So I woke up this morning at 7am and saw the sun just peaking through the trees. It was foggy this morning but I knew the sun would burn it away in no time. I figured it would be a great time to get up and hike.....and maybe capture some great pictures.
I arrived at the trail head around 7:30 and began my hike. There were 2 different trails to choose from and so I decided on the longer one. As I began walking....I could see my breath in the air. It was still pretty chilly but I had layered my clothes in anticipation of the sun warming me up.
Have you ever smelled the scent of damp woods, mixed with black walnuts? I think it has to be my new favorite smell. Seriously. There were black walnuts ALL over the ground...most of them turning black. I picked up one that was still green and inhaled its scent until there probably wasn't any scent left to it. I LOVE the smell...its almost a piney, citrus smell. Wish I could bottle it. Anyway....I carry on about my walk and I'm trekking on top of this rim....a high, elevated rim above the gorge. The sights are breathtaking and I'm wishing Sam was there to enjoy it with me. About 2 miles in, I come to the top of this super steep hill...I'm talking the kind of hill that you almost need to hang onto to trees to make sure you don't fall on your kiester....or worse....have one of your knees give out. So....I'm slowly descending the hill, if that's what you want to call it and it takes me about 20 minutes to finally reach the bottom. All the while thinking to myself that this hike had better be worth the pain in my knees. I'm limping now but not about to turn around and climb up that stupid thing either.
After about 2 more miles of these hills, I come to this overlook and am standing in awe. It. Is. BEAUTIFUL. I don't even have the words to describe the beauty before me. There is a little bench there, overlooking the view and I take a seat. I have not seen one other soul while I have been out there and I take the time to thank God for this spectacular view in front of me. I thank Him for a lot of other things too but I had found my most favorite spot in the outdoors....that is near where I live anyway.
So....while I'm sitting there, I'm thinking that I really need to go to the bathroom. I had already drank two 32oz Nalgene bottles and was about 4 and half miles into my hike. Have you ever popped a squat in the woods when you think you're alone because you had to pee really bad?? Well...I have. Many times.....the only difference this time was that I got caught with my pants around my ankles. Yup! Sure did! By the DNR no less! Can you picture it?
I'm sorry...but nobody...and I don't care how strong your kegel muscles are....cannot stop peeing midstream!!! Thank GOODNESS the DNR officer was a lady who politely turned around and pretended to scope out the view. I hurried and pulled up my pants and began to apologize....I thought for SURE I was going to get the dirty look. Nope...not the case. While I was apologizing I saw that the lady's shoulders were shaking like she was crying really hard......or in this case....laughing her butt off!! She couldn't speak to me for like 2 whole minutes because she was laughing so hard. I didn't get it.....what was so funny about THAT whole scene?? After she had finally recovered from laughing at my expense, she had explained to me that I was the 3rd person this morning she has caught with her pants down! THIRD!!! IT WASN'T EVEN 8:30 IN THE MORNING! Not to mention...I hadn't even seen another person while hiking! Little did I know that she was NOT that far behind me! Oh well....her and I got a good laugh and afterwards, I continued on my way back. It was an enjoyable morning hike...and I did capture great pictures! I'll post them on FB because I don't feel like uploading them twice.
Until next time......
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