Thursday, February 7, 2019

My name is Lavender Dreamer and I'm a Hikeaholic

Do I want a 'cure'! OH NO! I LOVE hiking and my husband says I'm obsessed! It may be because in January I hiked 23 times! I don't measure distance but each hike is at least 1 hour and sometimes over 2 hours! I don't walk fast. I take my time. I stop and look around and take photos all along the way! 


I mean who can blame me? The weather here in Florida is fabulous in the winter months. It was in the 60s and 70s for most of my January hikes (and it's supposed to be 80 degrees here today).
My favorite trails are near my home. The closest is 3 miles away so that's the one I hike most often. I can park at the trail head and walk any of a number of trails so it's always different! 

When I searched 'hikeaholic' online I got this definition from the Urban Dictionary....
"A person who excessively enjoys to hike. You can often see them mooing at cows, trying to catch a glimpse of a mountain lion, or searching for Geo-caches.
That lady is such a hikeaholic. She's went hiking 5 times this week already, and plans to go today too."
 
I don't see any cows on the Florida trails but if you change 'mountain lion' to Bobcat, I think the definition hits the mark, don't you? See Bobcat post HERE!
 
I never expected to meet anyone on the Florida trails but now that I'm a 'regular', I've had a few people stop to talk to me. I see a lot more bicyclists than hikers and a man stopped to tell me that Sandra Friend and her husband John Keatley were coming up behind him on bikes! So I was privileged to meet them and talk a bit... AND thank them! They've written some wonderful hiking books, including my favorite, Gainesville & Ocala Your Guide to the Area's Most Beautiful Hikes. 
 
 
I even got to tell them my Bobcat story!


 
 So my advice to you is to find a hiking trail in your area! It's a lot of fun to research trails online! You might be surprised to find a trail near you. 
 
 
But I warn you....it's addictive!
 
I’m joining Thankful Thursdays.

37 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

Hubby and I enjoy all our hikes too. As long as the weather permit, I prefer to walk outdoors. You did have a neat sighting of the Bobcat. Happy Thursday, enjoy your day!

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

Hi Diane, it's wonderful to get out and take hikes and walks along those beautiful trails and meet nice people to talk to. Just be careful and always be with your husband when you go.
Have a nice weekend.
Julie

Sandy said...

I think that is awesome. If I lived that close to the locations you have I would be on those too. It is keeping you healthy.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

And to think that at one time we all routinely walked everywhere!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I don't blame you for loving to hike. I liked to as well, though I wish it wasn't so mountainous around here lol

Cranberry Morning said...

Well that sure sounds wonderful. I would love to be out hiking each day. I now have a good hip and the energy, but snowstorms and Sub-Zero temps. No fun. So enjoy a hike for me, please. :-) xo

Net - "It's a Wonderful Movie" said...

I love that you always take us along on your hike adventures! I'm always intrigued to see what animals and sights you've seen. We've definitely not had any hiking weather here in the Midwest, so it's nice to enjoy a nice hike with you. It's warmed up quite a bit now from the drastic cold, but now it's raining and the temps will be dropping again to the teens tonight! brrrr!

Thank you for taking us on your walk with you! Be safe out there. That bobcat is beautiful, but I don't think I would want to invade his territory. Enjoy every step of the way...
God's Blessings! Net

Debby Ray said...

I like to hike the way you hike...take your time and stop to take pictures...one of my most favorite things to do! Your bobcat story was amazing! And what great photos you were able to get! I have a bobcat story of my own but I have no proof. When we had our cabin in VA, I was there by myself for the weekend. I first saw it cross the road in front of me on the gravel road at night time....then the next morning when I got up, I was having my coffee out on the deck. The cabin we perched high on a hill and the bobcat just slowly walked across the driveway way down below...he had no clue anyone was watching! And of course, my camera was no where in sight either! How wonderful that you have such great places to go hiking! HUGS!

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

There are much worse obsessions

:)

Nancy's Notes said...

I am so happy you have so much fun hiking! It's such a wonderful thing to be addicted to! I love all of your stories and pictures of all of your hiking adventures, they are addicting! Hugs!
Nancy

Linda said...

That’s a good thing to be addicted to! I’ll try to research and see if there’s more hiking trails around me. Mostly I walk the neighborhood or the parks. Loved seeing you on the bridge! You make a super cute hiker!

♥ Łucja-Maria ♥ said...

Walking is a great thing.
Your stories and photos are beautiful.
Greetings.

Terri D said...

One day, when my knees are metal and I can walk without pain!! I love hiking and miss it. I even miss just taking a walk and that's why I love your posts!! You take us along!

MadSnapper said...

not a bad addiction to have, it is healhy and fun and you get lots of photos. I don't think I would get addicted, but if I had someone to hike with I would do it a couple times a month

Out on the prairie said...

Nice to catch a pic of a bobcat. They are a neat animal but pretty allusive. I have seen a few mountain lions and don't care to be real close to them.Lovely weather to hike in ,wish I was closer and I would go along. It is 5 here today.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...


I love hiking too - you live in a great place to do so, and it's so good for you, physically and mentally. Absolutely take those pictures, creativity is also good for the soul.

Lorrie said...

Hiking is a much better addiction than, say...potato chips, or other substances now legal in our country!
We love hiking, too!

Catherine Holman said...

I'm ready to get started once this weather clears up! Keep up the good work!

Susie said...

My dear hikeaholic, I see you have started the twelve step program and just kept right one stepping. LOL. I love that you hike and wish I could hike along with you. So I do by reading your blog and seeing some of the wonderful sights you have seen while out and about. How many pairs of shoes have you worn out? You certainly have maintained your weight. So I would say your addiction is working. LOL. Blessings to you sweet Diane, xoxo,love, Susie

Carla from The River said...

Hello,
I am a hikeaholic too. :-) Well this time of year a Snowshoeaholic and this weekend a Cross Country Skiaholic. LOL I do love to be outside hiking. I try to go every day!
Keep it up my friend.. I love following your adventures.
Carla

Linda @ A La Carte said...

What a fun, healthy and enjoyable thing to be addicted to. Keep on hiking!!

Michelle said...

I like to hike, but my husband likes to go fast and I am slow...enjoying the view! lol Thanks for linking up today!!!

Ann said...

You'll never spot a hikeaholic in a 12 step program. They need more of a 10,000 step program...lol

Inger said...

You are an inspiration and your pictures of the critters you meet on your hikes are priceless.

Anonymous said...

Diane, they say that admitting your addiction is the first step to recovery! LOL ♥

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

It's a wonderful obsession to enjoy, Diane! So healthy and fun. We take walks every day--around 2 miles, but I've not considered that hiking. Years ago we did do hiking along the Skyline Drive. What fun times they were. Keep hiking and sharing your adventures. ♥

Debbie said...

hiking, the best addition in the entire world! the bobcat story and image are amazing!!

very cool that you got to meet the authors!!

Linda said...

I love a good walk, and if my ankles ever get right again... and I find shoes that don't hurt... My feet haven't been the same since I had foot surgery two years ago. They are improving very slowly.

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

You are indeed and that's a good thing! We all get to benefit (if not physically!) from your hikes and your beautiful pictures.

carol l mckenna said...

Glad you are doing what you love and what wonderful photography you do from hiking ~
That 'Big Cat' photo is awesome ~ ^_^

Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

happyone said...

An enjoyable way to stay healthy and happy too.

I guess I'm more of a walkaholic though I like hiking too. : )
I've been taking a morning walk for over 30 years.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

That’s a great addiction and I hike as well in NH, but my walking is done indoors on a treadmill as the temps are not as welcoming as yours in FL...yet.

Linda H said...

Hiking is a great way to get out and enjoy fresh air and exercise! Not possible here in the winter though, and walking on an indoor track just isn’t the same.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

I don 't hike anymore due to my arthritis but I miss it. Wow, you saw a bobcat up close. Wonderful!

Vee said...

What a thrill for you! I am glad that you are able to get out and enjoy hiking and that you meet so many interesting people along the way.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Of all the addictions in the world, yours has to be the best one to have ...and it’s great of you to share it! Thank you very much. Cool to meet those authors!

Red Rose Alley said...

hahaha My name is Lavender Dreamer and I'm a Hikeaholic. Is there such a thing? Well, I think it's great that you not only get in some walking, but that you see many interesting things along the way, notice them, appreciate them, and take their picture. Not everyone can say that, my friend.

love, ~Sheri