This is harder than I thought it would be.

So quick update, I found myself spending this weekend on a mountain with miles and miles of trails, perfect.  I also found myself entering this weekend with a particularly nasty arthritis flare, probably still from camp last week.  Not so perfect.  Regardless, I figured I should get some practice doing small hikes with my jank knees.  That is the ultimate plan, right? Here's the path I took.

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1172202

Three miles? Awesome.  Practically in my backyard? Great. 1,132 ft elevation? There is NO SUCH THING as an easy afternoon mountain hike.  Lesson learned.

Here are some other things I learned on the first hike:

• No opened toed shoes, yes even if they are as cute as the Chacos I wore today.
• Sweet tea as hydration, as easy to justify as it is, SUCKS at 97 degrees forty-five minutes into a hike. 
• Be friendly to others on the trail, but remember, they're not here to socialize.

(I learned this one quickly as I passed people who, although they were perfectly nice, did not even slow their stride.  But no offense taken!)

• What goes down, must come up.  I really must be more wary of getting overconfident on downhill sections, because the ascent proves just as quickly how awfully out of shape I'm in.

Regardless of these harsh lessons, I am so excited to keep on learning and growing on the trail.  There are truly beautiful things out there to see, and each time I go out, I plan to be a little more prepared. 

Until next time! -Hannah