I'm going to go and walk around in the beach neighbourhood today, do some shopping, and get lunch. It's where I work but I never get to see/do anything there as I have 3-4 dogs with me! There's a good branch of the library there too, next to a big park, and I'm going to spend some time there as well.

Dagmar

Enjoy your wanders today, Dagmar!

I love retirement too It's funny how when I was still working but getting close to retirement, I thought I'd want to continue working part-time or something. But now I can't even imagine having a job. My days are chock full of things I always wanted to do but never had the time. It's even a pleasure to clean the house.

I want to clarify about my backpacking safety. I left DH a map of my route, and when I got a backcountry permit, the park ranger wrote down the locations I planned to camp each night. My Inreach device is a PLB (personal locator beacon) with an SOS button for emergencies. I also use it to send DH a nightly "All Okay" message, which also allows him to see my exact location on a map. He has the number to call the park ranger if he thinks I am in trouble. It was ten years ago this month that I got stuck on a mountaintop overnight while day hiking with a friend, and at that time had no way to send a call for help. Long story short, a cloud enveloped us and made it difficult to find our way back down the mountain. We got on the wrong side of a ridge and "cliffed out", meaning we couldn't find a safe way down. By the time the cloud lifted, it was too dark to safely climb back up, so we bivied on a little ledge at 12,000 feet.. We called it Motel Zero. DH called the rangers around 11 pm when I hadn't come home and they mounted a search for us in the morning. We were fine and by the time the rangers arrived we had found a way up and were back on the trail. This episode caused me to buy a personal locator device. On this recent trip, my last night of camping was at the lakes below Motel Zero, with a plain view of the cliffs we spent the night on. Can't believe it's been ten years.

Alice - love that you have the safety devices. And that you were safe ten years ago. <3

Howlin'! Good work 10 years ago! Gosh, on a cliff like that, and in the clouds... Glad things turned out well both times! You are a hero!

Love your Motel Zero story, HowlinAtTheMoon - what a great reminder that we can't control the environment where we're hiking.

well done you, Alice! I've never done a multi-day solo yet, but it's definitely on the agenda.
And I've just finished work for the week and head off to Italy to do a 13 day trek in the Dolomites with 3 other girls on Sunday. Approx 13 days anyway, we'll just see what the weather's like and play each day by ear. It's the AV2 route which hopefully will let us see it in it's full sunny glory...… can't wait!!!

Sounds amazing! Enjoy yourselves and I wish lots of for you!

Dagmar

I'm looking forward to seeing the dogs but not to be driving during garbage pick up day. First day back at work after such a long holiday will be a bit of a challenge. At least there will be nice weather!

Dagmar

I'm giving myself another 2 days before recording my September weight. I did walk a lot and work out during vacation but I also ate quite a few desserts and off plan meals. We'll see on Friday. :

Dagmar

I look forward to your report, Dagmar!

We are having "hurricane weather." No, not the actual hurricane! Instead, clouds that drift by at medium speed, fitful winds that gust strongly sometimes, and humidity. Oh, the humidity. it's normally humid here in the summer, but this is another notch upward. And one just generally feels out of sorts.

Yeah, it's great when you can relax a little bit with weed, but I hate that annoying smells, that's why I prefer cbd oil.

I'm finding the oil does nothing for me re sleep or relaxation so I'm back to smoking one night a week for "recreation". I haven't tried the stuff I grew this summer yet - it's still curing - but I think it will provide a nice bit of relaxation. Kinda like having one beer but without the desire to have several more.

Dagmar

Dorian passed you by JayEll? Glad to hear that!

I hope things are OK where you are Shannon.

Dagmar

Dagmar - I'm far enough inland that I'm not seeing anything from it. Some friends on the coast in NC are expecting some rough weather, though...