Camping... Almost!

Before I get to the camping story, last Sunday, Josh and I climbed a hill at Thunderbird Preserve which is about 5 minutes from our house. The big accomplishment of the day?...Making it up the hill without having to stop to catch our breath. For the last week or so, we've started taking 30 minute walk/jogs in the morning (our loop is about 2 miles long). We plan to increase the speed/distance over time. Anyway, the pictures below are of the view from the top of the hill. Love the Valley.

We've also been eating some of our dinners outside this week because the weather's cooled off. We turn the fountain on and listen to the water fall as we eat...it's so nice!

So, camping. Josh and I have been talking about camping for awhile. Yesterday, we finally got around to it. After loading up the car and stopping by Walmart for some supplies (propane, pancake mix, hot dogs, snacks), we were off. Well, we tried to be off. Seriously, who knew that two college educated people WITH A MAP no less, could take over an hour trying to get out of the city...what a couple of goofballs.

Anyway, we did eventually make it over to Interstate 17 going north toward Flagstaff. It was so cool to see the landscape change and the temperature decrease as we headed north and into higher elevation. About 2 hours into drive, we reached the Coconino National Forest and drove down a dirt road until we found an excellent pull off in which to camp...heck, there was already a HUGE fire pit already constructed and a great flat area to pitch the tent.

Josh and I set up the tent, gathered firewood, and built the fire. Next, we cooked our hot dogs, drank some beers and ate our snacks. We sat around the fire after eating as the sun set. It was getting chilly, so I put on all the clothes I'd brought: jeans, sweatpants, tank top, long sleeve shirt, hoodie sweater, zip up fleece, jacket, coat, hat, and gloves. Still kinda cold.

Josh and I decided we didn't need to try to impress anyone by sleeping out in the woods in the near freezing temps (it was 36 degrees when we left the campsite at 7:30). Besides, we'd done the main things we'd wanted to: having a campfire and roasting hot dogs.

It was the best decision. We had a good time and then we were able to take a hot shower and sleep in our warm bed...doesn't get better than that.

Today, we went to church, went out for lunch at the Texas Roadhouse, and went shopping at Walmart where we bought some hibiscus flowers for our back porch. We also bought a small tree for our front porch because the original tree was broken in a strong wind storm a few weeks ago.

I'm looking forward to my mom's visit in three weeks and trying to decide if I want to try to teach middle school science as an alternative pathway teacher since no one wants/needs social studies teachers. I'm not really feeling the science route, however, after two years of that, I'd be certified and could try to teach social studies. I guess if one feels absolutely no motivation/interest to do something, they probably shouldn't pursue it, huh?!?