Sunday Hike

Today I met a good friend somewhere in Vermont and had a great time. On the way back, I decided that I should take my new camera hiking. Never mind that I wasn't quite dressed for hiking (since I had changed out of my gardening clothes to meet my friend). Never mind that I wasn't prepared at all for hiking.

 

I figured I would just hike up for half an hour and then turn around and come down again.

 

Going hiking was the best decision ever. Not only did I get to try out my new camera on many objects, but also I got to experience the solitude and calmness of the trail.

 

I met only two sets of hikers in the hour that I was up there, so most of the time I could just be and enjoy the sounds of the forest. I heard a woodpecker working hard on its trees. I heard a chipmunk complaining about all the hikers in the woods nowadays. I saw birds flitting through the trees.

 

The trail went up and up, so I have to admit that I didn't feel particularly sorry that I couldn't hike the whole thing today. The limited hike today was perfect for the day and the way I was dressed.

 

I bet there must have been geocaches around, but alas I didn't have a GPS with me. Will have to look up later and go back there to find them. I hope to do quite some geocaching this summer. Once I find my GPS that is :p

 

On the way back out, I found myself dragging and not really wanting the hike to be over. I kept stopping and looking at things and making pictures, just to make it last longer.

 

On the way in, for a while I still heard traffic noises and it didn't feel very remote yet because of that. They did disappear though and soon I only heard the forest sounds. On the way out the traffic noise was a clear indicator that the end was near. I wasn't quite ready for it to end and felt a pang of disappointment that I couldn't just go on and hike more.

 

I consoled myself by a visit to a farmer's market and nursery. Many plants were on sale, so I actually SAVED money, right?

 

I am proud of myself because when I came home I actually got all my new plants planted before the kids came home. I feel so organized!

 

Summary: great friend, lovely hike, terrific nursery, and abundant gardening.

 

Life is GOOD!