I commented that I planned on being in Colorado Springs in July too. In fact, I was there right then. In my house.
A series of e-mail exchanges followed as her family's plans changed, got finalized, changed, finalized... Naturally, I was hoping that in there somehow, she and I could arrange for a meetup of sorts.
At one point, she'd asked me about destinations that were favorites among the locals, moreso than the touristy things. One place that is a happy hangout for many local hikers, bikers, and rock climbers is Red Rock Canyon Open Space. In fact, for all zero AbbyNormal trivia buffs, the current header photo of the blog - enigmatically titled "Meego's Feet and Some Ducks" - was taken at RRCOS.
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| The backs of some people in a rock quarry |
Eventually, we made plans to get together for a hike there. I knew that Magnum and Meego would happily join. I left it participation-optional for Wolfgang and Chaco and was happy to hear the pitter patter of big feet at a relatively early time for them on a Saturday morning.
Just as we pulled into the parking lot, SR texted that they were there and described her vehicle. I went in search and soon found a familiar looking person appearing as though she were looking for someone looking for her. YAY!
We gathered the various family members around, made some quick introductions, and then our party of 9 hit the trail.
How nice to meet her husband and two youngest kids! Her son, much like our kids, is like iron to magnets when it comes to rock formations. They HAVE to scramble upon them. Daughter was not immune to the more adventurous routes either. Not surprising, they're great kids, both striking me as nicely mature for their ages.
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| Adding to the nature defacement |
As we progressed through the area, and the kids roamed around, we grownups were able to visit a bit between shouts of, "GET DOWN FROM THERE", "DON'T GO THAT WAY", "THAT'S TOO HIGH", and "DON'T BREAK ANYTHING, I CAN'T CARRY YOU BACK TO THE VAN"
After about two and a half short hours we were back to the parking lot, enjoying cool refreshments provided by the ShadowRun's. Beverages in an ice-packed cooler, what a concept! As we continued to visit, we took in our results: a few visible scrapes, some possibly mud-ruined clothing and shoes, embedded cactus spines, and no broken bones. All under a full layer of a sweat-sunscreen-dirt combo. Success!
I was flattered when SR's son presented a binder that held some pencil portraits he'd drawn and wanted to show me. They were very good! They were all of girls he knows - heh - drawn from various angles and expressions. Once again, I had to remind myself that he's only 15.
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| My first blog friend meetup! |
SR and I chatted a bit about our other mutual blogger friends, and how fun it would be to get a larger group together.
HINT HINT. Anyone?
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14 comments:
Well how COOL is THAT!
I've tried to imagine how it would feel to meet a blog friend and then posting about it. :)
I think it will happen some day. I wonder if I'll be nervous? lol You know... kinda like going on a blind date.
I'm glad it was a fun time for all. You chose a good place to hang out - though my personal hiking skills are limited. But... I'd be willing.
When I gave her my cell number, I told her I hoped she wasn't really an internet blogger stalker. It does have a bit of a blind date feel!
I bet you'll meet a blog friend someday too. Until then, gotta love the internet!
Awefreakinsome. I am elated that you two got to hook up "for reals". I would love to meet up with you and explore the trails with you, if I ever wind up heading to Colorado. Last time I was was up in your neck of the woods was when we did a scout summer camp out near Elbert about 10 years ago. Beautiful country.
There is that small twinge of doubt that resides when you meet up with someone from the net. Are they some sort of stalker/crazy person? Am I meeting with a serial killer? Will they be as funny/interesting as they seem on line? Heck, will I be as interesting/funny? Getting to meet someone you have met on line is a great experience (I've been lucky to meet up with two - Rock Chef and Terri). I think it would be great to have some kind of mass gathering of the clan. Rock Chef is talking about his trip stateside 2013 and something about hitting the Minnesota State Fair. It would be intriguing to meet up with the whole tribe. Count me in.
Hmm... a MN 2013 state fair jamboree! I'm sure Terri would love to put us all up!
She sounds incredibly fun! ;)
You know, I was very nervous all morning. But as soon as I saw you, I felt like I'd known you forever. My nerves immediately dissipated.
The location and activities we chose were perfect for a first meeting, 'cause you just never know....
But afterwards, I was wishing we could have spent a little more time chatting. I sincerely hope we get to meet again.
I KNEW it! I knew you guys were going to meet! I'm so happy for you both! Sounds like a great day. I'll bet it was fun to meet all the family members who star in the blogs.
A larger get together? I'm interested!!!
Oop! Just saw the comment about potentially all meeting for the MN State Fair next year! YES! And I'd be more than happy to "put you all up!" :-)
Oh, that could be SUCH fun... let's really think about it!
It helps that you're both gorgeous :)
Sounds like a good time was had by all.
I couldn't have asked for a better blog friend meet. I didn't even have to travel anywhere! And I realized that I don't even think you know my last name...
I would absolutely love a large get together! Just... let's not go bowling, it would be embarrassing for me.
Aw... thanks.
Actually, this is all just a ruse. We're really a couple of backwoods hicks ala "Deliverance", trolling the internet.
Cool! Sounds like it was an ideal first meet-up, complete with butterflies & all!
Very cool that you got to meet a fellow blogger in person. Also, it looks like you guys had a lot of fun :3.
I know!! As we were leaving the parking lot, that exact thought occurred to me! Is it best to wait for the second date for that?
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