#unlikelyhiker

[cheye1]

Trip to Davis, WV

This weekend was the first (semi) large trip of the year! Inspired by the 52 hike challenge I found on Instagram, I felt that Mac and I needed to go do something new! So on Saturday, we packed some snacks, put the dog in the car and headed to West Virginia to visit the Black Water Falls State Park. 

Davis, WV is roughly 2 hours from where I live in Harrisonburg, Va with my son and dog. The trip was easy and there was literally no traffic. (We were the only ones on the highway for several minute stretches of time.) The scenery of the mountains and mountain homes kept us alert for the majority of the ride. Our devices didn’t work so it was easy to suck up the WV radio media, which was a lot more diverse and fun than we thought it would be. 

Arrival at the state park was cake! The walk down to the Falls was quick and beautiful. The boardwalk was so nice and while there were a lot of people, it didn’t seem crowded. (The bathrooms were also really nice and well kept, which is important after driving 2 hours). After walking to the Falls, we got back in the car and headed to the lodge, which is where the trailhead for our larger hike was located. This trail simple to follow for a novice like myself.  Even so, there were some large rocks, fallen branches and roots that made the trek just a little spicy. The hike was said to be over 4 miles long, and we didn’t make it fully around the loop. (The lack of people and service on the trail made Mac more anxious than I would have hoped.) It was easy to find a short cut to get us back to the car. 

As a new solo(ish) hiker, I need to do a lot better in preparing to do new things. I was prepared for the 30 degree weather, but I was not prepared for snow or mud.  We DID NOT have the right footwear. I didn’t look at the place prior to hopping in the car, so I was unaware of how close everyone would be while walking on the boardwalk, which was not the best choice for my 2 year old, vocal dog, Stewie. I hope to make the trip again once its warmer outside and maybe I will be lucky enough to talk Mac into an overnight stay at the lodge. 

After the hike, we got pizza to go from Sirianni’s. Their pizza was delicious, their service was amazing and I give them bonus points for the Black Lives Matter sticker in their window. We also visited the Wandering Caravan, which was too friggin lovely and I had to stop myself from buying one of everything. Before leaving, I ordered a matcha from Trailhead coffee. The space was small and intimate and the baristas were really nice.  While I only bought the matcha and some benets(which were fudgin’ amazing) they sell different flavored hot chocolate bombs-- They even have boozy bombs for the adults. I will DEFINITELY go back catch a show, eat and spend more money.  I think I might’ve even met a friend. :D

https://www.facebook.com/TheSiriannisPizzaCafe/

http://www.thewanderingcaravan.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Trailheadcoffeeshop/

(photos will be added at a later date.) 

[mayigoto]

Can't find the post I saw on here first, but this has been playing in my brain every time I step out the door.

[ignitelimelight]

I'll be honest, folks, I'm an #unlikelyhiker . I wasn't the kind of person you'd expect to see hiking of their own free will; I'm asthmatic, flat footed, and really hate sweating. When we were little, my sister dubbed me a "sidewalk walker" as opposed to a "forest walker" and until about six months ago, she had it right. Now I can't get enough of the great outdoors, and found myself hiking up a mountain logging road to catch the sun set over the hills. We passed where I had gone mushroom hunting, passed where the deer bones were found, and kept going up until we saw the hills in all their glory. I stopped to catch my breath more than I'd like to admit, with the excuses of having had only soup that day, and spending three hours sitting in a car after a month of suburban life and flat hikes. Carrying Hashbrown, who has gotten chunky with winter weight, was just a bonus. But it was all worth it to see the fog rolling in over the hills and to be far away from the noise. . . . Sorry for being so absentee these last few days. I'll be honest, I'm going through quite a lot and did not have the energy to hike. Eventually I ran out of photos and could not get out of bed to take more until now. But now I'm back, with more hikes planned and more photos to post! . . . Photo by @artofnidavellir . . . . #exploremoreoutdoors #getoutstayout #naturelovers #oregonexplored #pnwonderland #pnwwitch #witchesofinstagram #optoutside #hikelife #greatnorthcollective #liveoutdoors #catswhohike #unlikelyhikers #womenwhohike (at Deadwood, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtMNk5SHbY0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=asrghzsyri6u

[farflung-expectations]

One of the best days I’ve ever had in nature. At one point I literally cried because it was just too beautiful. #mountrainier #mountrainiernationalpark #hiking #hikingadventures #hikingislife #unlikelyhikers #unlikelyhiker #washingtonstate #fatventurers #fatandfit #playtogetherstaytogether (at Mount Rainier National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpRuWqUAeBj/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=13rcchq1fhsad

[skahlua912]

Bye Crater Lake! You have been awe inspiring. Until next time! #vanlifediaries #craterparknationalpark #nationalparkgeek #unlikelyhiker #cloudporn #roadtrip #vanlife #rei1440project #neverstopexploring #modernhiker #wanderlust #adventure #trailchat #craterlake #optoutside #in2nature #wildernessco #naturelovers #water (at Crater Lake National Park)

[trekkingtrailnepal]

Did you remember this Image? From your Everest Base Camp Trek? in Between Loboche and Gorekshep This is The Everest Pyramid, a joint project of Italia and Nepal. It’s part of the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Program, which monitors the atmospheric composition – with a view to tracking pollution levels and climate change. We Trekking Trail Nepal you will experience and hike around the trail not only reach Base Camp. . . #trekkingtrail #trekkingtrailnepal #everestbasecamptrekitineary #trekkings #everestbasecamp #dreamlist #bucketlist #unlikelyhikers #unlikelyhiker #girlsadventure #girlstrekkingadventures #girlshiking #girlshikingclub #girlstrip #himalayas #photography @trekking_trail_apar https://www.trekkingtrail.com/everest-base-camp-trek.html (at Italian Research Pyramid, Lobuche) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn3AILCFpcn/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=hd1v592hecb5

[dragonsandelephants]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MotherOfDragonsandElephants (@dragonsandelephants)

Needless to say this kid is a HUGE fan of Fifth Water Hot Springs! Definitely makes the 6 mile round trip hike worth it! #hikeitbabyutahcounty #fifthwaterhotsprings #Dragon #kidlife #momlife #rainbowbaby #dreamcometrue #iwasinfertile #stillshocked #adventuresofadragon #dragonsandlephants  #adventuremom #mamasboy #boymom #explorearizona #roadtrippin #hikeitbaby #hikeitbabyfamily #hikeitbabysaltlakecity #10kwomentrailproject #10kTrailblazer #hikemoresmilemore #togetherwehike #outfamcommunity #unlikelyhikers #unlikelyhiker #instavideo (at Fifth Water Hot Springs)

[mountainmic]

Cause a hit dog will holler! . . . . . #effyourbeautystandards #naturedaddy #fatpositive #seekhelp #bayareahikes #hikela #wanderlust #optoutside #hikelife #hikingworldwide #bodypositive #herpnwlife #unlikelyhiker #fatgirlshiking #hiking #wildernessbabes #hiker #destinationhl #fatwanderbabes #traphike #mentalhealth #womenwhohike #unlikelyhikers #washingtonhikes #bodypositivemovement #stigmafree #fatliberation #mountainhiking #sheexplores #theoutbound (at Arc de Triomphe) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Bg73_JIVz/?igshid=1h545f0w7s06c

[misfitwandersdani]

While visiting family in Arkansas, we went on a hike. The water in the river was so translucent and blue. It was a nice hike with the family. My doggie filled with excitement ran around, sniffing all the new smells. The heat was cooled down with a breeze. It made the day refreshing and great for being outdoors! Have you been to Arkansas? . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . #arkansas #hikearkansas #hiker #hikelikeawoman #girlswhohike #gltlove #unlikelyhiker #hikingdog #lovehiking #hikewithdog #misfitwanders @dandestinations @wiredcreatives @misfit.wanders (at Arkansas) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2W_vRWglB0/?igshid=s4b1scsbbvi3

[christinebedenis]

Highlights from the West Highland Way, Scotland.

[mgutierrezjr]

[ishea]

Experienced my first backpacking trip this weekend... 3 days and 2 nights in nature with an awesome group of people and my outdoorsy sensei @mike.couch ❤ It felt AMAZING to disconnect and engage in a different way. Already looking forward to the next trip! . . #optoutside #outdoorsyaf #travelnoire #unlikelyhiker #BlackGirlMagic #camping #backpacking #nature #lapush #toleak #pnw #627Travels #hiking #keen #rei #highsierra #lululemon #nikewomen (at La Push, Washington)

[farflung-expectations]

Today I hiked my fat ass over four fucking mountains. It was amazing and excruciating and an amazing reminder that this body can do amazing things. It doesn't have to. It's just as valuable when it sits on the couch and watches #netflix all day, like it will tomorrow. But when it wants to, when it feels right, this body can conquer mountains. #unlikelyhiker #unlikelyhikers #bodypositive #bodypositivity #bodypositivehikers #hiker #hiking #hikingadventures #peakbagger #edrecovery #eatingdisorderrecovery #intuitivemovement

[skahlua912]

Taking a trip to Sedona to see an energy healer and then going to GC. Hopefully I can get a backcountry walk in permit to spend the night beneath it again. So stoked! #vanlifediaries #arizona #grandcanyon #southkaibabtrail #unlikelyhiker #hiking #trailchat #nationalparkgeek #modernhiker #visitarizona #grandcanyon #in2nature #gwhaz #vanlife #getlost #wanderlust #hikearizona #wildernessco #theadventureproject #weareoutdoor #girlswhohike

[nationalparkpatchlady]

Home again. But thinking back to the weekend light show in White Sands. 📍: White Sands National Monument 📅 : July 2017 #nationalpark #travel #explore #learn #nationalparkgeek #whitesandsnps #outdoorwomen #solotraveler #unlikelyhiker #womenwhotravel #naturephotography #nature #naturephotousa (at White Sands National Monument)

[dragonsandelephants]

The most beautiful hot springs I've ever seen(in person)! Thank you #Hikeitbaby for taking me to new amazing places! . #hikeitbabyutahcounty #fifthwaterhotsprings #Dragon #kidlife #momlife #rainbowbaby #dreamcometrue #iwasinfertile #stillshocked #adventuresofadragon #dragonsandlephants  #adventuremom #mamasboy #boymom #explorearizona #roadtrippin #hikeitbaby #hikeitbabyfamily #hikeitbabysaltlakecity #10kwomentrailproject #10kTrailblazer #hikemoresmilemore #togetherwehike #outfamcommunity #unlikelyhikers #unlikelyhiker (at Fifth Water Hot Springs)