I went on my first overnight hiking trip this past weekend. Jonathan Williamson and Marc Pond joined me in hiking over 13 miles in two days. I had never before had to worry about how much drinking water I had or how light my tent was. This was one of the mose grueling events I have ever participated in. Six miles each day wasn't the hard part. The hard part was the number of hills we had to climb and descend and how steep some of them were. I also never realized we would have so much weight carried in our backpacks. I would estimate each of us had 20-30 pounds of water and equipment.
In the end, we climbed and descended enough hills to equal taking the stairs to the top floor of the Empire State building and back down - twice. The trip out was about 5 - 6 hours of hiking. The trip back was a speedy 4 hours. I am so sore today, I walk as an old man. If you see Marc or Jonathan and they are fine - don't tell me or I'll feel like a wimp.
The experience really helped me to see how much I take for granted in my brick house with running water and bathrooms and A.C. I have never had to worry about what I would eat or drink (as in if I would get to). I reccomend it - even if you don't take as harsh a trail or go as far. I think we pushed ourselves - especially on the way back. If you left at sunrise and planned on arriving at sundown, it would be a much easier trek.
The trail is beautiful and there are many scenic views over the water. It's only 90 miles from DFW. I wish Robert Garcia and Cory Daniels and Chris Layton could have come along. That would have made a greater chance for me to not have been the one always dragging behind (not saying I would pick any of those to be the one - just saying more people lowers the likelihood).
I posted a few photos on the HIKING page.
It's been 2 months now. Laci went to the doctor yesterday and was deemed normal. She also got 4 shots which (as always) was more painful for Michelle than Laci. She was smiling (alot) less than an hour later. So far no symptomes from the shots have surfaced.
The Dr. was originally lightly concerned about the abnormalities of her head shape, but said during this exam that she's looking much more normal and doesn't have any worries that that won't continue to straighten itself out. You could only really tell from the back of her head anyways.
I am going hiking out at Lake Texoma with Chris Layton, probably Jonathan Williamson, and possibly Marc Pond. It's a good 6 mile trek (each way), though if things go smoothly, we may go further. It will be my first experience with primitive camping.
We've freed up some money by paying off another car and my school loan. Hopefully that will keep us afloat now that Michelle is a full time home-maker/ parent.
So Laci is now 22.5" and 10# 11oz. Those are both almost exactly in the middle or the normal range for her age.
RSS Feed