Friendly reminder to get outside when you can.
Today= a gentle 4 miles. Stopped to play with my hammock and looked down to see this little baby eating lunch.
Though I am a giant to this creature, he never stopped eating, never flinched, didn't move from his picnic... Aware, but not afraid of my presence.
I moved slow so not to startle him, but when I understood he was not threatened by me, I knelt down to take these shots..
Then scooped him in my hand and rested him on my leg..
After we played for a bit, I expressed my gratitude for the time with him and left.
His name is Sam.
#thebunnywhisperer
Easter Weekend 🐰 Roanoke, VA
Mcafee Knob + Dragon's Tooth + Mill Mountain Star Trail = about 29 miles.
🎶 "Every wakin' hour of every wakin' day
I wake up to the sound of discussions in my brain
I don't know the answer and I don't know the truth
And I don't really know what I've been draggin' since my youth
But I push on, & I philosophy
I keep my prophecies by my side
All we want is runnin' down the mountains
And all we need is flowin' through the trees
And all we have is swimmin' in the ocean
And all we can do is be the best that we can be" 🎶
~Xavier Rudd
I remembered to take pics this time.
11.5 miles at Bearwaller Gap.. No bears, but the spring flowers are starting to come up!
#tennesseehiking
#middletennesseephotographer
#solohiking
Pretty good at hiking.
Not so good at taking pictures while hiking.
To be fare, it's mostly bare trees and brown leaves everywhere..
Last weekend = 13.3 miles at Hinch Mt
Yesterday = 7.5 at Beaman Park.
Though I didn't make a bingo card for 2026- Reading the Upanishads by a fire with my cat during a snow/ice storm would not have been on it.. Power is still out but I got to my dads safely today.
Tips that helped me survive with no power for 3 days:
1) be sure you have a dog, a big one.. 75lbs will do, to keep you warm in the bed. A cat too for any spots missed by the dog.
2) A make shift diy space heater made with a crock pot liner & candles to radiate heat for the bedroom. Keep the doors closed to keep the heat in.
3) Put cayenne in your water, tea, coffee etc to keep you warm inside.
4) Go outside during the day so when you get inside you're reminded it's colder outside than in. Perspective helps strengthen mentality.
5) Dig out your camping gear. I found a small camping stove/cookware that allowed me to make coffee and eat warm food.
6) Blankets and layers. You'll never have too many. Burrow in a nest in your bed. Try not to move too much though, moving creates wind/air tunnels. Stillness allows for a hibernation any bear would be satisfied with.
7) Hothands are great for pockets or in the socks.
8) Books to help pass the time.
9) Most importantly, when your father suggests you come over when the power initially goes out & before the roads get icy... Just go so you can forego all of the survival tactics, lol.
I hope everyone is warm & safe.
'NoT aLL wHo WanDeR aRe LoSt,
... Thankfully there's trail signs everywhere or my wandering ass would sure be lost by now.
Happy New year all.
The past is in the past, the future doesn't exist. May your presence in the present bring you peace.
Namaste
2025 Year of the snake..
All of that checks. Good year of continued growth and transformation. Minus the mom stuff here at the end, but maybe that was part of the moving through fears and finding balance.
2026 Year of the horse.. Very much looking forward to ALL of those things.
With all of the stress with mom, I needed a good long hike. I managed to get out to Big South Fork for a 13 mile hike Saturday. First time there... Will definitely be back.
