September 24, 2020 - Long Trail - Day 4 - Part 1

The Long Trail : Day 4 : Part 1 : 9/24/20 . Much of the day was uneventful and went as expected. The terrain was a bit gentler and we found an easy, rhythmic pace. For this, my aching body was grateful. Although the trail was mild the temperature was unusually warm for late September which meant sweaty ascents and long awaited breezy descents. . Bromley Peak was the heavily visited destination on today’s agenda. The trail winds its way through the forest and tops out at a ski resort lift with breathtaking 360 degree views. I took in the rolling hills from my perch, proud of my body’s ability to climb. With arms outstretched and eyes closed, I welcomed the cool air as the breeze found its way over the summit. I rewarded myself with a Reese’s Take 5 bar and started the descent. . I had to eat quick because the trail downhill required all my attention with rough, steep and rocky terrain. It doesn’t seem like it would be but the physical and mental toll of watching every footfall and measuring each step is exhausting! As much as I love being on trail, it’s moments like these that quickly remind me why the Appalachian Trail was a one and done for me. The physicality of the trail is incredibly hard on the body and in turn, the mind. Yet we continued to battle downhill and eventually back up again. . We rounded the metaphorical bend and found ourselves at a pristine Griffith Lake. We found a perfect campsite, shed our shoes and had dinner watching the sunset behind the lake. The soft hum of bugs and the call of a Kingfisher filled the air. In that moment, life felt peaceful, beautiful and incredibly simple. I would be willing to bet we were the two luckiest people alive. The colorful trees mirrored on the lake, the breezy autumn air and perfect stillness gave way to relaxed mind. This is what I came for, this moment and more just like it.