hardenburgh trail

"At some point in life, the world's beauty becomes enough."

-Toni Morrison

On Saturday I took a hike up the Hardenburgh Trail

into the Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest.

The rocky trail was sometimes steep and always uphill.

At times it was a challenge to find the next blue trail marker.

By the end of the hike my knees were burning!

Uphill and downhill both took their toll.

mushrooms, lichens, moss and ferns 

an afternoon spent in the company of trees

it was oh so quiet 

I wonder what it's like up there tonight,

what creatures are shuffling about the forest floor...

overnight in the mountains

 

Last night I slept under the stars at the foot of the Blue Mountain.

It's been months since I've been camping and I craved the fresh air, 

sounds of the forest and woodsmoke.

The Appalachian Trail runs along the top ridge and I managed a 

quick walk before the bugs and mosquitoes sent me back to camp.

The recent heavy rains left the trail spongy and dotted with mushrooms.

Dry stone walls emerge from a sea of ferns as the familiar

white blaze leads you along the trail.

Early the next morning I sat very still by the cold campfire,

enjoying the family of Tufted Titmice that flew by so close 

I could feel the air from their wings on my cheek.

Just as quietly a first year raccoon made its way up from the creek 

and straight for where I was sitting.

Knowing it's best not to startle a wild one I gently 

moved my leg to alert if of my presence.

It's startled dark face looked up and it quickly turned, hurried back to the creek,

swam across and then continued up stream on the opposite bank.

Probably on it's way to bed after a night of foraging.

Back home I continued my quiet day and read a novel from cover to cover.

Two days of self indulgence...I'm ready for the week ahead!

xo, j