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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Hanging Rock Adventure



I've been meaning to mention this one, but time and school and excuses, ya know? Ok. So real life hiking took place over labor day weekend. Like the sweating kind, with a lot of tangly hair. The way up was treacherous, with ragged paths and every step could almost send you over the edge. In my minds eye anyways. Did I mention I'm scared of heights? Yeah well, usually I get this sinking feeling in my stomach that says "just sit down and crawl away from the edge...." well this time I didn't. Below is my original "Give me a second to gather my courage" face. It doesn't help when your cousin is about to tumble off the side of the rock and he's so confident that it could never happen.


I will also add that right before we made it to the main rock there was a smaller rock people were taking pictures on. A guy was climbing off of the rock to return to the trail and he fell. Slid in between two rocks and was obviously terrified for a few seconds. That was enough to make anyone uneasy.





Did I mention I have cute cousins? I do, so girls beware. They also take the best selfies usually. I think know I'm their favorite. 


And here at last, we sat and enjoyed the view, ate some granola bars, took some pictures and just enjoyed all of this togetherness. The day was clouded over which resulted to be the best weather for hiking because we avoided the added heat and the glares and squinty eyes. 





 I also jumped off of a diving board for the first time in my life. Terrifying and thrilling all in one! My inner mermaid was exposed and I was queen of the sea pond? 


My 12 year old self would be appalled at my outdoorsy adventures, considering I hated anything that required going outside. How things change, and for that I am grateful. These views give you perspective. We are but a tiny part of this big wide world and yet Jesus loves us enough to reach for us and create all these wonders for us. “And she was terribly aware that she was alive. Not just living and breathing, but ...alive.” 
xoxo,


Summit 2015 and Friends










Summit 2015, where the people are friendly, the food is delicious and there's the ever present perfect mountain and tree backdrop wherever you look. This first solo road trip was a success, with new friends and acquaintances that I look forward to seeing again soon.
xoxo,









Friday, September 4, 2015

Romping in the Deep Woods

Late Recap:

Date: August 22nd, 2015
Location: Cascade Falls, Pembroke, VA
Weather: Slightly Overcast / Sunny 86°F
Mission: Reach Destination Waterfall in Time for a Swim
Distance: 2 miles in, 2 miles out
Mission Status: Complete



One of the most strenuous trails I've hiked (in my limited hiking experiences). The views were stunning and the lower trail was worth every step. Granola bars and trail mix kept us alive. Safe drinking water was scarce after the mission was underway. No restrooms anywhere to be found. Beware. Bandaids recommended. Encountered wild insects and twisted my ankle on the rocky trail more times than I would like to admit. 

Upon reaching the waterfall, be prepared to have your breath taken away. 66 feet of gushing frigid water. Ice cold water WILL leave you numb. Slippery rocks WILL make you fall. If you are a grown human the water will probably NOT drag you down the sliding rock, so be prepared to scoot yourself and pretend it works. Worth the car ride and sleep deprivation.


Number of steps climbed: 3,857,094,859,469 (probably)
Number of times tripped: more than 6
Number of bridges crossed: about 5....million
Number of times Evelin complained: 3 times per second
Number of times we said "Wow": maybe 1,000
Number of times we encouraged each other with thoughts of food:328
Number of pictures we took: a lot









 


 XOXO,