Long-distance — even that which is coverable in a day’s drive — has proved to be one of the most challenging aspects of my continued relationship with Madison. Prior to a week ago, we’d not made additional plans to see each other again (not out of lack of desire — more just uncertainty and lack of time): but I decided that I would forgo the annual ATAC Long Course Invitational Swim meet which I usually coach, to head up to Georgia and spend an extended 4-day “vacation” with my lovely girlfriend.
I arrived Thursday evening, later than I’d anticipated; I’d spent the morning bustling and hurrying — packing, and having my phone repaired after I’d dropped it from my DJI drone controller the evening prior. I swam at the indoor olympic pool while Madison coached.
Friday, I’d hoped to be able to trek across the northern half of the state to visit Tallulah Gorge State Park to hike, but after a rainy day Thursday, and Madison having to coach Friday morning, I wasn’t confident we’d be able to make it to the park in time to acquire a gorge floor permit (necessary for the “coolest” and most challenging hikes in the park) — if permits were issued at all due to slipping hazards on the rocky trails.
Instead, we visited a state park much closer to Madison: Sweetwater Creek. There, we hiked around five miles, including one of the park’s more challenging trails — a steep 800–1000′ climb and descent.
Saturday, Madison coached again in the morning; while she worked, I worked out — finishing a 100 minute bike/run brick workout. That afternoon, we went into downtown Atlanta to visit the Georgia Aquarium; Madison hadn’t been in years, and I’d never had the opportunity. After a few hours there, we spent the remainder of the daylight evening hours in downtown Marietta, perusing the local shops and eating dinner/dessert.
Sunday was a laid-back but productive day, with the both of us completing a variety of tedious but necessary “homework” and chores. I arrived back in Tallahassee this morning (Monday), ever-appreciative of the time I get to spend with my intelligent, beautiful girlfriend — a woman truly out to improve the well-being of others, and the world.
I haven’t been engaged on the blog recently, and I’ve posted very few photos; while I know “many” (what few readers/visitors I have) of you won’t be too interested in the back story for the above adventures, I thought that some might be intrigued by the photos — for those that are, thank you.
-Colin
