Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Hiking on Black Friday

I don't like crowds.  I just feel like I have better things to do with my time than stand in lines with angry people.  So I try not to go to any major chain stores in the period between Black Friday and New Years (because the week after Christmas is still chaotic with people doing returns and blowing holiday gift cards).  You especially won't find me in Sam's Club or Walmart! 

This year on Black Friday I took the boys hiking with my friend, Trina.  Paul was doing a bike ride that day.  We hiked the Star Trail up to the top of Mill Mountain in Roanoke.

It was a beautiful day for a hike and warmed up quickly.  The boys enjoyed using the rain jacket/wind breakers my aunt and uncle got them for their birthdays. 

Cort and Pierce check out the view.  After the overlook, we spent some time at the playground until it became crowded.  Then we hiked back down.

I can't think of any other way I'd rather spend Black Friday. 

18 comments:

Tom said...

...a much better activity for the day.

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

Sounds like a wonderful way to spend Black Friday! I don't like crowds either. i do most of my shopping online. I do go to Walmart, but to the one in Altavista, which isn't too bad. That's where i get a lot of my groceries.

Out on the prairie said...

I hope you have had some time to shop,I still feel I need to, but won't.Happy holidays to you and your family.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi, I am SO SO SO with you when it comes to crowds... I am not a 'shopper' at any time --but especially during holiday/seasonal times.... I have never shopped on Black Friday ---and will NEVER I'm sure....

I don't even enjoy going to the grocery store during this season --but I do it!!!!! Try to go really early in the mornings during these seasons.

We do most of our hiking during the 'off-seasons' --since we don't even enjoy crowds even when being out in nature...

Have a marvelous Christmas.
Hugs,
Betsy

Ginny Hartzler said...

It looks like fun! And I think the boys will remember this with much fonder memories than shopping! They are so cute in the new jackets! Merry Christmas, Lisa!!

mail4rosey said...

Yep, best Black Friday evahhhh. :)

Michelle said...

This is the perfect way to spend Black Friday. I don't do any shopping that day or most any day. Grocery shopping I even dislike ! lol

An Apel a Day said...

That is a better way to spend the day. We only went to a hardware store.

Lin said...

I'm with you on avoiding the stores! I think I bought everything online this year. The problem comes in with groceries and everyday stuff. Do you stock up on everything just so you can avoid the stores?? What about laundry detergent and toothpaste and stuff?

Anne Payne said...

Agreed! Any place except Walmart has got to be a good one. :) I have noticed there aren't as many shoppers this year in our area, though.
Wishing you a Happy Christmas!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I don't shop in those conditions either - and malls suck the juice right out of a person, don't they? You chose wisely.

DMS said...

Exactly how I would like to spend Black Friday. I try to stay away from large malls and crowds and mostly shop in mom and pop stores, with some chains thrown in the mix. I haven't gone to the mall or anyplace like that in over a year. Hiking is one of my favorite ways to spend my time. Glad you had such a great day!
~Jess

Sally said...

Making those memories so much better for your precious boys!
Xoxo

Harry Flashman said...

That seems like an infinitely better way to spend the day than shopping. I spent that whole day trying to buy a new lap top on line. But every time I went through all the process of filling out an order and tried to place it, then the web page would say "out of product" and try to switch me to a much more expensive computer. You got it right, heading for the mountains.

Betty Manousos said...

hi lisa,

here's wishing you and yours a very merry christmas!! xoxo

Linda said...

Looks delightful! May your family have a wonderful holiday season!

Annette said...

What a perfect time of year to hit the trails! I couldn't agree more. I'd choose fresh air and a hike in the woods before going into an angry mob of Walmart shoppers--agreed!

Indah Nuria Savitri said...

it's surely fun to go out, enjoy the beautiful weather and have fun with your loved ones...