Every spring I plant pansies and then a month or so later I replace them with a more summery flowers, thinking they are a cool weather plant. This year I didn't get to it, and now they're showing me just how wrong I've always been!

I found this on top of Statham Hill...it's rather fascinating! 

Okay. I could just post my pretty pictures and tell you what a gorgeous day it was, and what an incredible hike I enjoyed, because it was, and I did, but that would only be part of the story. 

Today's hike tested me in ways I did not expect to be tested. There were tears. They didn't help. I know better than to panic, but it was close. Very close.

I had read about the open ledges on Welch Mountain. I knew the views were going to be awesome, so I was looking forward to them. I also know I'm afraid of heights. I didn't realize just how high and scary those ledges would be or that the trail would go straight up them. I made it to the top because I'm stubborn, but I couldn't enjoy it because it was so exposed, and I was so scared. I was planning to continue on to the next mountain, but I couldn't do it. I couldn't keep forcing myself to push through. Not today.

Although then I had to turn around and go back down the way I came up. Which was absolutely terrifying. But, I found a way. I clambered slowly back down over those ledges, picking my path and not looking to either side, only focusing on the goal. I was so relieved when I reached the woods and could simply hike back to my car.

Now I'm home, rereading trail reports, and realizing I missed the survey marker that would prove I was at the top. Ugh. I'll have to go back. Someday. Maybe. It sure was breathtakingly beautiful up there...

Bayle Mountain has quickly become one of my favorite hikes - short, but punchy, with such an incredibly expansive view at the top that it's worth every challenging step. It was so great to share it with Beth, Dave, & Tobi today! ❤️ If only I could've captured Tobi's reaction when he looked up from climbing over that last ledge to see the view, "Whoa..." That just made my day!

My sister-in-law made this li'l guy for my grandson out of my dad's jeans. She even made sure to use a piece that still has 'Barn Red' paint on it. ❤️ He painted so many things that color! It makes me smile...

My son was gifted this giant duckie when he was a baby, and loved it so much that I saved it. It's only right that it should be passed down to his own son!

Today was a good day. I got to see my family and that's all that matters.