spend more time outdoors (hiking, kayaking, backpacking, etc.)

for the last ~year I’ve gotten outside roughly three weekends out of each month. I paddled my ass off, and when I wasn’t paddling I was hiking/backpacking. I really made it happen. I have always loved doing things like this, but was apprehensive about finding people to go with or going by myself (not paddling—I don’t kayak alone). I think I’ve certainly made a lifestyle change and I’m really pleased about that!
My weekend adventures (and week-long when it’s feasible) have been dyn-o-mite!

I have really switched gears in my outdoor endeavors. I’ve done no hiking or backpacking since the end of March, which is not normal at all for me. But, I’ve been paddling almost every weekend. It’s been a blast. When the water dies down and we begin to get less rain, I’m sure I’ll put my hiking shoes back on. But, until then, it’s all whitewater, all the time.

I have a great paddling trip planned for Memorial Day weekend and I’m very excited about that. I may be able to throw a little hiking in as well. It’s been an absolutely beautiful Spring here! And it’s been a real treat enjoying the scenery from the water.

Best. Weekend. Ever.

Seriously, I had so much fun I thought I was going to die from fun exposure. The weather was pretty good, the scenery was outstanding and the whitewater was a blast! Can’t wait to get back out! Planning a paddling trip this Sunday!

I leave tomorrow morning for a whitewater kayaking clinic and I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve been patiently waiting for this weekend for FOREVER! I’m so glad it’s almost here. Looks like we are going to have pretty good weather, which is an added bonus!

I’m hoping I’ll be able to roll my kayak, ‘cause I’m not much on swimming in the frothy stuff.

Yiiippppeeeee!

Had a wonderful (albeit, quick) trip to the Smokies over the weekend with a couple of girlfriends. It was so much fun. I really, really needed the break and the scenery was quite refreshing. Got to put in some mileage along some beautiful mountain streams, saw some great geology, and laughed my ass off with friends. We are planning another trip in June and one in the Fall.
I’m recharged.

out in a while, I’ve been so bogged down with getting the house ready for the market.
BUT, I’m meeting a girlfriend this weekend and we are heading to the Smokies for a backpacking trip on Saturday. I’m looking forward to it and hope that the weather cooperates!

I’m tired. It was a lovely weekend, with temps as high as 65. I went to a kayak roll session on Friday night, hiked 8 miles on Saturday, and paddled 12 miles on Sunday. I’m hoping to get some backpacking trips in after the time changes—I have a tendency to get a bit bored when it gets dark before 7 p.m.
I signed up for a whitewater clinic in April, so that should be fun. Hmmm, Spring is in the air!

I had such a wonderful time hiking over the weekend.
I, along with two friends, met up and hiked in to an old hunting lodge that has been converted into a lodge/hostel that is situated along a beautiful creek. You can only get to it by hiking or horseback riding in. We hiked. From the lodge, there are several hiking trails to choose from. In the summer this place is swarming with people and horses. We had the whole place to ourselves! It was magical. We hiked about 7 miles on Saturday, got back to the lodge, cooked a feast, and then settled around a campfire. The stars were amazing and the bourbon was splendid!

This is my fourth weekend in a row getting outside; I feel like my head is on straight because of that.

So, I went hiking on Sunday and had a blast. The weather was wonderful-sunny and 40s). I have so many wonderful plans for 2008, I can barely stand the excitement-paddling, hiking, backpacking, climbing-OH MY! I made reservations with several friends for a night at a hike-in only lodge for next weekend. I’ve hiked to this place previously, but never stayed, so I’m really excited. It’s a gorgeous area.

I am so stoked that I’ve been hiking twice already this year and that I have a fun trip planned for next weekend. These trips clear my mind, are physically challenging and rewarding, make me realize what it is that I love most (bugs and rocks and good friends and water and dogs and trees and…......), and give me something to look forward to throughout the week.

I got in some good hiking on Monday of this week. It was wonderful! The weather was perfect—highs in the mid 30s and very sunny. I climbed to the top of a ridge, found a warm rock and, like a reptile, lay down and charged myself up. I can’t begin to explain how badly I needed that. I’ve found a good hiking/paddling partner, so I have a feeling that this will be my most active year to date!! I’m terribly optimistic.