Who needs to win the lotto!

Dad and I took a couple of weeks (ok, maybe more like a few weeks) off due to weather and crazy holiday schedules.  Last week we ventured out to Raven Rock for the first time.  Wow what a view!!

I've never hiked during cold weather like that.  I think the high that day was supposed to be 42.  I've read many posts on Trail Journals and couldn't understand how people could hike in shorts during the cooler days.  Now I understand!  I came prepared with a hat, scarf, gloves, baseball cap, and more!  I had my layers on and was ready.  It did start out pretty chilly.

By lunch time the coat was gone.  It actually felt....warm!  We stopped and had lunch at one of the campsites and the breeze combined with sitting down made it a little cool, but it was still not bad.  I look forward to exploring Raven Rock again.

Tomorrow we are going back to Umstead.  We haven't been there since taking my sisters and niece.  Our plan is a 9-10 mile hike with a lunch break and Snickers!  I'm starting to think I only hike for the food :)

As I sit here and think about tomorrow I can't help but think about how absolutely lucky I am.  Ok, so maybe I didn't get a single number last night with the big Mega Millions lotto, but how many people get the opportunity to spend so much time with their parents doing fun things and just hanging out?  I cherish every opportunity we have to get out together.  I can't even begin to tell you how much I look forward to our backpacking trips in 2014.  Maybe it's my job and the realization that life is very short and you never know what tomorrow or even next hour has in store for you.  Never forget to tell those close to you how much you love them and take advantage of every opportunity to spend time with friends and loved ones...

Peace and love to all my friends and family!