Tag Archive | Hiking

52 Hike Challenge – Hike 1

Nov10

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Good morning!

A few weeks back I broke my toe and metatarsal during the night, as I was going back to bed from the restroom. Lovely! Anyway, it is pretty much healed now. A few discomforts , but nothing to really complain about.img_5162

I decided once my foot was feeling better I would join the 52 Hike Challenge on this past Monday. Well, I did it! I joined on Monday. Educated myself on the challenge and am going for it. I had been wanting to do it for months and am so glad that I finally did!

First off, I love to hike. I don’t get out enough and this is just the little extra push that I need.

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My favorite photo of the day. Looking up at the big, big trees.

I don’t get out as much as I like, because I have a busy family life. No complaints here though, I wouldn’t change a thing. I just need to fit in more time for me, which can be hard certain days. I am fortunate to live in an area where I can find a great hiking spot rather easily at the last minute.  Woot!img_5168

Tuesday was the first day I had a hike planned. I was thinking a 6 miler up at the Land of Medicine Buddha. I have a favorite hike there that I haven’t done in quite a long while. Well, bam, I am gifted with watching my Great Niece for the rest of the week. No worries! I’ll just take her with me for our first hike together. So, that’s what we did.

It’s fun and challenging hiking with a 2-year-old. Challenging, because they are very slow and rarely do you get to do more than a mile if they are walking on their own. Fun, because they are so fun to teach about the woods and see the wonder through their eyes.

It was a GREAT morning hiking with her and nostalgic. I use to take her older sisters hiking with me when they were little. I can’t wait for the 4 of us to all hike together. What a wonderful day that will be!

I’m just so excited that I got my first hike in, even though, only just over a mile, I got it done. It was a gorgeous day and exactly what Madison and I both needed.  🙂

xo

Another Day in the Enchanted Forest

Oct7

Yesterday I set out on another hike at the Land of Medicine Buddha and into the Enchanted Forest. This time with my good friend, Jen.

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It was an absolutely gorgeous morning. How could it not be though, with the amazing place we call home.

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We took a shorter route than I did the last week.  This one about a mile and a half. After that loop, we walked the Eight Versus Trail to get a little extra land in.  We finished at about 3 miles.  3 glorious miles though.

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It was the first time that I went to the temple and saw this amazing statue.  It was huge. I am assuming about 25 feet tall.  All indoors.

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I didn’t go in, but will next time. Maybe bring a token of my gratification for whomever created this beautiful place for me to enjoy.

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Even though I am not religious, I find that looking at these little beautiful scenes that I find all over this property, brings me a calm. I’ll welcome that any time.

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While visiting one of the little shrines in the Enchanted Forest, I found a rock that was placed for Madyson Middleton. I was hoping I would see one. That made me smile. HOWEL FOR MADDY!!

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At one point of the short round about, we walked down hill.  Steep down the hill.  My knees don’t usually like that, but I am feeling pretty great today, so I’ll probably to it again if I want a shorter hike day.

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I love looking around and noticing all of the changes going on for Autumn. The color of the leaves, the ferns in full force, the wildflowers dyeing off.

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I can’t wait to go back! 🙂

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xo

Hiking For Your Health, Well and Maybe Your Sanity Too. ;)

Oct1

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I met up with a friend this morning and set out for a hike that I have been wanting to check out.  We drove to the Land of Medicine Buddha.  Parked the car and immediately started enjoying the beauty and chatting all along the way.

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We walked through the beginning of the Eight Versus trail and then veered off to the Enchanted Forest. Oh what an amazing forest it is.

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It smelled so good.  The leaves glistening.  The rain on my face and arms felt to good.  Everything so peaceful and serene. I could have walked all day.

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Julie and I just talked and walked.  Serious and laughing. This time was long over due, but also right on time. It was great for both of to just get out and be.

IMG_6512 I can’t wait to hit this trail many more times over. I know it will be even more delightful each and every time.  🙂

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xo

Movies that make you go hmmm…

Sep29

 I love a movie that just gets your thoughts flowing… What would it be like to hike the PCT? Am I out of control in my life? Would my Boys be sad if I died? Why haven’t I bought a new pair of hiking books, I love to hike? Am I wasting my life? What is my full potential? I wonder if I make my family happy? Does Andrew still love me the way he used to? Am I boring? Am I disgusting? Am I happy? I’m so happy the weather is cool today. I’m happy I got those counters decluttering in the kitchen today. I don’t want to die. What time is it? I miss camping. I wonder how much the train is to Oregon? I wonder if I make Andrew happy? Don’t forget to ask Dad if he can pick Devin up today. Maybe I should look into posting those bikes on Craigslist. I could totally hike for miles in my Tevas. I wonder what kinds of essentials I would need for a long backpacking trip? I need to book us a trip to the Treesort. I wonder which train station is closest to the Treesort? I wonder if Andrew would be up for a train ride? I wonder if Andrew can get some time off work? I haven’t ridden my bike for a while, maybe I’ll take it over to Perfectly Pressed tomorrow. I need to start riding that hill more often to get stamina. One day it will get easier, right? Why am I so hungry today? I wonder how many points that juice was I drank this morning? I wonder how many points beets juiced are? What the hell is with all of these “national” days? I wonder who decides and creates these “national” days? They’re kind of dumb, are people that bored? I would never do heroine. Why are my eyes bothering me so much?

My crazy thoughts for an afternoon. I must say though, that movies as these get your juices flowing. I like that. 😀

xo

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.

Sep24

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Sunday…

I woke up feeling great! I cleaned myself up and headed out the door. I was on a mission to see some friends that are such beautiful souls.

My friend Dele was doing the Surf City AIDS Ride. Esplanade Park, in the Capitola Village, close to where I live, was the first stop on their map.

I loved cheering on the riders and they came in. Then here came Dele and her friend, Richard. Woo hoo!!! Right on riders!IMG_6068
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Can you believe that she was doing 65 miles that day?! Isn’t that just amazing!  She has done the AIDS Ride several times as well.  I am just so proud of what she does for others.  Constantly!  She is always an inspiration to me.

As for Kristofer, he will be doing the AIDS ride for his first time coming up.  I am so proud of his will and the endeavors he pursues.  Another true inspiration! For sure!

What a wonderful way to start my day.  Also, to set the tone for the rest of my week. 🙂

Monday…

After dropping the kiddos at school I came home, made myself a little breakfast, then took off for a walk. Headphones on, hit play on the podcast and off I went.

I never get bored walking around my home.  So many beautiful things to look at.  So many different paths to take.  Every single one of the breathtaking.

My walks each day have been making me feel so very good. Good for the mind. Good for my soul. Good for my mood. Good for my body. Just so many ways to list.

Here are a few pics from this wonderful town that I call home.  Enjoy!  🙂



  

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Tuesday…

What an amazing day this was.  A field trip with the 5th graders!  Woo hoo!

We met with a Guide, by the name of Todd. I believe that he is a Survival Trainer.  Anyway, he was fantastic.  On point. Patient with the kids and super informative.  I would love to take my family back for a day, or even a weekend and just have him teach us.  Great stuff!

IMG_6105We saw Banana Slugs, raccoon tracks at the creeks edge, learned how to walk like a fox and be aware of our surroundings.  We were shown what we need to make fire and how to do it.  We made shelters with what was available in our surroundings.


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I could just imagine what else we could have learned in a smaller group.  I was very impressed.  It made me really think about booking some really quality time with my family.  Away from the house.  Away from electricity and the distractions that it brings. Back to family, talking, stories, bonding.  I miss that so much.  xoxo

All in all, I must say that my mornings have been amazing.  It usually works out that if my morning stays calm, then the rest of my days does as well.  Kind of setting the day, if you will.  I love my life when it falls into place this way.  This month has been a very hard one for me.  A new chapter in the book of learning for sure! As for today, I couldn’t be happier. 🙂

xo