The Incline. . . of doom

So I said that I was super psyched about "The Incline"  well I was. . . just about till I was standing at the base of it ready to start the ladder climb that is the incline.  The pictures that are on Google and that I took just don't cover it.  They can't make you understand.   Imagine standing at the base of a mountain, allow your eye to follow the path at your feet all the way to the top.  Now imagine that whole long path at angles ranging from 45 degrees to upwards of 75 degrees.  To make this clear: stairs are a 45 degree angle, ladders leaned against a house are generally 65 degrees.  Does this help the visual?

While you are imaging, visualize me standing at the base of the mountain looking up winded from climbing the small hill that brings you to the base of the trail.  I sat there "waiting" for everyone else to get to the base before we started thinking, "this is crazy... no way I make it to the top".  One foot in front of the other I start the 1.5 mile path (not long you think, well it goes up 2000 feet in that 1.5 mile hike).  Not looking forward to make sure not to loose my footing I start feeling winded.  Thinking "I have had to have gone a bit by now" I look up to the top and realize it looks even further away then when I started.  How is it possible.

When we set out I was in the first group... mistake.  You see two people in this group are serious athletes and beasts.  Liz (the female soccer, track, volleyball, and you name it player) was practically jogging/speed walking up the mountain.  But thankfully everyone was willing to stop to take breathers. . .

To "enjoy the view", I can tell you right now I wasn't paying attention to anything past trying to suck in breath as much and as fast as I could.

And more breathers. . .

Looking at this view you would think we were there, unfortunately you would be dead wrong.  Not even half way.

And more breathers. . . Did I mention it is  2000 feet climb?

 I'm telling you that it must have been an escalator trying to move us down because I felt like I never made forward movement.  To extend your red faced, wind sucking and sweaty visual you have of me, now add a bear crawl.  Yes, I did resort to a bear crawl.  I don't care if you laugh, it works!

Still not there. . .

Though there was pain and at points I just wanted to give in and let my lungs collapse, I made it.  I actually got to the top second (behind what I am now pretty sure isn't really human: Liz) then Trent (other beast of an athelete) and Chris came in at the same time just after me.  1.5 miles, 2000 feet up. . . when you put it that way I don't mind that it took me an hour.  I was happy that we found another winded hiker waiting before the 3 mile run down the mountain to take our picture.

He was a very nice man but he didn't get one with the view and since we had made it to the top. . .

By the time I got to the bottom again oddly I wanted to do it again.  I will miss you CO and all your amazing hiking abilities!

On a sad note.  Due to. . . well, circumstances out of my control we had to climb down the rail ties we had just climbed up (not advised... not safe) and we found our selves slipping and falling.  So aside from the normal cuts, nicks and scratches to be found *sigh* I had my camera with me.  My beautiful 50 mm 1.4 lens landed with a thud on a tie and is no more.  A moment of silence is needed. . .

Other than that very sad note it was a wonderful trip filled with fun and exciting new things and amazing people.  If you ever get a chance to go to CO: GO!  If you ever get a chance to go with amazing people to CO: REALLY GO!  Makes me want to start singing "America the Beautiful"

Exercise and art?

This sounds like a plan right?  I just want to be silly sometimes.  I know so wrong for a "grown up"... but I guess that's the problem... I don't want to be grown up all the time.  This rendition of silly: Jogging photography?  Anyone seen "Yes Man"?  Well, I tried it!  You ready to see my first session of Jogging photography?  You know it has to be great!

Obviously missed the mark but it was fun to try!  You should get out there and try it yourself.  Only rule: you can never stop moving!

Independence Day Noire

The story of my 4th of July...

It was a hot day.  In the middle of the summer.  Being in North Carolina it was like you could swim through the air.  Sitting at home I slowly smush what I will eat later.  Waiting for the doorbell to ring and see an abnormally tall man and his red, white and blue decked out bride: my ride.

As I expected the door rang, scrambling I grab everything I had set aside and hope that I didn't forget anything.

Long rambling country roads, as we make our way to the awaited paradise of a day off near water.

We arrive to an empty house.

First thoughts weren't foul play but instead jealousy!  They are in the water!

There were lazy inner tubes strewn about for those wishing to relax or those whose energy had waned from all the water activities. 

Looking around eyeing all those already in the water, when out of nowhere a small being pops up.  With a deep breath I see it isn't' a merperson but simply a squid of a boy.  

I don't wonder at the abnormal amount of red, white and blue because of my vast intelligence I realize why I am there: Independence day, in fact I am among those emblazoned those colors (even brought my and Chris' red, white and blue bathing suits)

Toes were even adorned and decorated...

As time elapsed I notice some people disappearing but my reasoning told me that aliens hadn't taken them but  instead they were resting from water filled activities, because I am unbelievably intelligent. ;P

The watermelon was delicious but none thought so much as Ella./the water melon eating monster

Johnathan scared that his arm would be mistaken for watermelon watches the melon monster. 

Some are oblivious to the possible doom that might overtake their melon

But pacer/eraser man keeps a look out for all with the help of his side kick who helps with her ability to look up

Amanda became the monster side kick getting pulled in by her charms and "cuteness"... this eludes me and my large brain

More were pulled in

They show their teeth ready for an attack on the melons

Quinton how ever is oblivious to any melon or monsters due to his deep penetrating love of his corn pudding

Some where just in their own world protected by... baha BAAA Eraser Man!  and his side kick who helps with her ability to look up (to which I have already referenced... see further up)

Then the war broke out...

Beautiful and scary

In the end the melon monster fell asleep due to over exertion and all went peaceful till morning...

I know that some don't agree but these people are in family.  Not by blood, or legally but because of our love.  I love spending time with those I love, no matter what the activity but all the more so when it is a blast!

I hope that your celebration of our independence was enjoyable as mine.

My day at the beach

With a yawn and a stretch, I pull myself away from the comfort of my ample couch.  1:15am time to leave.  In the car I go off to meet up with our other friends brave enough to take this adventure...

5 people pile into our Yaris... way more spacious then it seems.  Cooler, bags of snacks, blanket and you name it shoved to compasity in our hatchback.  In the hump middle I sqirm trying to find a comfortable position for the trip ahead but with no luck.  Lean her and there... legs asleep... till finally we arrive: 4:30ish am.

Out come the blankets time for a nap for those who want it... others sat chatting in the still and quiet that is 4:30am.

Up with the sun and watching the beauty while we stretch our legs with some Frisbee.

The sun cracks over the horizon and through the clouds... Some of us whip out our cameras to capture this moment.

While others just relax enjoying the start of a lovely day at the beach

I have never seen so many birds feeding at once as I did that morning... but then again I am not often out at the beach at that time... 

7:20 time for second breakfast!

As the day wore on we walked up and down the beach, wondered in and out of the ocean, ate and ate and ate or so it seemed but then again we where there for so many hours.  It was a lovely day and a great adventure... I look forward to doing it again!