Something New

This weekend I said yes to trying something I had never done before.
In 2010, I had made a decision to live the life I wanted. When I was on my own again in 2011 I made sure that I was living life to the fullest. I tried new things. I didn't say no when I was asked to do something I had never done before. I had an opportunity for new experiences and didn't want them to pass me by. I signed up for a personal trainer, I ran a mountain race, I attempted water skiing, I went to a concert by myself, I trained for a marathon, I ran trails in the woods and I had my own apartment. I have worked to keep this a theme over the last few years. This weekend was another new opportunity. After I said yes, I wasn't sure I had made the right decision.
I was asked to go camping. I had never gone camping before. I have never slept in a sleeping bag, in a tent, in the middle of the woods, on a mountain, where you cook your own food at the campsite. (Camp Aldersgate does not count) When I was asked I said 'sure!'. Then I started thinking about it. And I wasn't so sure anymore. My husband thought I really didn't want to go and said we could just change our minds. But I didn't have a good reason to not go. I was scared...I think that's all it really was. I wasn't planning the trip. I didn't know where we were going. We don't own any camping gear. I didn't know what to pack or what time bring with me. But I didn't have a good reason to not go.
The group I was going with has done this many times. They knew what to bring (they sent me a list). They had extra sleeping bags and the tent was big enough for everyone (I didn't need to buy anything new).

They've been to the area before and knew what fun things to do.
I voiced my concerns to a couple of my friends...and confirmed that I really didn't have a reason to not go. All I had to do was pack a bag, buy some snacks, bring my smile and drive to VT...that I could do :)
The weekend was amazing! We visited Shelburne Farms, and Magic Hat Brewery.

We watched the sunset from the rocks on Mt Philo.

We had chili and smores by the campfire under the starlit sky, We were chased by a skunk on the way to the bathroom. We slept in a sleeping bag, in a tent, and woke when the sun was bright in the sky. We went to a chocolate factory and Ben & Jerry's.

I woke this morning ready to see some of the mountain...so I laced on my sneakers and was ready to go for a quick hike. No one else was really interested, so I went on my own. We had all hiked the evening before, to see the sunset. There is something peaceful about hitting the trails by yourself. Listening to the sounds of the world as it wakes up. The birds jumping along the trails looking for breakfast, the squirrels yelling from the trees as they gather their food. The other hikers you meet that say good morning back.

During the hike this morning I thought about all the fun and interesting things I have done since 2011. I am thankful that I have had these opportunities...and I am thankful that I have friends and family that encourage and support me with all of these opportunities.
I am very glad I said yes to camping. It was an amazing couple of days. The weather was beautiful, the company was awesome, the experience was amazing. I look forward to going camping again in the future. And I look forward to saying yes to new experiences :)