Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Our Hiking Hobby


Back in March, husband and I joined a gym.  This gym was supposed to open on April 15th.  Today, the gym is still not open, but we (in our infinite wisdom) signed a contract.  Lesson here, don't EVER join a gym that has yet to open.  Getting out of the contract is expensive.  If I can save one of you from this (crappy) experience today, I feel like this post served a purpose.

Luckily, living in California there are a lot of open spaces set aside for people who adore being outdoors with nature.  The exercise that comes along with it is a bonus.  We live near some magnificent hiking spaces and decided to do a little exploring while the temperature was cool in the evenings.

Mountain lions are real....and they are on the trail. 

The first part of each hike is ALL uphill.  My calves die several times a minute.

Hiking above a local housing development.
  
Husband looking out over a ridge.


It doesn't rain in Northern California during the summer.  Everything turns brown.

I believe this is some kind of old water tower.  

You can see how strong the wind is on this side of the mountain by the way the grass sways.
  
Looking out over a local road.  Everything looks so tiny. 


I look a little crazy, but this was my self-portrait attempt. Leaving the water tower.

I can see for miles and mile and miles.
  
A lonely tree.

All is well with the world.
  

28 comments:

Martina // Spunkyrella said...

Great pics girl! I love hiking from time to time.

concerning the gym i would threaten to sue them because they told you the gym will be opened by April and that´s not true - so I am sure there´s a possibility to get out of the contract with no extra cost!

Vision By Mila said...

fight back a lion! oops! :D

colleen said...

these pictures are beautiful!

Magdalena said...

I love these pictures! It must be great to escape the city and enjoy the nature!! Is much better than going to the gym!

xoxoxo

Unknown said...

You're so lucky to be surrounded by so much amazing scenery! Pfft, who needs the gym.

Fashion-Bridge said...

Oh wow! amazing photos (and it seems that the hobby is also pretty fantastic!:) the nature there is so beautiful...

Xx

Alexandra

www.fashion-bridge.blogspot.com

rooth said...

Those are beautiful photos and look like quite a hike. California is perfect for outdoor activities all year round - that's one thing I really like about it

Ginny said...

amazing pics! and it looks like way more fun than going to the gym! :-)

Erica said...

I love hiking! It looks so different in CA. There are no trees! Here, there are trees everywhere. A friend from CA once told me that having so many trees around makes her claustraphobic, but to me walking around where there are no trees makes me feel overexposed. LOL, to each her own.

Style-Delights said...

wow..such a pretty hike! I love gym classes, but hate the contracts!! Hope you are having a wonderful day!
-Jyoti
Style-Delights Blog
Style-Delights on Bloglovin

A Very Sweet Blog said...

Erin, that gym is horrible!!! Can you report them to the Better Business Bureau at least. At least they will have a complaint against them. What a great walking trail! It's great to see couples support each other when it comes to exercising. Omg'd the mountain lion sign. HaHaHa I didn't know to do some of those things. Very interesting. Have a great day my friend!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Jessica said...

ah man that is such a bummer, but looks like you made the most of it!! i love hiking, just getting outside in the fresh air ahhh :D

-Jessica
http://runninginsideus.blogspot.com

Elisa @ Crazy, Amazing Life said...

I love the last photo! I so miss hiking in California – it's too damn green and humid here, and not warm enough :-(

Stephanie said...

how beautiful! where's that trail?

Tina L. Hook said...

The hubs and I love hiking too. It's such a great way to exercise and get in some mental health time too.

Beautiful pics.

Beauty Follower said...

Great pictures!

About Last Weekend said...

Really majestic inspiring pics! Yes, there have been sightings here in the East Bay too!

Emmylou said...

Sorry to hear about the guy experience, Erin. I used to work in one as a receptionist, and those contracts are killers!
Love all these shots too:) Makes all that exercise worth it!

Oh to Be a Muse said...

I think this might have been exactly where I went hiking the other day. I hope you brought bug spray because ticks are out this season, apparently.

So sorry about your gym experience...it doesn't seem like they should be able to get away with that...it's extortion!

Anonymous said...

erin, these photos are beautiful, makes me miss the bay area! where are these taken??
xoxo

honey my heart said...

hiking is one of my favorite options for working out. especially because CA is just so beautiful and has such great places to explore. your hikes look like a good time.

Kim said...

I love hiking in California! There are so many great spots and the weather is perfect nearly anytime of year. I've gone on some great hikes in December and August alike. Love your photos :)

Antonella C’est Moi said...

Wow..i love hiking in.california...beautiful photos!!!

Thelma Frayne said...

I love the pic of you with the trail in the background- very arty!

Nail Dazzler Nails said...

Great pictures :0)

Chocolate Cookies & Candies said...

The photos are absolutely spectacular. Took my breath away. Boy, this beats a workout in front of the TV or killing myself at the gym any day.

aki! said...

My boyfriend and I have started hiking too! Although our scenery is so different. I think I'm inspired to do a similar post!

Allison said...

These are some gorgeous photos!!
:)
Allison

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Hi, I'm Erin. I am living back on the east coast after 15 years out west. Currently readjusting to humidity and mosquitos. I love to take pictures and read fashion magazines.... and to talk about nothing in particular (ok, and my dogs).

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