The Dark Days Are Over...Well Almost!

Fellow outdoor enthusiasts, sun worshipers, hikers, bikers, runners, river floaters, under tree book readers, hammock hanging on the lakeside, garden digging, flower planting, people rejoice!  The Winter solstice was yesterday for us on the north side of the equator and that means that the days are only going to get longer from here to July. Yeehaw, Yes Sir, Hallelujah, Amen!  This means that if these long Fall days were getting you down and keeping you inside don't fret, the first day of Winter has the shortest hours of daylight, and every day until the Summer solstice is longer than the last.  Start planning your outings now to make the most of the days you get.  This year plan to do something new, like a Triathlon  http://www.beginnertriathlete.com has tips, training ideas, and a list of races.

Punta Cana, Days 4 & 5

We're home now.  Between a non-stop final 2 days and wifi only cell service, these days didn't get blogged.  

Day 4 was a blast!  We went off the resort to take dune buggies out into a local town and countryside.  The views were beautiful, the town was pitiful, many wrapped in barbed wire and/or lockable cages, and the children were heartbreaking!  I've seen photos taken by friends of children in poor countries with hands out asking for money or things, but until this trip I'd never experienced it myself.  They waved and smiled at us as we cruised down the road.  It looked as though they were just excited to see a mass of loud, gurgling go carts riding through their neighborhood, but they were only excited because it meant the possibility of handouts.  It occurred to me more than once that we probably paid as much for that excursion as their families make in months.  We did, however, have a marvelous time getting muddy while seeing Macao Beach and beautiful caves with fresh water to swim in.

 Macao Beach

 Dune Buggies!  Erik has always wanted to drive one of these!

We got a little muddy

Day 5:  Dad and I got up early to meet friends on the beach for the sunrise.  It was very pretty and an enjoyable morning.  We spent most of the morning on the beach before it was time to get ready to leave (insert sad face here!).  

The airport in Punta Cana is something to experience.  Arriving was simple and pretty quick.  Departing, however, is a completely different story!  It took us over an hour to get through security with the three lines and a family of 10+ cut in front of us.  I was not a happy camper.  At customs, a different group of three simply stepped up in front of me from the entirely wrong side of the line.  No "excuse me," or "I'm sorry," or anything!  I was quite peeved.  The world thinks Americans are rude (each of these groups were European)!  Anyhow, it was an ordeal and I was glad to reach home and be greeted by warm smiles and "happy holidays, welcome homes!"  

That said, we wished we'd had 2 more days in paradise.  But alas, we didn't.  We're glad to be home safe and sound to celebrate the holiday season with our families.  A few more photos until next time....

 The view from the security line in the airport...

  

Punta Cana, Day 3

Our first full day of relaxation here in the Caribbean included a leisurely breakfast with family followed by an AMAZING visit to The Rock Spa for over two hours of pampering! How best does a girl follow such an experience? Well, this girl spent the rest of the the day by one of the seemingly infinite pools, then on the beach sipping on some lovely, fruity, strawberry and Pina Colada concoction. Be jealous.  Now it's time for sushi/hibachi with family. 

Until tomorrow...keep on burning!

 Breakfast with a view

One of the many pools!

 What a beautiful location!

Punta Cana, Day 2

What a beautiful day for a wedding! Oliver and Elizabeth are friends of ours who opted for a destination wedding. We are blessed enough to be able to join them for this special day in paradise.

Oliver's brother was certified in order to perform the ceremony. He did a fabulous job and had everyone in tears. It was a beautiful celebration involving both families and showcasing the love and support that these two have surrounding them.

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs.! We love you both!

Punta Cana, Day 1

Well, day one is a success and it's only 9:42am. The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is beautiful! We ate at a Brazilian steak house last night. Oh my gosh, the food! I think I ate more last night than I have in a week! But it was wonderful! The weather is beautiful, partly cloudy with a strong breeze. Next stop...wedding!

Off We Go

We're leaving, on a jet plane...

Exciting updates coming soon from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic!



The Appalachian Trail

Just a note for all of you out there looking for information on thru-hiking...you should take a look at this site!

Zach Davis, author of Appalachian Trials, is the mind behind this wealth of a website!  Take a look at the Thru-Hiker Resources:  You'll find a list of past and present bloggers, and now is the perfect time to start following the class of 2014 as they'll be making their final purchases and preparations in order to depart in (typically) February/March. 

Some of my favorites from the class of 2013 include the following, all found on Zach's website.  Take a look for yourself and find your own favorites!

Acorn Hikes
Dirigo Bound
Hitched Hike - VIDEO! 
My Meandering Trail
Tandem Trekking
     Take a look at one my favorite posts from Lindsey and Kyle.  After all, what's in a trail name?
Wandering the Wild