Yesterday it hit 91 degrees. I have made a decision. Joan is no longer going to backpack in 90 degree heat and humidity. You can call it old age, or common sense, or lack of courage, or anything you want. I'm saying it takes all the fun out of something I usually consider a favorite activity.
I camped last night near the high point of the trail, but there really wasn't much of a view.
Today I did about 9 miles to make it to the northern trailhead. Part of the trail today was along a valley, which was easier hiking. (Part of it was over more hills, of course)
The trail is 44 miles long, so I thought I had it made when I got to milepost 44. Not so fast. What they don't really tell you is that it's almost another mile to the trailhead.
In that last mile, a thunderstorm came up and I was soaked to the skin by the time I got to the car! I slipped the camera out of its raincoat just long enough to snap this picture. The rain sure improved my temperature and probably my temperament. It was delightful to be chilly.
But I have friends near Indianapolis who have taken me in, wet, filthy and all. I'm clean and fed and am calling this an adventure. I'll show you more details over the course of some future days.
And wet or not, I got that cold Diet Coke!
 | See Dreaming of a Cold Diet Coke |
6 comments:
Yea! And I say it is good sense to focus on keeping the fun in your activities. Too hot is too hot.
Smart decision. Once you take the fun out of something it's just not worth it.
Amazing adventures.
A sound decision on your part. I remember a cold cola after hiking over the continental divide in the Ecuadorian Andes. It tasted so good.
I'm glad that you made a happy and safe decision. It's no fun if you are miserable.
Lulu: "That's awfully sneaky, leaving that last mile out of the mileage marker!"
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