Uncertainty.

The hike started off like any other, one foot in front of the other. However I quickly had to turn around as I had left my hiking poles in the car and this being the longest of the hikes I was worried of the knee pains. Thankfully the problem was noticed quickly and along the trail I went. The trail wound through a farm of maple trees with tubes stretching miles, literally, to collect the sap.

The trail was well maintained and walked up a reasonable grade. It wasn’t flat, but also not a staircase. The maple trees turned into birch trees and eventually as elevation increased into evergreens. The Jerusalem Trail ended at a junction with The Long Trail which remained on the ridge line. This is where I saw the first hikers of the day, passing by the opposite direction, likely thru-hiking the long trail.

Trudging.

Preparations began the night before, placing the rain jacket, snacks and other gear into the day pack. Batteries charged, camera ready and clothes set aside. I needed to do all of this the night before as the trailhead was two and a half hours away. I woke at 5am, and trudged down the stairs to the car, hopped in and began the journey.

In the car I ate breakfast and watched the sun rise along the side of the highway. A long while later I arrived at the trailhead. A couple of hikers just began their way down the path so I took my time getting ready, preferring to leave a little space. I extended my poles, tossed the pack on my back and walked around the car, ensuring the lights were off and the doors were locked.

Exploring.

This adventure starts a bit differently as I have been challenging myself to push the envelope of my comfort bubble. The simplest things to other humans on this planet challenge me and make me extremely nervous, anxious and uncomfortable. Something as simple as a drive-thru fast food pickup, or a new store/location. Recent life events put a target on how I remain deep in my comfort bubble and frankly I am embarrassed about my past and am pushing to be a me I can be happy with in the future.