After 12 sedentary hours yesterday, sitting, listening and eating, time was right to spend a day outdoors! John and I had pre-determined that hiking was definitely on the agenda and getting me on my bike after almost 2 years, a possibility. We took the short 30 minute drive to House Mountain State Park for a mid-morning hike. Our 5-mile adventure took us steeply up the west side of the mountain and down the east side. Mark this down as my first hike in the New Year, the first of many to come!! (John was on his second hike on House Mountain, he hiked up yesterday while I sat in the meeting).

From the West Overlook, we could see Sharps Ridge. We enjoyed a clear, crisp day in the country, for the first part of the hike anyway. The temperature warmed up quickly on the way down!

Stopping for a piece of chocolate. Yum!

We and our shadows!

Now there's a look (or should I say grimace)

Looking back at the House Mountain ridgeline we had already crossed. We were well on our way to the east side of the mountain.

From the East Overlook, we watched three vultures catching air. It looked so graceful and effortless. No wonder people hang glide. Above is one of the three birds showing us how it is done.

The view from the East Overlook. If you look in the distance, you can see the Smokies in the clouds and haze.

After our hike, we did go bike riding (no photos to capture the moment). It was a short but good ride. We parked at the University Club and biked out and back on the greenway from (from the Club to the South Knoxville Bridge). Glad I got on the bike but I am going to have to get use to being on "the seat" again.