Second

Well, here we are again.  Currently I'm preparing for a big (to me) backpacking trip on the Foothills Trail in South Carolina with my Brother in Law, Jeff Pomrenke.  The trip is going to be around 70 miles ending at the base of Table Rock.  It's going to be an awesome trip and one that I need to prepare for.  

Today Jeff and I loaded our packs and hiked Elachee's West Lake and East Lake trails.  These two trails make a large loop from the Nature Center to the Aquatic Center.  All in all it clocks in at around 6 miles.  On the Aquatic Center side of the trail there is a small pond (on a map it's called Reservoir 1).  It is a pretty site to take in especially when the ducks are out like they were but what really made it cool was how it was frozen over.  We didn't expect it to be as thick as it was but our stress test (stepping out on the edge) was a success.  I can see how people get in bad situations on ice because we had almost convinced ourselves to go out on it, but didn't.  I believe we are making pretty good progress towards being able to enjoy our trip.

The past week has been a long one. Snow and ice covered and shut down just about everything for the whole week.  We got some awesome sledding in but went a little stir crazy from being disconnected for so long. Tomorrow we get started with another school week.  I know the kids won't be excited to come back but I'm ready to get back in the swing.  West Hall is a great place and primed for even more greatness in the months/years to come. 

As time goes on I think this blog might serve a few different purposes.  The first will be to document the travels and activities I get to be a part of, after that it will serve as a platform to talk about everything. By everything I mean everything that interests me. Thanks for reading.

First

So this is all pretty new to me.  I went back and forth over whether or not to do one of these things.  I mean how narcissistic am I to think people will want to read about the stuff I do?  The rationalization I came to (or tricked myself into) is that doing this will help me become a better writer.  The question now is why does a math and science teacher need to be a good writer?  It's always been something I've wanted to get better at and people say a journal helps.  Since my handwriting is horrible this seemed like a good idea.

The idea behind naming the blog Hall County Outdoors is one from when I was small.  I never understood why when we drove south we crossed the Flowery Branch City Limits sign and when we drove north we passed the Oakwood City Limits sign.  As a grew a little older and learned how to read a map I was confused even further.  My address says Oakwood but we're not in Oakwood I guess I live in Hall County.  Dumb right?  Yeah dumb.

Now that I'm older I am starting to appreciate Hall County more and more.  This place has just about everything you need.  Now this doesn't mean there's nothing outside of Hall County.  I've seen a lot of the U.S. and recently (3 years or so) I've traveled out of the country.  I wish I had started this ten or fifteen years ago when I had the opportunities to travel.  I guess now is as good as anytime to start.  Hope you enjoy it.