Join me on my walk ...

I try to keep fit. I love going for walks. And when we moved here to the mountains, I thought walks would be just beautiful.  I wasn't wrong about that, they are. Yes, there is a but...BUT the walks are tough! Are you ready?

My daughter and dog on the driveway, also joining us today

We live towards the bottom of a very steep road and at the bottom is a main road with no sidewalks. So, for our walk we must go uphill. Our driveway is long, so it is good for a bit of a warm up. Then we turn right and hike up the hill.

By the time we get near to the top of the first stretch of our road, I am out of breath (not so fit, right?) So let's just look to the right. Worth the effrot I would say. This photo doesn't really do it justice, but you can see why they call it the Blue Ridge Mountains - a beautiful blue haze.

The first leg of the walk, totally worth it for this view.

Now that I have caught my breath, we get to walk a little bit of a level stretch. There is a slight incline, but a good way to recover from the steep first stretch.  I am sweating by now, but a good sweat. How 'bout you?

I am starting to feel good about getting out and about, feeling the energy of activity. 

Squirrels are running everywhere, and the dog is pulling my arm, trying so hard to catch those squirrels. Have you ever seen a cocker spaniel try to climb a tree after a squirrel? Imagine it - quite funny! (I will have to get a picture).

This is one of the things makes me appreciate the simplicity of life. That makes me smile.

By this time, we reach the summit of our path.  Let's stop, and stand here to take it all in.

The peak of our path. Take it in.

When I have company, like today, my break here is also a good spot to sit, and ponder. My dauaghter and dog take advantage of my picture taking to have a minute to themselves.

A good seat at the top of the hill - my daughter and dog bonding

From here, it is a straight, fairly level stretch to downtown, and if we have the time and a few bucks, we can stop at the bakery and get a drink.  We love the chit-chatting along the way, commenting on that tiny little black dog that scares the "bejezzes" out of our dog.  Having a laugh, talking of our dreams (she wants to rent an open shop front on the left to sell cool clothes, I want to have a local gift shop carry my Toekini's, what about you?). This all makes for a wonderful walk. Not to mention, we are excersising. A win-win. 



The home stretch

We then turn around and head home the way we came, which means mostly down hill. Sounds good, right? Well, I think it is just as hard to walk down a steep hill as it is to walk up! You use muscles you didn't know you had!

It's a good thing we have that long driveway to cool down.

Thank you for joining my on my walk today! Next time, we will venture further downtown, okay? What do you say, care to join me again?