I've been starting to make good on my desire to get the hell outside. Last weekend I went out and about on my own. I'd had plans to hike with a friend, but she was hit with a migraine and had to back out. So the next day, I took my happy self out all on my own and enjoyed some nature time. It was lovely. And much needed.
So this weekend, I'd already set aside the time to meet up with Jessie and Brogan to possibly camp, but to at least day hike. After a truly awful, stressful week (both personally and in the larger world sense), I made a decision to get a hedgie sitter and stay the night out in Grand Rapids. I peeled myself out of bed on Saturday (let's talk about scheduling a "sleep in" day soon) and cruised on out. It was a beautiful morning and I genuinely enjoy long drives alone. It gives me time to do a little car karaoke and contemplate life.
After arriving and hopping around with the dogs a bit - our traditional Hello Dance - Jessie and I got our stuff together and changed to hike. Unfortunately, Brogan was feeling some nagging pain from training and wasn't able to come out with us. So we opted to go out to the ski area and investigate some of the mountain bike trails. They had hiked trails on the other part of the area the weekend before, so Jessie wanted to explore some new territory. It was all new woods to me, so I was content with wherever she chose. We hopped into her Jeep and enjoyed a doors-off ride out of town. Every time I get in her Jeep I start to long for one of my own......as I lean out the door with my face in the wind like a dog.
After roaming slightly aimlessly to find the trail head, we wandered on into the woods. Jessie taught me her ancient mountain bike tracking skills, in which she can tell me which way we should be going on the trail by the direction of the tread. Orrrr maybe she glanced at the signs. But I prefer to believe she's the bike whisperer. Thank goodness, she can stick her ear to the ground and listen for the rumble of nearby tires if we get lost.
 |
| Jessie was smart and camel-backed her water |
It was a gorgeous day for a hike. Not ridiculously hot or humid. It was a bit cloudy here and there, and once the sun came out fully we were under the big green canopy. Perfect. Beautiful. Day. We even walked around a pond that looked like it came out of some prehistoric jungle.
 |
| Found the primordial ooze |
Now, you know such a polite sign must be holding the key to the perfect hammock spot. So we explored further and found it!
 |
| What's that Lassie?! The hammocks found a home?! |
The pano shot at the top of this page is from this point. We just hung out, had a beverage, joked, talked serious topics, joked some more, and generally took in the peace and quiet around us. We ended up swaying in the breeze for nearly 2 hours. It was exactly what I needed - what we both needed, I think. The world is simple out in the woods. The rest of the world is a shit show right now, but it doesn't exist out there.
Today I went and trained. I didn't want to. But I did it. And I actually bumped up my numbers, even after being sick all last week and not training at all. I really am excited to compete again, but not feeling well and battling whatever has been up with my stomach is not making me feel very motivated.
Next Friday is ground school, the next step toward skydiving solo. I'm super pumped for it, though that evening is all "classroom time" and a test. So let's all hope that the weather holds out later in the weekend so I can go jump with instructors.
Other than that.....I'm busy planning. Planning for Burma in the fall. Tickets are booked and now it's time for the fun details. Planning camping and hiking a lot more for this summer. Looking at hiking challenges and getting myself out into some new spaces. I'd expound more at this point, but I'm tired from the weekend and ready to go cozy myself into bed. Hope you're all busy planning your next adventure too.
No comments:
Post a Comment