You probably expect me to write about how I couldn’t stop thinking about my book while I was on my trip.  Or, that I kept having to stop on the trail and jot down story ideas in my handy-dandy notebook (I did keep stopping, but it was because of mushrooms, and my husband, but we’ll get to that later).

As a matter of fact, I was having entirely too much fun glorying in the beauty of nature around me to think about writing at all.  Shameful for a writer, I know!  Actually, not.  It’s important to give your writing muscles (and thinking-about-writing muscles) a rest and do non write-y things, lest they get overtaxed.  But enough philosophizing about writing, I bet you want to know all the juicy details about the mushrooms (no pun intended).

Apparently, I have a mildly obsessive compulsive nature (no laughing, husband).  On this particular trip, my muse randomly chose to become obsessed with mushrooms.  Coupled with my discovery that my new iPhone takes very decent up close pictures (which my old android phone did not), I went on a mushroom picture taking spree and photographed upwards of 50 unique mushrooms of all different shapes, sizes, colors, and species.  It seemed that every third step I spotted another fascinatingly unique specimen, and had to crouch down to inspect it.  Consequently, our 6-mile hike took a lot longer than a 6-mile hike should, as you can imagine.

My wonderful, handsome, long-suffering husband bore it all with a loving smile and only a few snide comments, all the while gleefully pointing out interesting mushrooms and watching in fascination as I nosedived to the forest floor to take pictures.

And then there was me stopping every few minutes to pull my hubby into a steamy kiss, because I love him and we’re still in the honeymoon phase of our marriage.  But you all don’t want to hear about that ;).

All-in-all, it was a wonderful day trip. We returned, exhausted, sweaty, and tuckered out after hiking about 6 miles over, around, up, down, and across many ridges and gorges.  We saw several natural arch formations (including Grays Arch and the Courthouse Rock, which I climbed up a crevice in the rock face to reach), several lizards, two toads, varied insects, and the most adorable dachshund/pomeranian puppy mix ever (I took a picture!).  No, it wasn’t running wild.  A hiker had brought it along for the day.  I wanted one, but the husband said no puppies *sad face*.

Well, enjoy the pictures, and please comment!  Have you ever been to Red River Gorge?  How was the trip?  What is your favorite place to go for a day trip?

I’m going to a local writing workshop on Saturday, so next week I’ll be passing on the best tips and advice I learn.  I’ll also have some some exciting news about the upcoming anthology I have a story being published in this month.  Have a great week and see you next time!