Losing track

Here's my problem....I keep losing track of how far I've hiked in somewhere.  Normally if I do a Metro Park hike, its usually a loop of some sort.....and it usually tells you how far the hike (loop) is before you even begin.  That way you know what you're getting yourself into.  However....if you do a trail hike....a trail that is NOT a loop...you have to pay attention to how far you're hiking....because you're going to have to hike the same path to get back.  This morning...I wasn't paying attention.  I just kept right on going....and going....and going.  The cool thing about this hike was that there was something so awesome beyond every curve in the trail.  I HAD to keep going to see what was beyond the next bend!!  I was not once disappointed by the things I discovered :) 
It was the first hike I've been on where I saw SO MUCH WILDLIFE!!!  I saw Great Blue Herons, Fish, Butterflies, all kinds of birds, a black snake, turtles.  Not to mention the stupid bugs...I think I accidentally ingested a disgusting amount of no-see-ums.  Could have sworn one flew up my nose too.  Yeah....disturbing, isn't it?
I didn't let them phase me though...I just kept on trucking.....through the light drizzle of rain.  I haven't hiked in a few days and today I said I was going to hike Rain or Shine.  It rained. 
The only thing I need now is a rain jacket.  My boots are waterproof, plus I've sprayed them extra for more protection.  Today they got muddy for sure.....but they were still a dream to my feet :)
Anyway.  I'm not sure if anyone knows what arthritis feels like in your knees...or any joint for that matter.  But today I was having issues with my arthritis in my knees.....they ACHED SO BAD!!  I had taken 800mg of Ibuprofen before I left....but sadly, it didn't feel like they were working.  Despite the pain in my knees....I kept on trucking!
My whole point is....is that I thoroughly enjoyed my hike....no matter HOW far I hiked with aching knees.  I saw so many things, so much nature....I was in awe.  I don't mind losing track when I'm hiking....as long as I know where I'm going and know that if I turn around at any point, I'll find my way back.  The Buckeye Trail is many, many miles long.  Maybe someday I'll hike the trail in its entirety.  Until then...I'll just keep putting miles in at different locations on the trail.  And so what if I lose track.....I see amazing things when I do and am never disappointed!
Until next time....