Saturday, October 6, 2012

Autumn Hike

Missed me? It's been a while.

I've been learning a lot.

Today Jim and I hit the road for the Blue Ridge Parkway and hiked Rock Castle Gorge Trail. It was classified as a strenuous hike and I'd have to agree that it wasn't moderate or easy. The 10.8 miles of it were filled with beautiful views and creeks, difficult climbs, and one interesting encounter with some cows.

I'm grateful to be able to truly hike again. You know, allow my heart to pump to its full potential and allow my muscles to scream for mercy as I push them further and further... yes, hiking is wonderful therapy.

Though the leaves had not hit their prime yet, the cool breeze and changing leaves gave us the taste of autumn. Leaf litter covered the ground and each step brought the satisfying crinkle and crunch of leaves.

Leif was in heaven. We can't recall him having so much fun on a hike before... It was probably the longest hike he's ever been on and he was a real trooper.  He frolicked in the streams, pushed happily up the steep slopes, found a bone, and carried his doggy backpack like a champ.

Unfortunately we forgot the camera, so there are no pictures to post. Just trust me... it was great :)

To continue our autumn flavor we bought hard cider and then came home and made a fire in the fireplace. The smells of the fire are wonderful, but the cider was not.good.at.all.... you win some, you lose some!

This fall I'm going to soak in as much as I can.

1 comment:

  1. Loved this. Especially that you and Jim and Leaf could get out and enjoy a good, strenuous, hike together after all you went through with your neck injury. Soak in the beauty of this fall and life in general, indeed.

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