Outdoor Adventures

It seems that we have had an unusual number of breathtakingly gorgeous days this summer. (Perhaps this is not the case; it may be that in summers past I have been working too many hours a week to even notice.) Although I have never considered myself to be a great outdoorswoman, I have of late found myself with an insatiable desire to spend time having fun in the sun. Last week, for instance, two of my dearest friends and I decided to celebrate the Summer Solstice with a round of miniature golf. (Real putting-not the kind with windmills or anything!) Although it took us several holes before we overcame the temptation to hit our golf balls squarely into the sandtraps, we were eventually hitting somewhere remotely close to par. Fortunately, we had plenty of time to improve our techniques and line up our shots, as the double-dating group ahead of us seemed to find their horrible shots an irresistible turn-on, and couldn't seem to keep their minds on the game or their hands on their golf clubs. Hopefully we will be positioned behind a less amorous group next time.

After mastering (well, close enough anyway) miniature golf, I decided it was time to dabble in the water sports arena. On Friday afternoon, a few of my best girls and I hit the lake in our rented kayaks. I had always been reticent to try this particular activity, as I do not historically have good luck in watercrafts of any kind. (When my friends and I have gone canoeing in the past, I've been deliberately placed in the middle, where I am not responsible for paddling, steering, balancing, or performing any other necessary function.) However, I surprised myself and managed to avoid capsizing all together! Friday was a fantastic day to be out on the lake, enjoying the company of some of my favorite people, the quiet water, and the warm sunshine. I'm definitely going kayaking again soon!

Today, I was quite literally off to the races! I spent the afternoon outside at Canterbury Park, betting on the horses with either the strangest names or the worst odds. (I like to cheer for the underdog, ok?) I was doing pretty horribly until race number 10 when Miss Blueberry Juice and Sociabull came though for me for the big Exacta win of $9.50! Until that point the only investment that had actually paid off was my ice cream sundae. Although I did not seem to be lucky in picking the big winners, I had a great time, and definitely won the prize for "Most Enthusiastic" when my horses finally did take 1st and 2nd.

Next weekend will be the true test of my newfound identity as outdoors girl, as I am headed up north with 5 fellow CDers to go camping at the base of Spirit Mountain. I have been camping many times before, but usually end up falling in the river, collapsing the tent, or gagging when it is time to wash my dishes in the icky camping water. Perhaps this will be the year that I finally prove my worth as a fellow camper! (Just in case all else fails, I'll bring my guitar and sense of humor so I can at least provide entertainment value!)