Weekend get-aways

"I want to get away, I want to fly away - yeah, yeah, yeah" - Lenny Kravitz

When strapped for vacation time weekend get-aways are the ticket. Sometimes you have to go away and refresh right? I'm in severe need of some refreshment right now. It's one of those times in life (which aren't necessarily bad) where I feel overwhelmed on all levels - with work, fitness, family and friends. Don't get me wrong - 3 of the 4 are good things, but sometimes it's still nice to take a little time away.

The man and I decided we needed a quick fix so we are heading to Columbia, MO July 3rd for a chill mini-weekend. We'll do some single track bike riding when we get there, then go clean up and head to dinner with some friends of his, followed by a performance of the Missouri Symphony Orchastra at the MTCA in Co-MO. We'll probably hit some more trails Saturday before heading home. It may be a little action packed, but it will be getting away and that is what is needed.

We will only be home for a week before he heads out to San Fran to be with his parents (who are having surgery). I'll wait a week, then fly out to meet him for another short get-away. The plans are to stay close to San Fran and the hospital, but to do some day tripping - possibly wineries, Alcatraz, China Town, etc. If they are feeling exceptionally well we may try for a trip to the Redwoods or just hiking somewhere. Regardless we will get to see and do much more than we have available in Carthage, MO and I need the stimulation of new places!!

The following weekend will be another mini-trip - not so much on the relaxation level though. I am doing the Dusk till Dawn Adventure race up around Lawrence, KS. The 'Thirsty Turtletina's' must defend our title! The man will go with me and camp, but the race starts at 9pm (hence the name) and we will hopefully finish around 9am (or before!!) so he won't see much of it. If I feel well we may go by some pals house, shower up and do some exploring before heading home to crash HARD! We shall see though - I may crash hard before I even shower! ;-)

That should round out July!! Who knows what's in store for August & September - they have yet to be planned. October will be Chicago for the marathon, November will be IRELAND, and December will be a trip to New Mexico (first time to meet the man's maternal grandparents). Looking to be a good year!

Going to Ireland

We did it - we've talked about and talked about it, but we finally did it! Purchased tickets to the Emerald Isles. It's not till November, but I'm extremely excited about it.
We have spent the last few weeks (on and off) checking for tickets, now that we have them we have to decide what to do and where specifically to go!
We fly into Dublin so I think we'll start there - the Guinness Brewery is a must as well as St. Patrick's Cathedral. I'm sure we'll take in a few more sights before heading out to the country side. We're more interested in seeing the natural wonders than the big city excitement. Currently thinking we'll go North (Giant's Causeway) then East (Galway - Cliffs of Moher). It's just a matter of filling in the blanks in between. We will arrive on a Friday morning and leave a week from Sunday - pretty well 9-1/2 days there.
Plans are to take only backpacks (albeit large backpacks). Not sure if we'll do hostels, b&b's or hotels - more than likely a combination of the three.
Hopefully trains and buses and maybe an occasional taxi will be able to get us to our desired destinations. If not, I guess we could try to hitch hike like the guy that did it with a fridge - pretty good book! ;-)
Anyway, that's all for now - till I make more decisions...