Halloween scare

Photo by: Tim Bindner

Saturday morning, I headed out for a short hike at Mt. Saint Francis. My legs were recovering from the previous day’s walk around Cave Hill Cemetery, so I went somewhere close. I made the 4.02 hike, but learned some things along the way.

It was still dark when I arrived in the parking lot. My car was the only one there, and I liked the thought of being completely alone. As I walked a familiar route down toward the lake, the 38 degree weather invigorated me. My lungs filled with the cool air and boosted my energy. As I got closer to the lake, I could see steam rising from the lake, and quickly captured this shot above. I again chose color to shoot today, due to the beautiful leaves that provided me with a perfect canvas upon which to shoot.

Today I brought my older model Fuji XT-1 camera with my $25 vintage lens. I felt it was appropriate and hoped this older camera and lens would provide me a fresh look to one of my favorite trails.

The trails weren’t very visible, because of all the leaves blanketing the ground below my feet. Regardless, I had been on these trails so often my feet were on autopilot and new where to go, I just had to decide the direction. As usual, I crossed the back side of the lake, across the bridge and up the hill (without stopping, I may add), and made it to the intersection of trail 12. I stopped for a moment to decide which route to go and headed down trail 12 towards the creek. The last time I was here the creek was dry, today it was flowing. As I descended into the gully I once again recalled my recent coyote story, and it brought a smile to my face.

As I reached the top of the hill I turned left and headed through the field before me. As today is Halloween, I took this route and see an old abandoned shed that was fighting with bamboo over which would live in that spot. I have mentioned this before, but this location and sight were something straight out of a Friday the 13^th or some other horror film. I proceeded on and headed down a steep hail toward trail 10.

Halfway down the hill, I heard a rustle to my left. I stopped to see a frozen statue of deer. The only thing moving was its fluffy white tail. We had a starring contest for about 90 seconds, then I gingerly headed down the rest of the hill. Slick rocks, wet leaves and the steepness of the trail all provided me with a perfect opportunity for me to easily end up on my back or butt. I can gladly say it didn’t happen.

I moved back toward the direction of the car. Made my way up trail 8 and then across a field and back to trail 10. I headed back into the woods. The sun on my back was warming me up quickly, and the only sound I could hear was the rustle of leaves as my boots scattered them all about.

I soon made the turn at the deepest part of the park and headed back toward my car. As I reached the dam and climbed the hill. This is where concern creeped in. I am borderline diabetic and been on the NOOM diet for two weeks. I have lost eight pounds in that time, but at this moment I was getting very dizzy and weak. I stopped and had a banana. I knew had about a mile and a half left to go, but my body was fighting me. Fatigue had set in, as mentioned, I was dizzy and I developed a severe headache. Was my sugar dropping, was I just tired, what was happening? I called my wife to check in and tell her what was going on. She offered to come get me, but I knew I was close to the car, so I refused her offer and proceeded forward.

I have felt my sugar drop in the past, but this was more severe than before, and I had not had all these other symptoms with it. Each step I took was a genuine struggle. The car was in the parking lot up a hill. I could barely lift my feet and had to stop every 30 feet and catch my breath. I was fighting my body with each step I took. I do admit it terrified me, and I knew I was alone. I also knew if something did happen, Marcie knew where I was, and this was a popular area to hike, so I would be found soon. Thankfully, neither happened.

I eventually made it back to my car. I sat there, drank some water, logged my activity and eventually started the car and headed home. I rolled the window down and called my wife, letting her know I made it and was on the way home.

I can happily say I made it home. I guess that was my Halloween scare, but I can say I didn’t enjoy it. I soon ate lunch, and the symptoms subsided. I decided that something was going on and that my lack of calories for the morning caused this episode. I am wiser now and will be prepared.

Today’s hike was very refreshing (minus the last mile) and something I needed. Two hikes in two days. My hiking season has begun, and I look forward to the next few months of hitting the trails, taking pictures, and sharing my adventures.

Until next time,

Tim (a. k. a. Kilmer)