We did a 10-miler yesterday. Thankfully, this hike didn’t have the near steep hills and descents that the previous six miles we did the other day had.

Otherwise, it would have taken me a heck of a lot longer.

Continuing with our North Country Trail theme, we picked up #9, after a brief stop at a random house along the way, for directions.

Sweetest old couple, who prior to answering the door, actually said, “hold ‘yer horses, I’m a comin.” With that comment, I knew I was going to love them, and I did … plus it was a reaffirming of community for me … of being able to slow down, stop, and ask your fellow neighbor {though we’re not exactly “neighbors”} for help.

Turns out, we were minutes from the trail head. When we arrived, I was a bit skeptical … a narrowly marked trail literally off the side of the road, but, within minutes, I was sold.

Hook, line and sinker. What an incredible hike this was!

We wound our way through about six different eco-systems {don’t I sound all sciency saying that? you’d never know I only survived Biology, AP and non AP, from choosing smarty lab mates} … including patches of wild blueberries that opened up as far as the eyes could see, lakes, sand dunes, and pine forest.

When I hike, I am lost.

Lost to my thoughts, concerns … any worries. I am rendered present. I don’t think about what needs to be done, or what isn’t getting done … I’m just there. It’s a Zen moment, for sure.

I love inhaling the forest air … and clearly, laying down … because, yes, I am trying to master relaxation in any and all environments. But, as Brother pointed out, I’d never lay down on gross ground. Which is true. I carefully inspected this patch for bugs and anything … well, gross. Obviously it passed my inspection standards.

Back to the blueberries … I was sure we were going to run into a Black Bear … all those patches of berries … was a total bear’s paradise. And for the record — the berries were delicious.

This is my idea of a great vacay … hours spent on trails, completely immersed in nature … we are off to Mackinaw Island in a couple hours for bike riding and most likely, fudge.

Let’s see … candy and nature and The BF … damn, this is a good day.