May 5, 2018 Day 214
Last night I barely slept and tossed and turned all night. I was exhausted and sluggish when I woke up in the morning but after drinking my pre-workout drink I felt amazing and was able to get a workout in which further helped my mood. I spent the entire day sitting out on the porch working on my online business as the rain came down around the house and the birds sang away.
I spoke with my mom for some time about the choice I needed to make soon but no solution or decision was made during our conversation. The question at hand is do I stay in West Virginia longer since I am enjoying it here and would like to stay and I have no real timeline or do I get back on the road? Before I could dwell on it any longer one set of my grandparents called me up to talk and wish me a Happy Birthday. As the storm clouds rolled on by overhead a storm was also brewing in my heart. A decision needs to be made.
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Days 211 - 213
May 2 - 4, 2018 Days 211 - 213
Where are the days going? Time seems to be flying by and before I knew it a few days have passed and once again I am behind in my journal. The reason I am combining days is mostly due to the fact that not too much as been going on to report or I should say write about. I have spent most of my days so far waking up around 07:00 upon which I eat breakfast while watching an episode of "Lucifer" to catch up on what I have missed. Afterwards, I do my workouts and catch some sun so thankfully I am slowly getting tan and not burning.
Since I now have somewhere in which to bake I have been trying out new recipes from my program to see how they taste and poor Jason is my guinea pig. haha. I made peanut butter oatmeal bars (not a fan), cranberry brie bites and a salsa chicken mix for wraps just to name a few. Between baking and cooking I have been working on my health/fitness business, working out, updating my blog among other things. Though I am keeping myself busy the days are just flying by and there doesn't seem to be enough time in a day.
In two days I will be 28 years old and I will also be leaving Jason's house. I am not sure how I feel about either of those. Part of me doesn't want to leave for I enjoy the company and we have been keeping busy which is nice; yet, part of me wants to also get back on the road. I am also worried about this next section of my trip due to the cities and difficulty of camping. So maybe I am just procrastinating?
Where are the days going? Time seems to be flying by and before I knew it a few days have passed and once again I am behind in my journal. The reason I am combining days is mostly due to the fact that not too much as been going on to report or I should say write about. I have spent most of my days so far waking up around 07:00 upon which I eat breakfast while watching an episode of "Lucifer" to catch up on what I have missed. Afterwards, I do my workouts and catch some sun so thankfully I am slowly getting tan and not burning.
Since I now have somewhere in which to bake I have been trying out new recipes from my program to see how they taste and poor Jason is my guinea pig. haha. I made peanut butter oatmeal bars (not a fan), cranberry brie bites and a salsa chicken mix for wraps just to name a few. Between baking and cooking I have been working on my health/fitness business, working out, updating my blog among other things. Though I am keeping myself busy the days are just flying by and there doesn't seem to be enough time in a day.
In two days I will be 28 years old and I will also be leaving Jason's house. I am not sure how I feel about either of those. Part of me doesn't want to leave for I enjoy the company and we have been keeping busy which is nice; yet, part of me wants to also get back on the road. I am also worried about this next section of my trip due to the cities and difficulty of camping. So maybe I am just procrastinating?
Day 210
May 1, 2018 Day 210
Today I woke up not feeling so well from the gin and tonics yesterday so it took me awhile to get going. When I did I did a workout and laid out in the sun talking with my best friend back in Wisconsin. We mostly talked about her new Dalmatian puppy :) After we finished talking I jumped in the shower and then headed into town to go grocery shopping. Once I drove all the way into town, 30 minutes, I realized I had forgotten my shopping list and apparently I have no cell phone service in the entire state of West Virginia. So I drove all the way back to Jason's house to acquire my shopping list so that I could get everything I needed.
When I finally got back to his place a made a chicken dish that he could take with him on his lunches for work and I also baked some protein bars. I was going to make dinner also but since he had already eaten at work I did not feel like going through the work only for myself. I do need to start getting my act together for I have fallen off my trip, writing in my journal, my business and working out.
Today I woke up not feeling so well from the gin and tonics yesterday so it took me awhile to get going. When I did I did a workout and laid out in the sun talking with my best friend back in Wisconsin. We mostly talked about her new Dalmatian puppy :) After we finished talking I jumped in the shower and then headed into town to go grocery shopping. Once I drove all the way into town, 30 minutes, I realized I had forgotten my shopping list and apparently I have no cell phone service in the entire state of West Virginia. So I drove all the way back to Jason's house to acquire my shopping list so that I could get everything I needed.
When I finally got back to his place a made a chicken dish that he could take with him on his lunches for work and I also baked some protein bars. I was going to make dinner also but since he had already eaten at work I did not feel like going through the work only for myself. I do need to start getting my act together for I have fallen off my trip, writing in my journal, my business and working out.
Day 209
April 30, 2018 Day 209
While Jason was at work I spent the morning cleaning out the camper from out trip and doing laundry which consumed most of my day. When I did finish cleaning I went to lay outside for a little bit trying to tan a little bit so that I won't burn so badly next time I am in the sun. Today I also started a new workout program to get fit and obtain that body I have always wanted.
It is odd but I actually enjoy having "chores" to do around the house. I have realized that I like doing things for other people and trying to make their life a little bit easier. It is a nice change of pace for a little bit. After laying out in the sun and finishing up the laundry I made a gin and tonic with cucumber and then spent an hour on the phone talking with a good friend of mine. The rest of the evening was spent in relaxation sitting on the porch watching the sun go down.
While Jason was at work I spent the morning cleaning out the camper from out trip and doing laundry which consumed most of my day. When I did finish cleaning I went to lay outside for a little bit trying to tan a little bit so that I won't burn so badly next time I am in the sun. Today I also started a new workout program to get fit and obtain that body I have always wanted.
It is odd but I actually enjoy having "chores" to do around the house. I have realized that I like doing things for other people and trying to make their life a little bit easier. It is a nice change of pace for a little bit. After laying out in the sun and finishing up the laundry I made a gin and tonic with cucumber and then spent an hour on the phone talking with a good friend of mine. The rest of the evening was spent in relaxation sitting on the porch watching the sun go down.
Day 208
April 29, 2018 Day 208
The sun was shining through the blinds once again this morning but it took awhile for both of us to get going. Upon getting up, about 10:00, we had coffee, oatmeal, toast with peanut butter and a banana. With breakfast out of the way I got dressed in warm clothes for although the sun was shining outside it was quite chilly.
Leaving the camp site we drove to Seneca Rock where we hiked up to the top. The hike was enjoyable to have someone to talk with on the way up. Having his dog with us only strengthens the feeling that I really want my own dog. It only took us about an hour to hike up to the top and back down but it was a decent workout and the view was pretty cool up at top. With the hike done we walked thru some stores and then ate ice cream on our way back to his place. The drive was beautiful and we spoke on and off in ease. After an hour or so on the road he pointed at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum and after some discussion we decided to do a tour. We caught the last historic tour at 17:00 and it was pretty interesting.
An hour later we were back on the road towards his house. The rest of the drive was beautiful and as we neared the house we cracked open a beer. Upon getting to his place I called up my mom to talk to her and let her know that we made it back safely. Afterwards we sat in the hot tub and then after eating some ice cream we were both exhausted and called it an evening.
The sun was shining through the blinds once again this morning but it took awhile for both of us to get going. Upon getting up, about 10:00, we had coffee, oatmeal, toast with peanut butter and a banana. With breakfast out of the way I got dressed in warm clothes for although the sun was shining outside it was quite chilly.
Leaving the camp site we drove to Seneca Rock where we hiked up to the top. The hike was enjoyable to have someone to talk with on the way up. Having his dog with us only strengthens the feeling that I really want my own dog. It only took us about an hour to hike up to the top and back down but it was a decent workout and the view was pretty cool up at top. With the hike done we walked thru some stores and then ate ice cream on our way back to his place. The drive was beautiful and we spoke on and off in ease. After an hour or so on the road he pointed at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum and after some discussion we decided to do a tour. We caught the last historic tour at 17:00 and it was pretty interesting.
An hour later we were back on the road towards his house. The rest of the drive was beautiful and as we neared the house we cracked open a beer. Upon getting to his place I called up my mom to talk to her and let her know that we made it back safely. Afterwards we sat in the hot tub and then after eating some ice cream we were both exhausted and called it an evening.
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| Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum |
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| Drive back to Jason's |
Day 207
April 28, 2018 Day 207
The sun was shining through the blinds as I woke up announcing a beautiful day. I stayed in bed for some time until Jason had gotten up and made us some coffee and eggs for breakfast. Once we were done eating we changed into our hiking clothes and got back on the pot hole laden road towards the Sinks of the Gandy. They are a modestly celebrated cave and underground stream at Osceola in eastern Randolph County.
When we arrived the sun was out and it was clear blue sky; however, the wind was howling and we had dressed to get wet. Walking on private land over pastures we arrived at the limestone entrance in a large depressed meadow. I slipped out of my socks and back into my keen steel toe boots for I did not want to completely soak my good pair of hiking boots. Had I remembered that I own a pair of Chacos I would have brought them but I forgot I even owned a pair. With Daisy outfitted with a red light and both of us as ready as we could be we approached the dark entrance and took our first timid step into the stream. The pain that came from how cold the water was immediate but the longer we were in the water the better it got either due to the numbness that occurred or our body getting use to the cold. I would like to say it was more likely the former.
As we ventured further into the cave we saw a bat, a fish and I wish I had not looked up for the ceiling was covered in spiders. We climbed about from rocks to rocks wading thru the water when we had to. At times the ceiling was so low that we were on our hands and knees. At one point, Jason had us both shut off our lights so we could experience true darkness which was remarkable. While walking on a narrow pathway above the water Jason spotted a salamander I believe was a northern dusky salamander though I could be wrong. To exit the cave we had to wade into freezing water up to our chests which although it was so cold it was exhilarating. I thoroughly loved the entire experience and was somewhat sad it was over in an hour. I would love to go back and do that again.
Back at his camper, we changed into dry clothes and shoes and as we started on the road towards Blackwater Falls we shared a beer. Unfortunately, the dispersed camping we had planned to stay at was closed so our only other option was to head back to the Gandy Creek dispersed area. First though we stopped at Blackwater Falls State Park to see the falls and snap some pictures. Oh! I forgot to mention that at some point after the Sinks of the Gandy we drove up to Spruce Knob so that I could check out the wonderful views and West Virginia's highest point. The wind up there was blowing something fierce but the view was spectacular!
When we did find a campsite we parked and as soon as we walked to gather wood it rained and hailed! In either case, Jason still got a fire going for us and we sat under the canopy drinking and talking about a variety of topics. After some time had passed I cooked up some hotdogs on the fire while he heated up some chili sauce and we had a delicious but messy dinner. It rained practically the rest of the evening but when it did let up some the smoke around the fire became so bad that we headed into the camper for the evening. After we both had taken a shower we sat down to watch a movie before calling it a night. It is oddly relaxing to have someone else to camp with and converse with. It is definitely something I am not used to having but do enjoy.
The sun was shining through the blinds as I woke up announcing a beautiful day. I stayed in bed for some time until Jason had gotten up and made us some coffee and eggs for breakfast. Once we were done eating we changed into our hiking clothes and got back on the pot hole laden road towards the Sinks of the Gandy. They are a modestly celebrated cave and underground stream at Osceola in eastern Randolph County.
When we arrived the sun was out and it was clear blue sky; however, the wind was howling and we had dressed to get wet. Walking on private land over pastures we arrived at the limestone entrance in a large depressed meadow. I slipped out of my socks and back into my keen steel toe boots for I did not want to completely soak my good pair of hiking boots. Had I remembered that I own a pair of Chacos I would have brought them but I forgot I even owned a pair. With Daisy outfitted with a red light and both of us as ready as we could be we approached the dark entrance and took our first timid step into the stream. The pain that came from how cold the water was immediate but the longer we were in the water the better it got either due to the numbness that occurred or our body getting use to the cold. I would like to say it was more likely the former.
As we ventured further into the cave we saw a bat, a fish and I wish I had not looked up for the ceiling was covered in spiders. We climbed about from rocks to rocks wading thru the water when we had to. At times the ceiling was so low that we were on our hands and knees. At one point, Jason had us both shut off our lights so we could experience true darkness which was remarkable. While walking on a narrow pathway above the water Jason spotted a salamander I believe was a northern dusky salamander though I could be wrong. To exit the cave we had to wade into freezing water up to our chests which although it was so cold it was exhilarating. I thoroughly loved the entire experience and was somewhat sad it was over in an hour. I would love to go back and do that again.
Back at his camper, we changed into dry clothes and shoes and as we started on the road towards Blackwater Falls we shared a beer. Unfortunately, the dispersed camping we had planned to stay at was closed so our only other option was to head back to the Gandy Creek dispersed area. First though we stopped at Blackwater Falls State Park to see the falls and snap some pictures. Oh! I forgot to mention that at some point after the Sinks of the Gandy we drove up to Spruce Knob so that I could check out the wonderful views and West Virginia's highest point. The wind up there was blowing something fierce but the view was spectacular!
When we did find a campsite we parked and as soon as we walked to gather wood it rained and hailed! In either case, Jason still got a fire going for us and we sat under the canopy drinking and talking about a variety of topics. After some time had passed I cooked up some hotdogs on the fire while he heated up some chili sauce and we had a delicious but messy dinner. It rained practically the rest of the evening but when it did let up some the smoke around the fire became so bad that we headed into the camper for the evening. After we both had taken a shower we sat down to watch a movie before calling it a night. It is oddly relaxing to have someone else to camp with and converse with. It is definitely something I am not used to having but do enjoy.
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| The entrance |
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| Blackwater Falls State Park |
Day 206
April 27, 2018 Day 206
While Jason was at work I spent the majority of the morning packing up his camper for we have decided to go up to the mountains this weekend to make up for the things I was not able to do when I went by myself. It was absolutely beautiful outside for the sun was shining brightly and it was a lovely 77 degrees out. When I finished packing up the camper I walked down to his pond to look for salamanders. After spotting a few but not being able to reach them Daisy (his dog) and I spent the rest of the afternoon laying out in the sun.
When Jason got off around 17:00 he finished loading up the final things we needed and then all three of us jumped in and started down the road. The drive would be a few hours long but the view was well worth the wait. West Virginia truly is a wild, untamed and beautiful state. The hills are constantly rolling in dark, lush green grass and everything seems to be so vibrant in color. During the drove we spoke on and off and around dinner time we both became hungry so we stopped at a Walmart and then hit up Applebees. I loved being able to sit in the camper to eat dinner without having to climb into my bed area. The extra space and ability to stand up is quite enjoyable if I do say so myself.
We arrived at the Gandy Creek Dispersed camping quicker then Jason had anticipated but a lot of the sites were already full. We ended up parking in the exact same spot that I did when I was here last. Once we were parked, we stepped out into the darkness to look up at the moon and stars. It was a beautiful night but it was also brisk outside so we didn't stay long out. Back inside we sat down to drink a beer or two while talking before we called it a night.
While Jason was at work I spent the majority of the morning packing up his camper for we have decided to go up to the mountains this weekend to make up for the things I was not able to do when I went by myself. It was absolutely beautiful outside for the sun was shining brightly and it was a lovely 77 degrees out. When I finished packing up the camper I walked down to his pond to look for salamanders. After spotting a few but not being able to reach them Daisy (his dog) and I spent the rest of the afternoon laying out in the sun.
When Jason got off around 17:00 he finished loading up the final things we needed and then all three of us jumped in and started down the road. The drive would be a few hours long but the view was well worth the wait. West Virginia truly is a wild, untamed and beautiful state. The hills are constantly rolling in dark, lush green grass and everything seems to be so vibrant in color. During the drove we spoke on and off and around dinner time we both became hungry so we stopped at a Walmart and then hit up Applebees. I loved being able to sit in the camper to eat dinner without having to climb into my bed area. The extra space and ability to stand up is quite enjoyable if I do say so myself.
We arrived at the Gandy Creek Dispersed camping quicker then Jason had anticipated but a lot of the sites were already full. We ended up parking in the exact same spot that I did when I was here last. Once we were parked, we stepped out into the darkness to look up at the moon and stars. It was a beautiful night but it was also brisk outside so we didn't stay long out. Back inside we sat down to drink a beer or two while talking before we called it a night.
Days 202 - 205
April 23 - 26, 2018 Days 202 - 205
It is amazing how fast time flies on by without one really noticing. You blink and days have passed. It is kind of sad how time is always working against you...or at least it seems that way. Time is one of the reasons I started this "journey" of mine. You only get one shot at life and I refuse to say when I am older that I regret not doing more with what I was given. I have noticed that throughout this journey my mindset has changed. Instead of holding myself back I put myself out there more and I try to live each day to its' full potential. I don't have time to waste on petty things or people who do not truly wish to be a part of my life. I want to devote more of myself to those who truly matter and will be there with me for the long ride.
I have been in West Virginia since the 14th of April; yet, it seems as though it has only been a day or two. Where has the time gone? I will admit that the main reason I have stayed as long as I have thus far is due to Jason. It is nice to meet someone who shares a similar mindset and enthusiasm for the outdoors and understands why I love living on the road. I have always felt a sense of....uneasiness?? Not sure if that is the word I am looking for; however, with every place I move to it isn't long until I am looking forward, over the next turn, to see what lies ahead. Living on the road has calmed me down some and has quenched that drive inside of me...for the time being that is.
Getting back to the days at hand Jason has worked every day this week which has allowed me to have an entire house to myself. Usually, I wake up and after making some coffee and something to eat I end up working on this blog trying to catch up. I know one day was spent doing laundry, cleaning, organizing the refrigerator (I may be a little OCD when it comes to cleaning), and just trying to help him out the best I can to repay him for allowing me to stay with him. Another day I went grocery shopping and made dinner for the both of us which was a little out of my league for I am so used to doing everything only for me. Let me tell you that trying to shop for two people is quite difficult. I think I ended up buying more then I really needed.
I have noticed that a routine has some what set in where I work on my blog, my business and other things during the day then when he gets off work we usually hit the hot tub, eat and watch a movie or TV show while having ice cream before starting it all over again the next day. One day when he got off work we took a stroll around his property where I came across a beautiful box turtle and then my first ever "wild" red eft salamander! I have owned salamanders in the past but I have NEVER seen one out in the woods no matter how hard I looked. To say I was excited would be an understatement. It was bright orange with red spots and no bigger than my pinky finger.
During this time frame I also face timed a friend of mine which got me to thinking or more so left me sad. I hate how for no reason at all people seem to just walk out of your life. One minute everything is kosher, conversation comes easily and you are speaking to each other every single day and then just like that...POOF! They disappear. I never know if I end up doing something wrong or if it is just how things happen. It frustrates me to no end though for I do not take friendships likely and for me to let someone in takes a lot; however, it seems lately that as soon as I finally "submit" and start to put more effort into it the other person up and vanishes. Sigh. I guess that is just life but all it is teaching me is to never truly let anyone in. The only person that will truly be there for you and whom you can count on is yourself. Don't get me wrong I do not feel sorry for myself in the slightest and actually I feel stronger because of it. I don't crave the constant need for affection and do not mind being alone where I know there are others out there that could not fathom the idea of solitude.
It is amazing how fast time flies on by without one really noticing. You blink and days have passed. It is kind of sad how time is always working against you...or at least it seems that way. Time is one of the reasons I started this "journey" of mine. You only get one shot at life and I refuse to say when I am older that I regret not doing more with what I was given. I have noticed that throughout this journey my mindset has changed. Instead of holding myself back I put myself out there more and I try to live each day to its' full potential. I don't have time to waste on petty things or people who do not truly wish to be a part of my life. I want to devote more of myself to those who truly matter and will be there with me for the long ride.
I have been in West Virginia since the 14th of April; yet, it seems as though it has only been a day or two. Where has the time gone? I will admit that the main reason I have stayed as long as I have thus far is due to Jason. It is nice to meet someone who shares a similar mindset and enthusiasm for the outdoors and understands why I love living on the road. I have always felt a sense of....uneasiness?? Not sure if that is the word I am looking for; however, with every place I move to it isn't long until I am looking forward, over the next turn, to see what lies ahead. Living on the road has calmed me down some and has quenched that drive inside of me...for the time being that is.
Getting back to the days at hand Jason has worked every day this week which has allowed me to have an entire house to myself. Usually, I wake up and after making some coffee and something to eat I end up working on this blog trying to catch up. I know one day was spent doing laundry, cleaning, organizing the refrigerator (I may be a little OCD when it comes to cleaning), and just trying to help him out the best I can to repay him for allowing me to stay with him. Another day I went grocery shopping and made dinner for the both of us which was a little out of my league for I am so used to doing everything only for me. Let me tell you that trying to shop for two people is quite difficult. I think I ended up buying more then I really needed.
I have noticed that a routine has some what set in where I work on my blog, my business and other things during the day then when he gets off work we usually hit the hot tub, eat and watch a movie or TV show while having ice cream before starting it all over again the next day. One day when he got off work we took a stroll around his property where I came across a beautiful box turtle and then my first ever "wild" red eft salamander! I have owned salamanders in the past but I have NEVER seen one out in the woods no matter how hard I looked. To say I was excited would be an understatement. It was bright orange with red spots and no bigger than my pinky finger.
During this time frame I also face timed a friend of mine which got me to thinking or more so left me sad. I hate how for no reason at all people seem to just walk out of your life. One minute everything is kosher, conversation comes easily and you are speaking to each other every single day and then just like that...POOF! They disappear. I never know if I end up doing something wrong or if it is just how things happen. It frustrates me to no end though for I do not take friendships likely and for me to let someone in takes a lot; however, it seems lately that as soon as I finally "submit" and start to put more effort into it the other person up and vanishes. Sigh. I guess that is just life but all it is teaching me is to never truly let anyone in. The only person that will truly be there for you and whom you can count on is yourself. Don't get me wrong I do not feel sorry for myself in the slightest and actually I feel stronger because of it. I don't crave the constant need for affection and do not mind being alone where I know there are others out there that could not fathom the idea of solitude.
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