Stars Harlowe

For Memorial Weekend, Boo and I drove down the Oriental NC, the sailing capital of North Carolina. It was a long five hour drive on Saturday, but we left early in the morning. We decided to take a quick detour down to Beaufort NC and to have lunch at one of our favorite places, Dockside. I could just taste the hushpuppies all the way down. haha! As we pulled into Beaufort, the weather looked amazing. It was sunny, breezy, and the harbor looked busy. We parked, and made our way down to the restaurant to score us an outdoor table. I had chosen to wear an ECU shirt that day and as usual, in this part of the State, I got lots of smiles with "Go Pirates!" as a salutation. YAY! Sometimes I love coming down east :) As we checked out the outdoor patio, we noticed all the tables were taken, so we climbed the stairs to see if the second story outdoor veranda had any tables. No such luck, not on this weekend, not on this beautiful afternoon. A waitress noticed our frowns, and said she had a table getting ready to leave so if we wanted to wait at the bar she would let us know. So we saddled up to the bar, ordered a couple of beers (Boo, Red Stripe, me a Carolina Blonde) and chilled a bit. About half way through our beers, the waitress called us to our table. It was an awesome table! Right on the corner, overlooking the boardwalk and harbor. SWEET! We order a hushpuppy basket and another round of beers (Me, bud light lime and Boo a Corona.) and sat back to people and boat watch. After lunch, we strolled the little town for a bit and ducked into the cute little shops. We found a great rain jacket for Boo at the Island Connection store and some croakies for my sunglasses to take on the boat. After lunch and shopping, we headed out of Beaufort, and down the 101 to the ferry. Then hopped on the ferry and coasted into to Oriental.

We pulled into our little hotel, checked in, and were very happy with the River Neuse Suites. The inside of the rooms were so cute. They were decked out in a cape cod theme, with white bead board all around the room. After we unpacked, we headed down to the grocery store for some provisions. By the time we got back from running all our errands, we were wiped out.
But we had to clean up, change clothes, and head over to the Tiki bar to catch Captain Chris (the boat captain we were getting the sailboat from) and his band play. When we got to the Oriental Marina and Inn, we headed to the back and found that the Tiki bar was packed! We joined the throngs of other sailors up at the tiki hut bar and waited our turn for a busy bar maid to take our drink order. We both got a Corona and spilled out onto the lawn overlooking the harbor to find a space to relax and watch the band and people. We actually ran into Captain Chris and Boo introduced me. He's alot younger than I expected, he was our age, but he's a nice guy. He is living my Boo's dream. He owns a sailing school, a fleet of boats, lives on the beach and plays in a band. Oh... and he drives an open air jeep. Yep, he's living my Boo's dream. hahaha! One day Boo, one day. Promise. After a couple of hours chilaxing, we decided to head back to the room and call it a night.

The next day, we slept in til 10am. We both couldn't recall the last time we slept in so late. Must of been in college and before the dogs, but it felt sooooooo good. After a quick shower, breakfast, and packing up a small cooler and backpack for the day, we headed out the door and to the harbor. Chris was waiting for us and assured me that Boo would be a fantastic captain and that I should listen to every word he says. I look at Boo and he is just grinning from ear to ear. He is loving being on the coast. So off we went to find our boat, INFRARED, and to get acquainted with all the ropes, sails, lines, etc... Boo makes sure I know how to tie bow line knots and figure eights. He shows me how to hook the sails (sheets) into place, and what each line on the boat is for, how to wind the wench (CLOCKWISE!! it took a while to remember it's always clockwise) and after a 1/2 hour tutorial, he finally started the motor, ordered me to untie us from the dock, backed the sailboat out, and puttered away into the channel. I was excited to get sailing and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. With the water sparkling , the sun shining, we entered the middle of the Pamlico sound, cut the motor, and that's when the Captain ordered his first mate to hoist the sails! I climbed up to the front of the boat, released the line on the main sail, and pulled the rope hand over hand, really fast so the sail luffed perfectly into place. Boo had reeled in the jib on the wench and just like that, we were sailing!

We sailed all day long, took turns manning the helm (stern in our case) and explored the Pamlico sound. Boo did an amazing job as Captain and I was much better first mate than Captain. I was nervous each time I took the stern and when the boat started to pitch over, (which is normal if you have great wind), I got kind of freaked and whimpered for Boo to take over. And in my defense, that was towards the end of the day, when the wind REALLY picked up. And I mean really picked up. We were going pretty fast by the end of the afternoon. We even evaded a rain cloud during our sail. From the water, we saw this gnarly looking dark cloud coming our way. Boo just tacked the boat and we sailed away from the cloud and rain.

After sailing all afternoon, we decided to head back to the dock around 4:30pm and what Boo neglected to tell me, was that as first mate, I was responsible for taking the sails down. WHILE we were sailing! He was supposed to turn the boat into the wind and cut on the engine, but because it was so windy, the sheets kept catching wind and pitching the boat over. So when I had to walk up to the front of the boat, I had to literally hang on for my life b/c the boat was tilted sideways, or b/c the boat would be going into the wind, and cutting into the waves, only to plop down hard on the other side of the wave. It was constantly bouncing up and and crashing down. It was the scariest experience of the day. I didn't know if I would make it and b/c I was so nervous and terrified, I started giggling. Every time I turned around and looked at Boo for direction, I just started laughing. I actually pee'd my pants a little cause I had the scared giggles. hahaha! We both laughed. The entire conversation went something like this. Oh, and we were screaming, cause the wind was loud and the water was splashing up at me. ME: What do I do? Do I take the sail down now?! Boo: Wait for the wind to die down, then pull the sail down really fast and make sure it doesn't land in the water! ME: What do I do now? Do I take the sails down?! Boo: Wait for the wind to die down.... etc.... This Abbot and Costello routine went on for a good 20 minutes, and remember, I was trying my hardest not to laugh while hanging on to the boat for dear life! Anyways, so I had to take the jib down first, and this was a two person job. Boo had to let go of the ropes, which loosened up the jib and I had to stand up and pull the sail down as fast as I could. I finally yelled, "Let's just do this!" and Boo released the lines. I pulled down the jib, then threw my body on top of it b/c the wind was starting to carry some of it away. I found the loosened lines and made the jerriest knot, hoping it would hold. I finally got up, and stumbled over to the main sail. Boo gave me the OK to untie the bowline and pull the main sail down. Since I didn't know how to flake (properly fold) the sail, Boo said to just jerry rig it and we would flake it at the dock. After this crazy experience, I climbed to the back of the boat and felt spent. I told Boo I needed a drink and could totally see why sailors hit the bars when they port. hahha! We had a good laugh, after I made back safely.

We glided easily back into the dock and it took us about 30 minutes to tie up the lines, fold the sails, tidy up the boat, and secure the dock ropes. After our crazy adventure, we decided to go back to the hotel room, clean up a bit and take the bikes out for a couple of celebratory drinks and a really good dinner. In about 30 minutes, we were showered and peddling on the hotel provided beach cruisers towards M&M's restaurant. We wanted to sit on the outdoor patio/porch and enjoy the breeze coming off the water. As soon as we go there, we ordered two Cuba Libre's (Captain Morgans rum and coke with a wedge of lime) It went down so nice and easy, that we ordered another round along with a basket of hushpuppies. I have to say that M&M's had probably the best tasting hushpuppies I have ever had. YUM! I'm licking my lips as I write this just remembering how savory each morsel was (or maybe it was the two Cuba Libre's.... hahaha!) We finally order dinner, Boo get a shrimp sammie and I get a delicious teriyaki beef steak salad. Again, I don't know if it was the Cuba Libre's or if M&M's was just that good, but my salad was amazing. We took our time and stuffed our faces till we could hardly walk. Then we decided to drunk bike back to our hotel and sit on the Adirondack chairs to watch the sunset over the water. It was such a relaxing evening that I could not of been more mellow. We finally called it a night when I started getting a bit chilly and went inside to watch the Lakers win the west coast championship against the Suns. That's right, it's that time of year again and guess what? Lakers are in the finals! Watch out Boston!

The next morning we slept in again and slowly packed up to head back home. This Memorial day weekend was one of the best we've had. Boo totally redeemed himself as a boat captain in my eyes and I would be honored to be his first mate on any boat. I got to sail a bit too and we had a huge laugh, AFTER the fact, and at my expense, with the whole putting away the sails comedy, almost tragedy. hahaha! We rode bikes, caught the sunsets, chilled in some beach chairs, ate some good food, drank some good beer and cocktails, and were even lucky enough to avoid rain and bad weather. It was so sunny and perfect that I actually came back with a sunburn! All in all it was a perfect weekend and we were outdoors for most of it. Til next time... GET OUTDOORS!!!

Graysons Highland

This weekend we went to Grasyons Highland Park to backpack a 12 mile loop. We got up early on Saturday and pulled into the park at 10:15am. After paying for parking fees and buying a map, we headed to the backpacker lot to start our adventure! In true Grayson Highland fashion, there were tons of boy scouts milling about, waiting for their Den Dads/leaders, to lead them to into the woods. I've heard that most troops stay either at Thomas Knob shelter or Wise Shelter, so we made plans to stay far away from each. Nothing against the scouts, in fact, I'm glad there's a group for boys to join about discovering the outdoors. I just want peace and solitude when I go out into the woods and I'm afraid that a troop of 40, 8-13 yr old boys singing their camp fire songs won't bring the peace. So... let the scouts come out and enjoy the AT and the shelters. I'm going to enjoy the AT and stealth campsites :)

At 10:30am, with packs on our backs, we were climbing up the gradual 1 mile ascent of the Appalachian Spur trail, and the dogs were loving it. As we get to the top, the mountain becomes an open bald with views everywhere! We hop on my beloved Appalachian trail and head SOBO (clockwise). Within a mile we make it to the famous Massey Gap, but didn't see one pony! We start the gentle climb up to the next bald and run into two older hikers that were out day hiking. They told us that over a "really tough" climb about an hour away, there were so many ponies that they had to beat them off with their trek poles. Well, this got me excited! After getting up the bald, we decided to stop for a snack and enjoy the view. We walked right into the middle of the meadow, found a nice rock to sit on, dropped our packs, and just admired the view. The hike so far was so tame, easy, and practically flat, that it made for some good easy hiking. The first thing Boo said, was that this is a great hike to bring my parents on. It was really nice and gradual, no wonder tons of boy scouts always come here to do this section. After we enjoyed our PB&J snack, we noticed rain drops falling a bit harder on us. We pulled out our rain gear and headed back to the trail.

After entering the stylus, our "tough climb" started. I guess I've been doing alot of backpacking b/c the "tough" climb was not tough at all. It was pretty easy, barely a climb, but as soon as we started, the sky opened up and just poured. There was no tree cover to lessen the rain fall either. We were out on an open bald, climbing up big , slick rocks, and Boo was taking his time, making sure he didn't fall. I flew up the trail hoping to find some tree cover to help stop the cold rain from pelting away at my face. When I came around a bend and caught a group of boy scouts hanging out on a rock outcropping. Even in the rain, I had to stop and take a picture of it. They looked like a scene from Braveheart, when all the warriors came over the ridge and lined up side by side. It was intimidating walking through there! haha! They must of thought I was thru hiking, b/c as soon as I got close enough, I heard them yelling, "make way for the hiker, move off the trail!" As I walked up, they were so curious and asked tons of questions about my pack, gear, even my silly dogs. So cute. I indulged as much as I could, while I waited for Boo, and I made sure to let them know I was not a thru-hiker. I found out they were just on a day hike and loving being caught in the rain. Boys are so silly :) Boo caught up, and we trudged along. We made it to the famous "FAT MAN SQUEEZE" rock section. I've read about this place so many times, and here I was, about to squeeze my way through! It's a section of the Appalachian trail that goes through huge boulders and you literally have to squeeze, pack and all, through it. I'd say it was about 12-15 feet long. It was so cool to finally be able to see and hike through it. After Boo came through, we continued down hill for another mile or so.

We finally reached the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and Pine Mountain Trail. When Boo arrived, the rain had finally let up and the sun started to peek out. We hopped on the Pine Mountain trail and continued on our hike, down the mountain. This trail was covered in rhododendrum and I felt like I was in a tunnel. After a mile, we decide that we needed to stop for lunch and to fill up on water. When we got to Pine Mt. Trail and Lewis Fork Trail, we hiked up a bit into some tree cover to get away from the wind, to have lunch. Boo was cold and getting tired, so he changed into a dry warmer fleece, and I pulled out the food bag. After a cold lunch, I went back to the stream to filter some water, while Boo rested his feet. When I came back, I found him and the dogs napping in the sun on a rock. I let them chill some more, but after an hour and a half, it was time to go. I hated to disturb him, but I knew we had to keep going to make it to the campsite by daylight. So off we went, we climbed up and over another bald, then back down into another rhodo tunnel. In the tunnel, we ran into a thru hiker named Stumble Wolf and Twinkie the Kid, who thru'ed in 96. We stopped to talk to them for like 15 minutes. Twinkie the Kid thru hiked in 1996 and when I asked if the trail was alot different back then he said it was. It was less crowded, not so many options for food or places to stay, it was definitely more secluded. He got his name b/c he's like 6 1/2 feet tall and wore a bright yellow rain jacket during his thru hike. I thought it was funny. Stumble Wolf was an interesting character. First, he was hiking with one trek pole b/c it seemed he had some paralysis on his left arm, and he was wearing a hiking kilt, (which are becoming more and more popular guys to wear these days). He told us that when he was 10 years old, he had a brain injury that left him in a wheel chair for 4 months. Now he's out walking the AT attempting to hike 2,175 miles! That's some real determination. I really hope he makes it. We wished them the best, and as I was leaving, Stumble Wolf asked if he could get a hug. So I hugged him :) Got to do my part and give out some trail magic! hahaha!

We finally finished up the Pine Mountain Trail section and hopped back on the AT. We followed the AT through some more rhodo tunnels til it finally let out at a huge open field, where there is a parking area and bathrooms. Boo and I take this opportunity to take a quick break in the sunshine. I see a bunch of NOBO's coming down the other side of the trail, but I am just to tuckered out to walk down the meadow to say hello. Boo and I spot a hose that has a leak in it and the leak is squirting out water. We decide to take advantage of it and load up on water for tonight and tomorrows hike. We've only hiked 7 miles and decide to find a camp spot soon b/c it's already 6pm. So after resting for 15 minutes and getting fresh water, we decide to climb up the bald and hope that there are some trees on the other side. Boo is having a tough time, it's been a while since he backpacked and he is worn out. I know he's ready for camp. I climb up the bald and see a patch of trees on top. I hurry down the trail to see if we can set up our hammocks. Well, the trees were too small and the we were on the windward side, so not a good camp spot. It was supposed to rain later that night too, so I decided to push on for a better selection. Two hikers passed me and I asked them both if there were lots of trees coming up cause we were in hammocks and the bald mountain wasn't helping me with that. They smiled and said lots of trees about 1/2 away.

After another climb, I found a perfect stealthy campsite just on the other side of the bald. It was a little hidden tree nook. It was blocked by rock outcroppings and a good distance off the trail. I took off my pack and scouted out some good trees. I kept an eye out for Boo too, I didn't want him to pass through. As soon as I saw him, I yelled so he could hear my voice, cause he couldn't see me. He trickled in, flung his pack off, and gave me the most pathetic look. I told him I know your tired, but we need to set up camp and make dinner, so we went about hanging up our hammocks. While I was stringing up my tarp, I noticed he climbed into his hammock and was about to pass out. I tried my best to hang a one person tarp over two hammocks so if it did rain, neither one of us would get wet. But no matter how I pulled the tarp, it just wouldn't cover us both, the hammocks were too far apart. Aggravated I yelled at him to get out of his hammock and help me. I was tired too! He grudgingly got out of his hammock and we found and entire new set of trees to hang from. We both tied one end of our hammock to one tree, then the other end to separate trees, like a triangle. We strung the tarp up and we had enough room to cover us both, not swing into one another, and for the dogs to lie beneath us on their ground blanket. It worked out well. After dinner, I had a hot meal, where my spork finally bit the dust and broke. I've had that thing for years! Oh well. It was a good spork. Boo was too tired to cook on the esbit stove, so he had a cold dinner, tuna in a tortilla. Afterwards, we bear bagged the food and hit the hammocks. I'm trying out a new suspension system, whoopie slings, and a new underquilt by Te-wa, it's an ultralight weight down 3/4 UQ, so I was nervous about my nights sleep. Well, as soon as I slid into my hammock I heard "riiiippp" fabric tearing. I jumped out and saw that the whoopie slings were just too tight and my hammock channel wasn't strong enough. I got out adjusted the whoopie slings and tried it again. No tearing, but alot lower to the ground. My undequilt was surprisingly really warm. I couldn't believe it! it was awesome! Well, it was late, dark, and getting chilly. The last thing I remember was rain pittering on the tarp and Boo snoring. I slept soundly and warm that night and didn't wake up til 6am the next morning.

I got out of my hammock to water the leaves and then started to breakdown camp. Boo was still snoring away, so I woke him up and asked him to help out. I everything packed and ready to go, but was still waiting on Boo. He was so sloooow. In retrospect, I wonder if he was slow b/c he was unfamiliar with his gear and it took him a while, where I have a system from all my nights of being out in the woods, that I can break down camp in less than 20 mins. Anyways, around 7:30am, he finally has everything packed and I boiled water for his breakfast. He's eating the hot meal he should of had for dinner. I know it's going to sit heavy on his stomach today, but I don't say anything. I'm just aggravated at the 2 hour wait. I like to get started on the trail as early as possible. I've already seen 2 thru hikers pass by. One of them had a dog that found our stealth site and the owner had to come find him. So as I'm sitting, waiting , wishing, for him to hurry up, I repack the dogs pack. Boo is finally ready and before I can let me temper really fly, I tell him to go ahead and start out, I'll catch up to him as soon as I repack my pack. I dig into my pack looking for my camera and start to repack everything. I needed some chill time. He takes off with our chocolate lab and me and little dog take some deep breathes. The second I step on the AT, my anger evaporates. Something about that trail makes me happy. My mood gets better and I start to look around and snap photos. I remember why I'm out here and I remind myself that I have been doing alot more backpacking then Boo, so he's not used to the mileage or his gear. I lecture myself to remember to take it easy on him, he's trying, and most importantly, he needs to like it or he will never come back out with me. We only have 4 miles to hike til we get back to the car so I take it easy.

In about a mile, we head down into another rhodo tunnel. It's mostly down hill til we get to an open meadow. Here I meet two thru hikers, Ripple and Sandman, they seem nice enough and after a quick chit chat about the views and how she feels like she's hiking in a giant circle, we say goodbyes and I wish them well on their hike. I walk back into the woods and pass by Wise shelter, there we spot the troop of boy scouts, about 40 of them, all getting ready to pack up and head back to the car on the same trail as we are going. I find Boo and Thing 1 climbing up a ladder and had to snap a pick of it. I can't believe that dog is climbing up a ladder! I truly think that HE thinks he's human. Little dog and I approach the ladder and she quickly scoots under the barbwire fence. No ladder climbing for her. hahaha! We continue on and start our last 2 miles back to the car. It's mostly up hill, but nothing to strenuous, and it's all tree covered, so the shade kept me nice and cool. I decide to take both dogs with me, so I have little dog leading the way, and the lab holding down the back. I'm in the middle and we are all going at a good pace. We stop every once in a while and I ask the lab to "go find daddy." He runs down the trail til he spots Boo, then he runs back to me and we continue on. I just want to make sure we are all near each other. After the first mile climb, we get to another stylus, so me and the dogs sit on a rock and wait for Boo. When he arrives and takes a short break, I decide to hike the rest of the way together, as a little family. The views start opening up and as we reach the balds, we are almost on top of the mountain. When we get to the AT spur trail, we decide to drop our packs, stretch out and relax in the sun, and eat some well deserved M&M's. We lounge for about 45 mins and watch the boy scout troop come thru. We also meet a hiker named Shakespeare, he attempted to thru this year, but his 19 yr old self had to get off the trail after Erwin for some knee issues. He's out with his parents and I find out they are from Virginia, near Roanoke, and all are hammock hangers! We talk about gear for a bit and I notice that both Shakespeare and his dad are in hiking kilts. See, it's a big thing this year. They had two little dogs with them and the Jack Russell had on his own little pack. It was so funny seeing such a little dog with a pack on. They finally decided to head down to the car so we said goodbyes and continued to lounge a bit. Boo and I finally get the motivation to head down the 1 mile back to the car. It's a quick mile and we are back at the parking lot in no time. We change out of our boots into comfy shoes and dry clothes and then head out the park in search of some lunch! It's around 11am, so we drive into Damascus, but don't find anything where we can take the dogs out. So we decide to drive to Boone, NC. Were we pull over at a Backyard Burger and meal out.

On the way home, the dogs slept soundly, Boo was relaxed with his feet propped up on the dash, and I am happy just being with my little family. This trip was a learning experience for me. It reminded me to be more patient and it made me realize that Boo has to have time to get used to his gear. Even though we didn't see any ponies, we both agreed that we need to come back and do this loop again soon. Til next time... GET OUTDOORS!!!

Masonboro Muck

This weekend we had an awesome trip planned. We were going to Wilmington NC (one of our favorite towns in NC) and we were going to kayak out to Masonboro Island. The island is pretty deserted. There is nothing on it but sand, sand dunes, and more sand. So we had to bring tents. But shhhh.... don't tell anyone. I'd hate for my fellow hammockers to find out I was going to be a ground dweller, even if it was for just one night. hahaha!

We headed out around 9:30 am on Saturday. We were meeting up with some others (Sara, my rock climbing and hanging rock hiking buddy; Andy and his wife; and a few others.) Once we got to Wilmington, around 12pm, we got a text from Andy on where to meet for lunch. This text should of been the first strike on how this weekend was going to go. Hahaha! The text said meet at Thai Spice. Now... we are at the beach. You'd think we would eat at a cool, outdoor dining, seafood place and have an icy cold beer to take away the heaviness of the humidity. But no, we went to a strip mall for some Thai food. Nothing against Thai Spice, the food was OK, (well at least mine was, I had the garlic and pepper sauce chicken, but Boo had the chicken pad thai and he wasn't feeling it.) I had just had it in my head that we would be sitting on a sunny outdoor patio with an ocean view, sipping on a chilled micro brew. So immediately I was disappointed, but I sucked it up and rolled with it. I will say one thing though, the menu had something called LABB as an entree'. As the owner of the sweetest chocolate lab (dog) on earth, I had laugh and share my giggles with Boo. Yeah, it was pretty 10 yr old of me, but it did lighten up our disappointment. After lunch, we headed over to super Wal-mart (strike 2) to grocery shop. All we needed to get was adult beverages, if you wanted to drink that night, and something for breakfast the next morning. Boo and I grabbed a box of blueberry muffins, a couple of bottle waters and we were done. The others went all out and bought eggs, fruit loops, milk, etc... We just figured we wanted something quick and easy and light to pack in and out. So after wal-marts, we headed over to Masonboro Yacht Club to park our cars for the night and to put in our kayaks.

The parking lot was crazy full, but we squeezed in to a spot and unloaded our backpacks. As we walked up to the dock, we saw that Sara and Matt had a ton of crap. They had coolers, camping chairs, beach towels, air mattresses, lanterns, shovels, bins full of stuff. I looked at Boo and our packs and said, "maybe we packed too light. Do you think we forgot anything?" Seriously, I was a bit nervous. All we had was our tent, sleeping bags, therma rests, head lamps, first aid/toiletry kit, therma rest camp chair converters, camera, water, towels, a change of clothes, and our breakfast muffins. I think all the backpacking I've been doing has made me a really conservative light weight camper. hahah! Just looking at everyone's stuff and bins splayed out on the dock made me so glad that everything I needed, I had in my pack.

The deal was the outfitter was going to take our stuff to the camp spot, while we kayaked the marsh over to the island. When we got to the camp spot, the outfitter would then have a BBQ feast of burgers and hot dogs grilling away. So around 2pm, we started our tour. We first had to paddle through the intercoastal waterways,(4 at a time) and dodge speed boats that were whizzing by. I go with the first group, race to the other side, and glide into the beach. We all get out and walk around a bit while we wait for the group. As I snap photos and wander up to the grassy, marshy, oyster bed area looking for some pristine condition oyster shells, I start to hear fast little tic sounds. "tic, tic, tic, tic, tic" I stop to look behind me and didn't see anything but sand and my footprints. The noise has stopped too. Thinking it was nothing, I start walking forward and continue looking for shells. Then, I hear the little tic's again. I look up see thousands of tiny hermit crabs running away from me as fast as their little claws can carry them. The clicking tic noise were the little crabs scurring over broken shells, pebbles, or one another as they try to escape. It was an amazing site, just to stand there and see literally thousands of little crabs the size of dimes, crawl away. They looked like an ocean wave, lapping on the sandy shore, all moving in unison. I turned around to get Boo's attention to come and see the hermit crabs, but I notice everyone is here and they are starting to paddle into the marsh. So I run over to my kayak and catch up to the group.

We paddled about 30 minutes, when Scott (the guide) says it's to shallow to scuttle over the oyster beds, so we have to go around. So we back track and paddle another hour and 1/2 down thru the marsh. As we stop to wait for a few people to catch up, and for Scott to scout up ahead, Boo and I notice some crab pots and paddle over to investigate. There are two big crabs in the pot! I try to snap photos, but they quickly head back under water. They look so pathetic in that cage and part of me wants to set them free. But the other part of me remembers that this is how some local is making a living. So... sadly I bid the captured crabs good bye and move along. When everyone is banked on the coast, Scott comes back. He says the tide isn't high enough for us to cross over, so we have to go back to the starting point and paddle an hour up the island from there. (Strike 3). Now, anyone that knows me, knows I can't stand to pay for the same real estate twice, that goes for trails as well as marshes. I hate to back track and feel like it's a total waste of time. But, stuff happens and you just have to go with the flow. So at 5pm, we have to kayak, into the wind, for another 2 1/2 hours. OK... so we are off. The wind was kicking my ass, the harder I paddled, the more the wind pushed my boat to the right. My poor right arm had to paddle twice as hard as my left arm just to keep my kayak straight. It was a loooong way down the intercoastal waterway and I never thought we would get there, but just before my shoulders gave out we did. Back into the marsh we go. 25 minutes later, we are climbing out of our kayaks and pulling them b/c it's too shallow. I'm walking in sharp oyster beds, sinking in sand and oyster crap up to my knees. It's horribly hot, humid, the kayak is heavy, and I am tired and hungry. All of the sudden, Scott says, "Hey everybody, I need to talk to you all for a minute." We all gather around. "I don't think we are going to be able to make it to the camp spot. It is too shallow and the tide hasn't risen like I wanted it to. We'll turn around here and just go back to the dock, where we'll discuss refunds." WTF!! It's 7pm, we have kayaked all day, my arms and shoulders are about to fall off, I'm tired, I haven't eaten anything since noon, I'm thirsty, and I really don't think I have what it takes to get me back to the dock, which by the way, is an hour away!

Totally defeated I turn around in the muck and pull my kayak over the same oyster beds I just walked thru. When I finally get to the deeper end, I plunk down on my kayak and look for Boo. He is fuming and when he gets like this, it's just best to leave him alone. So I paddle twords the intercoastal waterway (against the wind) knowing, at least, we have a final destination. It took forever to get to the open water, then paddling across the intecoastal wayterway and back to the dock was HELL. It took every last bit of strength and energy I had. Not to mention, after I went through all the English cuss words I could think of I started cussing in Spanish with each stroke of the paddle. Man was I tired and hurting! As soon as I glided into that dock, I just sat in the kayak with my arms dangling over the side. I knew my shoulders would be killing me tomorrow. I finally got out and waited for Boo. He paddles in a few minutes later and that's when I find out that his right hand is all cut up. Poor Boo, when we were walking our kayaks across the shallow section for the final leg back to the dock, Boo slipped getting out of the boat and his hand fell into the water and down into the sandy oyster bed, full of sharp jagged shells. He said when he pulled his arm up, it was gushing with blood, and the salt water was making it sting. THEN he had to paddle that last hour with open wounds on his hand, making them hurt even worse! He was ready to go. He didn't want to stick around for the refund, or to even get our beer back. We just grabbed our backpacks and peaced the hell out. It took him a while to simmer down. He doesn't get mad to often, and when he does, you know it's serious, but it doesn't last too long. So I let him drive and calm down. 15 minutes later, we decided to drive around Wrightsville Beach to find a dinner spot. We were both ravenous and thirsty. Every restaurant we passed looked really nice and everyone was dressed up. Here we were in some dirty, wet, sweaty, marsh smelling clothes with no where to wash up. So we decided to get a hotel room and get cleaned up. As we are driving around, we just decide to get out of town. Well, it's around 10pm and we are exhausted and starving, so around Whitesville, we decide to grab dinner and hotel. I call all the hotels in Whitesville and guess what... they are all booked up. NO JOKE. Aaarrgghh! (I lost count on how many strikes this is) Seems as if the biker rally has taken over Whitesville. So Boo and I decide to just grab dinner and hit the local drug store for some neosporin for his hand. After running our errands, we hop back into the car and find a hotel in Lumberton and pass out.

It's been a long day and it was an experience. We wanted to go kayaking and boy did we go kayaking. I know we will both be sore tomorrow and I know it was a rough day today, but you know what? At least we were outside. Til next time... GET OUTDOORS!!!

Running

Getting up at 5am this week was a bit easier. I mean it's still not routine to spring out of bed when the alarm goes off, but it was better than last week. I started with two 10 min runs with a 3 min walk in between. I almost ran a mile in 10 mins. Just short by an 1/8 of a mile. I think on Friday, for my last run, I'll just go for it and try to finish a mile in 10 mins. for both sessions. Anyways, we are off for an outdoor adventure this weekend. So, Til next time... GET OUTDOORS!!!

Highest Peak in NC

This morning I woke up early and while I had breakfast, Boo packed up the car with my backpack. I was meeting a group of people to climb up Mt. Mitchell (6684). The highest peak in NC, in fact, the highest peak east of the Mississippi river. I was a bit nervous, not only b/c I knew it was going to be tough, but b/c of the group I was going with. They are some strong hikers.

Boo dropped me off at the meeting spot and I got a ride with Katie (I saw her when I was sectioning the AT last month.) On the drive up, Katie and I chit chatted about our summer plans. She was actually going to hike half of the John Muir Trail. I was so excited for her. I would love to one day hike that trail. It's out west in northern Cali and about 211 miles long. We finally make it to the trail head, at Black Mountain campground and meet up with the rest of the group. It's a large group, ALL ground dwellers too. hahha! Looks like I'll be the only one hanging in a hammock this weekend. After last minute bathroom breaks, we all start on the blue blaze trail up the mountain. It's around 11:30am and we climbed up and up and up all the way up to Commissary Ridge. It took me about 3 hours to climb up 5 miles and as I predicted, I was not the first up. I was actually 3rd to last. Not that it matters, I still made it up, but it definitely showed me I still have a long way to go to keep up with these extreme hikers. The climb was tough. Alot steeper than most climbs I've done. It reminded me of the climb on the AT when you get into NC. Steep and rocky like that. But this climb lasted for 5 miles and it was all uphill. I stopped alot more than I wanted and took one 10 min. break with my pack off.

Commissary ridge (6300) was a nice wide open spot for camping. The only problem was it was windy as hell. I scouted around the entire area for a non-windy campsite but found nothing. Wind whirled all around and to make matters worse, a cold front was coming in and I could feel the temps drop significantly. After I decided on a couple of sturdy trees, I hung up my tarp and hammock. The tarp violently pulled and swayed back and forth in the wind, but my hammock, inside the tarp, didn't move at all. We had planned on going up to the summit of Mt. Mitchell at sunset. Since it was only 2:30pm, I decided to not go up with a group needing to go to the store for some supplies. It was a 1.6 mile climb to the summit and store and another 1.6 climb back down. I decided to stay and help gather wood for the fire that night and to rest. I'll climb up for the sunset. As I filtered water, gathered wood, and chilaxed, I noticed the weather getting really chilly. I had to pull out my down jacket. Thank goodness I brought it. I almost didn't b/c I thought it wasn't going to be that chilly this weekend. In fact, most everyone had pulled out their jackets, gloves, and hats.

Once the group returned from the summit and store, we all decided to cook dinner. It was only 5pm, so we had plenty of time to get back up to the summit for the sunset. I tried to light my esbit and wasted 2 whole books of matches b/c the wind kept putting out the flames. It was so frustrating. I finally asked Katie if she could heat me some water in her jet boil. (Damn! did I miss my jet boil right then and there.) After a hot dinner, on a cold and windy mountain top, Teresa breaks out the liquor. She had brought some authentic apple pie moonshine from TN. Now, I'm not a big drinker out in the back country, but every said I had to at least try it. I've had moonshine before and it has always tasted like straight rocket fuel, so I was a little leary. But, I was polite and I took a sip. WOW! this stuff tasted just like apple pie and it was soooo good. No pure grainy alcohol taste. It was smooth and delish! I couldn't believe it was moonshine! As we were passing around the bottle, Anne was sitting over her pocket rocket stove baking a chocolate cake! No joke. It was Paul's birthday and she was slow simmering a chocolate cake for everyone. After we sang the Birthday song, we all enjoyed a warm, gooey, chocolaty slice of cake it was too good. By now, the temps had dipped down really low and the wind had picked up. Everyone had agreed to bag the summit climb. I was a bit disappointed b/c the whole purpose of this trip was to climb to the summit of Mt. Mitchell. I had already climbed 5 miles straight up just to get to this point. I only had 1.6 miles to the summit. But, they were right. It was too cold, windy, and it was getting late and dark. So I'll have to save climbing Mt. Mitchell for another weekend. Or I could just drive up there like most tourist do. hahaha! No, I'll have to come back and climb it.

We made our way to the fire pit and Brandon got a good fire going. All night the wind blew and made the flames whipped every which way, trying to reach out and lick us. It was a constant dance of getting close to the fire to stay warm and running away from the flames before I caught on fire! haha! Around 8:30pm, still daylight, Brandon informs us that his temperature gauge said it was 32 degrees out. Now I KNOW it's going to be a cold night. It may even dip below freezing. As we all huddled around the fire, chit chatting, most everyone drinking something to warm them up. I snapped some photos and caught up with Rob, Donna, Teresa, Cathy and Patrick, we had all spent New Years together and barely saw one another since. We were such a large group, it was like a huge party. I think there was a total of 20 of us. (Steven, Allison, Gary, Rob, Donna, Teresa, Cathy, Patrick, Brad, Katie, Bob, Sandy, Peter, Russell, Anne, Paul, Karen, Brandon, Andrea, Doug, Bruce, and me.)

Around 10pm, everyone started filtering back to their tents. It was getting really cold and I wanted to slink into my sleeping bag. So I said good night and shimmy shivered to my hammock. The winds were howling as I slid into my hammock. Thank goodness I brought all my cold weather set up b/c I was warm and snug. I had a hard time falling asleep b/c the tarp kept swaying back and forth and when I did finally get to sleep, I woke up around midnight to a loud flapping noise. Two of my tarp stakes were ripped out from the ground and my tarp end was flapping around. I got out into the freezing, windy, night air, turned on my headlamp and tried to find the stakes. I couldn't find them at all. Thank goodness I carry spares, so I re-staked the tarp, tightened down the lines, and climbed back into my hammock. I woke up again around 2pm, when one of my tensioners on the tarp snapped. I jerry-rigged the tarp for the night and vowed never to camp in such high winds again. I finally fell asleep and didn't wake up til 8am.

No one was up yet. I went to water the leaves and decided to climb back into my hammock. It was freezing out. (I later found out that Patrick had icicles and frost in his tent.) Around 9am, I braved the elements again and quickly packed up my campsite. I decided against oatmeal for breakfast and just ate a protein bar. Big mistake. My protein bar was frozen solid! It hurt my teeth just to bite into it. hahaha! Andrea invited me to hike the 5 miles back to the car with her, Cathy, and Doug. I told Katie I'd see her at the car, (she was still packing up her tent and I didn't want to rush her.) So, in my down jacket, I started the climb down. The hike down was so much quicker and easier. We flew down the steep, rocky, rooty trail and made it down in 1 hour and 40 minutes. The weather was so different down below. It was warmer and no wind. I actually changed out into some flip flops.

When everyone arrived, we all decided to meet up at a little Italian restaurant for some pizza. We drove the 16 miles to Sienna, all bustled in and took over the front dining room. When it came order, we found out that on Sunday's they serve a traditional southern lunch buffet. Ham, mashed potatoes, mac-n-cheese, greens, rolls, meat loaf, banana pudding, and salad bar. It was such a disappointment. I had my mind ready for some pizza and now I have to eat stuff I normally wouldn't eat anyways. I rarely eat potatoes, ham, or meatloaf. oh well. I was still hungry, so I had a big salad, some mac-n-cheese, and the one piece of chocolate cake they had. Later on that night, once I got home, Boo made sure I got my pizza fix. hahaha! Over all it was a good trip. It tested my ability to climb up for 5 miles. I wish I would of made it up to the summit, but now I have a reason to come back. Til next time... GET OUTDOORS!!!

Jogging

This Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Boo and I got up around 5am. We are getting back into the groove of things and so glad to be back on track (literally! hahaha!) Anyways, the track is still pretty dark at that time of day and on Wednesday it was completely socked in with fog. That was a creepy, eerie day to run. I couldn't see more than 20 feet in front of me and felt like at any minute, some zombie may reach out and grab me. haha! Yes, my mind is still over active at 5am. By Friday, I had a much better run. I realized that I was jogging for distance and actually getting my mileage in on the time frame I was supposed. Basically I was running 8 minute 3/4 miles, twice, with a 5 min. break in between. Which is alot faster than I had been jogging and a lot tougher on my lungs. But I figure, they are building stamina too. So I think this time I will be running for distance instead of time. Til next time... GET OUTDOORS!!!

Hanging Rock State Park

Today I headed up to Hanging Rock State Park for a nice 5 mile hike. The drive up there was pretty easy, only 2 hours away. After we all met up at the visitors center, we decided to climb the Moores Wall Loop trail (red circle trail markers) I have to say that the loop trail was about 75% up hill with the last mile down hill. It was a good workout and the best part, is that I kept up with the fast hikers and was one of the first on top of the mountain. Which made me feel like a rock star! Whoo Hoo!

The trail started out nice and flat, but it gradually started going up hill. Some of the rhododendron were already blooming and the pink flowers just popped against the green in the woods. It was beautiful. The weather held out for us too. It was over cast for most of the hike. So the sun wasn't beating down on us as we climbed up. I hiked with Sara the entire time and she chatted away as I sucked in air just to keep up with her. She brought her dog, Oscar, with her and it made me wish I had brought my chocolate lab. He would of loved it, but it was just too hot today, so I chose to leave my doggies home. As the trail climbs to the top, there is about a 1/4 mile section of some nice breezy ridge walking, then it starts to climb up again, this time in a more rocky, rooty, steep fashion. Lots of natural rocks forming big steps so the last mile felt like a stair master. But it was so worth it when you got to the top. There was a little tower that provided you with an awesome 360 view and the breeze felt so good. We had a picnic lunch, waited for all the hikers to trickle in, and admired the view for about 45 minutes. It really was a gorgeous day. It's like the sun came out just for us as soon as we got to the top. After pictures and lunch, (Ron had brought chips and cookies to share with everyone and they were so good,) we climbed down the last mile and headed home. It turned out to be a beautiful day and my hiking confidence was boosted enough for me to decide to go backpacking next weekend with some of the fast hikers. They are going to climb Mt. Mitchell, the tallest mountain in NC, spend the night, then climb down the next day. Wish me luck! I may not be the first up the mountain, but I'll get up there eventually! Til next time... GET OUTDOORS!!!

Hornets Nest

Last night we headed over to meet up with some friends for a great Italian dinner and conversation. After a few glasses of Chianti we all got a bit crazy,we made an oath/promise and then toasted to it to make it official. We all decide that in 2011, we are all going to Peru to hike the Inca Trail and see Machu Picchu! Crazy right? hahaha! I love it. I am so looking forward to it. I can't wait to make it happen!

This morning, at 8:30am, we headed over to Hornets Nest disc golf course to meet up with some fellow disc golfers. With the REAL golf PGA tour in town, the topic of conversation obviously went to Tiger Woods and how one of his stripper mistress' is also on tour. She is doing a stripping tour in every PGA town the same time that Tiger is playing. So they'll be in the same town during each PGA event. Drama. Anyways, after catching up on our current events. hahah! We split up in two groups of three and started our day. I played like total crap, but, I was the best of the bad players in my group. Which doesn't account for much, cause both of the guys (Chris and Michael) were brand new to disc golfing. haha! I still had a nice time and I was outdoors. Boo played with some good players and they were doing a great job and had some nice tosses. Over all it was a nice day and we enjoyed being out. Til next time... GET OUTDOORS!!!