A Little R&R

Methinks my ankles and knees, and probably that tricky spot in my right hip, will protest rather loudly tomorrow for today's fun.  But that's all right with me.  The adventure was well worth it.  Along with my brother and his wife and my fabulously fun teenage nephew, Isaac, I took a hike.  A moderate 4+ mile hike around Pinecrest Lake, which is part of a year-round nature-oriented resort nestled in the Sierra Nevadas, and only a two-hour drive from the Merced area where the lovely Sweigard Family resides.  We climbed boulders, skirted roots and protruding stones, picked our way down steep declines and trudged our way up a few inclines.  I snapped shots of flowers and trees and people and the bold blue lake itself. 

Though I should have resisted the urge, my need to take my turn at the front of the pack led to an ongoing footrace with said nephew.  Realistically, I knew of at least three good reasons why running along a multi-terrain trail might not be the best idea, but the high altitude, fresh air, and the sheer joy at being a part of this refreshing activity evidently overtook my common sense.  Sprained ankles, a cracked noggin, or a good old-fashioned tumble all come to mind.  I will I did manage to lead the way for our stalwart crew a few times, but I'm no match for a 14 year-old boy overflowing with youthful vigor.

The views were stunning, panoramic, the kind of generous visual spreads that is best done in the West.  Though the lush green beauty and rolling hills of Middle Tennessee hold a tender place in this nature-loving girl's heart, the striking stretches of landscape and magnificent vistas in places like California and Colorado, Alaska and Washington -- you get my drift -- manage to grip my heart and overtake my soul.  My camera performed admirably as it attempted to reflect back to me the splendor of the scenes I viewed on the miniature screen.  But really, one must simply BE there, in the moment, walking along the catwalk over the rushing dam, catching sight of the quick little lizards which dotted the path, hearing the telltale cry of the active osprey overhead, inhaling the mingling scents of blooming wildflowers and coniferous trees, can truly create the perfect mental snapshot.  I hadn't planned for this impromptu outing, but I sure got a great deal out of it.  

Twice I jumped into the cool but highly inviting waters of the lake.  Only a few minutes is needed to adequately numb the nerve receptors to the chill of mountain runoff waters. the temp is in the 60's, and then it's all good.  If time and circumstance would have allowed, swimming for hours might have been my very good thing (as Martha Stewart is fond of saying) for the trip.  Never have I seen water so azure in shade and clear in composition, even with the haze of tree pollen rippling along the surface of Pinecrest Lake.  Oh, how I longed for my husband to be near . . . I'd splash him a good one!

It was a glorious 24-hour period of outdoor activities, a boat ride, hanging out with my brother's family and his friends, getting to know my cousin, Randy, eating tri tip grilled to perfection, seeing a gorgeous gray fox, sipping Rose while reacquainting myself with the game of Spades, nibbling on Red Vines, falling asleep with my mouth open in the living room easy chair of the rented cabin in front of strangers and family alike, and just plain easing myself into a relaxed, totally stress-free state of being.  No technology as ATT could not penetrate the dense tree line all around us.  That meant an absence of Facebook posts, text messages, and multiple phone calls.  I'm alive and well, thank you very much!

It's midnight.  I need sleep.  Grandma Opal is expecting me later in this brand new July day.  For the next two days, I will be at her beck and call.  Oh, and on Wednesday, Miss Opal and Miss Gloria will be meeting Aunt Avis at a bakery where the best chocolate cake, EVER, is served.  It is with growing certainty that I state I will most likely fit quite well into that size 8 bridesmaid gown upon my return without any need of alteration.  But, I can say I fit in my 126 push-ups today with my hike.  I'm keeping up as best I can.

Good night to all.  I hugged my nephew many times today though he's not usually too awfully demonstrative in that sense.  I told him I missed hugs from my own son, his cousin.  Think of my blog as a hug to all of you as I sign off.