That third day of the long weekend turned out to be perfect for an activity we haven't undertaken so much lately. I'm not sure why we haven't been hiking more these days-- there was a time when it was almost an every weekend kind of thing-- but since we got home from Maine in early July, our feet have not neared a trail. Blame the summer heat, but even before June, our walks have been generally paved and in the neighborhood. Before this, I'm pretty sure our last wooded ramble was back in February for Lucy's birthday.
Which is why I made sure to make our group a heart breakfast of eggs and butternut squash hone fries, before loading our packs with hummos and veggies, apple slices, almond butter, pretzels, string cheese, and banana bread, so that we would be well-prepared as we headed south to Prince William Forest.
Even though she was from this area and has spent a huge part of her life outdoors, camping, climbing, skiing, biking, and hiking, my friend had never been to this relatively little-known national park, and I was eager to show it to her. Until probably about 10 years or so ago, I hadn't been there either. Since then, we have explored many of the trails in the 15,000 acre forest, and we have also found that one signature hike, a 6 mile in and out, complete with a dog swimming hole, boardwalk, abandoned pyrite mine, and waterfall, that we love to take with friends.
Today, though, despite the perfect temperature, light breeze, deserted trails, and Elton John sing-along? After not hiking much lately, those were
six.
long.
miles!
It felt good to be back on the trail, though, and I'm hopeful we're going to get out there a little more this fall.
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