Summer To-Do List by Stephanie

Here is what I hope to get done this summer. I want to take the kids to zip line in NC http://www.screamtimezipline.com/. I want to go white water rafting http://www.raft.com/ and I want to kayak down the Tennessee River http://www.outdoorchattanooga.com/. Who knows if we will have time to get all this done. We only get 8 weeks of summer. We also have to fit 1-2 Florida trips in there and some wild caving. Stay tuned to see what we actually get to do. I also can't wait to see Brandi's to do list.

Win a pink kayak!!!!!!

Win A Pink Kayak at 2010 Women's Expo Calling all female adventurers! Join us at the 2010 Women's Expo on March 27, at the Cartersville Civic Center and you could be the lucky winner of this pink kayak, courtesy of Etowah Outdoor Adventures. The expo takes place from 9 am-4 pm with a variety of exhibitors and continuous 30-minute seminars on health, fitness, finances and more. Spend the day and sample a Taste of Bartow with delicious food from many fantastic local restaurants. Tickets are $5 per person and proceeds benefit the American Red Cross. The Cartersville Civic Center is located at 435 West Main Street in downtown Cartersville. For information call 770-382-0981.

Another great hike.

Today me and my DH celebrated our 14 year anniversary...so we went hiking. Hiking is one of my favorite thing to do. I love being outside and getting exercise at the same time. We went to Pine Log Creek near Waleska. The hike was beautiful. It was very mountainous and was 4.15 miles long. About 3 miles in I said "I am so glad our kids are not with us because we would be hearing some major whining". That was also the point I was also thinking I should have brought a snack and some water. I am semi-famous for not being prepared for hikes. A couple of years ago, after much begging my husband stopped by the walls of Jerico in Alabama. It said it was a 3 mile hike...I thought no problem I do that all the time. Well...it would have been no problem if I had not being wearing flip-flops, we had no water , and no snacks plus we had not eaten breakfast that morning. I get low blood sugar if I do not eat every two hours:) so you can only imagine. To make a very long story short...I thought I was going to die that day (LOL). The hike took us over 5 hours and I totally would have eaten anything (Bear Grylls watch out). I was starving, my feet hurt, and I was dehydrated, so needless to say my husband still brings that up when I say I want to go hiking.

Free Adventure Backpack to one lucky follower.

One lucky follower will receive this great backpack. All you have to do is post a comment to this post and I will randomly draw a name for the backpack. Make sure to include your name on the post.

Adventures in sports

While my family has not been caving or hiking in a few weeks, we have spent time outdoors. My son, Finn, plays competitive baseball. He has been in tournaments for the past couple of weeks. His team won the Frozen Rope tournament and walked away with "gold medals". They won the week of the Olympics and so in lieu of trophies, the tournament gave medals.
During this time of the year, we have to work extra hard to fit in our other outdoor loves. This is why we already have an exciting adventure planned for spring break with TAS.
Brandi

Caving with my class!

Yesterday I took a group of my 8th graders caving to Manitou Cave with True Adventure Sports. I love to hear what the kids say that I have never been caving before. Not on this trip but a previous one, one of the kids said are we underground...this is after we had been caving for 2 hours. Too funny! I think it is great to expose kids to God's wonderful creations above and below ground. God created a beautiful world and I think that he wanted us to enjoy all the resources that he provided for us. Life is too short for us not to enjoy it. I am always amazed at how little kids know about things outdoors. My kids and Brandi's kids are spoiled because we have always taken them and done so many different adventures with them. I know this is rambling about alot of different things...just alot of thoughts on my mind. Stephanie

Hiking and Snowing Again!!!

Sunday it was 55 degrees and beautiful. I was itching to get out of the house and do some hiking. We decided on a short but rewarding hike in Bartow County. Cooper Furnace trail was the trail that we took...it was a little short for me 1.2 round trip but the kids were glad that we picked a short hike. The trail head is on the northside of the Etowah River. For information you can go to the notatlanta.org website. From the top you have a great view of Allatoona Dam and Cooper Furnace with the Etowah River in the background.

Now for the snow...for those of you that do not know me...I hate cold weather. It makes me want to hibernate. The snow is pretty but I am ready for spring! Two snows in one month? Must be global warming! Stephanie