Reid State Park

It's September 2020 and we've already had enough of this pandemic.  Taking a bit of a risk, a few friends and I ventured out to explore another State park to further our quest of visiting all the State Parks in Maine.  This pandemic can't last much longer, right?  Well, surprise, surprise, here I am almost a year later and just when we thought the world was moving towards "normal," cases are spiking again.  One thing that has kept me going over the past year is visiting Maine's beautiful landscapes and soaking in as much nature as possible.  

I can't really explain why I'm only posting this a year later, but here I am, about four posts behind and determined to get caught up.  Let's say it's a pandemic thing because I'm not really sure how else to explain it, but I'm back.  If you actually read these posts, I'd love to hear from you.  Have I inspired you to add to your own bucket list exploring nature?  Do you want to hike with us?  Talk to me.

Reid State Park, what can I remember?  Well, we visited the beach, one of my happy places and also Maine's first State owned saltwater beach donated by Georgetown resident, Walter E. Reid in 1946.  There was no hiking involved other than up and down the edge of the water, checking out the interesting sculptures and staying 6 feet apart from the other brave souls out for some fresh air and sunshine.  If I recall, Martha took a long nap on the sand while Susie and I slowly meandered, sun bearing down and the breeze blowing gently.  Who could ask for a more beautiful day in southern Maine? 

Located in Georgetown, Maine

Yikes!  

Aroostook State Park

Finally able to get out in the great outdoors and continue my mission to visit all the State parks in Maine. Although I've been here before, it's always a pleasure to return and hike the 1217 feet to the summit.    Hiking Maine's oldest State park with my friend, Dawn on a beautiful Maine summer day was a treat.  If you wonder what's up in "The County," this is one of our treasures.  Great camping,  lots of trails, a shady picnic area and a serene lake to boat and swim. 

We hiked up the South Peak trail with its steep climbing, crossed over to North Peak and descended.  We followed the recommendation to ascend the South Peak due to its steep section not for the faint of heart, or young children, in my opinion.  The pictures below don't do the the difficulty justice.  Maybe I'm not as brave as I used to be, feeling a bit jittery going over the rocks, but glad I came, climbed, and later sat by the lake for a midmorning snack.

If you're looking for adventure in Aroostook County, this is a great place to enjoy the beauty of nature in all seasons.

Let's Talk Sidewalk Etiquette

What a beautiful day to go for a walk or run.  #C25K.  As the weather gets nicer here in Northern Maine we will see more people using the sidewalks.  I saw more people today than I have yet this spring.  I'm all about getting out and getting exercise and fresh air, but we need to stay safe.

This is my proposal:  when you see someone coming towards you on the sidewalk we must abide by the social distancing guidelines to stay 6 feet apart.  Some of these sidewalks are pretty narrow and almost impossible to spread out that far so someone has to jump off to the road briefly.  I never mind moving but don't always feel safe running with traffic.  #donttextanddrive So, if you're walking with traffic, take the responsibility, please, to be the one to make room for the other person. It only makes sense to me.  You should always walk toward traffic if you're on the road.  However,  if you're pushing a stroller, wheelchair, or just walking with kids, I'm moving for you no matter what direction I'm headed, just so you know.

Now I know it's not always safe to run or walk on the side of the road,  I've been to South Florida.  But do the best you can.  We all need to stay safe and do our part for ourselves and each other.  Abide by the guidelines and #bedkindtooneanother

Who's in?

Singing While Running Is Not An Option

I'm writing this as soon as I returned from my #C25K walk/run as the feelings are fresh, the best time to write for me.  It was a particularly hard day running today. After two days off, getting back out there was tough.  Usually, I'm singing along during the walking phases, knowing no one can hear me, but today it wasn't happening. Instead, I took the opportunity to focus on my breathing, in and out, in and out. Sometimes that's all we can do is breathe.

The good news is, I completed the level, although exhausted, and I'm still standing (hope). I am determined to keep going and maybe by fall will be able to cross a 5K off my bucket list (hope).
I've really never been a runner but once upon a time I did engage in every possible sport possible, so there it is (hope).

Instead of making my own kind of music today, I breathed.  You don't have to start running but find a way to make your own kind of music (and enjoy a song from my playlist in the attached video). Remember, there's always hope, so hang in there.

Stay Inside But Go Outside

     It can be a little daunting to know just what to do during these times of COVID-19, but for your own mental health, GO OUTSIDE!  Today was a perfect day to go for a walk/run #C25K, around the "neighborhood" and that's just what I did. Fresh air, sunshine and physical activity are what a lot of us need right now to maintain our physical and mental health.  It takes everything I have some days to get my act together and move (definitely a difficult road),  but I know I will feel so much better later.  We've got this!  Find your running shoes, put them on and go for a walk. Listen to music, it truly does help uplift your mood and give you energy to keep going.  
    I've also noticed that although there aren't many people out walking, when I do meet someone on my walk, we totally abide by the 6 foot rule with one of us moving off the sidewalk, but always make a connection with a wave or a smile.  We need connection and although it's brief, it's nice to see another human being and have a human interaction.   

    Can't say it enough.  When you're feeling like you can't take it anymore, force that physical activity and just breathe.  Oh, and if that's not working, don't be afraid to ask for help.  It's okay, and I'm here for you. 

#caminobufffiveyearslater

#caminobuff2015

Socially Distanced Walking

Today the weather in Houlton, Maine rose to a balmy 40 degrees.  I couldn't resist, after being cooped up for two days (is that all it's been?), going outside and walking around town.  I headed down to Riverfront Park, or Riverside Park as I apparently call it in my video, to check out the melting.  The trail is still snow-covered but it would probably be great if I'd had my snowshoes.  As I strolled along Main Street I snapped a few photos of some of the businesses doing their part in flattening the curve.  Thank you for your efforts!

This is a difficult time for all of us and my main goal is to stay focused on what is positive in life.  I may not be able to go to school and earn a living but I am getting more much-needed rest to heal from what has been a difficult health road over the winter.  The title of this blog, Difficult Roads Lead to Beautiful Places, has certainly been a reminder to me that life is tough sometimes, but working through those tough times with a positive outlook truly does lead to a beautiful place even if it's only the change in temperature, much needed rest or the ability to go for a walk and breathe in the fresh air of northern Maine.

Hang in there everybody.  This is truly a difficult road but I believe in some way, we are going to be in a beautiful place at the end.  I'll be back soon with a post of my next State park visit.  I can just feel it.

#houltonmaine #hiketheworld #Maine #hikeforlife #difficultroadsleadtobeautifulplaces #hikeforhealth  #mainetourism  #discovermaine #onlyinmaine #maineoutdoors #mindfulness #thewaylifeshouldbe #beautyinnature  #healthyliving #practicewhatyoupreach #womensadventure #riverfrontpark #gatewaycrossingbridge #traillove #spring #coronavirussuckssostaypositive

Windy and feeling like spring!

To all the businesses doing your part, "Thank you!"

Still a bit slow-moving

God Bless America

Still icy on the other side

I'll be back when you re-open even if we have to sit 6 feet apart!

Pay no attention to that person in the window. She's an amateur.

Riverfront Park - Fall Edition

Fall, it's my favorite season of all.  I couldn't let another hike through my hometown Riverfront Park go by without viewing  this beautiful scenery.  It was a crisp day with perfect temperatures to enjoy the colorful leaves and inviting smells of nature in autumn.  We are so fortunate to have this park and hiking trail in our own backyard.  If you're visiting Houlton, Maine, check it out.

#houltonmaine #hiketheworld #Maine #hikeforlife #difficultroadsleadtobeautifulplaces #hikeforhealth  #mainetourism  #discovermaine #onlyinmaine #maineoutdoors #mindfulness #thewaylifeshouldbe #beautyinnature  #healthyliving #practicewhatyoupreach #womensadventure #riverfrontpark #gatewaycrossingbridge #traillove #myfavoriteseason #autumninmaine