“This is JUST LIKE the Blair Witch Project!”
I didn’t need to hear that. At 6am. As I forced my forty-five-year-old limbs over the sheer rock cliff that is Breakneck Ridge. While wearing a headlamp. And following three women, one of whom makes her living by cutting up Barbies into dismembered jewelry that is coveted all over the planet.
But Kristen lit the way ahead of me. If you read Not Without My Father, you’ll learn that Kristen is Cooper’s mom. And she’s sort of like my little sister.
We met on a Charleston stage. She set her sights on New York. And she moved. Met her husband. She grew. And made Cooper.
And I’m so proud of the person she’s become. Not that what I think matters. I’m just glad to know her. To call her my friend. To follow her into the dark up a rocky incline and experience a crisp sunrise.
I’ll never think of hiking in the dark without conjuring Breakneck Ridge. And headlamps. And sheer cliffs.
Ingredients for making memories.
39 Comments
making amazing memories –
Yes. The memories still remind me today, as I hike around NYC with sore, sore, sore legs………
Lovely memories in a gorgeous place.
But you know me…Dismembered barbie jewelry? Is there a link?
http://www.margauxlange.com/
I specifically thought you’d like this one:
http://www.margauxlange.com/portfolio/production/necklaces/ (I’m not sure if the link will go where I specified, but it’s Barbies’ arm.)
Beautiful photos. Worth the effort. At least once in a lifetime. 😉
I’ve never hiked in the dark, but I’d definitely do it again.
It doesn’t matter what you are doing – to have such a great friend is what matters.
She got me up there. I was ready to quit twice.
Gorgeous photos! It’s wonderful to have a friend whose also like a sister 🙂
I’m lucky that we’ve kept in touch.
Sheer cliffs? I don’t think so. But sounds like a fun excursion.
It was definitely worth the effort.
That’s just the kind of adventure I love, especially if at least one member of the party knows what she’s doing!
These ladies do this every week. Not this specific hike, but a 6am hike.
Deep complex wine. Now there’s an adventure. Pass on the cliffs.
Wine is good. 🙂
What a beautiful memory. What beautiful pictures!
The one Kristen posted on FB turned out better. She’s such a super photographer.
Upward mobility needs to come with a very wide, stable path . . . or a handrail!
My oldest lived in that neck of the woods and commuted to Albany when he was recruiting on behalf of Uncle Sam. It’s very pretty country. Couple that with great friends and more self-trust than you take credit for having, and you get beautiful photos and a great post! 🙂
I’m glad I didn’t know what I was getting into beforehand. 🙂
One of my most memorable hikes ever was on Madeira Island (where Ed is from), climbing the highest peak at Pico Ruivo http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pico_Ruivo ~6,100′ before the sun came up, so that we could catch sunrise. Parts of the trail are only wide enough for a single hiker, with no safety rails, and a sheer drop into the ocean. Fun times! 🙂 Seriously though, that view from the top, being ABOVE the clouds, will stay with me forever.
Aren’t you glad you pushed yourself and did that hike in the dark? Look at that amazing payday in the form of a glorious sunrise!
I’m very glad I did it. Soreness and bruises and all. 🙂
Thanks for sharing that link. Gives me one more reason to go to Madeira.
The most gorgeous place I’ve ever been to, Madeira is.
Another beautiful memory, Andra. I especially love how you expressed your pride in what Kristen has become and that you could see the evidence.
It’s hard sometimes to stay connected to people as life changes. I’m so glad Kristen asked me to play a big role in Cooper’s life.
My sore arms are not letting me forget that hike! So glad you came. 🙂
I can finally walk down stairs without looking like a robot today……….Definitely need to do that more often.
Following your friend as she leads and lights the way is a journey of the heart.
Exactly. 🙂
Now, THAT’S a memory.
I’m glad I took a few pictures and didn’t crush my phone on a rock. Ha.
I like your project better than that other Witch one. *waving*
Clearly, you didn’t wind up standing in a corner dropping your headlight and camera. Heh. She sounds like an amazing person, though, in all sincerity.
I’m so glad you’re doing all this stuff for me….so I can enjoy it vicariously:)
The perfect recipe for starting a glorious day.
My idea of a hike at the moment is walking over to the motel lobby to get a cup of coffee and a danish. Somehow that probably does not qualify though. LOL
What an exceptional experience, and with an exceptional friend. A special memory times two!
Hello, my amiga! Miss you! Coming out for some air and checking up on my faves. Hope all is well. Sounds like a fun time hiking with a wonderful woman and friend. xo
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