Cycle of the Solstice: Shwing!

Lots and lots to do, but ooh, has it been fun. Just back from WFA (Wilderness First Aid) training in the White Mountains. Learned so much -- really important stuff too. I now know how to really help someone should they ever need it. I learned how to check for spinal issues and how to "clear" someone for a spinal injury. I learned how to take vitals, assess an accident scene, splint broken bones, identify and help someone who is: in shock -- or -- suffering from any and all stages of hypothermia -- or -- among other important skills, how to help someone who is in need of CPR. Whoa. It was an intense week -- and that is such an understatement. I am so happy with all I have learned and so happy to have reconnected with my pals from the summer before. Friends, true friends -- that is what they are becoming. It was an incredible week. Got to do a little bit of hiking -- and I of course hiked the day before (Sunday was Luna's 12th birthday -- so we hiked to celebrate -- I also made her burger and rice for dinner and breakfast) -- hiked the day I got back and hiked today. Yup -- that one never gets old. Today was beautiful -- and so was the day before and the day before that. Phew. Rode Taco this early evening -- awesome ride with just her in the woods. Saw my cousins and two aunts and one uncle (my mothers sisters and brother and their kids) up in Hanover last night. They were up for Andover Olde Homes Day -- camping -- and so Jim and I went up for the campfire. It was FUN! I laughed so hard. My mother and her siblings were absolutely, criminally, crazy growing up. We laughed and laughed. I saw a cousin that I had not seen to really talk to for years and realized how freaking much we have in common. He is a Maine Guide and makes his living in the outdoors. Talking with him made me realize just how genetics work.

As my friend Blue would say, "action packed."

Here are a few photos (working back in time, starting with today) that are favorites of this past week. Sweet summer, you are on your way -- growing up -- soon you will be gone -- but until then, I am riding you for all you have to give.

Today's hike. Old Speck and the Bald Pates. Sunday.

Webb Lake with Cloud Shadows: Saturday morning

Hike out on Friday - my friend Jason took this with my camera. Finding it on my camera was a surprise. I had posed for one, but he took this one and I did not even know it.