chattahoochee National Forest, hidden off a very worn dirt road along Aska Road, resides Benton MacKaye Trail. The trail climbs upward along Rocky Mountain for a few miles and has some beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but we were content with hiking just to the falls and back. Shane has a herniated disk and his back was bothering him from cutting lumber a few days prior. I chose this hike because it is a short jaunt to the falls and back coming in under 1 mile total (score! I got to see a waterfall and he didn’t have to hike too far.)

NOTE- Before you go: LTE in them thar hills is limited.

I am a techie and by an IT manager by trade. I use my phone for EVERYTHING and glancing down to see “No Service” doesn’t make me overly thrilled when I have no map, no documented route and no sense of direction. “I ain’t go no map or directions and I have no earthly idear where we’s at”, flashed into my brain as we trudged along the dirt road. As we drove we saw a neat house that had hitching posts out front and the coolest cabin railing (literally made of sticks that seem to be collected from the forest).

Cabin with hitching posts in Blue Ridge

The neatest cabin railing ever

We rounded a sharp curve on the packed Georgia clay road and came upon an abandoned shack and a barn that looked like it was about to cave in. My mind immediately went to a horror movie and I said, “This is where the city folk family from Atlanta gets it by the country folk that don’t like no tresspassin‘ on their land!” This is a whole lotta nope and I looked for a place to turn around to go back to civilization.

  This creepy homestead belonged to Forest Warden Garfield Stanley

The road was about as wide as our car and we had no choice but to continue passed the scary dilapidated house. We crept by slowly as “the hills have eyes” watched. Not a single bird could be heard as Julia mentioned that the shack looked like the one from “Until Dawn” a horror video game that she and Shane played. Great… queue the chainsaw sound effect now. The windows in this house were dark and the weeds had grown up over the entrance but we could see rocking chairs sitting abandoned on the front porch. A screen door slapped in the cool autumn breeze.

At this point I just knew we took a wrong turn and my phone continued to flash “Hey you idiot, there isn’t a cell tower up here.” Thankfully, just ahead we saw the white diamond marking the trail head. Whew! we survived. Turns out with a little research before hand,(which is what I hope you are doing now) this abandoned shack is the homestead of one of the Stanley clan that is prominent in this area. He was the caretaker of this mountain area.

Finding this waterfall is quite easy with directions.

We parked and headed to the trail head. You will see the sign pointing to the falls so from here it is pretty clear which way to go. The .5 mile hike to the falls is pretty easy, however the trail is muddy and goes up a fairly steep incline.

Path incline. Shane can be seen at the top of the trail

The trails are lined with rhododendron, that bloom in late June. We went in September so the flowers weren’t in bloom but that didn’t change the beauty of the trail. Moss covered the trees and mushrooms peeked up through the soil. The sound of the babbling brook resonated through the trees and there was a soft breeze. The smell of damp earth made us feel in touch with the environment in which we walked. Our legs could feel the strain of muscles being worked and our lungs were filled with the cool morning air.

Along the way we saw two cabins, one appeared to be abandoned and the other occupied. Oh! To have a cabin on a creek with a waterfall at its end.

Cabin on Benton MacKaye Trail

Abandon Cabin on Benton MacKaye Trail

When you will continue along the trail climbing Rocky Mountain for fantastic views of the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Mountain range. Once you take the right fork the, terrain takes an slight decline and the waterfall is just ahead. The ground has eroded and the trees root system in this area are showing so be careful not the trip. It is much cooler here under the thick canopy. Moss is thick on the trees and the air is damp. The forest floor was littered with colorful leaves when we visited. The sound of the water fall is not deafening like a lot of falls but you can hear the water tumbling over the smooth rocks before you round the bend to see it cascading across the stone surface.

  The double waterfall with falling leaves, mountain laurel, and rhododendron surrounding it is beautiful in the Fall, I can only imagine it in the Spring and early Summer. If you visit during this time please comment with photos!

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Directions to the falls: Hopefully you aren’t like us and are looking for directions and not depending on your phones GPS.  So getting there is easy but first…

IT Manager Pro Tip: While in Blue Ridge go ahead and search for Fall Branch Falls on your phone. If you are traveling to another location make sure you add each location to your phone in the order you want to visit them. Leave this app open, do not close it because if you have zero service it will not search, but the phone is smart, it will continue to direct you if it is already open.

Address: Fall Branch Falls, Stanley Creek Road, Cherry Log, GA

From Blue Ridge:

Follow Aska Road south for eight miles.

You will see a sign on right side of road that says “Fall Branch Falls –>  Toccoa Riverside Restaurant is on the left side of road.

Turn right on Stanley Creek Road right before the restaurant.

At about 2.5 miles the road goes from paved to gravel. Keep going.

You will pass the scary homestead of Forest Warden Garfield Stanley’s (not so scary now that you have read who it belonged to, right?).

The trail head is maybe 100 yards past the homestead. The road widens a little for parking and there is a white triangle on the tree.

You can either head left or right down a trail. You will head right if your back is facing the homestead. Look for the sign pointing the way to Fall Branch Falls.

Enjoy! Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Keep the Lust for Wandering Y’all!

Fall Branch Falls: The Waterfall So Spectacular It Has To Say It Twice Buried within the Chattahoochee National Forest, hidden off a very worn dirt road along Aska Road, resides Benton MacKaye Trail.

[lightchoice]

she had long since become a lover to nostalgia. there were things in this world that were distant from the things she had grown used to seeing, and other things were far from their textbook counterparts. there were things in this castle, in this world, that made her feel small, and others than forced her to stand tall. and of course, there would always be the feeling that she would never be enough for the people around her, despite earning her title and rank among the guard.

when she stares with cautious reverence towards the princess of light, bearing the warmth of destiny in her open arms, she realizes something with gentle mirth: kairi, despite her horrifying strength, was a terrible weak kid. ( this, of course, was not a point of contention, nor a point of disdain. weakness was not a sign of inhumanity, but rather of compassion. to be weak, to be vulnerable, was the most human trait of all, in justine's eyes. )

so her eyes slip closed for a moment, patient smile widening into an amused one as she steps closer to the little lady and offers out a gauntlet covered hand. less to take and more to offer to follow in her footsteps to a destination at the edge of destiny.

"I do believe yer headed in the wrong direction of the castle for that, buckaroo. But, I can show you a pretty place on the way to the Grand Hall, and ya won't be any more late than an average tourist." she chuckles, making a light motion to walk alongside her. "Ya look like you'd mighty need a breath of fresh air, and there's a place I think you'd like on grounds."

The floor was too polished. It gleamed like starlight poured into marble, each step echoing softly behind her like she was trespassing in a forgotten story. Kairi hadn’t meant to wander this far — just a few steps beyond the chamber where she was told to wait. But the castle pulled at her like a current. Ornate halls stretched in every direction, humming with a quiet, ceremonial kind of magic. Not wild, like the sea. Not worn, like the islands. But old. Purposeful.

She wasn’t used to ceilings so tall they made her feel small. Or windows that cast coloured light instead of opening out to sky. This place — this monument of light — it didn’t feel like it was made for people like her.

Or maybe… it simply wasn’t made for beginnings.

Her hand skimmed along a stone column, fingers brushing the surface like she was trying to learn its story by touch. She had heard about this castle for years now — whispered mentions between battles, scattered memories spoken by Donald or Goofy, even Sora. Always in passing. The King’s castle. A sanctuary. A center of all worlds. But stories had warmth. This place had silence.

She turned a corner and paused, her boots clicking once, then falling still. The corridor stretched ahead, empty. Drapes moved faintly in a breeze she couldn’t feel. There were no voices, no footsteps, just the gentle thrum of enchantment in the walls. Like the castle breathed on its own. And yet, she felt like an intruder. A silhouette painted on the edge of someone else’s painting.

Kairi drew in a slow breath, her hand hovering briefly over the silver chain at her neck before dropping to her side again. It had been years since she first learned the truth about the worlds. And still — it hadn’t prepared her for this place.

She had never been to Disney Castle. Not until now. And now that she was here… she didn’t know what to do with herself. Aqua would meet her soon. She knew that. She’d agreed to the training, the preparation — to becoming more than what the war had left behind. And she was grateful. She was. But beneath that gratitude… there was something quieter. Something hollow.

It was the feeling of being several steps behind the person everyone thought you already were. Her footsteps resumed — slower now. The way someone walks through a church, or a dream. She could almost picture him here. Sora. Leaning over the balcony with that half-smile, calling to Donald with a joke, or spinning in a circle just to take it all in. He would’ve made this place feel alive.

Her chest tightened. She wondered if the castle remembered him. If the walls still carried the sound of his voice. If the throne had been warmed by the shape of his courage. But no matter how much she searched — even now — he was never where she looked. Just the shadow of him, always walking ahead.

He wasn’t here. And somehow, that felt louder than everything else. She stopped at the center of the hall, eyes lifting to the archway above her. It was beautiful. Majestic. Sacred. But no banner, no golden filigree, no enchanted light could offer her the thing she truly came for.

Not strength. Not guidance. But a sign. A trace.

Something to prove he had stood where she now stood. That his path hadn’t vanished — it had simply turned invisible. She closed her eyes. She had come to Disney Castle because it was the next step forward. Because waiting on the shore had grown too quiet, and her heart was beginning to wilt in the stillness. She came because Aqua believed in her. Because Sora believed in her. Because there was no other path left that didn’t lead backwards.

But now that she stood here, surrounded by stories that weren’t hers, she couldn’t help but wonder — would this place ever hold her the way it held him? Her hand returned to her heart. Gentle. Steady. She didn’t know yet. But she had taken the first step. And that had to count for something. "Sorry—I'm just trying to find my way to the grand hall, I have a meeting with the Queen."

[lightchoice]

@ninthnocturne - from here.

he's unsure of how to handle the fluttering of nervousness in his chest ; perhaps this is what those two kids who hang around lea call anxiety. ( he doesn't like it, not one bit. ) but when MYDE smiles and extends a hand to him in truce and peace offering alike, an olive branch of sorts, his own expression quietly softens and shoulders slouch.

"... Isadore. Everyone calls me Isa." taking myde's extended hand, the words are uncomfortable on his tongue, but not because he doesn't like his original name ; it's akin to going back home after years of being gone to a room that hasn't changed, but you did. "... Do you want to get some lunch? There's a good cafe nearby here, if I recall Lea's advice correctly."

[lightchoice]

─ what incredibly specific feeling do you embody?

DEJA VU.

[def. a feeling of having already experienced the present situation.] You always feel as if there's not enough of it. What is "It"? Anything. Everything. Not enough time, not enough joy, not enough space, not enough food. It is never enough, because you can't seem to find enough to satiate the feeling in your chest that you have done this all before, that the world has given you another chance and you are screwing it up. It was hopeful at first, to feel; these days, you can't help but feel like it's weighing you down.

[lightchoice]

─ what do you need from the world?

A VILLAIN.

you don't want to go through this nonsense in life alone. it aggravates you, burns you with a righteous fury. you don't want to be told that it's all in your head, that you're being dramatic. you may know it's irrational, or you may believe it's within your domain to be angry about. that doesn't make what you feel any less seen and heard by the one who sees you at your worst and grins, because they love you for you and encourage the beast inside. but, reminder: every villain has their own side of darkness… and of light, just like you do.

[lightchoice]

─ what strangely specific scent do you give off?

COFFEE WHILE SWEETS ARE BEING MADE.

you're the sort of person who shows up exactly when you need to, no sooner no later. you don't stay for long, moving from place to place, but when you are there, when you actually stick around long enough to truly meet a person, it's something that changes you for the rest of your life. you're the soft touch on someone's shoulder when they're crying, you're the rest of the drink that hasn't gotten cold, you're the savory taste on the back of their throat when they've forgotten what something good actually feels like. all while you sit there and remain, in silence, while they talk about their day. and you wait. (and you wait.)

[lightchoice]

─ what type of "oh" are you?

THE STARTLED LAUGH.

you realize with an abrupt laugh and a quiet "oh no". you realize with a confused bubble of a noise in your throat, a thing you can't control, and it doesn't stop, as long as they're around for you, for anything. you've never really understood the premise of something like this, after all those sorts of things are tropes - they happen in books, and in movies, and in games… but in real life? they can't be real, they don't HAPPEN. but here you are, eyes wide in realization as that cliche word fumbles past your lips - oh. oh no. (oh…)