breathtaking views

Yesterday was a great day!  We started off driving around the mountain (at least to the places we hadn't been yet) and it was a long day in the car, but the views were so worth it.

We headed off to Clingman's Dome first.  This was the HARDEST 1/2 mile I have ever walked.  It was straight uphill - imagine putting your treadmill on the highest incline setting and taking off for 1/2 mile.  That was exactly what it was like.  We started out good and very quickly realized we were going to have to take a couple of breaks.   BUT, we made it to the top and the view was sooo worth it!

Absolutely beautiful

we were above the clouds!!

a view of part of our walk up!

We found a great hiking trail and off we went.  We didn't see any bears, I kinda wanted to see one - from a distance, mind you, but we didn't have to worry about it.  I think I'm glad after all!

I scrambled down (almost fell) and Brian told me to pose......

on our hike

We also found a suspension bridge to cross.  It was weird, I hadn't been on one before.  It was a bouncy walk.  There was a great stream, creek (whatever you want to call it) and we took a few minutes to hang around and enjoy the quiet.  We were the only ones there!

We are on the move today - headed to Nashville and meeting one of my marilu.com friends today!  Should be some fun!!

Discussion:  do you have to plan out your vacations or do you wing it..  We are winging it this trip!

made my list

And I've checked it fifty times.  We are leaving in the morning for a much needed get-away!  Jake is staying behind to take care of things at home, so never fear ( I think I'm more afraid of leaving him here....)

So, at early-thirty in the morning, we are hitting the road and heading east.....  OCEAN, here I come!!!  This makes me jump with joy!!!  I need the sun, and the sand.... and maybe a fruity drink with an umbrella - oh cabana boy!!!

I told Brian I didn't care where we went as long as it was warm, sunny, sandy and friendly.

Can you guess where we are going??????

There might be  historic tours, moss-draped oaks, a very famous restaurant and of course, the ocean!  We haven't ever been here, but it is on my bucket list.  I'll be back tomorrow with an update and a few more clues.....

Discussion:  What is your favorite vacation destination?

Friday Challenge - 30-20-10-5

I am happy to report that I am blogging from outside.  Here's a look at my office today:

It is beautiful weather today after the rainy day yesterday.  Brian and I have taken full advantage of it.  We hopped in the Jeep bright and early this morning and took off for the Royal Gorge.  I have to admit, I wasn't that excited about this stop, but Brian was so I put on my happy face just for him.

He was so right!  It was one of the best stops of our trip.

We took the tram above the gorge

The railroad incline below the bridge

And walked across the bridge

Perfect!

Then we headed off to Cripple Creek.  Toured a haunted jail and walked through the casinos and the quaint little town.

We are back at the camper now for our last night of vacation.  I'm sad to see it end, we've had so much fun, but I am also ready to get home and get back to my regular schedule!

Friday Challenge:

30-20-10-5

Thirty pushups, 20 tricep dips and 10 squats repeat 5 times!  I'm pulling out the big guns on this one!  Of course, if you can't do that many, modify, modify and modify! It is okay.  You can work up to it.  If you want great looking arms, then definitely make this part of your daily workout routine.  These will certainly get you definition in your arms!

I'm pimping out my facebook biz page!  I'd love for you to "like" me!  When I get to 500 followers or likers, what do you call it anyway?  Then I am going to giveaway a Beachbody workout of your choice.  Anything you'd like, so please suggest it to your friends and family!  Purty Please! The giveaway will not be for current Beachbody coaches to participate in, you can still like me, just not eligible to win!

Feeling Fit With Dana on facebook!

Discussion:  What celebrity or person do you think has the best arms?  I have to say that I really want my arms to be well defined.  I think Hillary Swank had amazing arms (whole body really) in Million Dollar Baby, I also think Jessica Biel has nice arms!

Colorado!

We have moved on to  Colorado.  We had a great time in New Mexico and Colorado has a lot to live up to!  Got into town yesterday and we are pretty tired.  So, we took it easy yesterday. 

Drove through Garden of the Gods and started walking on a trail and it started pouring!  So, we drove around a little,  this guy walked right in front of us.

Then we came back to the camper, did some laundry and went to one of my favorite places!

It takes so little to make me happy!!!

Then we came back and decided to eat out.  We found an amazing Greek restaurant ( I know that I can always find something to eat there!) Jake and Telly's.  Dinner was sooooo good!

I got the lentil soup and a vegetable mezze plate.  There was so much food! Brian got some carnivore's delight :)

Brian gets so embarrassed when I take photos of my food.

After dinner, we walked around Old Colorado for a while, most of the shops were closed, but it was good to walk.  We came back to our campground and there was a band playing, we listened for a while and then just decided to turn in.  We've been on the go so much that we just needed to rest.  It's good to listen to your body like that.

So today, we are rested and ready to go!  Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs.  I'm sure I'll get many beautiful photos!

Discussion:  do you listen to your body and rest when it is needed or do you just push through it?

vacation fun

We are back from our vacation and boy, I'm tired. A bit cranky too! I'm going to get a workout in this morning and get myself in a better mood.

We had a blast in San Antonio and are ready to plan our next trip! WE went with friends and it was our first trip in the camper. LOVED IT!!!!!

We visited the Riverwalk, Tower of America, the Mexican Market, Farmer's Market, went to the San Antonio Rampage hockey game, Fredricksburg, the oldest Cathedral in the US, the Alamo and ate some good food and some not so good food!

Brian and I had planned on doing the Segway tour, when we got there and Brian tried it out, he decided that his legs just weren't up for it, so Craig and Hermina took off on the tour and Brian and I went to the Alamo. When they got back, they told Brian that there was no way he could've done it, so I'm glad that we didn't go. Nothing worse than getting out there and having to walk all the way back. We did get to try them out in the store and it was fun. I picked it up pretty quickly, but of course, I was in the store.

I took my workout videos and had the best of intentions, but didn't do one of them! We did a lot of walking though, and I am okay with it. I'll just repeat this week of the workout rotation and go on. Do your best and forget the rest as Tony Horton says!

I loved the sun! It was in the 70's and 80's while we were there and the sun was out every day. It's hard to come home to the 40's and overcast weather. I'm freezing. I think it means that I need to move to a warmer climate!

I'm ready for the next trip - anyone have any good suggestions on where to go? We are thinking ocean next, Ahhhh, I can't wait!

Beachbody

Most of you know that I am a Beachbody coach. I really love my job! It is so much fun to help other people get in shape and get healthy! It inspires me to do my best to stay in shape and healthy too!

While on vacation this week, I haven't done my workouts ( I brought them with the best of intentions), but we have walked everyday and I am okay with that. I think my back will be ready to go when I get home.

If you see the infomericals on TV for any of the Beachbody products and would like more info or want to order, please order from my website - Missouri Fit Club. I can then be your coach (for free) and help you get the best results. If you want to just have me be your coach, then sign up for the free account! It really does help if you have someone in your corner working to help you stay motivated, on track and answer any questions you might have.

Don't forget about WOWY (Work Out With You), the online super gym. As a free member, you can log any workout (doesn't have to be a Beachbody workout), upload a photo and you will have a chance to win money or other cool prizes (ipods, camera or camcorders) every day! This is fun, you can see everyone else working out at the same time and we could even work out together :)

So, head over and get signed up for the free account and let's all get in shape together!

Last day of vacation today and we are heading out to the farmer's market. I'll be posting some of the photos and details of the trip soon! We've had a blast, saw the hockey game last night. It was so much fun!!!!