Potlucks, Artists, Hiking and Travel to Texas

After settling in a bit in a new place, which happened pretty quickly this time, I was invited to a potluck organized by the host. There are three apartment rentals on the property not including the permanent resident. The first potluck I attended was quite overwhelming. Something about loud and somewhat obnoxious personalities blended (or not so much) together did not go well with my peaceful energy the first time. I made a delicious cornbread casserole and brought blueberry muffins that the previous host made for me (there were so many of them that I froze 5 for future use). People were talking over each other, loud and a bit rude to one another, which was probably an indicator of a bunch of folks knowing each other well enough to be themselves. While I didn't appreciate their cohesiveness (or lack there of) this time, I did come to the second Sunday potluck two weeks later. This time I was determined to enjoy myself. The crowd was thinner and not as robust in energy which suited me just fine. I enjoyed hearing diverse thoughts about current political environment, women's rights and other pretty serious topics.

I also met a few artists one on one in passing. One of the ladies, Catherine Cross Tsintzos, lived next door for a week. Her specialty was creating art using natural colors and fibers. We talked a bit about her journey, and although I never saw the finished products, I admired the tedious process of making art.

My social experience was not limited to just residents. I joined a Meetup group and went to hike Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve Trail. The hike itself was very nice with a creek at the turnaround point and a waterfall, but I even more enjoyed talking with the locals. We had absolutely different political values, yet I was surprised that they did not interfere with our positive intentions and overall joyful hiking experience together. I've met quite a few kind people around here who I would typically not interact with. On the way back as others lagged behind, a more like-minded person from the group joined me to hike back. We had a great discussion about the challenges of finding an open-minded group of people in this area. Indeed, while I liked the area I could not see myself living here permanently.

When I had free time, I explored local trails by myself as well. Logging Road and Triple Creek Loop was certainly not one of my favorites. Spider webs everywhere you go! I grabbed a large stick to wave in front of me to get rid of at least some of them, but it was no use. I was hot and eventually pretty exhausted. The view by the water was nice, but I was feeling "buggy" and could not fully enjoy it.

Another, much shorter one, was Waldrop Stone Falls. The hike itself is almost perfect - easy access to the waterfall through the forest. There was a smoking couple enjoying the views as well, so I briefly stopped at the waterfall and headed back. I don't understand why people are so inconsiderate that they make others engage in their disgusting habit, albeit not directly. 

I hiked this trail again a few weeks later, this time having the trail to myself I was able to truly enjoy the peaceful waterfall.

Some days I tried to combine a bit of hiking with going to the gym. The closest location was almost 30 minutes away, so I had to find reasons to drive there. Incorporating a hike was exactly what motivated me to go.

Nalley Brown Nature Park was one of those place that I would not typically go to, but since it was in the area of the gym, I explored the trail that looped twice in the small community park. While I can't say this was the most memorable hike, I certainly enjoyed being in the forest walking.

And then there were trails like Rainbow Falls Trail and Pinnacle Mountain Trail... The first one offered an amazing close up view of the waterfall after a pretty strenuous hike uphill, while the second one was a bit longer spreading this elevation gain in just over 4 miles one way with a terrific view of the mountains.

Rainbow Falls

Pinnacle Mountain Trail

As my work trip to Texas came up, I figured out my pet sitter situation and headed to the hot hot south of the country. I've driven through Texas, but have never been there on purpose. From Dallas to San Antonio to Austin, my trip was pretty quick, but I got to enjoy the miserable summer heat of Austin by taking a walk in the early morning when the temperatures were just 80 degrees at 6.30 AM. I don't think I would want to live there, but maybe visit from time to time... I don't know... Texas did not impress me at all.