Til our paths meet again...

Today I said goodbye, for now, to a good friend and an amazing person. What does she have to do with you and this blog? As hikers, bikers and outdoor enthusiasts in general, we are at higher risk for things such as skin cancer.

My friend Tina has left us a legacy, defying the statement that the good die young - just because her physical time on earth was only 38 years, she lived many lives during that time frame. She has accomplished what many of us could never do. While cancer was beating her down, her head was held high as she helped others with their journeys. Her strength, class, grace and determination is contagious. She made the most out of the good days and the bad. She never wasted a second, even when she didn't have mobility, she was still fighting the fight.

In her honor, celebrating her spirit and to say thank you for being a part of my life, I share with you the blog of Tina Sullivan, melanoma warrior, and inspiration for Pale Skin Is In. Cancer may have taken her body from us, but it didn't stop her heart, quiet her voice or end her fight. Team Pale Skin Is In is dedicated to continuing where she left off.

To her husband Todd, daughter Teya, parents, brother Cory, extended family and fellow friends - I find it an honor to have known her and if there's anything I can do to continue her journey, I'll be there, you have my prayers and support.

To Tina - Forever in my heart, with the big hair, wrinkling your nose, sticking your tongue out at me saying I'm more stuck up than you are! You have to watch out for those quiet ones, they bite!!

Bad Weather Benefits

It seems that when we look outside we say "Oh, wow, sun" instead of being surprised it's raining. Although I love a good thunderstorm, this rain is really putting a damper on many outdoor activities, no pun intended.

Unless it's thunderstorming, a walk in the rain isn't bad and for those wanting to walk to burn calories, colder weather does help as your body is trying to heat itself. Many of you that like to kayak or canoe, a lot of Michigan trails are along rivers and do have public boat launching sites and water activities available, including rentals. Do keep in mind many of our rivers right now are under a flood watch or warning and currents are a lot faster than normal, so please take extra safety precautions. Deeper water hides debris and fallen trees. If you're an inexperienced boater, stay on foot until the water levels go down.

Speaking of flooding, word has gotten back to me many of the trails that are in flood plains, even if some are flooding over the trails, are still open and quite the sight to see. The excess water brings some wildlife and fish closer to the trails. Just keep in mind some sections of the trails may be closed where the water crosses the path, currents could be present and unseen. If you see water damage to the trail or trees down, please take the time to notify those that manage the trail. Taking a photo of the damage will help.

So if you're brave enough to walk in the rain, find a trail near water that could be interesting to see "under water". Remember, even when the rains stop, the water can still rise for a day or two before it recedes. Do not ignore signs placed around the grounds by trail managers.

Shoe Sale

As much as I hate to say it, you need more shoes (or boots). If you are a walker, hiker, runner, cycler, etc., you need proper shoes, and specific shoes for the activity. Now is a great time to assess the quality and quantity of your footwear. I add quantity to that because it never fails, any shoe I buy, it fails at least one requirement, so I'll buy 2. I need something comfortable, waterproof, skid resistant and warm... oh, and in a size 5 1/2 wide. The rare time I find the "perfect" boot, I will go back and buy 1 or 2 more to have in case the first gets worn out or wet and because it's so hard for me to find something that fits.

Shoe stores are clearing out and moving in new stock. Take advantage of those sales. Many stores have frequent shopper discounts as well. Many of us are getting our tax refunds back too. Did you get a gift certificate at Christmas and not use it yet? If there's not a sale, have you thought about asking a manager to knock a few respectable dollars off? Even if it's only $10, you can use that to buy some new socks. Having the proper socks also will aid in the comfort of your activity.

The wrong footwear can lead to all sorts of injuries, including falls. Safety first. You want to have fun on your weekends and vacations. Hospitals are nice and all, we just don't need to include them in our destinations.