It wasn’t exactly unexpected, this decision to hike the Benton MacKaye Trail. But it came after a decision to stay home because of the virus. And it came suddenly and with a force I couldn’t ignore. I asked Ralph what he thought and he said, “I think you should hike while you can....Also, it makes you happy.”

That was two weeks ago and tonight I’m in my little tent listening to the babble of a small creek, the rumble of thunder overhead and the call of a barred owl up in the canopy.

And I’m happy.

I started slowly, eight miles.

I’ve been hiking all summer but not with a full pack. So there was some whining and “WTF’s” from my feet and my hips and I stopped when I said I would after killing time at Long Creek Falls with my sketchbook and pen.

No one said this has to be painful. Or fast. Or anything other than savory.