HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my family, friends, followers, and visitors! 2021 will be an epic year, I can feel it! 😉 Do y’all do resolutions? I do not. Resolutions are so easily broken. Haha! Instead, I focus on being a better version of myself than the previous year. For 2021, that will entail getting out of my comfort zone, particularly when it comes to nature.
Anyone who knows me or has been following my blog knows I am an “indoors” girl. Now, I’ve gotten a little better over the years especially since Dad and I started visiting Civil War battlefields beginning with the Sesquicentennial in 2011. Given that Dad is not very outdoorsy either, we have had our close encounters with wildlife. This post in particular always makes me laugh. Read it here. 😊
Now, I’m pretty confident at battlefields, but I tend to hesitate with activities in the woods, such as hiking. So, when my East Coast BFF, Packy, suggested a girls getaway to West Virginia to hike several parks, I was excited, but also concerned about what may be lurking in the woods of WV. However, I wanted to conquer my fears and having Packy by my side (she’s the Queen of the Outdoors!) gave me encouragement and confidence that I too could be “nature girl,” at least for that one weekend. 😉
She advised me to dress for the outdoors. What does that even mean?! I brought jeans, tops, and sneakers. I even brought heels to change into for pictures, which Packy found comical. She looked at me and said, “You’re not gonna need those!” Me without heels? Perish the thought! Yet, Packy was right, so I left my heels behind…sigh.
We stayed in the Canaan Valley area, a popular resort. Knowing my aversion to the outdoors, Packy chose Blackwater Falls State Park as our first park. I was very nervous about encountering snakes, bears, and whatever else existed in my outdoor nightmares. However, what I found were paved paths and very easy trails. My nervousness quickly dissipated. When we finally got to the waterfall, I felt so accomplished! 😊 No encounter with wildlife; I breathed a sigh of relief! Lol! Though, we were not very impressed with the waterfall.
We headed to the next park, Lindy Point Trailhead. The big draw to this park is the chimney shaped rock at the beautiful overlook. With adrenaline pumping, we got on the trail and started walking. However, this trail was very different than the trails at Blackwater. It was narrower and scarier! At one point we were one in front of the other and sometimes had to move aside to let people pass.
My confidence waning, we saw an older couple and we chatted with them for a few minutes. I told them my BFF was MAKING me do outdoors stuff and I was fearful that there might be snakes on this trail. The man’s attempt to assuage my fears fell short when he told me, not to worry because snakes usually hide under the rocks.
WHAT?!
GREAT!!!
So, every rock we passed became more menacing than the last! The trail felt never ending. Finally, we got to the opening and WOW! My fears subsided at the striking view. Nature in all its glory surrounded us. I wanted pictures and lots of pictures. I’m not afraid of heights, but Packy, concerned, kept reminding me to stay away from the edges! Haha!!!
By the time we were done with this trail, it was just a few hours before sunset and we decided to head to one more park to catch a glimpse of the setting sun. We raced to Dolly Sods, my favorite park of all the parks we visited on this trip.
However, it was also the most challenging park to hike. There wasn’t a specific trail. It was just a large area filled with rocks. At this park, you make your own trail, so that’s what we did. And surprisingly, I wasn’t as panicked as I thought I would be. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Packy’s steadfast encouragement throughout. She kept me calm and didn’t let my vivid imagination wander. I can still hear her weekend mantra for me, “You’re doing a great job!” 😊
The next day, we visited Swallow Falls Canyon Trail in Oakland, MD. It was quite challenging navigating the trails and all the people! I couldn’t believe how crowded this park was, but we had a great time. There were three waterfalls and we checked out all three. I truly felt “outdoorsy” by the end of our hike. I figured with so many people wandering about, the bears and snakes would stay away. And if that’s not the case, please don’t tell me! 😉
Packy and I have known each other since college. She’s beautiful, loyal, funny, sweet, and humble. She’s a wife, a mom, a sister, and my best friend. We have so many memories we share. Our unbreakable bond is forged in laughter and tears. Our secrets safe, our love unconditional. I’m so blessed to have Packy in my life.
Adventures with Packy are sprinkled throughout my blog. She is the unassuming style icon in my “About” page. It is Packy who planted the seeds that blossomed into my passion for heels. And her indifference about a New Kids on the Block concert she attended with me can be read here. 😊
Happy 2021!!! Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to come out of your comfort zone and experience new things. It’s the best way to grow as an individual and a good way to live life. I experienced that on my trip with Packy. I may never be as outdoorsy as Packy, but at least I know I can indulge in her outdoor passions with her. And isn’t that what true friendship is all about?
Have a beautiful and safe weekend! Lizzy’s Latest for next week is the INC Kenjay d’Orsay pumps. Special thanks to V for helping me select this set. 🙂 My review of these heels will post later next week or the week after. For now, enjoy the pictures.
Style with a Smile!
XoXo,
Lizzy
I’m so glad you had a good time and it’s always best to spend it with your BFF!! I am so thankful to continue to share new memories with you. You too inspire me! So proud of your continuous blog and your growing followers!! Keep it up!! Love u lots!!
Thank you, Packy! Love you too! We always have the greatest adventures and so many memories! I doubt we’ll ever be old people sitting in our rocking chairs in our 90s. I’m certain at that age, we’ll still be climbing mountains and zip lining through some remote forest! LOL! For now, I know you’re intent on getting me to go white water rafting! 2021 goals! LOL!!! Thank you for always inspiring ME and supporting my blog passion! Can’t imagine life without you, my East Coast BFF. XoXo!!!
Hahah nature suits you Lizzy. Looks like you enjoyed it. Me too…always thinking about these snakes when heading to a hike but so far I have only seen two from far away. They aren’t my favorite! 😂
http://www.fashionradi.com
Awww…thank you, Radi! 🙂 I did enjoy it for the most part. I’m glad I’m not the only one concerned about snakes…but, YIKES! You saw two?! I’m glad they were far away! Happy weekend, my lovely!
What a beautiful place and love all these views and trails! This look is the perfect mix of edgy and cozy. Killer heels too Lizzy!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine! It certainly was a fun trip. Glad you dig my look and heels! Happy weekend! 🙂
You and I could be sisters Lizzy…I’m not an outdoor girl either, but I’ve ventured out more and more, and I do enjoy it. The views and Mother Nature can make us feel so alive.
Heels definitely still have a place though, how else can we have so much variety in our shoe closet, LOL
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Haha…yes, we could, Jodie! What a hoot it would be to see the both of us together in nature. Lol!!! But, yes, being outdoors has a sense of freedom that can’t be found anywhere else. 🙂 Heels will always have a place! I’m glad you agree, my heels twinny!
the oversized knit looks great on you with the green pants and it’s good you had a fun time outdoors! We can’t do a lot of hiking as I have a knee injury but I have been enjoying taking the kids out along a few local trails near us, and a couple days ago we took them up to the rainforest to explore, they loved it! Sadly I fell scrambling back up the rocks at the creek trying to get back to the paths and hurt my knee but I’m hoping it heals soon so we can go on another walk soon! I feel safer doing that than taking them to playgrounds at the moment!
Hope that you are having a nice weekend! It’s a bit of a wet one here.
Thank you so much, Mica! I’m sorry to hear about your knee injury. I wish you a speedy recovery! Hope you have a lovely weekend too, even with the rain. We have a long weekend here. 🙂
What a beautiful place to spend the day and hike! The views are amazing!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Indeed! Packy and I had a lovely time! Thank you, Jill! 🙂
The place looks amazing and what a incredible view! I’m glad you had a great time!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you so much, Lovely! Hope you have a great week!
Oh this hiking trip looked so fun! This makes me miss living on the west coast. I remember my first summer in Seattle and my roommates asked me to go on a hike and I came out of my room wearing bell bottomed leggings and metallic burgundy platform sneakers–they fell over themselves laughing. I was like “what?” LOL. I love the shot of you coming down the rocks such a classic! Glad you got over your fears and did this. I got over my camping fears and camped out one night with them it was great.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Oh, Allie! Your story made me laugh! I totally related to that one! HAHAHA!!! So, I guess you’ve kinda found your way to be more outdoorsy too. 😉 I’m getting there! With so many people in my life who love the outdoors, I feel like my resistance is futile! Lol! And glad you got over your camping fears. I always joke … I’ll be camping at the Marriott across the street! Haha!!! 🙂 Hope you have a lovely week, my friend!
Just like you I never take new resolutions at the beginning of a new year.
Oh it look like you had the best time hiking with your best friend.
I’m also scared of snakes but don’t worry I don’t think you’ll see any during the winter season.
My tip is to be really loud so they’ll go away haha.
The views were looking stunning.
And I love your outfit at the end. So beautiful !
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Haha! So, snakes are scared of noise?! Hmmm…I will have to remember that for a future hike. 😉 LOL!!! Thank you for the advice, Margot. 🙂 I am so happy you dig this look. Hope you’re having a lovely week!
You girls really got out there and saw some amazing views! Love all these shots.
And girrrrrl, these leather pants + printed pumps are amazing on you!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
We did and these views were well worth the hike! Thanks, girlfriend!
Love this! The outdoors are far from my comfort zone and I’ll like to keep it as it is….hahahahhahaha. I love your comment on New Years resolutions. I always have the same one every year because changing would give me to much to think about…..hhahahahahaha.
I love that you said the thought of you without heels would be perishing……my favourite line of this post! I can’t lie, you’re brave. The outdoors especially nature makes me scared. So for that alone, you get all my applause.
Love the leather trousers! And of course, your shoes are always to die for.
PS- shout out to Packy! She’s the real MVP.
xxxxxxx
https://ooomaye.com
Thank you, Omaye! I know exactly how you feel! Hahaha!!! I have been fortunate to not run into snakes yet. Though, I feel like my lucky streak can’t last forever. Sigh! Lol! But, no point worrying about something that hasn’t happened yet. I enjoyed reading your comments! And Packy will love reading this too. She is my favorite MVP! She is always inspiring me. 🙂 Have a lovely weekend!
Yay!!! Nice job Elizabeth! I’m so proud of you! You look beautiful as always!!!! Also…awesome job getting her to spend time in nature Packy!!!!
Tammy Dee!!! Thank you, Forever BFF!!! That means a lot coming from you. 🙂 Accolades for Packy! Just think, the more Packy makes me do these nature things, the easier it will be for you when you and I do our girls trips. 😉 How lucky am I that my two best BFFs love nature and are getting me accustomed to it too. The day you two met (West Coast and East Coast collide!) was one of the happiest days of my life! That’s why we had to call you that night from WV so that you could share in some of the fun. I can’t wait until the three of us are together again one day soon. Love you, Forever BFF! Still laughing at your drawing you sent me last night. HAHAHA!!! Short people should be able to go under lights and grow like plants! HAHAHAHA!!!
Love this post, and wishing you a wonderful new year – here’s to good vibes all round in 2021! I am so with you on the indoorsy front, and I take a lot of persuading to venture outside of my comfort zone. Looks like you had an amazing time and you look fab as always! Loving those green pants especially <3
//teandtwousgars.blogspot.com xx
Thank you, Georgia! I’m glad you can relate! Feeling uncomfortable is not the best feeling, but you’d be surprised how quickly it vanishes when you are with the right people and the environment “appears” innocuous. Haha!!! Wishing you a great 2021 too! 🙂
What a great idea and you are very good!
Hi, would you like to follow each other?
https://www.babydollchemise.com/
Thank you so much, Jorce! 🙂