Mountain and River, Oh My!

 Somewhere along the road the rocky summit of Mount Chocorua seemed to start taunting me.  I could see it pop through the trees or hover over the road like a distant road block in front of me as I got closer to my destination.  My trip to REI took me past the mountain and the trails to it.  It reminded me that I was hoping to climb Mount Chocorua this year and didn't.  It was also beautiful.

Other happy things from today:

• I have new hiking shoes!  The trip to REI was for either new hiking shoes or hiking poles.  The nice employee must have pulled out six different pairs of shoes before I finally found some Merrell shoes that fit me the way I wanted.  I also got some EXOspikes that I hope will keep me from sliding around once things get slippery.
• I've been having a problem with the Bluetooth on my phone.  It will randomly turn off.  The road trip was almost two hours each way and it only turned off once.  Perhaps whatever is causing this problem is over.
• Before heading home I wanted to get my 10,000 steps in and reach my daily goal.  I found a trail, the Conway Rec Path, that was nearby.  

The trail followed the Saco River.  I set a timer so I could get out before dark and head home so I couldn't hike the whole thing.  It was a lovely walk.

Some trees had some interesting
growth patterns.

Saco River.

Proof of Life.

The rocks can be seen through the water
 and I thought it was pretty.

The branch on this tree starts in one direction
and then turns and goes the other way.
It has led a life full of turns.

Holes.

Sunset.

Foot Print.

Bridges.

• This morning Aesop, the dog, and Winston, the cat, almost got along for a little bit.

☮

Currently reading: The Backyard Homestead Seasonal Planner, by Ann Larkin Hansen.

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Home Again!

 It was another long day in the car and we are all back safe to our respective homes.  We chose a more winding route home that added about 45 minutes to the trip, but it avoided the construction (and most likely traffic) that we had on the way there.  Other happy things for today include:

• All the mountains.  The drive home had some twists, turns, ups and downs as we passed through at least the Allegheny and Green Mountains.

• As we drove along a rocky stream a large bird dove into the water to come up with a fish.  It all happened too fast for a picture.  If I had to guess, I would say it was a hawk.  
• Aesop, the dog, was very excited to see me when I got home.  Nanni, the cat is stretched out beside me as I write.  I'm not sure where the other cat, Winston, is now, but he seemed happy to see me too.
• Gideon was indisposed when I got home.  I sat next to him to watch Star Trek Voyager and waved hello.  It was funny because he wasn't sure why I was waving.  When I reminded him that I had been away all weekend I got a big hug and kiss.

☮

Currently reading: Backpacking: A Hedonist’s Guide, by Rick Greenspan and Hal Kahn.


Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.