My Girls Rock!

Saturday was the girls first climbing competition at their home gym here in Brevard.  It was a great afternoon and the Austin Family put on a wonderful event.  Both girls were pretty nervous before things began. There were all new routes set so they were seeing things for the first time.  There were a few other kids their ages but most of the competitors were college age.

After a brief introduction to how things work, the girls started climbing.  Grace flashed her first route (meaning she completed it on her first try).  Anyone who was the first to flash a route was allowed to name it, so Grace called her route Gravy.  Lauryl also completed the same route so the girls had points on their score cards.  The routes are given a point value based on difficulty and then points are given based on how many times it takes to complete it.  The final total is based on the 4 best scores the climber receives and they are divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

Lauryl Stretching to finish

Grace on a funky angle

The girls climbed hard for 3 hours.  It was awesome to watch them and all the other competitors.  It was definitely challenging for them, but they had a wonderful time.  Lauryl's biggest obstacle was her height.  Most of the routes were set for taller individuals so many of the routes were just too much of a stretch for her.  It didn't stop her though!  All in all, both girls did fabulous!  Lauryl earned 3rd place in the beginner division and Grace took first place, beating out a girl who was much older than she.  They are both looking forward to joining the competition team for Brevard Rock Gym in the fall!

Fun on the North Fork

We have been trying to enjoy the brief breaks in rain whenever possible.  The sun has peaked it's rays out of the clouds every now and again, but it has rained every day since we've been back in Brevard.  This is not typical for this area, although afternoon showers are common because it is considered a deciduous rain forest. 

Today we took the kids to a swimming hole on the North Fork.  They had a blast swinging on the rope.  The water is always cold regardless of the temperature outside.  It is suppose to be a great area for trout fishing too.

We also spend our time swimming in the pool at the campground and fishing in the pond.  There are big carp and catfish for the challenge.  We only have 3 more weeks of camping before we move back into the cabin.  It's been a great adventure, but we are all anxious for a little more breathing room.

This past week I started climbing at Brevard Rock Gym with the kids. I was looking for some other form of exercise and it was something I never thought I would do. I've learned to climb some basic routes and instead of sitting around waiting for the kids to finish, I am joining in the fun. Tomorrow the girls participate in their first climbing competition, so stay tuned for the update!

I also started taking yoga classes and simply love it! Many people encouraged me to try it over the years, but I never did.  I must say that it is one of the best additions to my life.  Lauryl also comes to class with me and she practices on her own in the camper.  I am becoming more flexible and I have less pain in my joints because of yoga.  I highly recommend it!

Finally, weBgypsies Photography www.alyciameile.wix.com/webgypsies has been doing well.  I've started selling my art in both store locations and I have two pieces in a local exhibit this month. It's slow but steady and I love having the creative outlet.  I've submitted my portfolio for an upcoming project in the area, so we'll see what happens.  I'm just going to continue putting my work out there and see where it takes me.

We hope all of you are well and enjoying your summer.  If you ever want to make a trip to WNC we'd be happy to share our quaint little town with you.

Rainy Days and Mondays....

After 3 1/2 weeks of traveling the coast, we made our way back to Brevard.  It felt so good to come home. We will spend the month of July at Adventure Village Campground here in town and then we move back to the cabin on Rich Mountain Road in August.  

The week started off beautiful, with gorgeous flowers throughout the campground.  It soon turned into a never ending deluge of rain and storms though.  Fourth of July festivities were spent under umbrellas with fireworks being postponed until tonight if the weather cooperates.

The kids went swimming in the pool and found some fun wildlife around camp.  We are really enjoying our time here at Adventure Village.  This little snake was hanging out on a branch just across from our camper and the the birds were nested in the gazebo at the pond.

If you want to check out our wonderful little town I highly recommend staying at this campground.  They have cabins as well as campsites and it's only 10 minutes to downtown.  We truly love this area and are so happy to call Brevard home.