Date: 2015-11-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I went for a long hike yesterday. It was wonderful.Except for the part where I had to navigate across a section of sunken boardwalk and got my feet all wet (I HATE THAT). That sucked. Otherwise, it was wonderful.The state of Maine has a chunk of public reserved land in Cutler. A loop of trail begins inland, weaving through dense forest before hitting a breathtaking section of cliffs, and the The trail then rambles along the coastline before heading back into the forest.I only slipped like 80 times. I have been wearing my old running shoes. They are worn out and have absolutely no traction. They are also a little too small now. I noticed during my 3 hour, 900 degree shower last night that weird chunks of toenail came off of both of my little baby toes. I think that was a good thing, though. They were unnaturally gross and thick. Maybe they'll look slightly less deformed now.Anyway, about the hike. It was so nice. SO NICE. I haven't had the chance to get out and get a nice long hike in for a few weeks. It was long overdue. I miss the thinking.I really, really miss the thinking. Hiking just puts me in some weird, introspective state of being where I contemplate all of life's current dilemmas and accept them as a challenge that I CAN overcome. Also, it's just so pretty out there. FREAKING GORGEOUS. The trail starts through lush, dense forest, bright with moss and lichen. It was rather wet, and the bog bridges and many sections of rock were a little slick. This was a whole new world compared to the AT. There's no ocean on the Appalachian Trail (unless you count an ocean of disgusting, smelly hikers and their disgusting, smelly packs... true love!). When you get close to the shore and obey a sign demanding, "USE STAIRS", you are met with ocean. And cliffs. And it is wonderful and amazing and beautiful and terrifying, all at the same time.It's strange to think how big the world is. Walking from Georgia to Maine, you spend a lot of time in the green tunnel. Some days, you look at a map and think, "Did I really walk that far?" or "HOW AM I STILL ONLY IN VIRGINIA?!" or "Is there really that much left to go?".As time goes by, you start to ask, "Is the end really that close?" and "Katahdin is coming up so fast." and "I am so tired, are we there yet?".And at the end, you look at that map and think, "Wow, that's a long way."BUT IT ISN'T. The AT is TINY compared to the world! One look at that rolling ocean stretching out into the distance is enough to give a Red Panda a perspective heart attack. The diversity of even 9 miles of trail is incredible. Forest and swamp and marsh, cobble beaches and cliffs, little coves and unparalleled campsites tucked along beside the trail.But that's only 9 miles. There are so many miles in the world.This hike was another good slap in the face. Another thing I like about hiking: the perspective. I get so caught up in life, so overcome with the everyday repetition of life. I have been feeling stagnant lately, as if the only things I ever think about are work, food, and sleep (mostly food).I needed that smack of perspective, which shook me to my core as I stared out at the endless water stretching out to the horizon (okay, that's a little dramatic, but it did put me in my place). Thanks for that, world. I love hiking. I think I'm starting to panic a little as the weather grows colder. The idea of being stuck inside and not being about to be OUT makes me kind of anxious. I need to find a winter hobby. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SKIING IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. Maybe I'll borrow some snowshoes and give that a go. I did quite a bit of hiking in the snow last year, but some variety would be nice.I have enjoyed fall in the park. Almost every day, I have gotten in a bike ride, a run, or a hike. This morning was brisk and windy, but the sun shined down on me as I ran through the woods, and even though I kind of hate running, it was wonderful.My internship ends in a little over a week, and I will head home. Once again, I will leave my Maine home behind me. I will give hugs to Kate and Alexa, and set off to my next adventure (I have no idea what the next adventure is yet. I'm still working on that one).I am looking forward to returning home for Thanksgiving. This has been, hands down, the most amazing year of my life. I could never count the things I am thankful for this year. And the best part is that I know there will always be many more things to be thankful for.So tonight, I am thankful for the patience of my family. I am thankful for the patience of Alex and Kate, and my coworkers this year, especially since I ditched them when I was sick and they covered for me at a ridiculously busy time. I am thankful for forests, trails, and dry socks. I am thankful for the outdoor world which welcomes me every time I need it the most. I am thankful for a place to run, a place to hike, and a place to recover. I am thankful for the future I have before me. I'm trying not to freak out about the open-endedness of it all. Life is an adventure. I am thankful for all of the adventures I have put behind me, and all of the ones I get to embark upon next (unless I die soon in a freak accident, but that's unlikely).