Here we are looking forward to the next couple days’ of celebration with family and friends in observance of the birth of Jesus, and in the next week we’ll be celebrating the coming of the new year. Now is a great time to take a look back at 2014 and appreciate the adventures we’ve been on.

Over the last few years, I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting some pretty amazing people through my wanderings and this past year didn’t disappoint. In fact, I was able to enjoy our beautiful surroundings with many new friends, including a couple of kids, who absolutely opened my eyes even wider to all the wonder in nature.

Each time I start making plans to head out on an adventure I pay close attention to being prepared with water, snacks and, of course, my camera. Who knows what I’m going to see and want to capture.

Well, this past summer while hiking and wandering through the mountains, my eyes were opened to many firsts.

The first time Annelise and Asher found a frog on the trail, oh my gosh, the screeching and excitement. Or the first time they stripped their shoes and socks off to dip their feet in the cool mountain spring… more squeals of excitement.

As we walked along The Roost trail in Evan’s Notch, the things that came out of their mouths was enlightening. It was such a pleasure to walk that path with them. They saw things most of us just walk right by, like the king and queen thrones that were left after two trees fell to rot, leaving the stumps for them to sit in.

Watching them jump over logs and come to a complete stop as their eye caught a glimpse of a funky fungus or an interesting rock or tree formation was so exciting.

If you have the chance to get out this winter with kids, please do so. You’ll remember why you enjoy winter and all the magic that it has to offer.

Other memories stick out for me, as well, such as my first trip up Little Jackson with Sandra Frisbie on a beautiful day when we could see as far as our eyes would let us during the peak of foliage season. My gosh, what a precious memory to have.

Standing on the top of that mountain, looking out over the landscape, feeling that cool autumn breeze in contrast to the warm sun, it was a Heaven on earth moment. I’m so grateful for that time.

On another day, I was so excited my friend Sheila and I were going to share the view from the Bigelow range with Laurie Boivin and Jennie-Mae. We had planned a couple weeks in advance of when we were going to make the 13-mile hike.
Well, mother nature had other ideas, she thought it better for us to contend with 50 mile an hour winds, sleet and rain at the top. Talk about an interesting walk across Avery and West peaks.

But, again, this was another amazing day spent with wonderful friends. It doesn’t matter what the weather brings, there’s always something to laugh about and enjoy while we’re on the trail.

And, how can I not mention the stunning day in September when I had the opportunity to share the Hunt Trail on Katahdin with my friend Sheila, Jennie-Mae and Carrie. Oh my gosh, what a day!

Not only did we have a beautiful hike up, but it was a true test of grit and determination for Carrie. I was so proud to see her climbing up over the boulders and conquering her fears. It was a work of art with each of us encouraging one another and helping one another over the tough parts.
I truly enjoy my time with all my friends and I’m so happy to be connecting with more adventurous women.
To see these three ladies at the summit that day was priceless. Sheila was drooling over Knife Edge and already making plans to go back next year. Jennie-Mae and Carrie were just lost in the moment. After all, it was their tallest mountain yet and we did it in just a little more than four hours.

Earlier this fall, I had the great pleasure of hiking with my husband for the first time since he had hip replacement and we brought our friends, Randall and Cherry Smith along. What a great time we had on Bald Mountain.
The excitement in Cherry’s face as she found various elements of nature to photograph or when my dogs decided to give her kisses. We enjoyed our walk. It was a great day to just take our time, enjoy the view and the company.
Whatever your passion, wherever your adventures lead you in 2015, I pray your eyes are wide open to see the magic in what surrounds you. I pray that you ask a few children to tag along and see the adventure through their eyes. I pray for your safety and wellbeing.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and may all your wanderings be memorable.
If you have a story you would like to share with CC’s Outdoor Journal, please email ccrockett@rumfordfallstimes.com.

 

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