Back in the saddle

Today I hit the trail again for the first time in what has seemed like an eternity, yet it has only been a few weeks. I needed the hike.

Mark and I had planned to meet Sunday morning at 8am at Mount Saint Francis. No actual plan on distance or time, but the idea of “cutting back to the car” if I needed to, seemed like a safe plan.

As I arrived Mark asked if I was feeling okay and added, “if something is wrong I am not dragging you back to the car, I will call for a rescue helicopter”. I appreciate his love, friendship and sense of humor. Not knowing how my body would react, we headed off.

As we ambled along the gravel path, past the water tower, then the field, we approached trail 10. Our eyes scanned the field to the left, forest to the right and trail below for any proper photography subjects. We talked and caught up on how both we and our families we doing. I have noticed with Mark the conversation we do not force it. We tackle a variety of subjects, but neither of us judge each other, and I know I genuinely care what he has to say.

We entered the woods, noticing a slight drop in an already cool 43 degree temperature. The woods provided a bit more humidity and coolness than even a few steps back in the field. Recent rains had softened the ground, and local volunteers have cleanly cleared the path of fallen leaves and branches. This train and descent was easy, but with my recent illness and weight loss, I would test my stamina today, and simple things like a cleared path before me helped lessen the struggle.

I followed a familiar path back to the back of the property, made the turn and headed back in the car’s direction. I felt weaker than normal, but honestly not bad. I kept a good pace and tried not to stop much. This was a trail I had been on hundreds of times, but today felt different. The air was crisp and sweet smelling. Each tree and leave seemed to be new, and the familiar path below me felt like I had not been on it in years.

I snagged a few shots today, but like my hiking, my photographic eye had taken a hit. I wasn’t in the mood to shoot. Mark mirrored that sentiment. I was there for the experience. Nature was filling my lungs and scrubbing my soul.

We took our time and eventually made it back to the car. We hiked about 3.28 miles, but today was not about distance. I spent time with my dear friend and I recharged my batteries. I have mentioned many times what hiking does for me physically, mentally and spiritually. None of that was more clear and needed than today.

Until next time,

Tim (a. k. a. Kilmer)

Comments

Rocky Ridge/Breeden Ridge Trail

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography Today I met my buddy Mark at O’ Bannon Woods State Park for a hike. In this Coronavirus terrifying world, I needed to get out. My week had not been going so well. I got some surprises at work that changed how future projects will go for me and I was bombarded by daily messages of doom about the Corona Virus. I was looking forward to the weekend because I had two hikes planned. This is the only one that happened. After a two day headache (Friday and Saturday) I was able to get out and hike. I met Mark at the campground in O’ Bannon Woods and we set off on the Rocky Ridge Trail. This is the trail we had planned on hiking a few weekends ago but it ended quickly when the forecasted 30% of rain became 100% sleet. The trail this time was still muddy but as I could tell by the campground area we would be alone. As my boots slushed through the mud I watched from behind as Mark often caught a tree root or rock with the toe of his boot, sending...

I almost died - Adventure Hiking Trail.

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography (https://www.instagram.com/timothybme/) This morning I was able to cross off a mini-bucket list item. I have always wanted to hike on the Adventure Hiking Trail (AHT) and today I achieved that with my good friend Mark. We met in the parking lot by the guard shack at the entrance to the park. We took a moment to greet each other and both of us tried to decide to wear a jacket or not. Mark loves to drive and since he has a Jeep I was okay with him hauling us to our starting point. I loaded my gear in his Jeep, climbed in and we headed off. As Mark turned onto Cold Friday Road I felt my excitement level begin to rise as I had been looking forward to this hike for a long time. The road, though paved was very bumpy and curvy. It was littered with debris. Not man-made debris but the kind only Mother Nature could provide. The Jeep crushed branches, it road over leaves and small rocks, and we seemed to feel every puddle and pothole as we descended the ...

Nova Scotia - Day 7

Photo by: Tim Bindner October 1 & 2, 2022–Day 6 & 7 Not too many sites were seen on our last two days in Nova Scotia. Reality was setting in. We would be back home soon. On Saturday we woke up, had breakfast, said goodbye to Kermit (6-week-old golden retriever), loaded up the car, turned in the keys and began the drive east on Highway 1. Our destination was The Fourth Lock . This was a small bed-and-breakfast with a restaurant attached. Our drive took us through small towns like Bear River, Annapolis Royal, and Bridgetown. We then merged onto Highway 101, heading toward Fall River. Our B&B was not opened when we arrived, but the restaurant staff called the owner, then got us the code to get in and he showed us our room. Small room with a bed only 12 inches off the floor, no a/c, small refrigerator with glass bottles of water inside, and a very nice washroom and shower. We waited around until 4pm, then headed downstairs for dinner. After eating, we walked back up to the room...

Ruminator

Search This Blog