Merry Christmas to ME!

I think I'm in love, and we haven't even slept together yet!

   Happy Birthday, too. I broke down & bought my very own combination-present this year: a Marmot down-filled 15 degree sleeping bag. Renee has been SO AWESOME to share all her gear with me, but I'm starting to acquire my own so I can begin some hardcore backpacking!
   Some people have drug addictions, I have a gear addiction. It's one thing I love to research & shop for. And use. (I'm totally hooked on adventure too.)
   I heard this quote on The Amazing Race recently: "To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, To gain all while you give, To roam the roads of lands remote, To travel is to live." — Hans Christian Andersen.
   When I was researching the quote online to see who said it, I came across this great article with different perspectives on the subject of travel. So I thought I'd share, since I'm getting ready for some more...

Snug as a Bug in a...

   Mummybag. And hopefully I won't wake up with the drawstring tight around my neck again... Note to self: no tossing & turning!!! How apropos for Halloween, if my friends had found me strangled to death in my tent on a crisp Saturday morning, being feasted upon by hungry werewolv... err, Shibas.

Dinner and a Campfire

   ...But wait! There's more! After enjoying a gorgeous sunset, I met everyone back at camp for a steak dinner (thanks Scott & Allyson!!!), and then we walked up to the Esbergs' campsite to enjoy drinks & snacks with everyone around the campfire. We laughed and talked for a while, and I found it increasingly difficult to keep my eyes open after such a fun-packed day.

   This time when I went to bed, I threw caution to the wind and left the space heater on all night so that we wouldn't be freezing again. I think the dogs were very grateful—Taylor only tried to escape a couple of times, as it was nice and toasty in our tent.

Not Sure About This...

   Aki: This sleeping bag isn't as comfortable as our beds, and it got COLD last night. Taylor tried to escape the tent a few times. There were funny noises and we couldn't sleep. Then in the morning when we were soooo tired, a blue jay sat above our tent and wouldn't shut up... and besides, what's this crap about sleeping outside on the ground?! What are we, dogs?!!? Not sure about this camping thing, Mom...