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Summer Vacation!
This summer my husband and I went to Asheville, NC for my first time. I loved Asheville but spent most of the time outside of the city. We couldn't have asked for better weather! I was so excited about seeing new places, being in the mountains and relaxing. Cell phone reception was hit or miss which worked out for the best! (it was a reminder how we used to live without cell phones and gps's).
Hiking
I love hiking and am so thankful for my hiking boots I bought years ago (probably a decade) and bust out every now and then! I felt I could conquer any hike with those Timberlands. What I found interesting was how I could literally feel building muscle while hiking. It's amazing what a little cross training will do for you! Breathing the mountain air, being in the dappled sunshine, walking up, down, sideways and whatever you need to do to get from one step to another. In tight spaces, I was thankful to be able to steer my hips in one direction and torso to another. You'll see that type of training (hips forward and torso rotated) in Pilates, athletic, and functional training. Additionally, I was extremely thankful to have strong ankles and calves. I semi twisted or rolled my ankles multiple times but was very thankful to recovery quickly to the next step without missing a beat. My husband and I were smart to take time in the evening to stretch in order to be ready for the next day's hike.
Herbs
In the meantime, I was breathing fresh mountain air and oooohhhing and awwwing throughout the hike taking in the beauty. I was thrilled to see herbs that I've either grown, used, or studied actually growing in it's natural habitat. I saw Common Joe-Pye Weed, also called feverweed, saw a different variety of yarrow, angelica, red clover, plantain, mint, jewelweed and more!! I even got 'stung' by stinging nettles. I've heard that yellow dock typically grows nearby to help take the sting away but couldn't pinpoint which plant it was!
I loved putting my passions together such as the outdoors and exercise plus herbs and mother nature! It also challenged my body and mind through testy terrain while navigating through, what you had hoped were, hiking trails (with minimal signage) and reminding myself I wasn't going to be a bear's lunch.
Other cross training activities
I also zip-lined for the first time. What an exhilarating experience! Although, you don't need to be in great condition, it was helpful to use my core while ziping along (instead of neck and shoulders or hurting your back). www.navitat.com did a great job! White water rafting down the Nantahala was another core and upper body workout. Part of the ab workout is from laughing because it's so much fun!
There you have it! My relaxing vacation! I wouldn't have it any other way!
Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!
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