While I was at the gym last Friday, I thought I would check my body fat level again to see how I was progressing since starting my exercise routine. About a month ago, I was at 16.4 percent. I found out that number wasn’t too shabby for someone that didn’t exercise much or have a special diet. Friday, after measuring three times to be certain – I’m down to 11.3! That’s over a five percent reduction. It’s exciting to see results so I’m encouraged that I’m heading in a good direction to take better care of myself. Lesa also joined the gym I go to so now I’ve got all sorts of workout partners to meet up with making it all the more enjoyable.

I spent Saturday hiking around Bankhead Forest with some friends trying to locate a few waterfalls. I’ve only been out there once or twice before and only saw the easy stuff – things near a road and just a short stroll away. I was in for a nasty surprise as the hike turned into something quite physically challenging. It was tougher than I was expecting even if I hadn’t been carrying a pack with my camera gear in it so you can imagine how much tougher it is with one that also has a tripod sticking out the top catching every vine and low-hanging branch. There were no trails here, just GPS coordinates and THICK underbrush. Because of the winter, most of it was dry – I can only imagine what it would be like in the summer when everything is lush with vegetation. Thorns and briers were everywhere. My hands are all scratched up. I’ll tell you what, I’m glad I dressed correctly or this could have been much worse. Thick pants, good socks and waterproof hiking boots coupled with a waterproof jacket helped keep me warm and dry even when stepping on slippery rocks crossing streams. A walking stick proved an invaluable tool and helped tremendously when footing was a little unsure – which happened a LOT. It’s hell on your knees and ankles. Your ankles take a beating when you’re walking across, not UP, a steep incline. My boots helped out there and I never came close to twisting anything but I would have without their support. Next time I go out there, I’m changing up what I’m bringing with me though to save weight. I *have* to get a lighter tripod for when I have to carry it a long way. The one I have, a Manfrotto 3021B-PRO is aluminum and has a small ball head on it but it still is quite heavy – not a bad thing since you want it to be stable. What I would want for next time is probably going to be a carbon fiber model. The CF will be nice too in the fact that it doesn’t get as hot or cold as the metal tripods do. To save more weight, I have a better idea of what I need to being along camera-wise. Typically, I like to have things in case I need them, but in this situation, lighter is better for sure.

I have to bring more water though. I drank one bottle on the way to the forest then drank both bottles I carried with me. Luckily, Owen had an extra bottle of Propel that he gave me and that got me through the last leg of our hike.

I ended up getting a few shots that might turn out well. I haven’t had a chance to really take a good look at them yet. I did take some snapshots with my pocket camera though. I’ve got a couple below.