Soker Grrl Back In Action!

Many months have gone by, and I keep hearing Soker Grrl calling for attention. A giant thanks to all of you! Your emails have been so kind and have encouraged me to resurrect SG. However, I will be sticking to strictly hot springs and all things hot springs.

Hot springs, onsens as the Japanese call them, are some of my favorite places to visit. I find them incredibly rejuvenating. They bring peace to my mind and mend my soul. I am going to take this opportunity to share with all of you the beauty and wonders that are hot springs.

You'll still find how to’s, recipes, environmental updates, and tales of my other adventures at Suniechick.com.

Keep a close eye out for new updates.

And still more Photos!

Photos...more

Photos

Adventure Continues

The last couple of weeks have been very busy, with over 50 girls coming in and out of camp. I've been having a wonderful time, and have completely exhausted myself. It is all worth it though. I'm adding some pictures to share with you all, and when I return I will go into more detail about my time at camp.

There is only one week left, and I know it will be a great one. The weather has turned HOT, but is still bearable (no I haven't seen any bears). I have seen several snakes, and the sheep have graced my presence again. There has been a lone doe visiting camp over the last week. She is not very shy, and allowed me to get a couple of photos of her.

Hello to all my friends and family. I'll be home soon!

Quick Update

Another week has gone by, and another set of girls have graced my presence. They were a great group, and very different from the week prior. This week we learned Leave No Trace, practiced yoga, went horseback riding, and did lots of outdoor cooking.

I rode for the first time in years, on my buddy Stripes. He's a bit ornery, but we came to an understanding. I had a blast!

I took a side trip up FR 30 to sit by the river for awhile. I was fortunate enough to see a herd of wild Big Horn Sheep (or Rams, I've been told both names). I also saw a snake, a bull snake, I think. It frightened me a little since I almost stepped on it!

The weather has finally turned into summer, and the grounds are drying out. The big puddles in front of the dining hall are still around, but shrinking. However, snow dusted the grounds early last week. Snow in June, absolutely beautiful!

Not Quite Under the Weather

There is a saying "If you don't like the weather, just wait 5 minutes." That has been more than true over the last two weeks. Deep in the mountains of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, rain has been an almost constant companion. Occasionally the sun has peeked it's head out, and then Mother Nature has thrown hail our way.

Despite all of the wet weather, not a single girl's spirits were dampened. I can't necessarily say the same for the staff, but we have survived. Today was mostly sunny, and practically warm. I will enjoy it for now, because in just a short time I'll be wishing for the rain!

New Adventure

Just over two weeks ago I embarked on a grand adventure. Not the typical type of adventure with world travels, but an adventure nonetheless. I have taken on the role of Camp Director for a Girl Scout camp in central Idaho.

Over the past couple of weeks I have learned that the title "Camp Director", is a title of many faces. I am an administrator, organizer, event planner, mentor, big sister, and resident mom, to name a few. I have become teacher, fire builder, expert marshmallow roaster, and yoga instructor.

I have had the good fortune to have a wonderful staff by my side. The senior staff and counselors are amazing individuals, all bringing something personally special to the board. Each person has begun to take on a role of their own with pride and enthusiasm.

I have witnessed the timid camper grow, and begin to shed her shell. I have seen the overbearing girl learn to respect herself, as well as others around her. I have also born witness to the counselors beginning to come into their own.

I have had to rush my maintenance man to the emergency room (an hour away) to put staples in his head. One camper stubbed her piggy toe so badly it swelled up to the size of her big toe, and yesterday, one girl had a disagreement about which direction to go with her mountain bike. Although there were some bumps and bruises, overall this week is deemed entirely successful!

What an amazing feeling it is to be part of this world. Out here there are no cell phones, no Internet, and the only electricity comes from a propane powered generator. This is definitely the life.

As my Internet capabilities are somewhat hindered by the beautiful mountains (I would have it no other way), my blog will be sporadically updated with my adventures.

Soker Grrl's in Backpacker!

Pick up the April issue of Backpacker magazine, turn to page 64, and feast your eyes on the lower left corner. A photo I took on a pack trip to Skillern Hot Springs last June has been published. With great excitement I invite you to take a peek, and keep an eye out on Backpacker's website for Soker Grrl as well.

Thank you to everyone who shares in my adventures. I look forward to many more treks in the future.

In Peace,
~Soker Grrl

A New Year Brings New Escapades

As 2008 begins our eyes, ears, and minds are flooded with the message of resolutions. What are we going to do this year to improve ourselves and our quality of life? I am viewing this new year as an opportunity and a challenge to have as many adventures as possible. I want to explore new regions, climb mountains, backpack the FCRNRW, and all the while refocus on my writing. I yearn to discover the desert in more detail, to encounter new experiences in the forest, and all the while do what I can to protect and preserve these precious places. I anxiously await what 2008 will bring. This new year will be everything I make of it; excitement, adventure, and new challenges!