The highest mountains are still gray and sullen, but most are coming alive. Distant hills have several shades of greens and reds with the diversity of hardwoods. Some maples have the red tinge of new leaves opening, others have the bright yellow green maple flowers. Even the oaks are waking up with the tiniest specs of green at the top of the canopy. And of course there are wildflowers everywhere. In one patch there are three different blue blossoms.
Today looked to start with a tough climb and then easy cruising, but turned out to be the opposite.
A half dozen hikers all reported the same thing - the climb up and down Pond Mountain was easy and then they got their butts kicked the rest of the day. Mine too.
A half dozen hikers all reported the same thing - the climb up and down Pond Mountain was easy and then they got their butts kicked the rest of the day. Mine too.
I made 19.2 miles to a campsite past Vandeventer Shelter.
The sore ankle was not a big problem. The icy water yesterday worked magic. Of the four elements of RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevate) ice seems to be the most curative and then compression for several days helps it completely heal. The campsite was cold and moist by the river, but the icy water did the trick.
There are still 30 miles to Damascus, so I will come in on Friday, one day more than planned but the food was just right anyway.
May Day is my parents wedding anniversary. It made me think of my Mom and smile at her up in heaven. Whenever I think of her it is happiness, or admiration, but never sadness. I'm lucky to have such great memories.
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