Spring Hiking on the Black River Trail & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #223
Remember all the complaining about the weather back in the early part of spring? Well now that we are 2/3 of the way through the spring season, it has finally decided to arrive this week. But we did have a few really beautifully mild days in the beginning of April that we took great advantage of with the children. It was precisely the second weekend in April when we experienced warmer temperatures (around 70˚F / 21˚C) and ventured out for some outdoor family activities. This week is the first week that we are seeing these temperatures with daily consistency and I am so ready to bare my painted toes!
But before I can share my bare toes, I have to take some photos with my bare feet (or at least wearing open-toed shoes). But in the meantime, I have some photos from our early April hike along a portion of the Black River Trail. I shouldn’t really call it a hike though as the entire path is paved and flat. It is much more like a leisurely walk along the river trail, stopping every 10 yards or so to investigate something we spotted in nature or to take photos.
Now you might be wondering why I am wearing long sleeves and pants with boots if the weather was so grand. Well, because even 70˚F is a bit chilly to my hormone ravaged internal temperature control system. There are some serious malfunctions going on with that these days. And so full body coverage will be necessary for my comfort at least until temperatures creep a little bit closer to 80˚F / 27˚C. But that’s okay. I have enough clothes for every possible scenario in life!
I am going to keep today’s post rather short as I went away for a little weekend retreat from Thursday night until Monday. While it was a wonderfully refreshing and rejuvenating escapade, I am now wildly behind in so many things! This week will be filled with new blog posts including a new Style Imitating Art post tomorrow and a new Your Own Twist post on Thursday followed by my weekly Link Up On the Edge on Friday. Saturday morning will be spent getting my husband to the airport so he go on his week long vacation to visit a friend in Utah. I am so excited for him to enjoy some time away before the reality of civilian working life sets in next month!
But before I sign off, here are a few family photos from our Black River hike.
“I believe in God, only I spell it Nature.”
Frank Lloyd Wright
“Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.”
Henry David Thoreau
“Leave the road, take the trails.”
Pythagoras
Featured Favorites
Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)
Sheila of Ephemera shared her post, Monday Marimekko with Lavender Bookends and Pops of Orange, featuring a really lovely combination of unlikely colors and a beautiful black and white dress. I just adore her whimsically creative style so very much!
Fashion Favorite
Michelle of My Bijou Life shared her post, What Do You Do That Is Just For You? First of all, I absolutely love this turquoise lace dress with the fabulous batwing sleeves and Michelle’s super funky sandals and bag. Such a great spring look, but also her post is rather thought-provoking. Go have a read if you haven’t already and let us know what you have been doing just for you!
Non-Fashion Favorite
Renee of A Sexual Libra shared her post, The Sagittarius Experience: Part 1, which shares some fun and sexy details from a sagittarius date. I was hesitant to feature this post because of its sexual nature and content, but my weekend retreat has resulted in a bit of a sexual awakening for me and I plan to start writing more articles of this nature on Medium. I think it is time we ditch our puritanical ways and enjoy these amazing bodies of ours and all of the pleasures that they can bring us. So thank you, Renee, for being bolder than I! I am going to follow your lead…
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Top and Boots-Target / Pants-Torrid / Hat-Gift from Husband / Necklace-Purchased in a gift shop in Iceland many yeas ago / Earrings-c/o Anjolee
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
52 Comments
Michele Morin
I appreciate the quotes you shared and the family pics. 😁 Kept picturing old Pythagoras taking the hypotenuse of every fork in the trail.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michele! Oh my gosh, you just cracked me up with your Pythagoras image!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
Love yoru cool hike look and I adore the boots! So glad you are finally getting warmed up there. Thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! These boots were actually really comfortable for hiking, too! That’s a win, for sure! I hope you have a wonderful day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin
What a fun hike with the kids!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It really was, Tamar! Thanks!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mica
Looks like a fun hike! You got some great photos and I like your neutral outfit! It’s dropped down to similar temps here (was 20 degrees the other day) and it’s freezing, haha! it’s winter weather for us, so I’m wearing all the layers!
Hope you are having a good week even though it’s busy 🙂 Thanks for the link up!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mica! I didn’t even realize how much my neutral outfit would blend into the background. And then my snakeskin boots are totally camouflaged. Haha. Stay warm, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Christina Morley
I’m so glad you took time off! Self-care allows you to be more productive even though you feel like you’re behind. Nice family photos! Wishing your hubby all the best with entering civilian working life. Thanks for hosting!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Tina! It’s funny…this week I have been getting slammed with work while I am trying to catch up from my little break, but I am flying right through it…because I am well rested and refreshed. I hope you are having a wonderful week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
This hike seems really nice! I love going on hikes!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It is a really great trail especially with kids! have a great day, Jennifer!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
Doesn’t it feel great to go without a jacket? Looks like a beautiful place to hike! Love your family pics! Also loving your boots!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It really is wonderful to shed some winter layers, Jill! It’s an adjustment for me though when I get dressed because I am so used to wearing so many layers that just two layers make me feel half naked And if I just throw on a dress with nothing else, I get confused. Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Johnson
My hubby and I are big hikers, we love to hike! Cute outfit! Thanks for the party.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Amy! We do love a good hike, too. But we keep them rather simple with the kids. Have a fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
Love your olive pants and the complete look! I too need long sleeves in low 70’s especially so in a forested area. This looks like a really nice area to explore!
Spring has definitely arrived here now with rain rain and more rain!! Not complaining though, it’ll do my newly planted vegetable plants good 🙂
Ellie
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Ellie! It has finally stopped raining here. I feel like it rained non-stop for about 6 weeks. Now it is all bright and sunny and perfect weather for outdoors. I hope your vegetable garden thrives in this weather! Have a great week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Renee Open
Holy Moly!! Thank you so much for featuring my blog!! And, thank you, more, for your sincere appreciation of it! It represents an unorthodox journey in so many ways, but sex is so much more important to so many, more than most of us want to acknowledge.
Right now, I’m writing about the sexual experiences I had with each Zodiac sign from my open marriage but, through the whole journey, I gleaned a lot of insights and I’m equally as excited to share those posts!
I’m very glad that you’ll be writing more about your own sexual journey and I, sincerely, look forward to reading your posts!
By-the-way, LOVE the outfit! Super cute!! <3
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Renee, I really cannot thank you enough for being so open and honest about your journey. You have inspired me to make writing on these topics more of a priority. It is always floating around in my head and I feel it is very important to share our experiences of this nature, but I am a bit of a scaredy cat and talk myself right out of going there! It is nice to know that you are out there in blogland doing the same and offering moral support. It is an intimidating thing to walk the unorthodox path and I’ll take all the support I can get! I am so glad that you linked up with me! Thanks for being an awesome human.
xoxo
Shelbee
Niky
Love seeing some glimpses of your outdoor adventures with family!
Niky @ The House on Silverado
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Niky! I love being able to get outdoors with the family!
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
Sometimes those kinds of hikes are nice: where you can enjoy nature without exerting yourself too much. Weather has finally stopped dropping in the 40s in the morning but I am pretty sure the mild weather will turn really hot really soon!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
They are the best kinds of hikes, for sure, especially with the kids! This week is finally warm enough here to go bare legged in the morning. But I still get really cold inside! Actually, I shouldn’t complain because my house stays really cool during the warmer months eliminating much of our need for air conditioning.I hope you are having a wonderful week, Mireille!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ashley
Your hiking outfit is so cute! I love the snakeskin boots!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ashley! I recently found these boots at Target on clearance for $12! And they are amazing. So comfortable!
xoxo
Shelbee
Rena
Shelbee,
I’m glad that Spring has finally sprung in your corner of the world. Enjoy the sunshine and warmer temps.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
PS – you look freakin’ HOT 🔥🔥🔥
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Rena! I am so glad that we can enjoy the outdoors now!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nora Minassian
Looks like you guys had a lot of fun, love your pics with you cute kids.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Nora! We do have lots of fun on our family hikes!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Oh wow! Thanks for the feature, my friend! It makes me so happy when I write something my fellow bloggers find helpful.
Your hike/stroll looks so lovely! I swear that I’m turning into a reptile with no control over my internal temperature. While I am most often hit with hot flashes, for a couple of days in a row, I had cold flashes. So weird! So I do understand you favoring long sleeves.
So glad you got a long weekend away, and nice that Jeff can go on vacation now.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! Oh, the cold flashes are the worst, aren’t they?! Although heat flashes are bad, too, but I only get those very occasionally. It’s the cold flashes that torment me! I had the most amazing little getaway and we definitely need to chat soon so I can tell you more about all the goings-on in my poly life! Jeff is heading in your direction on Saturday…he will be in Utah all week (but I don’t even know where in Utah! Haha).
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
Shelbee, those are the chicest hiking boots I’ve ever seen—love ’em!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ha, thanks, Cheryl! These are my $12 Target boots! And they are so comfortable. They were perfect for walking a paved trail!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
I’m always cold so no judgement with long sleeves or pants! And at least you are protexted from ticks! I love those fabulous boots!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laura! Oh my gosh, ticks freak me out so much! That is such a great point for wearing long pants and long sleeves!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kellyann Rohr
So glad you were able to get away for a long weekend – I am sure you feel refreshed and revitalized!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kellyann! I definitely have some extra bounce in my step after my weekend getaway so it was well worth it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Maureen
Such a fun adventure you had with the family! Isn’t that always the best?! I, too, love to wear long sleeves even in the summer. I could be sweating and you’d see me wear a longer sleeves. Sometimes I get crazy like that because I am not a sun worshipper! And sun block isn’t enough for me. See, weird, right?!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Maureen! Oh, I am right with you about long sleeves for sun protection, too! That is where my beloved kimonos come into play! I am all about making my pasty white skin trendy! Why is it that our society encourages unhealthy things for the sake of beauty? Ugh. I hope you are well, my friend. Have a wonderful day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking so very nice and at first i though those were fashion boots but when you explain it I got it. I guess i am officially and old man.
What a beautiful place to hike. Glad the weather is warming up for you.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Patrick! I guess my boots are more for fashion than hiking, but they are really comfortable and I only paid $12 for them so hike in them I will! Haha. I am glad the nice weather has finally arrived as well. But it looks like rain all next week again!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
These are some amazing pics! Wonderful memories- so beautiful. I just love reading posts like this xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lucy! It is nice to share a bit of the daily life stuff, too, isn’t it?
xoxo
Shelbee
Darlene
Spending time in nature is just so great! And so good for the kids! Of course, you look amazingly stylish for that little jaunt my svelte friend! We are trying to get through our coastal “May Gray,” and I know I shouldn’t complain but I say bring on the sun!! But, as you said, we do have enough clothes for almost anything!! Lol!
xx Darlene
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Darlene! Hiking is one of our favorite family activities and I love it for photo backgrounds, too! Ha. So I try to wear cute but practical outfits. We are having some wonderfully warm weather this week in the high 70s and low 80s, but I believe next week is going to be rainy and in the 60s all week long. Have a fantastic rest of the week, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
I love to hike, unfortuantly only my son will go with me! My husband and son aren’t much into it! Lol! I love how you’re so cute for your hike. I get cold sometimes in 70 degrees in the shade! Ha! Those green pants & hat with the print boots is so cute. Love seeing photos of your boys!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Carrie! I love taking photos on hikes so I try to wear outfits that are practical but still cute enough for a photoshoot! What a bummer that you can’t get the whole family out on a hike. Hiking is probably our favorite family activity!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
Now, that’s my kind of hike! I’ll happily skip muddy trails and nature touching me and walk on a path. Love your booties!
Aw, there’s me! Thanks so much for featuring me, Shelbee! You’re so sweet!
Linking up shortly – thanks so much for the party!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Sheila! I don’t mind muddy trails and nature touching me but I would usually dress a little differently for a muddy hike. Or maybe I wouldn’t! Ha. I hiked through the woods wearing a long ivory lace dress (shared in today’s post) and it was muddy and the lace kept getting caught on branches and things. And the black flies were biting. Ugh. But I laughed and had a great time and some amazing photos resulted from it, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
Karren Haller
I just all the cool ideas you have for fashion and the great places to film. Your amazing to have all your features and linkups, I dont know how you keep up.
Have a great week!
Karren
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Karren! I don’t know how I keep either! In fact, I don’t think I do. I have been so far behind in commenting and things like that. I hope you are well, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee