The AT

Eric decided to hit the AT (Appalachian Trail) for an overnight hike.  He drove to Clayton, GA and started the trail at Dick's Creek Gap.

Eric hiked up in the Georgia mountains.  His goal was to hike 4.7 miles to a shelter.

He was having fun, all smiles enjoying the fresh outdoors.

He finally reached his destination for the night.  It was Plum Orachard Gas Shelter

Eric shared the shelter with several other hikers including some from Texas, Flordia, and Massachusetts.  They had a good time talking.  When the sun set, the temperature dropped and all retreated into a warm sleeping bag.  The temperature got in to the 30's that night. 

The next morning it was time to go South bound back the Dick's Creek Gap.  The hike back seemed to be almost up hill all the way which was strange because the hike to the shelter seemed to be up hill all the way.  A few breaks were needed.

About 2 1/2 hours later, Eric was back to his vehicle.  Then it was time for breakfast and coffee at McDonalds in the nearest town.

Training, Part 2

This weekend was another 10+ mile workout, but I rallied up some of the other ladies to go with me.  We hiked Paris Mountain and all throughout this beautiful state park.  The morning was a bit chilly, but at 7:30am, we were ready to go.

When you carry a 15lb pack and climb 1700 ft, it doesn't take long to warm up. 

We kept a strong pace, only stopping once for a quick snack.

Then it was off again to complete our workout.  

#ChallengeAccepted  #NonprofitCEOhike  #May2021

Easter

This was a special Easter for so many reasons!  First, we were actually able to attend church services.  Second, all my kiddos were home.  And third, my parents came to visit!

While they were here, we wanted to show them one of our favorite pastimes...disc golf.

None of us are good, but it provides a nice opportunity to get outdoors and stretch our legs.  Grandma and Poppie did surprisingly well.

We did have one water hazard, but Eric found it plus another one!

Since our youngest still enjoys coming down Easter morning to filled baskets and hunting eggs, I made a special call to the Easter Bunny to include all three.

The weather was perfect for finding those hidden eggs. 

After a brief wait, Eric got to look for any still left.  

What could be inside those eggs that would make young adults want to participate?  Each was filled with either candy, cash, or lottery tickets. I'm guessing it wasn't the candy.

Training, Part 1

I decided to join fellow nonprofit directors on a 5-day hike at the end of May.  Once committed, training needed to start right away.  We have to be able to carry a 15lb pack and cover 15-16 miles per day.

Besides my daily 2-mile walk around the neighborhood, my regimen includes a long walk/hike on the weekends.  I began with an easy, road walk of 10 miles with a half-way destination point.

My treat for making it the first 5 miles was a Bojangles biscuit, fries, and tea.  Plus, a quick text to the family that I made it. 

I couldn't help but noticed all the trash on the side of the road.  (Littering is NOT cool, by the way.)  So on the walk home when one of the littered items was an empty trash bag, I had to take action.  This large 13-gallon bag was stuffed to the brim after only 300 yards.  I think I'll start carrying trash bags on all my walks from now on.