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Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday was a perfect day to hike. The sky was clear, the air was warm and I had energy to burn! Around 2pm I jumped into my car to head to South Mountain State Park located in Connelly Springs, NC. The drive from Charlotte, NC is about one hour and twenty-five minutes. Traffic was moving along nicely as I was able to maintain a good speed. Once I arrived at South Mountain I decided to pull into the visitors center area. I’ve visited South Mountain about 18-22 times and never stopped there. I walked in and was surprise to see a small area to shop for tee-shirts, small backpacks, snacks, safety kits, and a few other things. To the left of the of the visitor’s center featured a museum-quality exhibit on the culture and nature history of South Mountain. It was so cute and it had a soothing sound of the waterfall. 

South Mountain is a place I’ve spent a lot if time during during my healing process. I would sit alone for hours staring at 80-foot waterfall. The force of the water recharged my soul and helped me maintain lasting positive energy throughout the week. On Easter Sunday I did not think twice about returning to the mountain to connect with God, nature, and the universe. I was full of gratitude. As I started my hike I had to force myself to slow down and take in natures music. The trees were full and beautiful. The sun was strong and warm and the birds were doing what they do best; singing loudly. I felt so free. Everyone I passed on the trail had a radiant smile as if they also felt the connection and love from nature. It was a beautiful experience and I truly “embrace the journey” and felt at peace.

Much love!! Nature’s Girl aka  Charlene A Bell

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Group Hike

For the last 20 years, I would escape alone in nature to hike. People would always say, girl, you are crazy for going into the woods alone. The reality is hiking alone always felt natural to me. I was more afraid of walking along a busy road with cars speeding by blowing the horn or sometimes stopping to yell, can I take you out? Alone in nature, I felt at peace. No one to rush me. No one complained about the rain, heat, or cold, just me staying as long as I wanted to refill my bucket. I always heard the expression; you cannot give from an empty bucket; however, 2019 and 2020 helped me understand what that meant. A few challenges forced me to spend hours in nature. Sometimes I would go a few times a week. Once I’d felt full, I felt free. 

About two months ago, a friend invited me to hike with a small group of women. At first, I hesitated because I was used to hiking alone, and from past experiences, I’ve dealt with grumpy people who did not genuinely enjoy hiking. However, due to Covid, I really wanted to interact with people, so I agreed to join the ladies on the next hike. I was excited about the choice to join the group. The women were phenomenal. Everyone had a humble vibe. The hike was such a success a group was formed by Jennifer Michelle. The group’s name is Culture Queens Outdoors. You can find out more about this group on Instagram. 

Currently, I still spend 90 percent of my time alone in nature. However, it’s all about what you need at that moment. I feel nature is great for the soul. So, if you have not started hiking, walking trails on the greenway, or sitting on the beach to listen to the ocean, I encourage you to just GO! Go alone or phone a friend that can join you on your journey. I promise you it is rewarding.

Rock on!! Nature Girl aka Charlene A Bell

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Hiking in South Africa

This hike was so special to me. The School of Business put it together at Rutgers University. Students enrolled in the business program, and Rutger’s alumni were able to attend. In case you are wondering if we went to South Africa to hike, the answer is no. Rutgers has been donating school supplies, music interments, and much-needed items to schools in South Africa. This trip celebrated 20 years of abroad learning, contributing, and relationships with South Africa. 

Table Mountain hike was one of the 15 group activities on the agenda. I took on the challenge looking forward to seeing Cape Town from the shy versus just staying on lower land. Man! Did I have to work for that view? 

The buses arrived at the starting grounds at 5:30 am. We lined up to receive safety rules and to meet our tour guys. The group was all excited to start the hike. It was about 11:00 am before we reached the top. Local’s at some point was jogging past us saying, “Keep going you are almost there.” I laughed and replied, “Someone said that two hours ago!” In a blink, they were gone. We start with 15 members, but two became sick from the intensity of the hike. Table Mountain has options. You can take the cable car to the top, or you can hike. I hiked up and took the cable car down. The view was breathtaking. The cable car had a rotation so everyone in the car could enjoy the spectacular view. I embraced the journey and will forever hold on to the memories I collected from hiking Table Mountain in South Africa.

Much love!! Nature’s Girl aka Charlene A Bell

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Lazy or Nah…

Today I felt a little off. I could not push myself to go to the gym or focus on work. I did not feel like driving nor stirring at the tube. Something made me check the mailbox, forgetting it was a Sunday. Surprisingly, the sun was intense and warm. It was about 50 degrees, even though it felt a lot cooler in my home. I wanted to spend time outdoors, but I did not feel like getting dressed to drive somewhere. The sound of the birds singing and the rest of nature’s choir forced me to close my eyes and smile. Then it hit me! could shower and relax in my tent. Yes, you’ve heard me correctly. I love nature so much I purchased a tent to go in my backyard. Since the pandemic, I could not find or trust anyone to go camping with, so I set a tent up in my yard. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

After about three hours of relaxing, listening to nature, and journaling in my tent, my soul felt full and energized.

What are some of the ways you spend time in nature when you don’t feel like watching tv or driving? 

Warm hugs!! Nature’s Girl aka Charlene A Bell