Backpacking at Providence Canyon

Went for a 2-nighter down near Columbus with Renee for our anniversary. Backpacked at Providence Canyon park. This was a neat place with some beautiful canyons, which were formed as a result of poor agricultural practices in the 1800s. The hike out was just under 3 miles but there were considerable hills. We had to hike back to the visitor's center to refill our water supply once. Total miles hiking was approximately 15.

Thoughts from the trail:

No matter how in-shape one is, backpacking is still a fitness tester
Showers are overrated
Always bring extra water (absolutely no water sources at all in the park)
A crystal clear, starry night away from light pollution where one can see the Milky Way is worth the price of admission
There is nothing quite like daybreak at camp
There is nothing quite like dusk at camp
A campfire is the perfect way to end the day
Re-hydrated food is convenient and relatively tasty but we also to brought along "junk," such as beanie weenies and vienna sausage, candy bars, etc for a needed break from reconstituted foods.
Coffee makes it alright
Barred owls calling to each other in the middle of the night is worth being awake
It is interesting to note how priorities and concerns change and simplify in the wilderness ; gathering wood, making sure to have enough food and water, staying warm.
There are simple pleasures such as a bird sharing it's morning with you at the campsite
The adrenaline rush of coming upon an active yellow jacket nest right on the trail and having to strategically scurry past
Always check your pack before picking it up (large hunting spider)

Full-size photos from the trip: https://goo.gl/photos/QuyUGNsoiVifsjcC6

The milk of human kindness isn't spoiled

Something wonderful is happening. I am being serious. For the past year or so I've been developing this sense of love and compassion for humanity. That sounds like a really broad, general statement but it's true. I'm becoming more perceptive of others and more forgiving. I believe we're all doing the best with the hand we're given. I use these words because I don't know how else to describe this very subtle feeling. It's a swelling in the heart and a sense of well-being and contentment. Some days it borders on joy. Sure, I still get irritated with nuisances like drivers when they tailgate me or cut me off in traffic but overall, I am developing something here. Maybe my soul is expanding. I'm beginning to feel as though I'm finally a part of the human race. In the past, I've felt so aloof and misanthropic so this is strange for me. I can't exactly pinpoint when it began. I wonder if it's just part of the maturation process but I hope...

Allatoona Creek trail run race report

First year doing the Allatoona Creek race. Missed it last year because I had a duathlon on the same day. This course is sneakily difficult with the most challenging being the Mason's Bridge section. On a bike, it's easier and more fun because you can roll through all the dips but running through those is really tough. There aren't very many climbs and no big hills but that course is a grinder. There was a torrential rainfall a few days before the race so the first 3 miles was a mud run through open cross-country. I really liked this part though felt I got off to a slow start. Pacing is so difficult because I don't know how much energy I need to spare. Feet were wet out of the gate but it was no big deal. There's a twisted part of me that prefers adverse conditions. Went in to the singletrack section at Rusty Bucket and shuffled through twisty sections, not very fast through there. In fact, I felt leaden the entire race. I had ran the da...

Thoughts on Blanket's Crash

Past few times out on the bike my front wheel has washed out. The trail has been powdery/loose in both cases but I blame mostly my riding technique. It seems that instead of leaning, which one should do at high speed, I'm trying to turn the handlebars too much. It's discouraging because I feel my technique has advanced considerably over the past two years. I know experience is a great teacher but I can't help but feel like I'm regressing some here. Bad habits are hard to break. Common biking wisdom suggests that we crash on trails most familiar to us, perhaps because we are so casual and too loose. This one particular section I wiped out a few weeks ago on but it was more of a harmless 10-foot butt-slide that only ripped my shorts. Now I'm forced to convalesce and heal my wounds. My body probably needs a break anyway. Already looking forward to the next ride. I want the chance to ride the section smooth and fast with confidence. Until next time -J VMT crash

Mountain Bikes, Bass Guitar, and other stuff I like

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