Another post. I'm hoping they get a bit more exciting before too long.

I just got back from the trail. My neighbor could not go, he had a sports practice with his eldest son. We, his family and myself, may be going fishing and have a hotdog roast this evening. After I am done with this, I will call and see if his wife would like me to pick something up, or get something specific. Shoot, I had better get a fishing license too. I did not end up getting started on the trail until 10:00, so I had lost most of the morning coolness. It was heavily shaded yet sparse enough so that even without a breeze moving the air around it was not too hot. I am not sure how far I went, 3 miles and some more, up to 5 miles is my guess though. It was very hilly but the trails were well placed to alleviate some of that. My clothes are soaked, as I was driving back into town I can see why. It is already 87 F even if it did not feel like it. The humidity is only 41%, not Vegas but not bad for around here. To be honest, I am a little surprised I was able to do that. They had a few benches throughout, and I rested ever 1/3 of the way in and out. I also drained about 2/3 of my camel pack. I actually think I made pretty good time. I move at a decent pace, and actually think slowing down is an irritant and perhaps harder than just pushing it a bit.

I was a little upset that I forgot to bring swimming clothes, towel, and such though. It would have been great to chill a bit before really chilling a bit. The lake is large enough that it keeps some of it’s cool all summer. There is a swimming hole not 4 miles away, right in that trail area. Although it is a weekend so maybe it was best to not go. I noticed a number of fifth wheel campers and an RV or two going into the camp last weekend, so it seems like a busy place. I might have to check it out this coming week a couple of times. If the water is not too bad, it might even save me a shower… Well, probably not.

I did not go off the path, but occasionally I took a good look around to see some angles and get my bearing so I might have a better chance of navigating off the trail. I noticed about a dozen potential deer trails. I even found one doe nestled not more than 25 feet off the trail. The bushes, branches, and all made it difficult to see her. I was a little surprised she did not dart off while I was coming or going. She was a rather mature large doe, perhaps 4 to 6 years old. I saw a fawn briefly through the trees once as well. I also heard some large animal movements off the trail. Since we do not have bears around, I was a little worried (about drug harvesters or such) until I started seeing the aforementioned deer. I am not much of a birder, so do not rely on this, but I saw a bunch of *LBB’s, if I am not mistaken. I did not see a single squirrel though. Maybe they went to a wedding or funeral or just traveled for the weekend? Nuts!



*(little brown birds)