Wednesday, June 06, 2007

It's 72 and sunny.....

.... so what do you think I did today? I added a few miles to my summer goal of hiking the AT in NY.

Things I learned:
1. Elevation maps don't always tell the whole story.
2. Sometimes we scare hawks, sometimes hawks scare us. Today they both happened at the same time when a small hawk was sitting on the trail. (thus, no photo)
3. Hikers are cool people. (see photos below)
4. Snakes are not cool people. (see photo below)
5. I need to get outside regularly. I feel like I can breathe again.
6. Sometimes the trail isn't marked too clearly and you have to pay close attention.
7. I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. I haven't been to very many of them, but they can't be much better than this.
8. I should have left those old hiking boots that I found in the closet, well, in the closet.
9. Always carry food to share.
10. Wear insect repellant when hiking. Seriously.

Now for the pics:
These young fellows (and Dora, their dog) were found resting on the side of the trail. They are between college and real life and enjoying their time together. They gave me my trail name, Angel. (Much better than my husband's offering, Hike-O-Path, don't you think?) The name may have been a response to a gift of blueberries. Everyone always complains about 'the youth of America'. Well, these were some wonderful and thoughtful young men and America is in good hands.

These reluctant subjects are Trail Heroes. They work maintaining the trail. I was the first hiker to cross the new stepping stones across the stream. Kudos!
This evidence of my great photography skills is just for my darling husband. He loves snakes but generally hates the outdoors. I'm just the opposite. I think the photo was remarkably clear considering it was taken while I was jumping up and down and screaming like a girl.
Now it's back to real life. Finishing quilts and cooking dinner and cleaning the house. But tomorrow is going to be 77 and sunny. Maybe I'll have to play a little hookie again. Who wants to come with me?

4 comments:

Delayed Gamer said...

Snakes need love too!

Debby Brown said...

jeff, i'll love you, but not the snakes! (it's ok, he's my husband)

Melanie said...

Sounds like you had the BEST day...

Marla said...

looks like fun!!!!!!!!