Confidence and Ignorance : House Boating

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun. -Charles R. Swindoll

I realize I haven't written since last summer, but I am going to backfill you all in on the exciting adventures I have been on between now and then. In July 2014, I went home to go camping with my best friends. Traditionally, we camp in an isolated location near a lake. However, due to the drought and some of the fires- we were unable to go to our normal location. So for the first time, we decided to try house-boating. We drove up to Bullards Bar and spent a few days on the lake. Honestly, it was one of the best times I have ever had.

I've mentioned this before, but I have incredible friends. I've known these girls for 19/20 years and I am so lucky to have them. Now that a lot of us no longer live near each other, opportunities like these are all the more special.

'King of the World'…or at least Queen of the Lake

While the drought had visibly lowered the water level- the lake was still unbelievably beautiful. The color of the water reminded me of the Caribbean, while the sandstone rocks made everything feel all the more exotic.

The gorgeous Bullard's Bar

We spent the first day catching up, drinking copious amounts of margaritas and beer, and remembering how lucky we all are.

I realize that all too often I can take my friends and family for granted, and it's moments like these when you can just take it all in. We were the only people out on the lake, and there is something so great about having that isolation (especially when you are with your friends for life).

As the sun began to set, we all were just struck with the unparalleled beauty of the world around us. Considering that the drought has continued to get considerably worse over the past 9 months- we really need to figure out a way to keep these beautiful unspoiled places vibrant.

The rest of the trip flew by in a rush of paddle boarding, tubing, wake boarding, and all around frivolity.

I highly recommend camping/houseboating/backpacking as great girls trips. All too often, we jump to cosmopolitan city getaways or spa vacations (which are great) and we forget how much potential a simple trip has. This was one of the best vacations I had ever had. It made hopping back on a plane to work and reality so much harder (and isn't that the true testament to a great trip?)