Hiking Log – Lovin’ Nature

Hiking Log – Lovin’ Nature

This is part 37 of excerpts from the trail log which was located on a New York portion of the Appalachian trail. For the post which explains this series, click here.  You can read all the previous hiking posts by clicking here.

Each new edition includes a quote from a hiker, along with this writer’s insight into what the person might have meant. Your interpretation may be different!

Following is my selection of this week’s thoughts of a hiker(s).

12-30-18

First time on this trail. LOVED the waterfall & stone steps! Just me & my dog. Dusting of snow makes it all so peaceful & pretty.

December 30th 2018 was a cloudy day with a few snow showers, and temperatures in the 30s. For hikers in the New York area, that’s actually a wonderful type of day for hiking. You don’t have to worry about getting too hot and sweaty! You also don’t have to deal with numb fingers and toes.

This hiker was probably the only person on the trail in late December. The days are much shorter and there aren’t too many hikers who are hiking the entire trail at that time of the year. In fact, I’m pretty sure this was a day hiker who lives in the area and just wanted to spend some time outdoors.

In December, the ground is usually free of snow or ice, since there are still a good number of days that are above freezing. This hiker probably would have been walking on a relatively slip-free trail. But there was also a light snow falling, so the woods would have been beautiful. Have you ever been in the forest on a snowy day? Quiet greets you. Snowflakes fall down to cover the ground and everything else including your hat. The footprints of animals scampering about are easy to see. It is peaceful. What a delight.

As for the waterfall this hiker mentions, it is only about a 15 minute hike from the trail log. The name of the falls is Fitzgerald Falls (picture on page 12 of link) and it’s a 30 foot waterfall which is quite strong in the spring. It does get a little slower as the year goes on. Apparently in December 2018, it was still note-worthy enough to mention.

The spectacular thing about this writers thoughts is just that he obviously was in the moment. He was enjoying the quiet of the snow dusted woods. He treasured the waterfall. And he wasn’t totally alone, but was enjoying the day with his furry companion. No complaints. No worries. Just peace.

That is what nature can do for a soul.

Until next time, happy trails!