Today was a day of many delights. First thing this morning we walked on the beach at Roque Bluffs, then took off for St. Andrews where we strolled around Kingsbrae Gardens, had a nice lunch and did a wee bit of shopping. I bought some Adams Peak White Tea that is grown in Sri Lanka and only harvested at night--there was even more to the story than that, but I couldn't keep it all straight. The shopkeeper told me that she drinks it every morning and that it wards off colds and even speeded her father's recovery from cancer. Potent stuff, I guess, but with a mild, pleasing flavor (I'm drinking it right now!). So between that and the apple cider vinegar, I just may never get sick again.
We've been to the gardens before, but there was something special about being there off-season. There was nobody else there (not even workers), which somehow added to the magic, and even though much was dormant, we happened on some vibrant groundcover that really popped against the wheaty background. Not only that, we got to commune with peacocks and llamas.
I took quite a few photos, which I look forward to sharing over the next few days.

Not sure why, but my mind often veers toward the ideal of having less stuff, to the notion of being something of a minimalist. To that end I have gone through phases of de-cluttering and frugal living. But lately I've actually reflected on the fact that I am one lucky guy because I have so much cool stuff. I mean, I've always counted the blessing of having shelter--especially in the context of this house, which I love so much--but I also consider myself quite fortunate for having a nice car, and a kayak and hiking gear, x-country skis and my own fitness facility! No doubt about it, nothing is more important than the love of family and friends; but stuff, it has its place. Know what I'm sayin'?

Yeah, last week I was paddling the Machias River, and today we hoofed it through a little snow squall. But, you know what, a good time was had by all--me and Jake, that is. Today was the first time we did hike first, workout second, and it took a little self-prodding. But we got 'er done, yes sirree Bob, or something like that. What am I talking about? I'm just talking, just talking for the sake of hearing my own voice, 'cept that that voice is only inside my head. How 'bout you, heard any interesting voices lately?

Yesterday our hike seemed pretty tough after our workout, but today we seemed to breeze through it. We're off to a good start, but I know how challenging a challenge such as this can be when you begin fighting not just the workload but the monotony. Fortunately Jake and I have each other so we can pass the time dissecting Linsanity and what Tim Tebow will mean to the Jets, not to mention dreaming up new workout schemes. In case I didn't make the regimen clear yesterday, the goal is to do 40 workouts/hikes in an 8 week span. Basically its a second job where the pay is not money but physical prowess and glory. Probably I'll have to spend a lot of time trying to get the wifey to keep her hands off me!

Today we started a new regimen. Jake wanted to embark on an 8-week strength program built around a few total body lifts. I wanted to get in shape for hiking, which I've discovered is best done by... hiking. The elegant solution: do both. So today, for instance, we did bench presses, rope climbs and dead lifts, then strapped on the packs (still 26 lbs.) and hiked four miles. Tomorrow we'll do military presses and dead lifts, then hike with the packs. The day after that, though, we'll really shake things up. We'll hike first, then do the bench press/rope climb/dead lift protocol. Not sure if we can really pull it off, but if we do, we'll be some rugged.

But if you want to go for a gambol with a 26 lb. pack, help yourself...

Guess what I did after work today? Hint: