On vacation with my parents. Seeing beautiful scenery in Virginia and West Virginia. We've gone to several state parks, and I have to look longingly at the trails. My dad suffered a stroke a few years ago, and his mobility sucks, so we do 'accessible' things. Today I managed to hike a short trail in the Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia. I hope to stay healthy enough that I'm never prevented from hiking short trails like that. The park was awesome, the trail was fun. Saw two waterfalls in the park, and I know that there were more.

Vacation Gripe: This vacation was supposed to include MOSTLY national parks. Every day we've had to come up with other plans. Today included a jaunt into WV. We are actually vacationing in Virginia. It helps that my parents will humor me when I want to check out local breweries. But they won't spend the money to go see a cave. The government shutdown isn't going to end before my vacation. There is only so much to do in the Shenandoah Valley if you are on a budget.

spent the day with B and my friends. as much as she frustrates me sometimes, I was also reminded of how sweet she is.

on the drive home from Letchworth she noticed I was singing under my breath. she turned up the radio to get me to sing louder. she bought me breakfast and dinner. and when we got home she wanted to show me her favorite live cam of bears fishing during a salmon run. we ended up checking out several live cams, and she rested her head on my shoulder as we watched. she hadn't done that since she was little.

This comic made me think of Paul.

Spent 4 days camping in the Allegheny National Forest. Motivated to go down because I couldn't join the other (e:peeps) for the firefly watching.

Wednesday night we set up camp, chilled around the campfire. Had the same campsite as the (e:peeps) that went down over the previous weekend. We were the only campers within miles. Cooked hot dogs over the fire for dinner. After dinner, we took a walk along the gravel road to watch the fireflies. They were amazing. Twinkling EVERYWHERE. The moon was bright enough that we didn't use flashlights.

Thursday we went kayaking at Tionesta Lake, not too far away. Mixed results there. Swam a bit before turning around and paddling back. At one point the current was so strong we were paddling to stay in place. We had to get out and tow our kayaks probably about 1/4 of a mile before we could paddle again. We had actually launched in Tionesta Creek. There was a little 6-8" dam that was fun kayaking DOWN, but impossible to kayak up. Although we tried. I got stuck sideways, and the current dumped me. My drybag with the phone stayed dry. Drybag with the towels, not so much. WTF a dry bag that lets water in is pointless.

Bought more firewood on the way back, and had way too much. Luckily we had managed to put all 3 kayaks on the roof, so it wasn't too hard to haul. We were unsuccessful in getting the wood to light. I got grumpy and gave up. Kristen cooked dinner (boneless pork chops, baked potato, and corn on the cob), and it started raining. We had planned on doing more firefly watching, but I think we all just decided to turn in.

Friday morning we woke to a tree falling across the road right next to the campsite. Kristen had actually been in her car when it happened. If it had fallen east instead of south, she would have been smooshed. We were all sick of that campsite. We couldn't get potable water, the closest bathrooms were 2 miles away, and those didn't even have showers. After a random PA man cleared the road, we agreed to switch campsites.

Our 2nd campsite was in the Kiasutha campground. They initially told us they had no waterside campsites. Then they conferred and offered us one in "the Indian Village". A tent only area that they hadn't really used yet this season. It was perfect! We were waterside, had our own little cove, and no neighbors! We had access to a shower, and could walk to bathrooms, potable water, and the swimming beach. We toured the main part of the campground, which was overrun with RV's and families. We couldn't believe how lucky we were not to have ANY neighbors.

After setting up camp Friday, I took a nap on my cot outside. Was very refreshing. We went for a brief paddle, then I made dinner. Veggie chili. Yum. Having bought an axe earlier in the day, I chopped some wood into more manageable chunks. I was able to start a fire on the first try. Had a great fire, and we were all very relaxed. Walked around the "Indian Village" and saw more amazing fireflies.

Saturday morning I made whole wheat blueberry pancakes. Then Kristen realized she had no caffeine. Not surprising, as our initial plans were to camp for 2 days, not 4. So we drove into Warren so she could buy some pop. We went ahead and ate lunch in town. Then we spent the afternoon testing the ability of my SUV to go down some narrow roads. Almost all of which ended at an oil rig. We also drove on an ATV trail, to everyone's delight. It was a fun way to spend the afternoon that was too hot for much else.

After getting back to camp, we went for another evening paddle, to the south end of the reservoir this time. When we returned to camp at dusk, there were bats circling our little cove, headed out for the night. I made a campfire and cooked tortellini over the open flame. I felt so resourceful!

We all decided to sleep outside Saturday night, the tent didn't get used! Kristen kept the fire going all night, and it was quite refreshing. I woke up cold once or twice, but decided if Kristen hadn't retreated to the tent, neither would I.

Sunday morning we had a nice long paddle north along the reservoir (3 hours). It was bright and sunny, and many motor boats were in use. We got back early afternoon and decided to swim before breaking down camp. Gypsy (Blythe's dog) had gotten used to kayaking, but doesn't want to swim.

After a brief swim, we broke down camp. We then drove to the Tracy Ridge recreation area where we had a nice hike. We hiked for about 3 hours. I was tired after the first 90 minutes, so it took longer than it should have. But we all made it back to the vehicles with no injuries.

It was a great, but exhausting trip. Camping along the reservoir is something I hope to do at least once every summer.

I posted a bunch of photos to facebook. If any of you aren't already my friend there and want to see the photos, you can friend request me. Just let me know you're an (e:) peep.

Working on the couch to 5K program. (e:Jolene) is doing one too, but is pretty far along.

I walked to Riverside Park and ran along the river. By ran, I mean jogged, and only when my program told me to run. I've never run outside before. Only hiked. I'd been forbidden from any high impact activity my entire adult life until recently. It was different than a treadmill, without a doubt!

Now I'm all sweaty and headed to the shower. But I'm so happy to see progress that I felt like sharing. At this rate, I'll be able to keep up with (e:Terry) in about 2015...