Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The Great Outdoors

What a GREAT extended weekend I had full of sun and fun times with friends!  The camping getaway was kept pretty simple.  We visited one of the beautiful state parks here in Texas - Garner State Park.  It seemed like a great place to go for a little relaxation and exercise (yes, the two can go hand in hand).


Big Baby went along for the trip.  It was her first time swimming AND her first time camping.  I wasn't sure how she would do but she handled it like an old pro!  We found our campsite and put up our tent.  I was expecting to have problems putting it up but it came together without a hitch!  BB felt right at home inside of it.   

We did a lot of walking on rocky trails and cooled our feet in the refreshing, clear water.  Big Baby enjoyed herself and so did I.  All of the troubles and negativity of the previous weeks seemed to drift away with each ripple of water that hit my legs.

 

I got in some great hiking and swimming while I was there.  The trip helped me realize how disconnected I had become from nature.  I get so much of my energy and joy from being outdoors.  Big Baby seemed to reflect my renewed feeling of happiness.

The days seemed to drift by too quickly.  My time away was exactly what I needed.  I did a lot of reflecting and gave thought to things I had been putting on the back burner.  All in all, my mini vacation was everything I hoped it would be.  I can't wait to get back out and have some more adventures!!

Happy Trails!
Valeka    

 

10 comments:

  1. Hi how are you?

    I was looking through your blog, and I found it interesting, and inspiring to me, so I thought why not post a comment. I have blogs also obviously, and would like to invite you to become my blog friend.

    I mostly post about the California experience through the perspective of personal writings, and my art.

    Maybe you can become my friend, and follow, and I can also follow you, if that is okay.

    Well I hope to hear from you soon… :)

    Jesse Noe Mendez

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    1. Hi, Jesse :-) I'm so happy that you enjoyed my blog. I will certainly take a look at your posts and would love to see your artwork!

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  2. Valeka, great post! Love all the pictures you shared. Big Baby is adorable. Cool she got to go off-leash :D

    It's hard to camp with pets, so glad it went well.

    I know whatcha mean about reconnecting with nature again. Sure is a head-scratcher why we deprive ourselves again and again from being in the great outdoors where we feel so renewed.

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    1. Thanks, Carole! Big Baby was one happy pup! I was so glad (and relieved) that she adjusted so well to camping and sleeping outdoors. I don't think my two little dogs would have fared as well!

      I try to get outside at least a couple of times a day for fresh air. It's helpful but not nearly as rejuvenating as spending days in a place where the only sounds are those of running water and the breeze blowing through the trees :-)

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  3. looks like an invigorating weekend. Nature and relaxation always leave me re-energized.

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    1. Hi, Lori! It was a very invigorating weekend! It was just the right combination of relaxing and energizing. I'm looking forward to my next camping trip :-)

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  4. Loved reading this and seeing your photos! I especially love the one of Big Baby in the tent. Ahhh, the thought of soaking my feet in a clear stream sounds delicious. I can totally relate to the way you said your stress was melting away with each gentle ripple of the water. I feel more relaxed just reading about it. What a great camping trip. Hope you get to go again soon!

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    1. Thanks, Milli! Big Baby was totally in her element! The water was so relaxing that I'm ready to get back out there again. The trip was the right combination of fun and relaxation. That's sometimes a hard balance to achieve but somehow, it happened. I am looking forward to going on another trip soon. I'm already researching other state parks!

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  5. Ahhhh the Frio...spent many of the best days of my life in and on that beautiful river! I dont know that I could handle dog farts in a tent though..;) Love the pics and your word-play...wishing I was there right now!!

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  6. I forgot how beautiful the Frio River was until I went on this trip! It felt like I was reconnecting with an old friend. And, fortunately, there were no dog farts in the tent :-) I'm so happy you enjoyed the post and the pictures!

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