We went back to campsite number 5 in our quiet campground that Chris and I randomly found a few weekends ago. Once again I found myself snuggled in a tent with my love, a s’more (or two) in my belly and smile on my face. It was the end of one of the greatest days I’ve had in awhile.
Earlier in the week I had an inkling to sign up for a running race. I hadn’t done something competitive in a while and thought it could be a good way to start the weekend. I convinced Chris to run with me and two days later on Saturday morning we were huddled with 90 other people waiting at the start line. Five miles and a free t-shirt later, we decided to check the time sheet to see where we placed. Despite telling Chris that he wasn’t allowed to beat me in the race, the timer picked up his race chip before mine while crossing the finish line so he did any way..sigh. The exciting part was, we finished 12th and 13th overall and I was the 5th place female finisher! The race alone was enough to make my weekend great but this was only just the start.
A few hours after the race I was flying a plane-without an engine. Back in April Chris and I signed up for an intro course on flying a glider plane- and I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. After signing my life away and a brief introduction of how to fly I was buckled up in the sailplane and being towed up into the sky (with a very experienced instructor sitting in the seat behind me.) One of the most remarkable things about the experience was how quiet it was- no hum of an engine, only the soft noise of the wind as you coast along in the thermals. It was amazing to actually be able to fly it to and feel the plane adjust to each motion-although I wasn’t so sure at first, I’d definitely do it again.
After the trail race and flying a plane- we couldn’t just call it a day- so off to New Hampshire we went! As usual, burritos and s’mores closed day one of this greatest weekend. The next morning our legs weren’t feeling the 11 mile hike we had planned so we found a 6.5 mile hike nearby. As we approached the summit I was blown away; even though the forecast called for rain, the clouds hung just high enough to allow for an amazing panoramic view. Despite the wind and dropping temperatures, I made sure to take a moment and recognize how happy I was, how grateful and how full of love I was with life, Chris, and this day.
Jacki Carr, founder of Goals on the Rocks, said it best: “To the future unknown. To gratitude. And to being present and open to all that is coming.”
Cheers.
brigittelynn 