Backpacking Bliss (ter)

Took a Friday off and went on an adventure! A 3 day, 17.3 mile, backpacking trip at Mt. Sterling to be exact. I could not of picked a more perfect weekend. Rain was in the forecast, but I didn't see a drop or even a cloud for that matter. The weather was nice, low 70's/day and high 30's/evening. The trip itself was 5.4 miles with a 1,500 ft. elevation gain on the first day, 5.8 miles with 3,000 ft. elevation gain the second day, and 6.1 miles and 4,500 descend for the last day. I learned that carrying a 35 lb pack can be very exhausting for just 6 mile of trail. I learned that I shouldn't carry 4 liters of water for 6 miles of trail, especially if there was a water source at each campsite. That shaved an extra 7 lbs off my pack! I learned that a bag of bagels can feel like 20 lbs and that I should of thought to bring crackers instead. I learned that dehydrated spaghetti and meat sauce is pretty damn good after a big elevation gain day. And I learned that the trick with these trips is to take several breaks, take my pack off, eat a snack, and drink plenty of fluids. After all, I have all day to do the mileage, so I took it easy and enjoyed being outdoors. My only regret, is not putting foot powder on my feet the last day. I got a tiny blister on my pinky toe. Other than that, the exertion was great and the views were incredible, and I can't wait to do this trip again.
Trek Poles: I am now a big proponent of them. I've never thought I needed them, didn't want the additional weight, didn't want them getting in my way when I needed to grab onto a tree limb to steady my balance, and certainly didn't want to drag them behind my on the trail. But boy did they come in handy this weekend. I was able to balance myself better, especially going down hill.

Matter over Mind

The dogs and I were at a local mountain, Crowders Mt., that we frequent when we don't have the time to make the drive up into the mountains. Its about 30 minutes away and our standby hiking trails never disappoint. Its got two trails that make a great 1 1/2 hour workout. We normally do one trail, thats gains more elevation quicker, but is about a mile shorter (3 miles) or we do the longer trail with gradual elevation (4 miles). I decided to take the quicker trail and just hike faster. We got a great workout and when we came to the T intersection to either go back to the car or start the longer trail, my dogs made the left turn on to the 2nd trail. I was feeling warm, but knew I could push more, so I indulged the dogs and figured if it gets to tough, I can always turn around. About the middle of the ascend, my mind was telling me to turn around, it could not comprehend that we could do this. It knows we always do one or the other trail, but not both! I stopped and made a quick assessment of my body. My muscles, though burning, were not fatigued and the momentum was keeping me going. I just told myself, I can do this, its Matter over Mind, and we did. We trudged up to the next amazing view, rounded that last corner, and completed our hike. I could not believe we hiked BOTH trails in one day. Its truly amazing what our bodies can do when we let them. My tired dogs slept the entire way home, but I had the biggest grin, knowing I learned a great lesson on the trail this morning.

Meditation in Motion

I don't know about you, but I love Fall. Its the perfect time of the year to get in some great backpacking trips. The weather is cool, the leaves are changing color, and best of all.... the trails are less crowded! Something about being on a trail completely relaxes me. Not sure if its the solitude, the seclusion, the exertion, or the views. Its probably a combination of it all, but when I'm on a trail, I am IN the moment. No thinking about work, my "to do list", my tennis match on Monday. Nothing but me, the awe-inspiring views, and the sound of leaves crunching beneath my boots. Seriously, its like meditating in motion. My mind is clear and my body is on auto pilot, moving one foot in front of the other, propelling me forward, deeper into the woods, and further from everyday stresses. (Carvers Gap)

Hello! SweetPeas First Blog

Hello! So I've been doing all these outdoor adventures for years and have finally decided to "Blog" them. I will try to log in weekly to update my adventures with my fearless companions, whom I like to affectionately call Thing one and Thing two. AKA Charlie Brown, the big, goofy, galooty chocolate lab and Melia, the smart, sassy, inquisitive border collie and something mix. As for me, after being cooped up in an office all week long, there is nothing more relaxing then being outdoors doing something physically challenging. Like hiking, backpacking, moutain biking, kayaking, or traveling. By no means am I an "extreme" thrill seeker. I just like to get out and let off a little steam. Oh... and as for the name, "Sweet Pea", its pet name given to me by my Boo. Who humors me by allowing me to drag him into the deep woods for the sake of adventure. (I think he secretly likes it.)