Reality Is Nothing But a Collective Hunch: yeah yeah yeah I'm back...

Okay I know I haven't blogged in forever, but it really feels like I've been gone forever! After all, I spent a weekend all over Philly, flew to California, spent 5 days in Kings Canyon National Park, hung around CA a little longer, spent some more time with the family... all in one vacation! and what a week and a half it was...

After the first night of being in the woods, it was SO weird not to be able to call friends and tell them about the day. I thought I'd never survive! After all, most of you know that I am not exactly great at relaxing. But, I must say, that by the fourth night, I really felt relaxed! It was actually AMAZING to get away from civilization for awhile. But, it all had to end sometime-- I came out to 3 voicemails from work, the usual hassles of flying and driving, and 500 emails in my box when I got back to work. But at least the trip was great!

So, there's no way to fit everything I have to say, but I'll try to highlight. First of all, let me just say that backpacking is HARD!!!! I knew it would be difficult, but I really had no idea. First of all, I thought it would be up for a little bit, then maybe even for awhile, then the same time going down as up. WRONG! It was the 4th day before we even SAW a downhill, and we did 8-10 miles a day! I've also learned to think in elevation changes now instead of distance. believe me, when we got to camp every night I was EXHAUSTED!

BUT there was one great thing about the trip-- all the hard work was SOOOOOO worth it! I can't BELIEVE the scenery we saw, and it was satisfying knowing that if I hadn't been backpacking there's just no way I EVER would have seen these places. It is just absolutely CRAZY that there's just nothing around except you and nature! We spent lunches sitting on the shores of lakes watching fish, we walked meadows that suddenly would open up to into amazing valleys, we slept by streams and walked by amazing waterfalls... it was just awesome. I am including some pics below, although they can't possibly do the scenery justice.

The one thing I definitely did NOT realize is how AMAZINGLY DIRTY I would get. I have never been so disgusting in my life! There has to be nothing more gross than going to bed every night caked in dirt. ick. and really, filtering water to make it useable totally sucks, and the bug stuff may even be worse than the mosquitos themselves! and don't even get me STARTED on going to the bathroom in the woods!!!! damn wilderness ethics!

k one last complaint-- freeze dried food has to be the nastiest stuff ever. BUT, the wilderness food DID lead to a new obsession-- everyone picked what they really wanted when they got real food again-- my Dad picked a steak, my Aunt picked a float, and I, well, I have always wondered why celebrities are always eating at In-N-Out Burger. BUT, NOW I KNOW! omg best fast food burger ever. I am thinking of calling them up and FORCING them to franchise in Virginia :)

so, we got back, we got showers, we cleaned up the blisters and the nasty smelly stuff that had been in our backpacks, and then we got to relax. My Aunt has the CUTEST house ever, and she lives in this adorable old gold rush town that was just so cool to hang around. I have decided California is just a really cool place to be. Everyone is so laid back and so friendly, SUCH a change from the surly Philly attitude I hold so dear :)

so anyway, I am back to Virginia and I am tired, but I have probably never felt this refreshed in my life. And oddly enough, I'd really love to do it again, especially since I know now what I'm getting myself into! so, I am off for now (still haven't unpacked, but I'm going to try!) but enjoy the pics! later all.