So I wake up this morning with the thought that I may venture out upon a simple hike, or even better a run... a perfect way to combat the "gluten-attack" from the day before and I hear "Splat Splat Splat" outside my window. Huh? I wonder... the weather board at work said today's high would only be 45 but could it really? Yes, Snow. Thats right; the cold wet stuff in a slurpee like condition then fluffy then back to splatting against the ground. Well I guess my hike will have to wait. I will say that despite the wet cold, my older-than-my grandparents housing maintains heat better than my parents house just a half mile away and I comfortably get ready for the day. Cold here is different than cold at home and I strut out to take the pictures shown wearing a long sleeve t-shirt and a pair of cheerleading shorts. I would be lying if I said I was not a little cold but in Florida I don't wear shorts if it drops below 75!
Right outside my building
I think this is Estes Cone which was snow free only the night before!
I ran into this dude and 12 of his friends all with varying "racks" and yes thats what their antlers are called.
On top of my normal hikes and work responsibilities, I am now taking a class every Tuesday night to become a certified Hikemaster. This past week we spent 3 hours learning how to use a magnetic compass (who thought I would actually learn how to do this one!) and how to read a technical map using contours to determine where a ridge, valley are and at what height and location you are. I was excited anyways but I am a certified old person/geek i n comparison to all of these youngsters out here. Next week they are taking us up on the tundra to teach us how to self arrest on the snow! YAY hopefully pictures to follow.
I am in love with this place and I am jealous of those that get to live here year round. I do not have many friends outside of work yet but those that I have made are REAL people which, sadly, is something that I have not found in the past year; although I will admit that I haven't put myself out there too much. I feel like a different person here... a happy person that is laid back and more sane. Do I have rough days? Of course... it would not be real if I did not. I miss my family, my close friends, and even my students; all of which are my only reasons to move back to Florida at the end of this experience. I feel as though my heart is out here though. At least I still have a lot of time out here to explore, but I know that it will pass too quickly and then I will be back on that drive across the country to Florida; a drive fueled not by excitement and nerves but a drive with purpose and the stress I love to hate that the school year will bring only a few short hours after I arrive home. Sigh.. lets not think about that haha.
My goal to go running tomorrow is plaguing me as is my desire to finish the summer reading book I assigned my students that I have slowly been digesting myself so I must wrap it up. Download the Leona Lewis cd if you get a chance... I bought it on ITunes yesterday and I am thoroughly satisfied!
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