I’m not sure I really knew how much I loved outdoor activities until I came to Florida. I mean, my favorite family memories were always from camping, whitewater rafting and such with the family. I just never thought about it much.
But when I moved to Florida, it became much more obvious. When I didn’t know many people and needed an outlet outside of work, I found myself researching state parks and local outdoor activities. Throw in an athletic boyfriend I enjoy trying to keep up with, and you might understand the life I lead now. From rock climbing indoors and outdoors (more trips around the southeast are in the works for this spring) to hiking and the too-rare bike trip, I have so much fun. And it was only natural for the next step to be for me to make my first big adult splurge on something I’ve always wanted.
I bought a kayak! A mango-colored Tarpon 120 from Wilderness Systems (pictured here). I had been thinking about it since I moved to Florida last May, but storing it in my apartment seemed impractical and a large purchase seemed a little too reckless for my so-recently-graduated mind.
Since Curtis has been gracious enough to allow me to store the kayak in his garage even before I move in with him in a few months, I finally ran out of excuses, and we went to this great adventure store in Gainesville called Brasington’s. We picked up the kayak and the accessories I would need for paddling, being safe and transporting the boat.
I’m excited to take it out for the first time this weekend with my friend JPS, whom I inspired to buy his dreamboat as well. I also have a guidebook so I can find all the best lakes, rivers and coastal areas for kayaking in the state. I’m sure I’ll make some day-trips by myself in the coming weeks and allow myself to fully relax and explore on my own.
Unfortunately some of these activities have taken their toll on my body. I’m currently dealing with a foot injury that makes things very difficult, but I have a great podiatrist who is committed to helping me continue climbing and everything else.
I guess getting to do all these kinds of things and working to take care of myself (and Curtis) makes me feel a bit more like an adult. It’s a weird feeling since most of the time I still feel like I’m a kid with a credit card. I mean, my plans for the year include skydiving in March, getting out to a shooting range to try shooting a gun (don’t worry, just for fun), going to an old-school drive-in movie theater and more. I’m also still hoping to make it to New Orleans and D.C. this spring/summer, but that’s a bit harder to organize.
Anyway, I guess that’s a peak into my life at the moment. I’m sure there will be more to read about later on.
