I graced the summit of Hawksbill Mountain

This past weekend had weather that was absolutely second to none, Nyk and Sandy had been itching for a hike, Mary was visiting from Minneapolis and likes the outdoors, so off we went!

I was wedged behind Sandy in the back of his Audi A4, which boasts the world's tiniest backseat. I was still able to lounge back there and mouth breathe and drool the whole trip out to the Shendandoahs and back, thanks to the three hours of sleep I had the night before. Things got a little dizzy on the curving roads up the mountain (Dad, you would LOVE them on your motorcycle, there were tons of bikers on the road), which resulted in some mild projectile vomiting by one of the parties, but it remained outside the vehicle, so all was well and we continued on our way.

We hiked up Hawksbill Mountain first and ate our picnic lunch at the top, which was wholely lovely in every way: sunny, crisp, and a cute little hiking dog for dessert.

Feeling quite proud of our progress.

She was delish.

The hike back down this hill was actually more intense because it was so steep. My poor right knee was feeling it, and I felt really pathetic and out of shape complaining about it as we met at least five 80-year-old women trotting up the steep incline. Oh well.

Next up was Nyk's pick, Bearfence Mountian, which promised rock scrambling. That'll make ya feel like quite the nimble little hiker, let me tell you. You get to haul your body up and over huge boulders and calculate your best footholds and stuff. It's totally neat, and there are no safety fences or release forms or bossy park employees. You can hike wherever you feel like it, and hurl yourself off a rock whenever the whim strikes you. I like that freedom, I'm sick of everyone trying to save me from myself. But, I digress.

Mary trying to save me from myself. Sandy telling her to just release me, everyone's got to go sometime.

Back down Bearfence we went, after a short rest at the top. It was quite peaceful up there in theory, but in practice it was full of hikers bebopping around and shouting at each other in southern accents, which took away from the zen. But it's OK. Again, beautiful view.

Said view, made more peaceful by the lack of the soundtrack available in the live version.

On our way home we stopped by Missy's farm right outside Little Washington, VA (as opposed to Big Washington, DC) and helped her and Bruce load hay bales into their barn loft and petted the horses.

Later on that evening, Mary and I felt the need to put on some Moroccan loungewear.

Yes, I know this photo didn't have much of a segue. However, due to the level of cuteness we are exuding, I think I can be forgiven.