Secret Weapon

Sunday, March 29, 2015

The temperature sat perfectly around 40 degrees and the fresh, crisp air filled our lungs, leaving our bodies refreshed and exhilarated. I was especially excited for the loop trail. Circling through the western portion of the French Creek Park, the trail provided us with several highlights: a fire tower, a lake, and a historic furnace site.

Without breaking much of a sweat, we followed the Turtle trail until we reached the steep and rocky part of the Ridge Trail, which led us to our first attraction, the Hopewell Fire Tower. Honestly, I was a little disappointed looking at the tower at first. I was hoping that we would be able to climb the stairs of the fire tower and enjoy the panoramic view from the top. Well, since that was not the case, we made lemonade. James ran around, falling on his knees, lying flat on his stomach, rolling over onto his side, all in order to find the perfect angle to achieve the most descriptive photo of the tower. I think he has a pretty good photographic eye, but it is also hilarious watching him getting dirty for a picture.

Continuing our hike through the mature woods, I started to feel like I am participating in an obstacle course. We balanced over branches that were carefully laid out to cross huge mud lakes, crossed streams on little rocks, and attempted to not stumble over leave covered roots. Of course, my balancing skills have still not improved. Trying to be cheeky to my husband, while balancing over a branch covered mud hole, only caused me to get a boot full of sludge. Oh well, what else is new?

Following some unmarked paths leading off the main trail, we reached a peaceful lunch spot at the side of a lake. The crystal clear water glittered invitingly and the sun tickled our noses while bathing the earth with its luminous glow. I am in love with this place. I need to tell my in-laws to come here with their dogs. The four of them would love it here.

Strengthened from our sandwiches, this time with mayonnaise instead of mustard, we continued our hike along the lake towards the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. James and I always enjoy historic places. They provide us with the feeling of going back in time. However, the air carried a sweet, moldy smell and therefor I had no problem to leave this place after a short 15 minutes.

Side note, here’s a quick summary of the gear we usually bring on our day hikes: backpacks, platypus water bags, bandannas, rain jackets, and a Nikon DSLR. I carry the camera in a case, conveniently strapped to the waistband of my backpack for easy access. However, I keep on missing out on great shots because I am too distracted by what we encounter until it’s too late.  For instance, here’s an excellent shot of a ground hog’s tail end as he frantically scurried away from us.

After 8 miles of climbing hills, crossing streams, and exploring the beauty of the park, we found ourselves in a position where we had to make an important decision about the length of our trek. Are we going to push on or not? We both independently voted to take the longer route through the damp creek valley, but I soon realized that this was a mistake. After a quarter mile, I started to feel my legs. Climbing hills felt like walking with cement blocks instead of legs. I felt myself getting grumpier with every stride as we hiked through the scenic landscape. Instead of enjoying the trail with its large oak and beech trees, I decided to keep my head down and keep starring at the path. Mentally I hit a wall.

James tried his best to cheer me up and rescue me from my negative thoughts, but instead we decided to put some distance between each other. Once in a while I would grouchily ask James how much further we had to hike to finally reach the parking lot. Disappointed by his answers, we only increased the distance between the two of us as I slowed my pace. Approaching the last half of a mile, I experienced a moment of clarity which resulted in an epiphany.  Energized by the sight of the parking lot, I caught up to James saying “Wait, I got it!” and remembered that I am not myself when I am hungry. I let James know he should keep a supply of Snickers in his pack to avoid future incidents.  The sweet, chocolate goodness could be just the secret weapon he needs to put me back in the right mood after a long day on the trail.

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