Waking up from hibernation...

I feel the need to apologize for the extended sojourn Microbear has taken; I just don't feel like it's worth posting without having gone on an adventure to report on, and winter weather paired with drama has made it slightly dangerous and uncomfortable! I refuse to be the sort of blogger that posts about any ol' thing that happens on a day to day basis. I respect that this particular blog I have started had a goal, and I intend to keep the focus. Thank you so much for all of your patience!

My Dad and I are finally going on an overnight backpacking adventure! We don't know quite where to, but this month is scheduled! The sun is nearing our gentle earth again, and as it warms our beautiful southern trees into bloom, I am gearing up for a season spent outdoors in my garden and the mountains! I can't wait to share it all!

Formerly, Friday: Lake Conestee

This week's Formerly Friday post is certainly a former moment; early in 2010 my husband and I bought our first house prior to the wedding. We were beaming with excitement, but also overwhelmed. Combining two personalities worth of household items is never easy, and we had started to feel too caught up in the logistics of the move. A family day with Bruno and Dixie was desperately needed! How about a walk at the park?

Lake Conestee Nature Park is a secluded wetlands habitat along three miles of the Reedy River in the Donaldson area of Greenville. It's a simple set up; an exceptionally easy trail winds its way along, easily accessible from Mauldin Road or Henderson Avenue. The trail is a wooded boardwalk in some spots. This leisurely walk won't have you worried about tripping or having to bushwhack!

Like I said, the boardwalk makes for a very comfortable, easy going day. In April, the green was still attempting to burst through. It's such versatile wilderness, and it's mesmerizing how close to the downtown area you are!

The dogs enjoyed the exercise, and we enjoyed the ease of the day! Conestee is a simple morning out, one I recommend to all Greenville area folk.

Apologies for this wilderness walkabout not being very... wilderness! As the Holidays approach, I was just reminded of a special day with my husband and dogs. We're very lucky to have each other! I hope everyone's Thanksgiving is special, if you celebrate it; and if not, I hope that the month of November wraps up smoothly for you!

Starting Point: Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area

I consider the trails of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area in Greenville County, SC to be like the agility courses in boot camp. It's a wake up call that my soul sometimes needs.

I work a forty hour week (of course!), am newly married, and in the first year of being a home owner. As of course all of us can feel every now and again, I just need to feel like there is something I can conquer. No matter the loss of balance, the stumbles, loss of breathe, I leave the trail feeling like I've done something important. If I can make it back to the car, I feel pretty groovy!

"Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory." -- Ed Viesturs (No Shortcuts to the Top: Climbing the World's 14 Highest Peaks)

Two of the best hikes I've ever been a part of have been in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, and I hope to share a little of those experiences in further detail in the future, mishaps and embarrassments included! I take a ton of photographs while I'm hiking, so I can better document these adventures.

This next weekend will most likely be taking me back to the Bridge Wilderness, for Falls Creek Falls. The plan is to take Trail #31, then see if my husband feels up to #4 to also see Rainbow Falls, as we'll be in the area! It's also possible that my pack should arrive this week... and in that case, I will be posting a photo of it! Beyond that, I need to get back to work on reading a library book due back next week!

Thanks for stopping by, and if any one has any trail recommendations for the Upstate area of SC, please feel free to share them!