Outdoor Recreation Activities

Chickamauga Creek Gorge

2012-01-14T18:17:00.000-08:00

Go out and explore the world around you. Take the kids along because you never know what beauty lies in wait.

We recently moved back to Georgia. This is the second hike we’ve been on since the move. Both hikes were beautiful in their own way, but this one was just awesome.

The trail has different things to see along the way, but we hardly made it past the rapids at the beginning. If you go to Our Hiking Pictures Blog, you can see why. The blue-green tint to the water is just amazing. We’ve never seen anything like it before, and we’ve seen a lot of small rapids like this.

Just goes to show what you can find if you explore your surroundings. We plan to do a lot more exploring soon, of this trail especially, but of others close by as well.

Chattanooga Zoo

2011-07-13T17:04:00.000-07:00

A great outdoor recreation activity you can do with your children in the Chattanooga area is visit the zoo. My son and I recently went to the Chattanooga Zoo and it was very nice.

My son was around 5 years old the last time we visited the zoo, and a lot has changed since then. They have added quite a few exhibits and fancied up the place. It was a nice way to spend a couple hours and get in some walking.

There is a dinosaur show going on now, 2011, that kids seem to love. They even have masks in the gift shop all the kids were going crazy over.

A trip to the Chattanooga Zoo would be a wonderful outdoor activity for the upcoming weekend. Get walking and commune with wildlife.

Heart Problems and Outdoor Activities

2010-10-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

Me and my mom

It's not easy to do outdoor recreation activities when you have a heart problem, but I've managed to do some. I've been doing walks, although they have been pretty short, they've been fun and are only getting better now that fall is here.

This weekend we hiked/walked the Bald Rock Trail on Mt. Cheaha. It was the first hike I've done in a long time. We went really slow, and it's all level, so I didn't get too out of breath and had no chest pain.

As long as you take it easy, please don't give up on favorite pasttimes becasue of health problems unless you absolutely have to! It's not worth it.

Noccalula Falls Park

2010-05-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

One great outdoor recreation activity for families in Alabama is the Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden. We went for the first time this past weekend and really enjoyed it.

The waterfall at the park is really nice and big, the biggest we've seen in AL so far. What's nice, is you can go down the gorge path and see it from the bottom as well. The path is a little steep and rocky though, so be careful.

Noccalula Falls Park has a petting zoo, old village set up, train to ride around the park, the falls, and a flower garden. It costs 6.00 a person, but we believe it was worth it.

We did ride the train, but then got off and walked the whole thing anyway for exercise and to get closer so I could take pictures. Check out ourhikingpictures.blogspot.com for some more photos.

Washington, D.C.

2010-04-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

An educational and fun outdoor recreation activity for families is a trip to Washington, D.C. We went there last week, and let me tell you, there is alot of walking involved in seeing everything! You'll need a good pair of walking shoes and plenty of time, but it's well worth it.

Everyone should visit at least once to see history in the flesh so to speak. There is no end to what you can teach your children while strolling the Mall or visiting museums so for your next vacation, think about D.C.

Lawn Darts

2010-03-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

Do any of y'all play lawn darts? We got a Wii game that has it on there and I think it'd be a neat game to play for real in the backyard. I haven't seen it at any stores recently though. I believe it would be a great outdoor recreation activity for families to play together. If anybody has the game, please let me know how you like it.

Playing in the Snow

2010-02-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

We recently enjoyed some outdoor recreation that people in the south rarely have the opportunity to. It snowed around 3 inches in Alabama last week. I made a snow woman. It was only a small one, but some of my neighbors made full sized snow people. The kids in the neighborhood sure enjoyed throwing snowballs and running around in the fluffy white stuff!

Any outdoor activity that is fun is always a winner!

Walk 500 Miles

2009-12-31T14:04:00.000-08:00

I made a pledge to walk 500 miles by June 30, 2010. I am asking for everyone else to pledge to donate one penny to St. Jude for every mile I actually walk. This would be a great outdoor activity the whole family could partake in. Set a family goal and ask people you know to donate a certain amount for every mile your whole family completes. What better than doing something as a family and helping those in need in the process!

You can keep up with my progress and donate to St. Jude by visiting my St. Jude Heroes page and my walking blog.

Walking For Charity as a Family

2009-12-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought of doing a family walk for charity? This is a great outdoor recreation activity the whole family can participate in that will help others as well. You can talk about the need for helping those less fortunate while you train for the walk, visit websites provided for the various charities and explain the reason behind helping those in need. Showing your children that getting in shape, doing something together and helping others is possible is a great life lesson.

I, my son and husband recently did a 10k walk together and it was a lot of fun. We are walking for St. Jude. I am currently training for a half marathon for the same charity. Pick a charity you really believe in and get the family involved in helping them. You’ll feel good on so many levels!

If you would like to donate to my St. Jude walks you can go to this website: Angel Walks

Adams Gap: Skyway Loop Trail in Anniston Alabama

2009-12-01T17:38:00.000-08:00

The skyway loop trail in Alabama is located in the Talladega National Forest on the Adams Gap Trailhead. A small, free parking area is provided at the beginning of the trailhead. A trail marker to the right of the parking area designates the beginning of the trail.

Do not be discouraged with the overgrowth and rocky start. After two-tenths of a mile, you will reach the section where the trail splits, offering paths to the Pinhoti and Skyway Loop trails, and the path will smooth out. I do recommend hiking poles for the Skyway loop trail...

Read more here...

Hiking the Shoal Creek Church Trail

2009-11-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

Today, my husband and I hiked on the Shoal Creek Church trail in the Talladega National Forest. The trail was pretty easy, with only a few small hills. It is 1.6 miles from the Pinhoti trailhead to the church, so not an overly long hike.

This would be a great outdoor recreation activity for families because it offers the opportunity to teach a little history along with enjoying the outdoors with the kids. The history of Shoal Creek Church is posted on a sign at the site and the old structure still retains most of the original craftsmanship.

Hiking to historical sites is a great way for families to spend sunny days, connect and learn about the people who helped shape our country.

You can see more pictures on Our Hiking Pictures blog.

Walking for St. Jude

2009-10-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

I became a St. Jude Hero not long ago, and with the help of family and friends, have been taking up money to help the kids of St. Jude. I am almost half way to my 500-dollar goal. I hope to make more, but if I can just do the 500, it will help. EVERY donation helps!

Yesterday we did our first walk. I am doing various walks for the charity instead of just one. I think I know the next one, but have to finalize details.

My husband, son and brother did the 6-mile walk with me yesterday. Walking for charity is a great outdoor family activity! How can you not get reconnected when walking for 6 miles? It was a great day and knowing we were helping children made it even better.

If you’d like to read about the walk or donate to St. Jude, please go to my other blog here: Angel Walks

How Yard Sales Help with Recycling

2009-09-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

Not only are yard sales a good way to spend a Saturday morning with the family, get in some walking and find good deals, they also help the environment.

Yard sales are all about recycling. One person is putting their unneeded items out for others to reuse, therefore not filling landfills with things that are still perfectly good. There is no end to the items recycled through yard sales. Never throw anything that is still usable away because someone else might want it. Have a yard sale and recycle it instead!

Read more here...

Walking at the Park

2009-09-15T16:39:00.000-07:00

We do walks at the local park as part of our training for the St. Jude Heroes program. This past weekend we did a 3.34-mile walk. I’m training to be able to do a 10k, or 6.2 mile walk next month. If you would like to donate to St. Jude, please visit this website: Angel Walks

While at the park, we noticed lots of outdoor family activities going on. People were having birthday parties, fishing in the lake, feeding the ducks, and just sitting on benches talking. It is wonderful to see so many people bring their children to the park.

If you have a park close by, plan to spend the day there soon. It’s very relaxing and a great way for families to reconnect after a long week.

Pinhoti Trail Hike

2009-09-07T19:50:00.001-07:00

We went on a two-mile hike on the Pinhoti trail this evening. It was a fairly easy hike, with one exception. The downhill section that leads to the bridge over Coleman Lake is quite steep. I made it even with my bum ankle, so it’s not all that bad.

The first part of the trail is a little overgrown but it does get better. The trail will be really nice during the winter months when all the foliage is less pronounced. The walk through the trees was very calm and relaxing.

We saw a turtle playing off the bridge and I got some pretty cool shots of a couple of spiders. You can see pics of the hike and animals on Our Hiking Pictures blog.

How to make your yard sale a success

2009-08-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

Yard sales are great outdoor recreation activities. You get to meet new people, make some extra money and there is opportunity for exercise if you go around to enough sales. Park at one end of the street and walk to each house for neighborhood sales to get in some extra steps for the day.

Yard sales are also great for families. Kids love finding good buys and just spending time with each other is always nice.

If you want to throw your own yard sale and make a few bucks, follow this advice:

How to make your yard sale a success

Coleman Lake Campground

2009-07-27T15:03:00.001-07:00

We did an overnight camping trip this past weekend. Camping is a great outdoor recreation activity for families to enjoy! We stayed at the Coleman Lake Campground in the Talladega National Forest. It was a very nice campground and we really enjoyed the time spent together.

We played games, toasted marshmallows over the campfire and walked around the grounds. My hubby had fun playing with the campfire and cooking meals too. I’m putting some pictures on Our Hiking Pictures blog if you want to look!

Around the Campfire

2009-07-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

Putting up one of my short stories today. It takes place at a camp site, so ties in with the theme of my blog. I hope y'all enjoy the story.

Sandy and Greg sat quietly, watching flames lick the wind, and listening to the crackle of logs settling, while Tracie and Lamar fought. They had been fighting all evening, both sure the other knew nothing about camping, and trying to one-up each other in every endeavor.

“Don’t hold it that way,” Lamar ordered, grabbing the stick out of Tracie’s hand.

“Give me that stick, or so help me you’ll regret it,” Tracie snapped.

“Oh yeah? What are you gonna do?”

Tracie didn’t answer, just politely stood, picked up her pack, walked over to Lamar, swung the pack and knocked him off the log he was sitting on.

Read more here...

Fireworks

2009-07-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

We went to see the fireworks in town last night. This is a great outdoor activity for the whole family on the 4th of July. They had more fireworks than we expected, which was nice. All the younger kids really enjoyed the event. It was around 80 degrees, so the only bad part was the skeeters! I hope you all got out and enjoyed the holiday.

Hiking with Family

2009-06-28T11:36:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, my mom and her husband came over to visit. We decided to take them to a couple of hiking trails. We visited the Odum Scout and Bald Rock trails. Both walks combined were less than a mile. They are not used to hiking, or much exercise of any kind for that matter, and my sprained ankle isn’t well yet, so we played it safe.

They enjoyed the hikes, because the two we chose offered nice scenery. We saw a little falls on the Odum Scout trail. Not much of one this year, because it hasn’t rained much lately, but still pretty. On the Bald Rock trail, there is an overlook off some rocks that was nice.

I put some pictures up on Our Hiking Pictures blog if you would like to see. Hiking with family is a great outdoor recreation activity that I highly recommend. People of all skill levels can participate if you pick the correct trails!

How to Compare Gas Grills

2009-06-22T12:23:00.000-07:00

Grilling hamburgers or hot dogs is a favorite pastime during the warm months of the year. An outdoor barbecue grill is a great way to bring families together and make new memories. There are many different gas grills on the market these days, and several factors to keep in mind when comparing gas grills. Read more here...

Flash Fiction Fishing Story

2009-06-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a flash fiction piece I wrote about a favorite outdoor activity shared by many: fishing. Some of you may feel a kinship with the characters also.

Revenge

Tammy squealed when the slimy fish her brother had just thrown hit her leg. She fumed, watching him and his friends laugh hysterically. Stomping her foot, she silently vowed to get him back soon.

“It’s just a fish, Tam,” her brother snickered. “It won’t hurt you.”

“It might not hurt me, but I’m going to hurt you if you do that again!” Tammy yelled.

The boys laughed harder before turning back to their poles, waiting on the next big catch. Every time a line would bob, they’d all concentrate really hard, hoping to hook the fish. Tammy watched, waiting patiently.

Finally, her brother snared another fish. Tammy watched him reel it in, and all the other boys ooh and ahh over the catch, before stepping forward.

Grabbing her brother, Tammy planted a big, wet, sloppy kiss on his cheek, and yelled, “Congratulations!”

“Ewww,” her brother screamed, wiping his cheek. “Gross!”

“It’s just a kiss, Tommy,” Tammy smiled. “It won’t hurt you.”

How to Train for a Half Marathon when You have Fibromyalgia

2009-06-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

Even people who suffer with fibromyalgia can do half marathons. They just have to take precautions and do things a little differently than the average person who sets out to accomplish this goal. The following tips will help you train for a half marathon when you have fibromyalgia.
Read more here...

Rocket Fishing Rod

2009-05-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

Have y’all seen the Rocket Fishing Rod advertised on television? We saw it just the other day on TV and then actually saw something like it in Target.

I don’t know how well it works, but I bet kids think it’s a pretty cool gadget. It might help the dads keep kids occupied long enough to get some actual fishing done themselves.

I bet they sale a lot of them this time of year with people getting back into fishing mode full swing. Let me know what you think if you’ve tried one of the Rocket Fishing Rods. I’m curious as to how well it actually works.

The Perils of Outdoor Exercise

2009-05-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

I have been moving right along with my new training program for the half marathon. Until last Wednesday when I fell down during my run, and everything came to a screeching halt! I twisted my left ankle and fell on my right knee. I banged my knee up good. Had to get four baby staples in the knee. It was swollen and bruised so the doc checked, and thankfully, I didn’t crack the kneecap or anything.

My knee is healing very well. I am going to attach some pics so you can see the progress. My ankle is still pretty sore when I walk on it a lot, but I know it will get better soon too.

The worst part is that I’ve had to curtail my training. All the walking I’ve done is around stores and at the mall. It’s better than nothing, but I want to get back to my exercise training walks/runs soon!

Right after I fell

Night I got staples

Today's pic

Hiking Trails Close to Anniston, Alabama

2009-05-18T14:15:00.000-07:00

The Talladega National Forrest and Cheaha Wilderness both offer excellent hiking trails for those who live close to Anniston, Alabama. There are trails for all skill levels, from beginners to adventure hikers. So pick the one you like best, lace up your boots and head into the woods for a day of fun. Read more here...

Half Marathon Training

2009-05-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

I am training for a half marathon. Today, instead of walking the whole time during my training, I ran some. I was worried it might hurt my knee, but so far so good. I REALLY hope to be able to increase my running. The main reason is that the longer the walks get, the more bored I’m going to be!

My husband and a friend are going to do the half marathon with me. The one we’ve picked is the Mercedes Half-Marathon in Birmingham. It will be on Valentine’s Day next year. Yes, it’s a long time away, but I need extra time because of health reasons. I am moving right along with my training however, so might be able to do some other walks before the big one.

Here is the blog I’m keeping to track my progress if anyone would like to check it out. I’m so excited to be doing this!

Cave Creek Hiking Trail

2009-04-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

We took another hike on the Cave Creek trail on Mt. Cheaha in Alabama today. It was a nice hike. This trail is not too hard. There are only a few hills, although it is rocky in places. I got a few decent pictures. If you’d like to see them, visit Our Hiking Pictures blog.

We had lunch on a rock outcropping two miles into the trail. It was nice. I love eating on our hikes…feels like we are having a picnic.

We did six miles total, which is great for me! I can sure feel it now too! We met some boy scouts along the way. They were learning how to purify water and tie knots. They were all very nice and looked to be having a good time.

We hope to do another trail soon!

How to Pick Hiking Trails

2009-04-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

Hiking is a wonderful activity the whole family can enjoy. The heart and other muscles will benefit from the exercise and the mind will benefit from stress relief offered by communing with nature. Picking the perfect hiking trail is essential. If you pick the wrong trail, the hiking experience will be a burden instead of enjoyable. Read more here...

James D. Martin Wildlife Park

2009-04-13T14:37:00.001-07:00

We went for a nature walk at the James D. Martin Wildlife Park this past weekend. We would have walked longer but it was only 57 degrees. Not knowing the temperature was lower at the park than our house, we didn’t dress for the occasion. Goes to show I should follow my own advice and check the weather for wherever we are going to hike/walk!

I still did manage to get my 30-minute walk in and a few cool pics of a blue heron, so it wasn’t a wasted day. If you’d like to see the pics go to Our Hiking Pictures blog.

We hope to get more hiking/walking in soon. It’s been rainy a lot here in Alabama lately so we haven’t done as much as we like. Summer will be a different story I’m sure. We’ll probably be in a drought!

Have y’all done any good hikes lately?

Walking to Lower Blood Pressure

2009-04-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

I went for a 25-minute walk outside today. My blood pressure has been creeping up on me again, and I know exercise will help bring it under control. You’d wonder that I don’t keep up with the exercise, huh? I know, it doesn’t make any sense!

I did enjoy the walk. Along with getting my BP under control, I’m trying to lose some weight. I did the walk and my Wii today, so I burned a few calories.

I walked up and down the road in our mobile home park. It’s not an exciting walk by any means, but it works. When my husband is off on weekends, we plan to do some hiking and other walks. He could use the exercise too…lol.

How to Buy Camping Equipment

2009-03-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

Camping is a wonderful pastime that most anyone can enjoy. As long as you have the right equipment, supplies and clothes, you can go camping year-round. There are numerous places to get the essentials that make for a great camping trip. Pick the place you like best, buy what suits you and hit the woods.
Read more here...

How to Enjoy a Day at the Lake

2009-03-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

Summer time is here and most people are looking forward to spending time outdoors. Often this takes people to the lake. Spending a day at the lake can be relaxing and fun for the whole family.

Read more to find out how to enjoy a day at the lake as a family...

Walking to the Store

2009-03-17T14:05:00.001-07:00

Walking to the store is a wonderful outdoor activity the whole family can enjoy. Not only will you get some exercise, but you’ll help the environment as well!

We are fortunate enough to live very close to two stores, one grocery store and a Dollar General. While you can’t get everything at either place, you can do small shopping trips at both.

Today it is sunny and beautiful here in Alabama. I’ve taken advantage of this and walked to the store twice. It’s not a long walk, but anything is better than nothing, and I could have driven like some, polluting the air unnecessarily and not helping my body any either.

Any little thing you can do for your health and the environment is good. Don’t knock the small stuff! If there is a store close to you, lace up the walking shoes and get some steps in the next time you need a loaf of bread!

Daddy's Little Girl-Make a Connection With Your Daughter

2009-03-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

There have always been accessories for little boys who wanted to spend time with their Dads, but what about little girls? Something made especially for the little girl who wants to do things with her Dad? Recently I've noticed there are plenty of items available just for this purpose!

Look around the next time you're in the sporting goods store and I'm sure you'll see some pink items in unsuspected places. I've saw Barbie fishing rods, Cinderella sleeping bags and pink tackle boxes recently. There are even pink guns out now days for those Dad's with really adventurous daughters that want to go along on the next hunt.

Read more here...

Playing in the Snow

2009-03-03T21:47:00.000-08:00

Playing in the snow isn’t an outdoor activity people in the south get to do very often. I was happy to see a little snow here in Alabama the other day. My son and I tromped around in it a bit, taking some pictures. Yes, snow is a novelty for us…lol.

I saw some kids snowboarding down a hill. They looked like they were really enjoying themselves. On the news, it showed kids building snowmen and playing around. Was nice to see all the happy faces.

It really doesn’t take much to make an outdoor activity fun. Just go out, play and have a good time!

Things I don't Like about Gardening

2009-02-20T17:58:00.000-08:00

I know there are a lot of gardening enthusiasts out there that are going to think I'm crazy. I can't do anything about that. I really don't like some things about gardening and I wanted to talk about with others. Maybe someone else out there shares my views.

Read more here...

Gun Laws and The Second Amendment

2009-02-14T15:22:00.000-08:00

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution states: A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

The amendment speaks differently to people depending on their view of gun laws. Does the amendment in fact state that everyone has the right to bear arms? Alternatively, does it mean only a militia has the right? Are both correct, but the amendment outdated?

Would gun related crime levels decrease with stricter gun laws? Would banning regular citizens from owning guns prevent or increase crime rates? These are some of the questions put to the Viewpoints panel members. Let's see what they have to say.

Walking for a Cause

2009-02-09T13:53:00.000-08:00

One great outdoor activity is walking for a cause. There are cancer walks, Alzheimer’s walks, diabetes walks, along with walks hosted for many other wonderful causes.

Pick a cause close to your heart, lace up the walking shoes, and go earn some money to help with research! You’ll get the benefits of exercise and know you are helping others in the process. What could be better?

Get some friends together and make it even more fun. In addition, some walks take up money depending on the number of walkers, so the more the better.

Think about walking for a cause now that the weather is warming up.

Sunscreen in Winter

2009-01-26T06:40:00.001-08:00

Don’t forget the sunscreen during winter!

I saw something on the news this morning reminding people to use sunscreen during winter months also. This is very important information. The sun may not look as strong, but it is still causing damage to your skin.

When you go skiing, hiking, or just for a walk, put the sunscreen on! Don’t take a chance with your skin. The prevalence of skin cancer is growing, so it’s even more important to take care of your skin.

Always remember to protect the skin of young children. Take a few extra minutes to lather the sunscreen on your child.

Protect yourself!

Hiking with Icescicles

2009-01-18T15:30:00.001-08:00

We went hiking for a little while yesterday. We were out about two hour’s total, but some of the time we were stopped to warm up. There was actually icescicles hanging of the rocks and in the falls!

It was beautiful, and the crisp air was nice, but it was too cold to hike for long. Our son doesn’t do well with cold. We’ll have to wait for more hiking trips until it warms up some. 27 degrees is way too low!

Do any of you go hiking in extreme cold? What have your experiences been?

If you’d like to see some pics visit Our Hiking Pictures blog.

Playing in the Park

2009-01-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

Playing in the park is a great outdoor activity the whole family can enjoy. You can play tag, throw balls back and forth, climb on jungle gyms, and slide down slides. Playing in the park is a great way to get some fun exercise in!

Small children especially love going to parks with monkey bars and riding toys. They also like play pirate ships and slides that are offered at larger parks. If you live in some areas, parks even have pools, which are definitely a treat.

The next time you are bored and want to do something fun with your children, check out the local park!

Dressing in Layers for Outdoor Activities

2009-01-01T15:12:00.001-08:00

It was cold here today, so I wore a long sleeved shirt and jacket for our hike. Starting out, I was pretty chilly, but the longer we walked the warmer I got. One reason is because we haven’t been in a while, and I’m so out of shape, that the least exertion wears me out and makes my blood pressure rise.

But even if my blood pressure didn’t go up, I’d still get warmer just because I was being active. You should always dress appropriately when hiking or doing other outdoor activities. Dressing in layers is recommended because then you can shed the outer layers when you warm up. If you should get cold again, you can always add something back.

Make sure you know what the weather is like before heading out for a hike. You don’t want to overheat, or freeze, while hiking. For your health and safety, wear the right clothes!

Outdoor Family Activities

2008-12-26T15:10:00.000-08:00

Many outdoor activities are great for the whole family. Hiking, swimming, biking, walking, and ballgames are some of the best. Figuring out the likes and dislikes, and taking health conditions into account, of your family members will help when deciding on which outdoor activity to enjoy.

Nature and photography lovers will enjoy hiking and biking on trails. Getting outside and enjoying nature will afford many opportunities for picture taking. Biking and hiking trails also offer a variety of skill levels. As you get stronger and more in shape, you can do different trails and get even more pictures!

Walking and swimming are good for people with arthritis and other conditions that cause joint pain. Exercise is still good for everyone, but you don’t want to make the condition worse. Going swimming or walking will get the heart pumping without stressing the joints.

Playing various ballgames is a great way for families to spend time together. A quick game of basketball, a game of tag football, or a softball game are good ideas for everyone in the family. Pick the one best suited to the amount of people in your family, and have fun!

Enjoy the outdoors when exercising. It really is a great way to get in shape.

Winter Activities

2008-12-20T11:14:00.000-08:00

With all the snow that is covering parts of the United States, I’m sure many are partaking of fun outdoor winter activities. Snowboarding, skiing, building snowmen, snowball fights, and all the other activities sound like lots of fun to me.

You see, we don’t have much snow here in the south. I have made a few snowmen in my life, but they were all a long time ago. I remember one time when my son was small that we had enough snow for a snowman. Other than that, the few other times were when I was a kid myself. I hope that we’ll get the chance again one day.

What winter activities are you engaging in? Are you enjoying the snow?

Playing in the Snow

2008-12-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

Have any of you been playing in the snow? We actually saw a little this weekend on our trip to Nashville. They had some snow here in Alabama, but not in our town.

Playing in the snow would be a wonderful outdoor recreation activity. Especially for children! I remember having snow a few times in Georgia when I was younger. We actually made a snowman once! Snow doesn’t come that often to the south, but when it does all the kids really take advantage and have fun.

I would like to have a white Christmas one of these years. I bet some of you have them every year, huh?

Cold Weather Walks

2008-12-06T17:49:00.000-08:00

I walked to a store yesterday while my oil was being changed. Was just another opportunity to get some walking in. Problem was, it was cold! The wind was blowing pretty badly and my face was freezing by the time I got to the store. My husband said they all froze working yesterday.

I still like walking in the brisk air though. It’s nice and invigorating. Do you go walking in cold weather? We have been known to go when it’s snowing…he he. Those are really cold walks! When you can see your breath, it might not be a good idea to walk long.

Tell me about some of your cold weather walks.

Christmas Shopping for Outdoor Gifts

2008-12-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

Be sure and check out all the deals at sports and outdoor stores. This time of year offers great bargains for those willing to look.

I received a sale paper from Dick’s and REI today in the mail. I’m sure all the other such stores are having sales too. This is a great way to get gifts for the outdoor enthusiasts on your list. They have coats and boots, camping and hiking gear, and even guns. You are sure to find something suitable.

Remember, most of these stores have online sites too! You can shop without leaving home.
Here are a few places you might want to check out:

Dick’s

REI

Academy Sports

Happy Shopping!

Duck Walking

2008-11-24T05:52:00.001-08:00

My husband and I went walking at the park this past weekend. It was a beautiful, sunny day that just had to be enjoyed!

There was this one cute little duck that thought we were there for him. Unfortunately, we didn’t have any food for him. He followed us around for a while. It made me feel bad. I will take something for him next time!

There is a walking trail around the lake that’s very nice. It’s not a big trail, but fun anyway. There were quite a few people out enjoying the afternoon. It’s getting colder here, but the little nip in the air only adds to the fun!

Skiing

2008-11-18T20:24:00.001-08:00

How many of you ski? I’ve never tried it but would love to one of these days. My husband wants to snow board. I’m not sure I could do anything with both feet on the same device! Of course, I’m not so sure I can ski either. I am very clumsy.

I think it would be worth a try though. There are some places not too far away that we might try if finances get better. We will probably never be experts, but for a weekend adventure I bet it would be a blast!

Enjoying Fall Colors

2008-11-12T14:42:00.000-08:00

One great outdoor activity in the South this time of year is enjoying fall colors. Here in Alabama the leaves are all changed and looking so pretty.

This past weekend we went to different places to take pictures. While the pictures aren’t as pretty as the real thing, they are nice.

I would love to go to the upper east coast during fall one year. I hear the colors are truly breathtaking there!

Do you enjoy just riding around and taking the beauty in? Are all the leaves gone where you live? Tell us about your fall.

How to Enjoy a Fall Hike

2008-11-08T17:41:00.000-08:00

Autumn is a beautiful time of year for hiking. The leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp and clean, and the snakes are not as prevalent. A family hike is a great way for everyone to reconnect after a long week and get back in touch. Here are some things to keep in mind for your next fall hike that will make it enjoyable for the whole family.

Read more here...

Hiking for Health

2008-11-04T18:16:00.000-08:00

Hiking is a wonderful activity. It uses various muscle groups, offers cardiovascular benefits, and can be a stress reliever. These are all things everyone is in need of. People lead busy, overstressed lives these days. Finding a way to relax that is also good for the body is wonderful.People with certain health conditions can really benefit from hiking. The following conditions can be improved with hiking. Read more...

Trick-or-treating

2008-10-30T22:03:00.001-07:00

Trick-or-treating will be a widely used outdoor recreation activity this week. It will offer lots of walking, so exercise will be had by all the little ghouls and goblins. I miss taking my son around on Halloween. He is seventeen now so it’s been a few years since we went trick-or-treating.

I do hope to get some trick-or-treaters this year. We haven’t had any in the two years we’ve lived here, but there are some new people in the neighborhood so I’m hopeful. I love seeing all the cute costumes and seeing the kids have fun.

Do you have a lot of trick-or-treaters? Will you be taking your kids around? What are your Halloween plans?

Back to the Shooting Range

2008-10-27T18:37:00.000-07:00

We went to the shooting range again. My husband finally got the AR-15 sighted in. I didn’t do as well this time as the last two, but still not too bad. I’m proud of the way I shoot that gun!

Someone had shot up the trash cans. I can’t understand why people do things like that. It’s definitely not safe to be shooting that direction! They also broke the wood poles that hold the chicken wire. Instead of bringing targets, they prop stuff against the poles. When they shoot often enough it goes through and eventually breaks the poles. The same ole stuff of a few ruining it for others.

It’s still a pretty good range all things considered. The grass is kept neat and most people follow the rules. We’ve never been there when any of the bad stuff was going on thank goodness. I’m putting a picture up of the shot up trash cans.

Do you have a favorite range?

Alabama Rest Area

2008-10-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you can find interesting things to do outdoors in unlikely places. We were coming back from Nashville not too long ago and stopped at the first rest area inside Alabama. Turns out it’s a very interesting rest area.

They have an actual rocket at the rest area. It’s called Saturn. I will put some pics up. Along with the rocket they have a memorial for the Korean and Vietnam wars. There are signs with information all around the rest area. It’s very educational.

If you are ever going that way, stop and give it a look see.

The Pinhoti Trail

2008-10-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

We hiked the Pinhoti trail this past Saturday. It’s the same trail we lost on our last hike. This time we started from the other end. Its weird how much better marked this end was! They had blazes every few trees and the trial was clear. We didn’t go all the way to where we got lost last time, but almost.

This hike was nice. No getting off the trail, no headache, and we had lunch out there. The weather was great too, in the 60’s. The only bad part was my knees hurt. I think it was too much, too soon after the Hike from Hell!

This coming weekend we are going on a straight, level hike somewhere to give my knees a break. I don’t want to make them any worse than they already are.

If you’d like to see my pics go to Our Hiking Pictures page.

Walking in the Rain

2008-10-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

How long has it been since you've went walking in the rain? I remember playing in the rain all the time when I was younger. It was so much fun!

I know longer play in the rain, but did go walking in the rain today. As long as it's not storming or too cold, walking in the rain is fun. It will bring back good childhood memories!

You can even splash people with mud puddles! Make sure you know the person well and are prepared for the consequences before doing this though. You just might get splashed back!

Sometimes it’s fun to act like a kid again. Give it a try!

Walking in the Park

2008-10-14T15:00:00.001-07:00

Walking in the park is a great outdoor recreation activity. Some parks have water features, ball fields, playgrounds, and eating areas. It’s fun to catch a little league game while walking in the park. I just love seeing the little bitty kids all dressed up in their uniforms. They are so cute.

Parks sometimes have exercises set up along the walking trails. They will say to do a certain number set of repetitions for the exercise, and then you move to the next one. This is a great way to get some extra exercise in! It also keeps the walk from being boring.

If you’re lucky you might even catch some local wildlife while walking in the park. We saw a deer once and squirrels many times. I’ll put the deer pic here. Not sure how clear it is, sorry.

Do you like walking in the park?

Lakes

2008-10-11T07:02:00.001-07:00

Walking around lakes is a very relaxing way to get in a little exercise. There are often breezes to cool you off, flowers that add to the scenery, and even ducks to entertain. Many parks offer lakes as part of their set up.

If you want to make it extra special, put together a picnic and have lunch by the lake with that special someone. On a warm, sunny day this is just the ticket to add a little romance.

Jogging is more fun when done around a lake. It’s easier to stay motivated with nice things to look at. You might find yourself running longer than otherwise.

Photographers often take wedding pictures of couples by lakes. These photos are very nice. Adding nature as a backdrop for your wedding pictures will make them extra special.

Find a lake near you and take a walk, feed the ducks, or make some pictures of your own. See for yourself all the great qualities of lakes.

The Hike from Hell!

2008-10-07T20:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went for a hike on the Cave Creek trail. This trail connects to the Pinhoti trail and makes a loop back around to the parking area. The first part of the hike went well. I wrote about it in my last post. The second half of the hike was AWFUL!

There is a switch back on the Cave Creek trail. You take it to the connector trail for the Pinhoti and then get on the actual Pinhoti trail and follow it back to the parking area. Well, we made it to where the connector trail was supposed to start and then everything went downhill from there.
We saw the first blaze marking the trail. (The first blaze of the whole day by the way; they aren’t good at marking the trails here for some reason.) We followed what we thought was the trail but it wasn’t.

We were never really lost because we had the GPS and compasses, but it sure felt like it. It took forever to find the trail again. There were no markings anywhere. We had to hike down the mountain after tromping around on the top for a few hours. I have arthritis and torn cartilage in my knees so this wasn’t fun at all. Every step I took was painful.

I had to take a break at one point to eat something because my sugar was dropping. My husband took this time to scout out the trail. He found it and then we all set off. We finally made it back to the car. I could hardly walk and my husband and son were very sore.

This was Sunday, today is Tuesday, and I’m still in pain. Hiking with fibromyalgia and diabetes is an acquired skill. When something goes wrong like this it’s not good. We ended up hiking 6.3 miles! I’m not ready for that yet. At least not up and down a mountain!

I survived though, so that’s good. And we will be back hiking somewhere this coming weekend. It will be a short one though!

The picture shows what we were walking through. It was taken with my son's phone so the quality isn't the best.

Cave Creek Trail

2008-10-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

We hiked the Cave Creek trail for the first time this past weekend. It was a very nice trail. At around 2 miles you get to a set of rocks that make a very nice resting place and offered some picture taking opportunities. The hike is mostly easy with a few rocky spots thrown in.

I was able to get a picture of some of the leaves changing colors. They aren’t changing a great deal here in Alabama yet. I hope to get some better fall pictures soon.

We plan on doing this trail again in the spring. The hiking book for Alabama talks about all the rhododendrons being in bloom then. There is even one spot where they form a tunnel of sorts. I really want a picture of that!

If you are ever in Alabama, I would recommend this hike! To see some pictures go to Our Hiking Pictures page.

Aldridge Gardens

2008-10-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

We visited Aldridge Gardens this past weekend. Aldridge Gardens is located in Birmingham, Alabama.

The grounds are pretty and well taken care of. We did expect more flowers, but it may be there aren’t as many because of the time of year. The one’s they had were nice.

There was a wedding reception going to take place that evening. The pavilion would make a great place for this. There were plenty of place to take great wedding pictures.

Aldridge Gardens offered a walking trail around the lake and through all the other areas. It was very peaceful and tranquil. We enjoyed our visit overall. It’s especially nice that there isn’t a fee to see the flowers.

If you’d like to see what it looks like, check out Our Hiking Pictures. I put some photo’s up.

Ruffner Mountain Hike

2008-09-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

We hiked at Ruffner Mountain this past weekend. Ruffner Mountain is located in Birmingham, Alabama. We were surprised that it is actually right down town. There are a few trails on Ruffner Mountain; we did two different short ones.

They’re in the middle of building a new visitor’s center so parking was a little weird and construction equipment was everywhere. Also, some of the trails have been detoured.

We enjoyed just being out for a hike, but there wasn’t much to see. I like hikes that offer photo opportunities. This one didn’t have much of that.

Even though it was under construction there were a pretty good number of people hiking Saturday. I would recommend this hike for someone who just wants the exercise value.

We Went Hiking!

2008-09-25T20:57:00.000-07:00

I’m so glad we got to go hiking today. I was certainly ready. The only bad part was seeing a snake. I hate when that happens. We did see some other interesting creatures. I like almost everything but snakes.

Our hike wasn’t very long today, but still offered exercise. We went up some stairs and rocks which requires using muscles. I sure can feel it tonight!

You don’t have to go on long hikes to benefit from them. Short hikes still offer exercise and opportunity to see nature at its best.

I will be putting some more pictures up on Our Hiking Pictures page. I hope you check them out!

Hiking and Photography

2008-09-23T19:38:00.001-07:00

I love taking my camera along when we go hiking. It is going to be especially nice now that fall is almost here. The leaves will be changing colors soon. I hope to get some great pictures then.

It will be easier to take photographs now that the weather is nicer also. We won’t want to rush through the hike because it’s so hot. With it being cooler, we can take longer hikes that offer more photo opportunities.

Get a small camera and take on your next hike. You never know what you’ll find to take pictures of. You might even see a wild animal or two!

Four Wheeling

2008-09-21T12:05:00.001-07:00

Four wheeling seems to be a popular past-time where I live. I often hear people talking about it, and see the four wheelers in yards. I’ve only ever ridden on a four wheeler once and that was when I was very young. I have to admit it was fun. I would probably try again if I knew someone personally with one.

What about y’all? Do you own a four wheeler? How often do you ride? Do your kids ride with you? How old were they before you let them start riding? It scares me when I see really young children riding them by themselves!

I hope to get some comments. I’d love to know if four wheeling is as popular other places as it is here in Alabama.

Hiking Withdrawals

2008-09-17T16:32:00.000-07:00

I want to go hiking! We haven't been in a long while now because my husband keeps being sent out of state on storm duty. If he ever gets home for any length of time we'll be right back out in the woods.

Hiking in the fall is wonderful. The leaves are changing colors and the weather is just perfect, not too hot or too cold. Hopefully it won't be too long until we can go again!

I just know I'll be able to get some great pictures of the leaves and mountains in the coming months. Are there any nature photographers out there? Aren't you really looking forward to all the fall colors?

I hope all my fellow hikers are really enjoying themselves.

Little League

2008-09-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

I love watching the little kids play baseball. They are so cute in their uniforms running around the field chasing the ball. It's more about having fun than winning at that age. Don't get me wrong, I know they want to win, but they are mainly there to enjoy the day.

If you have a child that wants to play little league, and you can afford to let them, by all means do! They will make friends, learn sportsmanship, and have a ball. You get to take lots of cute pictures for the family album also!

Do you have kids that play little league? If so, tell me a story about a game!

Golfing

2008-09-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

Golfing is an outdoor recreation activity that many people love. Getting outside on the green in the sun, making a hole in one, is a great feeling. It can even be beneficial to your health if you walk while golfing. You can probably get some exercise golfing even with riding in the cart, but it would be better to walk from hole to hole.

Try it the next time you go play a round of golf. Even if you have to do a short set the first time, it will still be good for you!

Walking the Dog

2008-09-03T15:58:00.001-07:00

Walking your dog can be a great form of outdoor recreation. Dogs love to go for walks, and it's also good for their overall health. Your dog will love you if you take him for walks more often, and your heart will as well!

Walking is a form of exercise that most anyone can do. Even if you start with very short walks, it's better than nothing.

It's good if you can eventually work up to walking your dog twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the evening would be good. Once you get in the habit you'll really enjoy the activity!

Grab that leash, put your walking shoes on, and head out around the neighborhood.

Exercise is the Best Medicine

2008-08-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

Weather and Outdoor Activities

2008-08-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

Always know what the weather is going to be like in your neck of the woods before starting any outdoor activities.

If you're planning a hiking trip, boat outing, or any activity that isn't just spur of the moment, you should watch the local weather channel quite often in the days preceding the event. It would be awful to wake up the morning of the trip to find a downpour in process!

For spontaneous activities, checking the weather right before leaving and paying attention when you go outside are good ideas. If there are threatening clouds on the horizon a run in the park might not be the best idea. No one wants to get struck by lightening!

Being aware of what's going on with the weather will make your outdoor activities much more enjoyable. Getting caught in a rain or snow storm, burning alive because it's over 100 degrees outside, or finding that it's cold enough to freeze your nose off, will not lead to a fun afternoon. Outdoor activities are meant to be fun. Make sure the weather is right for your particular event!

Exercise is the Best Medicine

2008-08-23T14:58:00.000-07:00

Developing an exercise routine is the best thing you can do for your overall health. Exercise helps relieve many health conditions and can stop others in their tracks before they become a serious problem.

When a person exercises endorphins are released. Endorphins are neurotransmitters in the brain that have pain relieving properties. People with pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and back aches can greatly benefit from a regular exercise routine. Read More...

HORSE

2008-08-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

Horse is a basketball game that even smaller children can play. It's fun for the young and old alike. It's a great outdoor activity for you to learn and enjoy on a summer afternoon.

Read here to learn how to play horse.

Target Shooting

2008-08-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

My husband and I went target shooting the other day. I don't like hunting, but do enjoy trying to get better at hitting the targets. I also have to keep in practice for self defense here at home.

This is a picture of my target that I shot with the AR-15. My husband says it's just lucky shots because I can't do it all the time, but I don't care. I'm just glad I got the bullseye more than once! I did three of the shots one time, and the other one a different time.

I will keep practicing and see how much better I can get!

Do any of y'all go target shooting?

The Olympics and weather conditions

2008-08-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

We were watching the Olympics the other day when they had one of the volley ball games going. They were playing in the rain. I'm sure the sand was getting hard to run in but they kept right on playing.

I wonder how much rain would have to happen before they'd cancel an Olympic game? Seems to me since they are going for gold medals and stuff that they'd cancel when conditions weren't good. Guess not though.

I guess they expect the athletes to be in good enough shape to play through bad weather. They seemed to be doing a good job with the volley ball game.

Sun Safe Clothing

2008-08-09T06:11:00.000-07:00

Summer is here, and everyone is going outdoors to enjoy the beautiful weather. Summertime offers great opportunities for outdoor activities that are healthy and bring families together. Everyone should remember to practice sun safety while enjoying the outdoors. Along with wearing sunscreen and staying indoors during the hottest part of the day, another great way to do this is with sun safe clothes!

Sun safe clothes are made in such a way as to block the sun's damaging rays. This allows you to enjoy the outdoors while lessening the chance of skin cancer. If you haven't been able to find sun safe clothing in your area, don't worry, there are quite a few online retailers ready to help. Here are some places online where you can find sun safe clothes:

1. Sun Precautions was founded by Shaun Hughes, a melanoma survivor. His sun safe clothing line is approved by the FDA for sun protection.

2. Sun Safe not only offers sun safe clothing, but information about sun protection.

3. Radicool Australia offers free shipping to all countries on their sun safe swimwear.
Read More Here...

Outdoor activities and the heat

2008-08-06T12:56:00.000-07:00

Here in Alabama it's been in the high 90's and low 100's quite often in the last month. This makes spending time outdoors less inviting. While I still want to get out and enjoy nature, I don't want to burn alive doing it. Here are some tips for enjoying outdoor activities during the really hot months of the year.

1. Get up early and head outside. The temperature is still bearable in the early morning hours. Set the clock and go for your run before 10 am and you should be fine.

2. Play in the shade. If you can find a big ole shade tree to play under the go for it! It's still hot in the shade but the sun isn't bearing right down on top of you. Being in the shade takes at least 10 to 20 degrees off the temperature.

3. Always wear sun screen. Even when in the shade you can get sun burned during the summer months. Remember to reapply sunscreen often! This is especially important for young children.

4. Go swimming at night. If you have your own pool swimming at night is a great option. The sun's down but it's still warm during the summer and the water will feel wonderful after a long hot day.

5. Wear a hat and sun glasses. This will help protect you from sun burn and also keep you cooler. If you can keep your head at a decent temperature the rest of the body feels better.

Those are just a few helpful hits. Stay safe and enjoy what's left of your summer!

Help You Child Be More Active

2008-08-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows children need to be physically active in order to be as healthy as possible. Coming up with ways to help your child get more physical activity doesn’t have to be hard. Here we will go over some things that will make the task easier.

The fastest and easiest way to get your child to be more active is to be more active yourself. Find activities you like that require physical exertion, and then bring your child along to enjoy the fun. There are many family friendly physical activities for you to choose from. For example, you could go for a hike with your children. Pick a kid friendly trail, pack a picnic lunch, the camera, and get hiking! Or, in the summer months there is no better activity that swimming. Almost all children love going to the beach or pool, and they will definitely get a workout if they play pool volleyball or other water games.

If your child hasn’t been getting any physical activity you may want to start out with something as simple as going on evening walks. Make it an after dinner activity that the whole family partakes in. Along with getting some physical activity in, you can use the time to talk about your child’s day.

Children that have very outgoing personalities may benefit from joining a team sport such as softball or soccer. Just make sure you have the time to commit to taking them to games before letting them sign up, because being consistent is very important in whatever activity they engage.

Encouraging your children to get into sports at school is another idea. Most schools have football, basketball and track teams. Your child could pick the one they like best and join. Also, if their school has a physical education class, have them take it even if it’s not required. The extra activity will do them good.

If you have small children then playing tag in the back yard would be a way to get them physically active. Even ring around the rosy offers some exercise for small children. It doesn’t have to be a real, structured game with young children, just running and playing outside will be enough.

These are just some suggestions to get your started helping your child become more physically active. Whether you chose something named here, or another activity doesn’t matter as long as the ultimate goal of a healthy, more physically active child is achieved. Helping your child develop a love for exercise early will benefit them throughout their lives.

Hiking With Diabetes

2008-07-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

Diabetics need to get in regular exercise. Hiking would be a great exercise in which diabetics could partake. There are a few things a diabetic needs to remember when hiking.

1. Always take snacks along on a hike. Getting half way through a hike and having your blood sugar drop with no way to bring it back up wouldn't be a good idea at all. Make sure to bring glucose tabs or snacks of your choice that will quickly raise your blood sugar back to normal. It's easy to pack small snacks in your hiking pack.

2. Drink plenty of water. Diabetics need to stay hydrated at all times. Hiking is hard work and requires even more water than normal. Take bottled water if you are going on short hikes, or get a hydration pack for longer treks.

3. Plan lunch breaks. It's always a good idea for diabetics to know the route the hike is taking and have a stopping time and place planned out ahead of time. Diabetics should eat at set intervals every day. There is no reason to veer off your schedule just because you are hiking. Make sure to pack all the cooking utensils and implements for the hike. There are small pots and pans made specifically for hiking that you can purchase. These won't add too much extra weight to your pack.
Read More Here......

Everyday Activities

2008-07-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

If we really try we can turn everyday outdoor activities into exercise. For instance, walking to the post office. If you live in a very small town then why not walk to the post office to check the mail instead of driving? You'll save money on gas, wear and tear on your car, help the environment, and get some exercise in. I don't see any negatives in this situation!

So, tomorrow when you need to check the mail, put on your walking shoes!

Bald Rock Trail

2008-07-19T19:34:00.000-07:00

We visited the Bald Rock trail today. It's not a very long trail but is difficult for someone who isn't in the best of shape. I did ok going down to the rock overlook, but coming back up my blood sugar bottomed out on me. I had to stop and eat a snack. I actually had to stop 3 times before making it back to the top. I have got to get in better shape!

It is beautiful from the top of pulpit rock. I'm putting some pics on our hiking pics page if you want to look.

There is a rappelling spot on the Bald Rock trail. My husband says we are going to do it one of these days. He rappelled during the army and loved it. I've never tried. It looks like fun, but scary too!

Have you been rappelling? What did you think of it?

Silver Comet Trail

2008-07-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

When we lived in Georgia we were only a few miles from the Silver Comet Trail. I loved when we went bike riding on the trail. There were lots of tree shaded spots to ride and places to rest and take pictures. We rode on the trail almost every weekend for a long while.

Now that we live in Alabama when don't go riding. We had no where to keep our bikes and had to sell them. The trail does come through here but it's called the Chief Ledaga Trail. I'm sure we will check it out at some point.

Have any of you ever been on either trail? Do you ride on bike trails often?

Motel Swimming Pool

2008-07-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

We are in Nashville for my husband's monthly lineman class. We actually made it up here early enough yesterday to get in the pool. I like swimming in pools better than the lake just because they look cleaner. I know that it's not necessarily true,but they do look cleaner!

I did some laps in the pool, some jogging, and tried to swim under water. My husband has been trying to teach me to swim under water ever since we met 18 years ago and I still can't do it. I keep coming to the top. I think it's my bubble butt! It's fun trying to learn anyway. Just playing in the water on a hot day is fun no matter what activity you are doing.

It would be wonderful to have our own pool in the back yard, but I doubt we ever will. They are very expensive to maintain for one thing. And, right now we don't have a yard big enough.

Hopefully we'll get to come with my husband again next month and use the pool one more time before summer is over.

Gardening

2008-07-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

One thing that's done alot in the summer, and my not be thought of as a recreation activity, is gardening. But, if you are an avid gardener you know just how much of a sweat you can work up! It's all worth it though when the flower start to bloom, and the yard is awash with beautiful colors. Or, if you have a vegetable garden, then all the time and hard work are forgotten once you get to set down at the table and eat your own home grown items!

You can easily spend hours at a time working in the garden. Just be sure to use sunscreen while doing it!

Happy 4th Of July

2008-07-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone enjoys their fourth of July weekend. I'm sure there will be alot of outdoor recreation going on! We had planned to go camping but my husband got called away on storm duty this morning to Michigan. Hopefully he'll only be gone the weekend. I hate the really long trips.

Are you planning a barbecue or camping trip? Time on the lake? My son and I might go visit my Mom if I can't get everything done here at home that needs to be. If we do go I'm sure we'll do some kind of cookout.

Enjoy your weekend, but be safe!

Sun Safe Clothes

2008-07-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

Summer is here, and everyone is going outdoors to enjoy the beautiful weather. Summertime offers great opportunities for outdoor activities that are healthy and bring families together. Everyone should remember to practice sun safety while enjoying the outdoors.

Along with wearing sunscreen and staying indoors during the hottest part of the day, another great way to do this is with sun safe clothes!Sun safe clothes are made in such a way as to block the sun's damaging rays. This allows you to enjoy the outdoors while lessening the chance of skin cancer. If you haven't been able to find sun safe clothing in your area, don't worry, there are quite a few online retailers ready to help. Here are some places online where you can find sun safe clothes:......................read more here

Gatlinburg Tennessee Vacation

2008-06-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

Our outdoor recreation this week was in the form of a vacation to Gatlinburg Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains. If you love hiking and nature you should really visit Gatlinburg. There are numerous hiking trails, nature walks, mountain views, and also commercial activities available.

We walked to the top of Clingmans Dome which is the highest point on the Smoky Mountains at 6654 feet. The road will take you all but the last 300 feet and then you have to walk the rest of the way up a pretty steep hill. Once at the top there is an observation platform you walk up so as to see farther. The walk up is difficult but definitely worth it!

We also stopped at Newfound Gap where Tenn meets NC. We did a very short hike on the Appalachian trail from here.

There are many opportunities for photo ops at the Smokies! To see some of my photo's visit Our Hiking Pictures page. We plan on making trips again. There is so much to do that it will take quite a few trips to see and do everything!

Torment

2008-06-19T23:18:00.000-07:00

Hushed voices and silent pleas

Prayers unanswered, offered on bended knee

Pain suffered in silence

Words unspoken, secrets kept

Anguish and torment

Scars and threats

Unspeakable acts, abundant regrets

No one must know

Have to protect the rest

My contribution to the Simply Snickers poetry prompt for the week. If you like reading and writing poetry you should check their site out!

Walking Shoes

2008-06-19T13:58:00.000-07:00

If walking is your exercise of choice then make sure you pick good walking shoes. There is an art to picking the right shoe for walking. The best bet is to go to a store that has knowledgeable people to help with your selection. Another good person to check with is a podiatrist, especially if you have any foot conditions that cause you problems such as fallen arches.

The shoe store associate will be able to tell you how your walking shoes should fit and feel on your feet. Ask questions and explain what you are feeling after walking in them for a few minutes. Giving the associate good feedback will help insure you get the proper shoes. Also, be sure and tell them how often you will be walking, and over what terrain. These will help decide the best shoe for you also!

Also be sure to change your walking shoes frequently. You should go no longer than a few months in the same pair of walking shoes for optimal support.

Finding the right shoe will make your workouts more productive and ward off injuries!

Putt Putt Golf

2008-06-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

Putt Putt golf is a great outdoor activity that even smaller children can enjoy with their family. Nobody expects you to play very well when you are doing putt putt so little kids won't feel bad if they don't get the ball in every time. After all, most of us adults can't get a hole in one ourselves!

We went playing putt putt today just to get out of the house. My husband won so I guess that was a good Father's Day present..lol. We like putt putt but don't go often. The course we played on today was all that great. I'd love to find an indoor putt putt golf course. They are alot better during the summer!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone gets to spend time with their father tomorrow if you are still able. Unfortunately my father passed away in March. I did go put some flowers on his grave this week when I was visiting other family members in GA. I miss him terribly, and this Father's Day is going to be very sad for me. Give your Dad an extra hug tomorrow for all of us who can't!

Father's Day

Fathers' love
Fathers' pray
Fathers' always find a way

Fathers' learn
Fathers' know
Fathers' help us grow

Fathers' work hard
Fathers' play
Fathers' take the pain away

Hug your father
Hold him close
Let him know you love him most

Tell him all the things you need to say
Tell him Happy Father's Day

Simply Snickers Entry for the week. If you love poetry and want somewhere to share it and read other's contributions check out Simply Snickers weekly poetry prompt!

Flea Markets

2008-06-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

A great way to get in some outdoor exercise is to go to flea markets on the weekends. Now days you can find anything at flea markets. People still sell the usual old junk they are needing to get rid of, but they also have knives, collectibles, furniture, and much more. A flea market is a great place to find baby or children's clothes. Kids' grow out of their clothing so fast that it makes sense financially to pay less for the clothes. You can find name brand like new kids and baby clothes at flea markets. Sometimes people even have new baby or children's clothes their own children outgrew before wearing.

If you like antiques you can find plenty of those at flea markets. Even glassware items from Fenton and such places can often be found. Comic books are another collectible that is readily available at flea markets. You never know what treasure you'll find until you go!

So, put your tennis shoes on and hit the sales!

Water Activities

2008-06-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

We went to the lake for some water activities today. Did a little swimming, some water aerobics, and played frisbee. My husband made sure I got my exercise in by throwing the frisbee everywhere but to me..lol. It was fun though. I love swimming and playing in the water. If only I could get all this weight off and feel better about myself in my swim suit, it would all be perfect.

One thing I didn't enjoy was all the grass in the lake. It was bad at the place we went today. We were moving the grass out of the way to swim. Oh well, it is a lake not a pool so it's not going to be sparkling.

We hope to get some more things to do while at the lake. Maybe some beach balls or other things conducive to water activities. That way we will have plenty to keep us busy while we are there. At least I'll get in exercise with the swimming and frisbee!

Inflatable Rafts

2008-06-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

We went to Chinabee Lake today and tooled around in our little inflatable raft. It said it was made for four adults, but the three of us barely fit in it. There is no way four adults could! Maybe two adults and two very small children. It was fun though once we got all situated. I rowed us back to shore! I had never tired to row a raft before and it wasn't easy. I kept going in circles until I got the hang of it. I definitely got some exercise in though! All in all it was a good day. My husband says a canoe would be better, but until we can afford one we'll just stick with the inflatable raft.

Simply Snickers

2008-06-04T11:09:00.000-07:00

Simply Snickers is a poetry blog. Every week they list two words for your to use in your poem. You write a poem and post it on your blog with a link back to their blog. Then, go and let them know and people will come see your post.

I love poetry, and I think I can make poems about outdoor activities or nature that will fit in with the theme of my blog here. I'm looking forward to taking part in this program! I hope others will join as well. If you do, please leave me a comment letting me know you heard about it here. Also, leave a link to your blog with your poem so I can check it out! Good luck.

The words this week are Roller and Coaster. Obviously these go along with outdoor recreation activities so this fits well. The photo is from Simply Snickers.

Here's my first entry:

Ups and downs
and all around.
Nerves a jingle
Senses a tingle.

Roller Coasters
make us weak
with fright
and laugh with delight.

Take the test
if you think you can
handle the chills and thrills.
Making sure to hold on tightly
is a test of will.

Brave the roller coaster.
Fill the wind in your hair.
Brave the roller coaster.
if you're up for a scare!

Copyright 2008 AS

Taking a Walk

2008-06-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

Do you ever just take walks with your loved one? I really enjoy a slow stroll with my husband on a balmy evening. We talk about our day and reconnect. A little hand holding and a few laughs go a long way towards a happy marriage! There is also the extra bonus of getting in a little exercise with the walk.

Walking is something most anyone can do, and it's a great way to start an exercise program. You can even take the kids along and make it a family affair. An after dinner walk is a great idea for a family activity.

Go out and take a walk!

Just a Swinging

2008-06-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

I don't know that this would be considered an outdoor recreation activity, but do you ever just wanna be on the porch swinging? I love sitting out there with my husband enjoying the cool evenings. I sit sometimes earlier in the day, but it's getting to be too hot here in Alabama for that. In the evenings it's nice and cool though and sitting in the swing is very relaxing. I guess I do get a little exercise when I push the swing..lol.

The Pro Outdoorsman Report

2008-06-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

I found this site today on etrecard and I was very impressed. They have quite a bit of information on there about hunting, fishing, and such. I really liked that they had an entry about gun safety. I'm not against people owning and using guns, but I do believe we should all be safe while using them. I love target shooting myself! I hope I can improve one of these days..lol.

Go check out this site, you won't be disappointed!

http://pro-outdoorsman.com/blog/