Pre Isle Royale Back Pack Trip 2009

So what does it take to get ready for a backpacking trip??? Well it takes a lot of planning and a lot of power walking, riding your bike and leg strengthning. This kind of trip also takes some mental thought as well. You have to be the kind of person that doesn't mind getting a little grubby , a little sore and most of all you have to be willing to leave all of your modern day conveniences at home. This trip is what I like to call a cleansing of your soul. When you are in the back country for 8 days it really makes you take a look at your life and what you have. You realize all the things you take for granted, like water you have to filter all of your water for cooking and cleaning up. This really makes you see how much water we all consume in a day escpecially when you have to pump it from in land lakes and Lake Superior and let me tell you after 13 miles on the trail that is the last thing you want to do sometimes!!!


So we are getting ready to go and I am so excited I can't stand it! I can't wait for my boots to hit the trail. Now don't get me wrong this is work but trust me the the wildlife and the solitude you experience are worth all the sore muscles and aching back. Every time we go it's a new adventure that is what is so special about backpacking you never know what you are going to see or experience. So I will check back with you in about 10 days I can't wait to tell you all about it and I will have lots of pictures so until then I hope I have at least planted a little seed and got you thinking about strapping on a pack and just getting out and giving it a whirl. I can't wait to hear about your back pack adventure.... If you find a special place I would love to hear about it. See you on the trail...

Oh and just a little friendly backpacker advice try and keep your pack under 40 lbs, trust me you will thank me later!!!

{ Gone to the Beach }

So it's a beautiful day and my friend Stef and I are off to the beach for one last beach day ,now off course you know we will end up at the dog for some yummy pizza and vino. I hope you get to get out today and enjoy this beautiful summer day....

Happy end of Summer well I guess it's not quite over yet!

Hey the sun is shining so I am a happy girl today

Enjoy~

Fresh Friday

TGIF!

So my friend has come up with the concept called Fresh Fridays. So every Friday you have to come up with a fresh and healthy recipe , really cool idea! I love to cook and I especially love to cook with healthy fresh ingredients including fresh herbs. So I have picked this recipe for my first fresh friday...

******Cucumber Fennel Salad ******

1 large Cucumber sliced
1/2 fennel bulb sliced
1/4 cup greek yogurt such as {Fage}
Rice wine vinegar
pinch celery seed
fresh dill
pinch salt and pepper
feta crumbles
combine and wisk together the greek yogurt and rice wine vinegar, add all remaining ingredients toss and coat with cucumbers. What a great summer side dish so FRESH & HEALTHY.
Enjoy ~

I hope you are inspired by healthy cooking there are so many endless possibilities you just have to be willing to be open to new fresh ideas! So next time you are at your local supermarket or farmers market pick up that eggplant or fennel bulb and get creative. I am already thinking of my next recipe.
So stay tuned til next Fresh Friday....

Bon Appetit !

Edisto Beach 2009

So anyone who knows me has heard me on countless occasions talk about Edisto Beach South Carolina. My hubby and I have been going there together for 16 years and now it seems like home. We have met so many wonderful people and new friends. As soon as you cross the bridge to go over to the island you take in a deep breath and breathe in the salty marsh and sea air and you are instanlty relaxed. Edisto is what I like to call a best kept little secret free from the grip of tourist demands. Once you visit Edisto you are instantly addicted to it's unspoiled beauty and it's welcoming southern charm. I can't explain the feeling you just have to experience it for yourself, and trust me you will be hooked!

Edisto is a place where you can just be you and leave behind all of life's high demands. Edisto is a simple place where the natural beauty and simplicity are the stars of this low country jewel. Edisto never dissapoints it always welcomes me with open arms. I love everything about Edisto from hunting pre historic fossils to watching Loggerhead sea turtles nest, to the pelican parades that pass over tops of palm trees while I lay lazy in the hammock . Edisto is not demanding or pretentious it is a place of simple food and simple people who are always so eager to offer a simple how are "y'all" doing kind of attitude that is what I LOVE about Edisto . I have never been to any other place like it , be kind to Edisto and she will offer you many years of wonderful memories and nothing in return. I could keep going on about edisto but you get the picture. Enjoy some of the pics from our recent trip and if you ever find yourself in the neighborhood take a chance on Edisto I think you will be pleasantly surprised! Can't wait for my next adventure at Edisto ...