Jacquelyn's Space: Long Hike

Oh - my - goodness! I went on a long hike today! Over 7 miles! My Aunts and Uncles (Dad's siblings, my dad has 2 sisters and 4 brothers) had been talking about going on a hike at the Pinckney Recreation Area (in MI). It is not too far from where I live - kind of half way between where my parents and I live and the rest of my family lives (Detroit area). So today was determined to be the day. We got up at about 5:30 am so we could meet up with everybody at the Recreation area around 7am. We get there and the park is closed - we have to wait an hour to get hiking! hahaha, I guess that is the Polish coming out in my family.

My Aunts and Uncles and Dad are all so silly! I love them to death. They are fun people. On the hike was me, my husband, my stepson, my Dad, and 2 of my Dad's brothers and 2 of my Dad's sisters - none of their families could make it. Originally we were only supposed to hike a little over 5 miles. My Dad kept asking me if I could do it. Of course I can hike 5 miles! But then they decided to add another trail, so it ended up being 7 miles (maybe a little more). I brought up the rear - I like to walk slow and take in nature and also take pics. I am very out of shape too. My Uncles kept asking me if I was OK, how was I feeling... I kept telling them I am fine - I am fat, out of shape, and slow, but I can do this! Hahaha They all walk too fast and talk about a mile a minute too. My stepson led the hikers - he is a tall, skinny thing. I am jealous of him.

It was a good hike. Fun was had by all. I made it, although I was getting ready to quit the last mile. We want to do it more often. I guess I will have to start training.My Uncle Timmy said that next time he wants me to lead the hikers. LOL Actually, they are talking about doing the 17 mile hike that is in that park. It is supposed to take 2 days but they want to try to do it in one! I laughed at that one. Uncle Timmy said we might have to run in places and Aunt Connie said we couldn't stop to smell the roses. I don't know about that one. I like to hike, but for me it is more about being in nature and taking pics then the walking/exercise. I will have to see what happens.

My husband read my blog and he said I had to ammend it to tell you all how evil the bugs were. They were really bad. There were huge horseflies, yucky deerflies and mosquitos, of course. You had to keep moving or a million would swarm on you. I even had some flies try to fly in my mouth. I don't know how the others could talk so much! The back of my husbands neck must have 100 bites. That was the downside of the hike, that and the fact that we couldn't walk the evening after.

Gotta' love nature.