One of the things I've learned is that it's possible to have a little Midweek Escape or mini vacation in just a few hours, and make memories that will last a long time.
A few weeks ago, I decided to go on a hike up at nearby Mt. Charleston. The trail we attacked is called the Bristlecone trail because it leads you through a grove of these ancient trees (some Bristlecones are thousands of years old, older than the Redwoods).
My favorite part of this particular hike (I've done this trail a few times) was the impromptu HAIL storm we got stuck in. We learned how quickly the weather can change in the mountains. We started the hike, it was warm out and there were a few clouds dotting the sky. Somewhere around the mid-way section though, it got quite dark and started to rain. That was bad enough, but then it started to hail.
We took shelter under a tree for a bit, but when the thunder started, we knew that a tree wasn't the smartest place to be. So, we decided to just let the storm hit us and continued walking on the path. Hail pelted down on us, and believe me, it stung! These were small bits, probably about the size of a tic tac, but they sting when they're flying at you from the sky.
The hike wasn't ruined though. Not at all. I found it pretty exciting and funny, and something that I won't soon forget. We were wet, freezing cold and exhausted by the end from walking as fast as we could.
I'd do it again. Even with the hail. I love being in the presence of those ancient trees. I wonder how many storms they have seen.
***
Title: Steele and Stone
Series: The Daring Hearts series, Book 1
Author: Kay Phoenix
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Date of Publication: November 2, 2016
ASIN: B01LYUQ75N
Number of pages: 133
Word Count: 42,000
Blurb:
Elle Thompson was raised in Denver. She paints. She hikes. She knows how to avoid cougar attacks.
The only cougars Michael Williams usually worries about are the ones that wear leopard print leggings on 5th Avenue.
But, when his acquisition firm sets its sights on Elle's family business, his tidy life goes awry. As things unravel, so do all his preconceived notions of love and what makes a perfect partner.
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Excerpt:
“So, how are you feeling today?” a familiar voice asked behind him. He didn’t have to turn to know who it was, but he turned anyway, temporarily forgetting about his sunburn until he saw the shocked expression on her face.
“Whoa! No sunblock either? I had some, you could have asked,” she giggled. “That’ll peel for sure.”
Blue! Brilliant, shimmering blue eyes. He hadn’t seen her eyes during their hike, as they’d been hidden behind sunglasses the whole time, and he’d always been a sucker for blue eyes. Her blonde hair hung long, loose and wavy as she leaned casually against the door frame.
“I see you’ve already made yourself quite at home,” she said. “Randall told me he let you use the conference room.”
“What are you doing here?” he asked in a tone that sounded a bit too firm.
“Oh, no ‘How are you?’ or ‘Nice to see you?’” She tilted her head to the side, causing a loose curl to graze her breast.
He turned back to the coffee. “I didn’t mean to sound rude. You just surprised me.”
Author bio:
“Whoa! No sunblock either? I had some, you could have asked,” she giggled. “That’ll peel for sure.”
Blue! Brilliant, shimmering blue eyes. He hadn’t seen her eyes during their hike, as they’d been hidden behind sunglasses the whole time, and he’d always been a sucker for blue eyes. Her blonde hair hung long, loose and wavy as she leaned casually against the door frame.
“I see you’ve already made yourself quite at home,” she said. “Randall told me he let you use the conference room.”
“What are you doing here?” he asked in a tone that sounded a bit too firm.
“Oh, no ‘How are you?’ or ‘Nice to see you?’” She tilted her head to the side, causing a loose curl to graze her breast.
He turned back to the coffee. “I didn’t mean to sound rude. You just surprised me.”
Author bio:
Ms. Phoenix is a rare bird herself...a lifelong resident of Las Vegas, Nevada. She belongs to Las Vegas Romance Writers and has served on the board for several years. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America with PAN status.
Prior to writing, Kay was a Graphic Artist for fifteen years in the casino industry and holds degrees in both Graphic Arts and Psychology. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, traveling and photography. She is also involved in several Las Vegas non-profits, and is the current Chairman of a popular, long-running, local art show.
Kay has been blessed to be able to travel many places, which inspired her to host a weekly author spotlight called “Midweek Escapes” on her blog. It features guest author’s favorite vacation destinations, their travel tips, and, of course, information about their book releases and occasional giveaways.
Author website and social media links:
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