Date: 2003-03-16
To: Update
Miles today: 0.0

March 15, 2003 - Spring Lake, Michigan              Today was the first day in about 3 months that the temperature has risen above 50*. Both people and animals alike were out and about to soak up some sun and warmth. I think that it's funny how temperature is so relative. In July, Michiganders would be wearing heavy jackets on a 50* day. Today, there were many people in shorts and t-shirts. At any rate, the sunshine and warmer temperatures are a refreshing reminder that spring is not far off.    Yesterday, I once again rushed home and had dinner. Following that, I geared up and headed out for some conditioning. I walked down to the pier and back. I did 6 miles in about 1 hour 50 minutes. I was pleased with that speed. The pack felt comfortable and my legs finished strong. I pushed myself to keep my heart rate accelerated.   This morning, I got up early and was out the door at 7am following breakfast. The sun was rising and it was a beautiful morning. I chose a completely different hiking attitude. Today I did only about 3 miles in 2 hours. I stopped several times to bird watch, squirrel watch, and just be in an attitude of prayer. It was a wonderful feeling to not be rushed and just enjoy the beauty of nature.    At one of my stops, I noticed a squirrel having what appeared to be a bad morning. He was chirping up a storm, obviously upset. Another squirrel, in a nearby tree, began to rant as well. I wondered to myself what they might be arguing about. Politics, finances, lovers quarrel? It was too beautiful of a morning to be mad and angry. A few seconds later, a third squirrel joined the banter from over my other shoulder. This was getting interesting. After a couple of minutes, it occurred to me that perhaps they were not arguing at all, but rather were expressing displeasure with my presence "on their turf". Could they be mad at me? I'm just out here, minding my own business, enjoying the fresh new morning air. My suspicion was confirmed when immediately above my head, a fourth squirrel began to descend the tree and chime in with the protest. This guy meant business. Never before have I seen a squirrel do a combination churp/growl, downward jump, and tail flick in synchronized motions. I have to admit, this was somewhat impressive. He stationed himself about 20 feet above me and continued to vocalize his concerns. After a minute or two, I replied with a friendly "hello little fella". Immediately, he retreated to a higher elevation where he felt more secure. I soon continued my morning journey wondering why when Grizzly Adams said hello to animals, they always ran up and jumped on his lap.   Hmmmm.         I also stopped to watch birds. I'm often amazed at how many different birds calls you can count when you just take the time to stop and listen. I counted over a dozen today. I saw a bald eagle and a hawk of some sort with his breakfast in tow. This encouraged me to throw the binocs in the pack. Why not?   I've been spending some time trying to decide which hiking "attitude" I'll adopt on the trail. My two hikes this weekend were very different. Today I decided that.....ah..ha...duh....I can do both. Some days I'll push myself hard to cover many miles and compete against the clock. Other days, I'll allow myself time to lolligag along and stop whenever I want. Both hikes can benefit the soul I think. My natural instincts lean towards setting distance and time goals but, hopefully, I can chose to slow down and absorb the freedom that comes with just taking it easy.    I guess I'm giving up on pack weight concerns. It's going to be about 55 lbs. I've emptied my pack several times and asked myself, "what don't I need?".   I guess that I'm not willing to give up anything else.   So, I'm deciding to just like 55 lbs. Yea, it's a good number. Don't you think? My basketball jersey number in high school was 50, that's close. The speed limit is often 55. Some people retire (selling beef jerky on the trail) at age 55. If you bought a $.50 cup of coffee (yea, that was a while ago)and tipped the wait staff 10%, you would spend $.55. It won't be long and the price of a postage stamp will be $.55. So, there you have it. Fifty-five is a great number. It just might be the best number in the world. Perhaps I'll never be a light weight hiker. Then again, maybe after 2 weeks I'll mail 12 of my pack contents home. Time will tell.    The weather forecast for next Friday calls for a 62* day with 0% chance of precipitation at Springer. Woohoo.   One week from today, I hope to be at Neels Gap, if all goes well.    Ok, enough for the night. Once again, it's way past my bedtime.   Peace to all,   Scot