Cheers to another year down!
The past couple years have been a roller coaster ride. There have been many highs and lows and I have grown so much in such a short amount of time. I'm overcome with emotions as I think of how far I've come since graduating college. That transitional period of my life was a pinnacle part of my personal growth. I had to figure out what I really wanted and what would fulfill me the most. My identity as an athlete was lost and I had to step into a new chapter of my life. I had to rediscover who I am and what my passions would become.
When I brought Finley home on January 5th, 2019, I immediately knew that my life was about to change for the better. I had a newfound purpose and realized the immeasurable amount of love I had to give. A few weeks later I started my first "big girl job" post college - and the rest is history.
With Finley I was able to try new things and visit new places. I got the itch to explore more and step out of my comfort zone. I stopped making excuses and started living my life the way I had envisioned. I cut out negative things in my life and started putting my happiness first - something I was never really good at. I still had rough patches along the way and got my feelings hurt, but I was able to change my perspective and move forward even stronger.
Fast forward to today - the last day of 2021. Despite the impact of Covid, I was still able to have an adventure-packed year. I went on my first solo hiking trip for my 25th birthday, I picked up a new winter hobby with XC skiing, I went on many spring hikes with close friends, traveled to California to meet my new nephews, flew to Colorado for a girls trip with my college friends - where we explored new places, then met up with my childhood friends for a wedding in Telluride - filled with some of the most breathtaking views. In the fall I went on a getaway weekend with two close friends and our pups to see the fall foliage in Northern New Hampshire. Lots of laughs, tired legs, and happy pup kisses.
I finished up this year with a family Christmas in California and a winter getaway with my best friend. I'm leaving this year behind with lots of gratitude and excitement for the adventures ahead. There are so many things I want to do and try in this upcoming year. I want to continue pushing my fears aside and follow my spontaneity. I want to jump on the opportunity for new adventures - even if I have to adventure on my own.
... and with that, cheers to my final adventure of 2021!
My quick winter getaway - one night in the coziest Airbnb in Lisbon, NH. This place was just what I needed. It was secluded and set back in the peaceful woods of NH. The biggest perk was the hot tub in the backyard! My friend and I sipped red wine and watched the stars all night as Finley got to roam the snowy property. This place was 10 minutes from all the winter activities we wanted to do - like hiking and Nordic skiing. It was stocked with the essentials and our host had great communication! I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a quick getaway weekend.
We spent a full day XC skiing on local trails and topped off our visit with a 4.5 mile hike - trail linked below! The trails were packed with snow and the tree tops layered in white. It was a perfect day for a winter hike. The sun was shining and the view at the top was picture perfect. The hike started out flat and gradually inclined. We definitely got a workout in but crampons made our life easier. There was the option to extend the hike but we opted to do the shorter out and back. This hike was also Finley approved!
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.5 Miles
Views: Excellent
Dog Friendly: Yes
Overall: 10/10. Would hike again!
Now I'm looking forward to more hikes in 2022. Happy hiking and HAPPY NEW YEAR!