Insight into Nina’s Life

A while ago somebody gave me a grief about my passions and interests. Basically saying that it is dangerous to do this and that, like hiking all by myself – a bear could eat me, climbing mountains – I could fall, riding my bike on the road – cars can hit me ……
Sometimes it is hard to understand people who are always so careful, don’t take any risks or live life to the fullest. Well, maybe that’s how it is to some people – they enjoy the safe, steady environment and like the life without surprises.
However, I have always had an adventurous heart and open mind to see and experience new things, try my limits and push myself a bit.

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, your body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, “Woo hoo! What a ride!”

Somebody would say that I have a very boring life but I dare disagree. Tassu, Sandy and I had excitement more than enough last night when we were pitching a tent in our living room. Yep, exactly, in the living room. I didn’t not anchor it into the carpeting though.

I have been looking for a 2-person expedition type of tent for quite some time now but the price has always been an issue since those tents tend to run around $400-700. However, REI started sale on Friday and first thing in the morning I was checking online what cool stuff they are selling this time. And I was so excited when I realized that they were selling North Face’s Mountain 25 with a very nice discount.

As soon as I got out of the office, I rushed to the flagship store in Seattle – and they still had these tents! So I am a happy owner of a new expedition tent and my another, 4-season tent makes a good career as a general hiking tent from now on.

Once I got home with my new toy and treasure, I pulled dining and coffee tables aside and started the work. Tassu is a real hiker dog, he truly loves outdoors and is always ready to go. This time I hardly got the fly over the canopy when Tassu was already inside, checking our new backwoods home.

The tent is awesome, it could be a little bit lighter but you can’t get everything and on the other hand I am strong enough to carry a few extra ounces compared to some other expedition tents.
So snowy Washington – here we come!!