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| Anonymous sign decorator |
Thirteen Senior Trailblazers set out to hike the Fragrance Lake trailhead, hoping to be done by noon so that we could all attend Amy's Christmas party at 1:00pm. We started at 8:40am and got to the lake by 10:30, so Al suggested that we go "over the hill" to extend the trip; otherwise we would have been back to the cars by 11:00am. So once we got to the lake, we extended the hike by heading up before we went back down to the trail.
Several of us, including Marjan, wore our Christmas gear on the hike. The hat and earrings are definitely Christmas-inspired. The day was overcast and we started out with a bit of rain, but before we had gone more than a few miles, the rain had stopped. We were relatively warm and comfortable.
The lake behind the raindrops on the foliage pretty much showed what the hike was like today. The main thing was we hoped for a good workout before meeting at Amy's for a party, and that was what we got. Al suggested the extension, and then we missed the original trail, ending up hiking very steeply downhill before joining up at the regular trail. We covered almost six miles and considerable UP and DOWN before heading over to Amy's for the party.
Once we got to Amy's and began our party, all the difficulties of the hike faded away as we ate and drank and appreciated all our friends and family who showed up for the day. We got to visit with family members we had not met before, such as Mike's partner Miriam, as shown below.
It was wonderful to meet partners who we had only heard of second hand. (And it was all good!) At least thirty people showed up at Amy's for this solstice gathering/ end of season extravaganza. And I suspect I was not the only one who overindulged in all the food and drink we brought to share with each other.
Here you see Dorothy, Dan's wife, Steve in the middle (our sometime leader), and Gina, Norm's wife, with the ladies dressed in holiday finery. We had a great day, and now that I am writing my post, I realize how much I appreciate all the friends I've made over the past years, who now feel like family. I am truly blessed.
:-)
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ReplyDeleteI am thankful for the many friends that I have made through blogging. I am thankful for you!
ReplyDeleteLooked like a lot of fun! Was it potluck? Interesting that you all wore shoes indoors. We don't in Hawaii, you know. Lol.
ReplyDeleteNothing like friends and family during the holidays. It looks like a wonderful group. Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeletenice...friends and family def make life all the more sweet...looks like a wet hike today...6 miles...you continue to inspire...
ReplyDeleteYou really have made some wonderful hiking friends. They just look like good folk. It sure does seem like you were meant to move there. What a wonderful area and great people. :):)
ReplyDeleteOh, and love all the pictures. I love when you take a little closeup of something like those few leaves left on the branches.
What a lovely day. It's wonderful to have friends who are like family. I suspect you are that person for so many.
ReplyDeleteYou've been so thankful lately DJan. Is it the time of year? Whatever it is, it's contageous.
ReplyDeleteReading about gratitude makes me grateful too, so thank-you!
Groups like these offer a tremendous amount of support to one another.
ReplyDeleteWe have our skating Christmas party tomorrow afternoon right after skating!
I so admire how you came to a new place and made a new life for yourself, a life full of new friends and new adventures. You are amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great day you had! Not too shabby weather, good exercise and lots of friends. It sounds like a joyous celebration of those connections was enjoyed by all!
ReplyDeleteI just love that you share these wonderful hikes, DJan! Someday, I'm going to experience a few of them!
I'm guessing that you really develop some close relationships when you spend that much time hiking in difficult terrain and being face-to-face with nature in so many beautiful vistas.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to spend a day, a great workout followed by a party with friends and family. I love that shot of the lake with the raindrops in the foreground.
ReplyDeleteThe name of the lake caught me from the first. And the whole day sounded wonderful - I am really happy for you.
ReplyDeleteAmy looks all festive and happy to have hosted the event! Great hike once again! It is nice to see the other halves of your hiking group..we are getting to know them..they are the most famous hikers in the blog world! :)
ReplyDeleteYou really are truly blessed, DJan. You not only have a great bunch of friends with similar interests, but you stay healthy with these friends.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Fragrance is a very intriguing name for the lake. Does it smell... or is it the pine trees around it?
ReplyDeleteI will assume you decorated the sign for the photograph, inspired idea. The hike sounds great and I know I would have to use a lot of bug spray. I have to apply repellent anytime I walk outside the door. Maybe they like my hair products. Hate those buggers that bite.
ReplyDeleteI love the name Fragrance Lake
ReplyDeleteMarjan's hat is wonderful!!
the party looks like a lot of fun
What a fun post. That sounds like a blast. I've been thinking about having a Christmas party. After reading this, maybe I will ;)
ReplyDeleteThe party goers are so happy looking, it's quite contagious and making me smile!!
ReplyDeleteThe trail photos are sublime. I'm wondering tho, maybe you know....why is it called Fragrance Lake? Because of the pine? Maybe? No matter, gorgeous countryside.
Yes, VIRGINIA is my Friday post...if you can, come on over for a visit. And, have a terrific day.
These photos are so wonderful, full of good friends and your love of hiking and joy in the holiday season. I know what you mean about your hiking friends becoming more like your family. I am so happy for you that you are where you are, geographically and in life. YOU are an amazing person.
ReplyDeleteYes, Santa, there really is a DJan - just go up the hardest trail and you will find her at the top with her trailblazing friends.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice way to spend the day and even nicer to meet partners of your trailblazing group. Wonderful colours in photos and love the sign.
We call very special friends "extended family" up here in Canada. Jeepers, DJan, you are special too !
Six miles. I'm gasping just reading it! Looks like a great time all the way around!
ReplyDeleteWell I know you earned the party. I'm just surprised you still had any energy left to take part. I'm joking of course, but you do win the prize D-Jan, when it comes to stamina!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to end a hike, with Christmas cheer!!! My regular hiking group had a Christmas theme in last Sunday's hike, if I can finally find the time between Christmas shopping,, housecleaning and decorating to write the post you'll see it! ;o)
ReplyDeleteYou've made some wonderful friends with these hikes DJan, and it's fabulous that you all enjoy it so! Happy Holidays to all! :o)
What a great way to spend a day, DJan. You deserve to have great friends.
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoy reading about your hiking journeys. It would be wonderful to have friends like that to join me on my daily strolls through Bluffer's Park.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy you had such a wonderful time at the party with your friends.
O, what FUN!!!!
ReplyDeleteFragrance Lake looks like a place I would love to see...
Merry Christmas, friend!!
Beautiful, happy photos, Djan! Yes, you are indeed blessed to be a part of such a wonderful group of people. I'm sure they all appreciate you very much too. xo
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