Ahh, time off

Yes, blogging has been light this week as I'm officially on break. Mind you I've still been in the office half the time, but I didn't have to be here. So why have I been here? Well in part because I have nothing else to do and I have a nifty internet connection here, but mostly because I'm trying to get things ready for that blasted "distance learning" econ class I have to start teaching next week. Grr.

On the plus side, I have taken some fun time this week. Monday I took a trip to a new part of the Sipsey. I hit an area that I had not visited before, but I underestimated. I was planning a 5 mile or so hike, but I ended up going on an 8-10 mile trek. The weather was pretty good and the terrain wasn't too bad, but I did have to cross the Sipsey River twice without the aid of a bridge. See the Sipsey truly is "unimproved" for the most part and many of the trails cross one or more of the streams in the forest. A trail ends on one side of the river and starts again on the other. How you get over there is up to you. The first time I was able to find a large downed tree that I used to get across. The second time, though, I had no choice but to wade.

I looked and looked, but the "best" crossing I found still was almost waist deep. Fortunately I had my "zip off leg" hiking pants on so I was able to get across without soaking my clothing and the bottom was sandy so I didn't have to deal with bare feet on sharp rocks. I know it's May, but the Sipsey River water still is mighty cold on bare legs. In the end, though, I made it safely back with my worst injury being a tweaked hamstring. All-in-all a good day. Oh, I also found a new (to me) waterfall that was spectacular. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me so no pix.

Anyway, that was the highlight of the first part of the week. Thailand Jeff and I are going on a Nashville trip tomorrow and Friday, so I may have some good stories when I get back -- assuming I get back.

Oh, since I won't be blogging tomorrow, Happy (early) Anniversary to loyal reader, Ang.