Hiking, Hubby, and Florida

A couple weeks ago when I did a hiking/camping trip in Wisconsin, my poor feet had that barking dog feeling after 7 miles of hiking the Ice Age Trail with LillyMae and Coach Brenda.

This got me thinking that I needed fresher, newer, more comfortable hiking boots since the Keens I wore were probably 5 years old. I have visited our local REI store thrice last week and finally settled on a couple higher quality pairs of hiking footwear…La Sportiva hiking boots and La Sportiva trail running shoes. The craziest thing I discovered is that my feet may have have grown and instead of getting the usual size 6, I ended up purchasing 7.5s!!! I also discovered that that brand runs smaller, but I also learned that due to feet swelling when hiking, many long distance hikers get footwear that’s a little bigger than their normal size. Therefore, after hanging out at REI multiple times and trying on lots of boots, I’m the proud owner of some new hiking footwear for my next hiking adventure coming up in June where Brenda and I will crank out 4 full days of long hikes to finish several sections of the Ice Age Trail in SW Wisconsin. I’m so full of GRATITUDE that my body can physically do this much strenuous activity even with the frequent charlie horses and slight neuropathy in my feet! I have nothing to complain about and everything to be grateful for!

A week ago Friday was a very special evening where some of John’s and my friends joined us for a surprise dinner at The Golden Lamb restaurant as we celebrated his retirement a little more officially, despite him not wanting any fanfare. God has blessed us with so many beautiful friends! John was indeed surprised and pleasantly so!

Before heading to Florida I got to get out this past week with some girlfriends and hike a few miles with Andrea, Jess and Doni! Each of the ladies enrich my life and I do not take lightly the time I have to spend with them. I take no days or hikes for granted! I see beauty in the flowering weeds, the un-mowed grassy trails, the fallen trees across the paths, the soaking rain while hiking as well as the smiles, laughter and meaningful conversations. 

Saturday I made my monthly trek to Florida and it started with my Mother’s Day gift of a massage with my daughter! 

Then I had the pure joy of babysitting my granddaughter, Saileigh, and to meet up with my mama and sister, Paula, as we all took turns caring for Saileigh’s every need. To have 4 generations together for the first time since my grand parents were alive was such a blessing. 

While we were in Florida there was some excitement one evening where a large black bear walked behind the house. Thankfully it was uninterested in anyone and just ambled by! 

However, this did put my mom and sister on a bear hunt to get a photo of its footprint the next day! Here they are ready to stave off any unwanted bear!