Feb. 16, 2023

A day outdoors. I started with a hike with Kodak, then we loaded kayaks, bikes and a picnic lunch and headed for Uwharrie.

We started on the forest service roads, me getting turned around and even dropping Rojo into a hole and getting up on three wheels, but we finally got on the water and paddled to a lunch spot. The wind kept us from getting to the far end today, but still nice to be on the water.

Then I took the chance to ride while Deb took a nap, I noticed a field of Daffodils way, and I mean WAY off the trail. I bush whacked to them.

Despite the tea pot in the first picture, I think this was a still site and not a homestead, I did find odd things, like an old, very old, shoe, and metal pieces, but no foundation or well remnants.

I was so far off the trail, it took a moment to find it again, but the flowers were worth it.

Jan. 17, 2023

Trail running in Uwharrie

Dec. 31, 2022

I am glad 2022 is over, it’s been a year of change and loss. I miss loved ones I lost everyday. Please let 2023 be a better year.

Last year for Christmas a friend and I decided to get Apple Watches as a training tool. This is the first time I have looked at my yearly totals.  

Cycling – 1,385 miles, mostly off-road. This was the first year in maybe 20 I didn’t race once, so I feel this total is low to normal years.

Running – 48 miles. Not much but I only started running again 6 weeks ago, so I can live with those numbers.

Walking – 106 miles. These are mostly short walks with Kodak or on my lunch break.

Hiking – 106 miles. I did the math twice, to count as a hike, it had to be in the woods and on a trail.  It’s funny the mileage was teh exact same.

Tennis – 75 hours. 

The rest – Too lazy to do the math, but climbing, weights, yoga, indoor cycling, and the other odd things I did. 

Dec. 27, 2022

After my run, I hiked back out to play a little on the boulder field.

Dec. 25, 2022

Christmas presets!

I went full Christmas for my run… I ran into 2 hunters and they were amused by my outfit ; )

I wouldn’t call it a runner’s high, but had a great run and pushed my distance too.

Dec. 23, 2022

A trail run in Uwharrie turned into an adventure run, my creek crossing that has stepping stones, but they were under water.

There was this at least

Dec. 2, 2022

Another day of riding ‘Fin” in Uwharrie. I love this bike and really happy the repairs I did seem to be holding up. It must be the geometry of the frame, but I remember 15 years ago when I first got it, I was was amazed what I rode, or lines I help I normally didn’t. The last two rides have brought back that joy.

Dec. 1, 2022

How my day started

and how my day ended

That is the trail the bike is on, the leaves add a new experience.

Nov. 25, 2022

#optoutside

Since REI started closing on Black Friday and encouraging customers to go outside, I have tried to do it (like I need a reason) and motivation today really helped. It started with rain and I couldn’t talk myself into a long hike in the rain, so I started to prep for indoor climbing when the sun came out. I know Uwharrie doesn’t get sloppy (or have erosion issues after light rains) so that is where I went. This is also the trail where I originally broke the Salsa Dos Niner 12 years ago, so it was nice to ride it there again

I had planned a longer ride but my elastomers in my Thud Buster completely disintegrated, I haven’t used the seat post in years, so not surprised. The failure gave me time to catch the second half of the UNC v NC State game

Nov. 16, 2022

Two days after an all day rain is the best time to break in new hiking boots. I did choose Uwharrie since it has mostly rocky soil.