You Know How I Love the Pahhhhk!

Oh Wednesday, what a great day!

I woke up and had nothing to do... then I remembered one of my "Bucket List" items- to see as many/all the national parks in the U.S. I didn't want to drive more than an hour, so I opened my book on national & state parks (of course I have one) and found one about 30 miles from me. Off I went to Jones Gap State Park. What better way to celebrate my dad's birthday (!!) and not being there, than doing something fun and beautiful and adventurous?!

65 degrees and sunny, I made my way there, having mountain views with every windy turn I made. I literally kept saying, "Oh my giosh! Awesome!" Do these people who live here realize how amazing it is? I know I grew up and lived most of my life as a FL/beach girl, but I absolutely love seeing the mountains. Every time feels like a new experience.

I got to the park and I was one of about 8 cars in the lot, along with a school bus. A park ranger came driving by, asking if I needed help. I asked which trail I should take. "Well, if you want to do some climbing, the Rainbow Falls hike will lead you to a waterfall. About 5 miles round-trip, will take you about 3 hours." Sounds great!

I passed said-school-bus-passengers, who were about 25 nine year-olds, jumping around with backpacks and uncombed hair (like myself). Up, up, up, I made my way through to Rainbow Falls, stopping first at a smaller waterfall. This can't be it? The trail went on and so did I. I heard roars of thumping water against rocks, turned a corner and- Wow!

I saw two ladies and a dog real close to the falls and I knew I had to get closer. They kindly snapped a photo of me (proof!) and I stayed around, feeling so thankful and happy and energized to be there. I told him my predicament (locked car, no key).

I took my time getting back and when I was almost to my car, I checked my tiny pocket where I had put my key: empty!

I ran to the Ranger's station. He was a reliable guy-perhaps "Father Of" or "Face Of" the park, since he had been there for "13 years, 4 months and 8 days" by the time of my visit. He said I could re-hike my trail, or call a locksmith. Of course I was thinking of every bad thing- it fell in the water; it was covered in leaves; someone already picked it up...

They called probably 8 different locksmiths to see if they would come to the park... only one did, but when we had to call them back, he couldn't remember which number he chose. "I'm from South Carolina, I'm not that smart," he said.

While I waited the 2 hours to pay $150 and get my car back, I layed outside in the sun on a park bench. I hear a different voice, "Sorry to interrupt your nap, but are you missing a key?" ohmygosh! YES! "It only took a guy in a hat like mine to find it, I guess!" (think: Smokey the Bear-style hat)

I got in my car and happily and dirtily rode away!

Two hours later, about 6 PM, I heard a loud vroooom! outside. I wasn't expecting Mike until 8 or so, but when I heard that sound, I knew it had to be his car! He's back!

First order of business was bringing all his stuff up the three flights of stairs. Next: the grocery store. Mike's method of grocery shopping is going up and down every. single. aisle. Maybe twice. We filled the cart to the brim, got some Pub-subs to-go and sat down at our little dining room table at home. Unpacked and all is well.

Except, there is this giant bag by the TV. I think they are video games but I'm not encouraging him to open it any time soon...

#outside