Officially in New York - Day 133

  It's official! I went back and hiked from Pennsylvania into New York today. I guess the porcupines liked the taste of the York. Do you think it was a peppermint pattie?

Marie hiked in with me for 2 hours this morning. It was just like old times. Maybe even better. We are sure more experienced hikers now. Here we are at this same trailhead 28 years ago.

Here we are today. That particular sign is gone- there is now a nice kiosk farther from the road with more information. But the location is the same (the shrubbery grew a lot). I think we've aged pretty well!

The second climb of the day was up Mount Tuscarowa. The views were mostly hidden, but this one isn't bad. I think the far hills are called the Three Sisters, and Mount Seneca on the right.

The wildflowers are opening, and you can actually see the beautiful light purple color of this patch of Hepatica.

OK. THIS IS A SUPER-DUPER DAY! Yes, I'm yelling. I found a new-to-me plant! This is Roundleaf Yellow Violet, Viola rotundifolia. It grows in high, cool, rich mesic habitats. It's only 2-4 inches tall. Dang! I hope I see more tomorrow so I can get a better picture!

Other than that, I got a little artsy today. Here's a transition picture from reality to art. Green woods, green shelter (moss on roof)

Coon Run above the bridge.

Coon Run below the bridge (I really like this one.)

And leaves resting on the mud. (The reality is that there was no way to know if the mud was an inch deep or 8 inches until you stepped in it. At that point, I felt less artistically stimulated.)

Even though there were 4 big hills today, I ended up much less tired than yesterday. The trail was generally good, and there was less muck. No missing trail, either!

Bonus Section: meeting Diane.

At church on Sunday, Marie met a lady, Diane, who was interested in my hike. She wanted to get my books, and came to visit us tonight. P.S. She makes really yummy desserts. Thank you Diane!

Miles today: 15.7. Total miles so far: 1748.

See Hints of Green