Max and Peaches - Day 160

  For a few days, a trail lover named Max is spotting me in the mornings. We put my car where I want to finish for the day. Then he takes me back to where I want to start to hike. Today, he and Peaches (who turns one year old tomorrow) hiked in with me for a while before returning to their car. It was fun to have someone hiking with me for a bit.

The day began in Hoxie Gorge State Forest with trail that's all new since I was here last time. It was beautiful, but the creeks are in shadow and the pictures aren't great. What was great was some of the vistas from field edges.

I love these gnarly old, old maples.

Had to wade Trout Brook. It wasn't deep. The afternoon was warm, and clean water is such an improvement over mud, I just walked through. The biggest drawback to warmer weather is that I don't like heat very much. And it's going to get much hotter. I probably need to start carrying sandals for wading, but it feels good to cool the feet.

Best of all? The focus isn't perfect, but I got a picture of a wood thrush!

Today was difficult. There weren't any really big hills, but I climbed and descended 100-400 feet over and over and over. I don't know how many times. And the first part of the day had a lot of spring cleanup still needed, and the footing was difficult too. I shopped after hiking. Remember, I have to take care of myself now- probably until I get to North Dakota. Then I came back to the trailer and did all the evening things. I need to get my act together and toughen up. I can do this!

Miles today: 15.4. Total miles so far: 2060.

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