Hard at Work, Hard at Play

Summer has flown by. It seemed only a few days ago, I was getting dressed up to go to my interview. Now, after 12 weeks of work, I sit and wonder... Did I have a good summer.

Most of average day was spent trying to design pneumatic systems, developing processes, and solving problems. During the occasional break from work, I also got to know many good people. The do-it-yourselfer, the tech guy, the high energy inspector, and the casually sarcastic guy (among many others.)

So what else did I do besides work?

Well, the summer started off hot with an all to quick tramp through the Appalachian Mountains. I ushered a group of boys across the rocky terrain. It was amazing to see many of the same sites nearly a decade later. Most had not changed, but it did seem to change the boys. There experience was a positive one.

The following day, it was back to work.

I shared many weekends with Cody, showing him what the world has to offer.

I also, (thanks in part to an understanding boss, and a wonderful camp director), was able to zip up to camp for a weekend. I had the opportunity to shoot my new bow, and whipped the archery bunker back into shape. (non-archery counselors should not be put in charge) Alas, two days is definitely not enough time and the irrational side of me wanted to stay there. (Who needs a job anyway, right?) Unfortunately, logic won over and I made my way back down to home.

One other major event, that I am covering out of chronological order, was "the big move." My parents had talked about moving for a while. To a smaller place, closer to the action. read: Jimmy's Pizza. Well, that move occurred mid July. Amidst the great upheaval of our our "possessions", We really worked at trimming down the non-essentials.

So, the question remains: Did I have a good summer.

I would have to say, no.... I had a great summer. I just need to make the best of the rest of it.

New Year, And Already Planning for the Future

About 28 min and 46 seconds ago, the new year rang in and I was already planning. Planning for the things I will accomplish, the things i will not forget to do, and planning for the places I will go. I have spent the better part of the last 3 hours trying to determine the best route, quickest trek, and ways to overcome the many hurdles of a trip to the Appalachians. If you are not familiar, it is a range of mountains that extend from Georgia, all the way to Maine. My destination, which is neither near Maine, nor Georgia is smack dab in the middle of the trail. There is a well know park reserve entitled Shenandoah National Park. It is a wondrous landscape marked with ancient boulders that seeming fell from the sky. It boast a view that warrants many photographs, the one below was taken by a man name Bruce(although I do not know him personally) more photos can be seen HERE




My goal for this trip is twofold. I want to enjoy the times doing something I love, and share that experience with some close, albeit younger, friends of mine. There is still much planning, and convincing that is needed to make this trip happen properly. Already one potential member of this expedition into the wilderness has declined in favor of other activities. I hope, with careful planning, and strong determination to make this happen for the rest of us.

One thing I have yet to mention is that I have undertaken this trek before. I was only 12 at the time and to me, it was ACTUALLY a life changing experience. I realized what this world can offer to those who open their eyes to it. I respect this spinning orb more then ever because of my former trip.

This is what I have so far:

Day 1.
Leave from Minnesota
Stop somewhere in Indiana near Indianapolis for the night

Day 2.
Leave from Indiana
Make it to Waynesboro, VA (about a 9hr drive)
Pitch tent at Rockfish Gap

Day 3-7.
Leave from out first camping spot at Rochfish Gap
Camp at locations on the way
Arrive at Front Royal, VA (about 130 miles in total)

Day 7.
Last overnight before we head home

Day 8.
Leave from Front Royal,VA
Arrive in Indiana again (probably the same location as before)

Day 9.
Leave Indiana
Arrive safe and sound in Minnesota once again.


Although this is just a rough itinerary, I do have plans for how to get the vehicle from point A to B as well, and many other aspects of this journey.

I just hope things work out well enough to take this trip!

WORD OF THE WEEK
Peregrinate
To walk over, especially by foot;travers, travel, journey

Pronounced--
pear-i-grin-ate