Greetings from the wild! I thought I lived in a remote place, surrounded by wild animals (other then my children), but I had no clue just what real wilderness living was like untilΒ now.

This bear was actually spotted in my neighborhood the day I left for New Hampshire!

This bear was actually spotted in my neighborhood the day I left for New Hampshire! Photo credit: Melissa P.

Out here on Lake Winnipesaukee, we are surrounded by so many animals, insects and water fowl, that I feel like we’re camping. I’ve had several strange encounters with deer and the over population of chipmunks dart around like they’re hopped up onΒ crack, with more energy and less direction then the twins have! There are daddy-long-leg spiders (and every other kind of spider) absolutely everywhere, ducks that will eat out of your hand and gorgeous cranes that seem to fly so close you can touch them.

Some wildlifeΒ “firsts” since I’ve been here:

I saw a spider trap, wrap and eat an insect

I had to wait to back out my truck because a turtle was directly behind it

An otter ran across our little beach with a dead baby duck hanging out of it’s mouth

Where the f**k am I???

The boys are in heaven and I’m a little frightened…but getting used it. Luckily the boys did not see the otter’s meal or they would have cried for days. They feed “the duck family” off of the dock each morning and have named several of them.

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Here’s a little more of myΒ life on the lake so far:

RUNNING: I need only one word to describe the running around here: hilly! My very first run out I was chased by a deer. I’m not even joking. This thing was following me and staring me down! My plan, should it really attack me, was to slide underneath a car and dial 911. I have no clue why the deer hate me so much but, I see at least one every time I run and, so far, they all have hate in their eyes. Β #ImNotTryingToRaceYou

The end of a steamy morning run. Just happy I made it back alive!

The end of a steamy morning run. Just happy I made it back alive!

CYCLING: I had an amazing ride around Squam Lake! I honestly didn’t have much of an idea of where I was going but I ended up cycling over 30 miles and most of it was magnificent! I really loved the idea of just exploring on my bike and seeing what I would come across. I was not disappointed…but I was completely spent by the time I got back to the house. Did I mention the hills?

All dead ends lead to water and views around here. Love it!

All dead ends lead to water and views around here. Love it!

SWIMMING: We can also file this one in the “amazing” category. My husband kayaks next to me as I swim and then does a bit of a workout himself.

I can basically swim anytime I want and then I found this:

Lap lanes on the lake!?

Lap lanes on the lake!?

I didn’t think it was possible for someone’s eyes to light up though text but that’s exactly what happened when I sent this picture to my coach. #SheGetsMe

FUEL: Is there anything else to eat at the lake but s’mores?

Someone is a little excited to be roasting marshmallows.

Someone is a little excited to be roasting marshmallows.

THINGS I LOVE: Watching my kids have such an amazing time and learning and doing and trying so many different things. They didn’t hesitate to do a ropes course and kayaking is basically Miles’ favorite thing to do.

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Of course my other favorite thing is meeting up with friends (this one also happens to be a blogger) and go for a great run. We chatted the entire time while Sarah pushed little Liam in the stroller and I just didn’t want it to end…especially when we had coffee and savory turkey, avocado and bacon filled crepes afterward.

Blog friends are the best and saying good-bye wasn't even that bad since we'll be together again in Maine for Rise.Run.Retreat!

Blog friends are the best and saying good-bye wasn’t even that bad since we’ll be together again in Maine for Rise.Run.Retreat!

THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH:Β Can the fine people of New Hampshire please decide how they want to spell Moultonborough (Moultonboro, Moutonborough) and Wolfeboro (Wolfboro, Wolfeborough) so I can do a proper Yelp search? I’ve seen these town names spelled all of these various ways on signs though out both towns. #NotHelpful

Also, if you could establish an Uber service while I’m here, that would be greatly appreciated.

MUSIC: I have yet to use my iPod. For starters, I’m too afraid of the wildlife around here so I have my ears wide open when running. Second, I love hearing the sounds of the animals, the water, boats, kids laughing and anything else that may be going on around me. The only time I seem to be listening to music is when I’m sitting on the dock, relaxing with a tasty beverage.

This does not suck.

This does not suck.

READING: I have already devoured two books, both of which I absolutely loved:Β Mean Streak by Sandra BrownΒ andΒ Elizabeth is Missing byΒ Emma HealeyΒ And, get this, I’m reading actual books that I have to turn real pages on and use a book mark! Can you imagine? #LowTechVacation

The good news is that if I drop it in the water it won't cost $300 to replace it.

The good news is that if I drop it in the water it won’t cost $300 to replace it.

RANDOM QUOTE OF THE WEEK:Β “Oh yeah. My dad shot one right off the back porch.” – local country store owner when we asked if there were a lot of bears around these parts.

I think I need to start running with a bow strapped to my back!

What wild animal encounters have you had?

Have you gone on summer vacation yet? Tell me about it!

 

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This Thursday, I’m co-hosting TBT with Brittany from My Own Balance! Pick a previously posted blog and bring it back to life for some new love this Thursday, July 23rd and link up! Here are the rulesΒ so play nicely:

1. The purpose of this link-up is to revive some of our old blog posts that we think merit a second look for our old readers and to introduce our new readers to some great old content.

2. Β Find an old post you like and re-publish it on your blog using the Thursday Throwback title and badge.

3. Β Come on over to the link-up and add your link!

4. Β Please check out the links of three other linkers and show them a little love via a comment or social media share.

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