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.

10 years ago a story about an ultra runner who was chosen by a li'l stray dog during a multi-day running event in the Gobi Desert caught my attention. She ran with him for more than 80 miles during the event, but then got lost before he could bring her home to Scotland. The rescue mission went viral. I couldn't wait for the book to come out, and bought it immediately. It didn't disappoint! It was such an incredible story of adventure, even beyond the race part of the story, and truly inspirational. 

Fast forward to 2024 and we actually crossed paths with the author, Dion, and his wife, Lucja at the Denali Ultras in Alaska! They are both accomplished runners and really good humans. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, we didn't get to meet Gobi, and I was disappointed. 

Fast forward again to a few weeks ago when I saw a post announcing that they would be coming to New Hampshire, and just imagine my excitement! And then my work schedule changed so that I could actually attend the presentation in Jackson? Ed never even questioned the fact that I would be willing to spend more than 4 hours driving up there and back. Of course I would. I couldn't wait!

Dion and Lucja put on a really nice presentation, sharing some more details behind the scenes of their experiences in ultras and life with Gobi, while the real star of the evening lounged in her chair at center stage. Afterwards we all got to meet her and pose for pictures. Gobi is such a sweetie! Dion was happy to autograph books and pleased to notice that mine was a first edition. He and Lucja were happy to chat about our first meeting in Alaska. I hope to cross paths with them again in the future!

We spent another fun day in the woods today! Table Mountain is listed on the 52 with a View and boy, does it ever have a view! Although, not at the top. But, that's okay because those ledges are incredible. It was such a gorgeous day to hike - warm, but breezy enough to keep it comfortable and to keep the bugs away. Buffy particularly enjoyed all the brook crossings and waterfalls. Except for when she slipped and dunked herself. I'm afraid I might've had a li'l laugh at her expense. I had fallen in earlier myself, and she enjoyed that rather more than she should, so turnabout's fair play!

As much as we enjoyed having the bird feeders hanging from the porch rails, the squirrels were making a mess, so they needed to come down. We decided to try hanging them from a clothesline, instead. It's working like a charm!

It was too nice a day to mope around the house! So, we went exploring and found a waterfall, instead. This is Gonic Falls in Rochester, New Hampshire. 

His legs were tired, but he made it up Middle Mountain with me tonight!

They got in some mountain training today!

After the storm...

The peonies I dug up from my mother's garden bloomed in time for her birthday. ❤️ We weren't here for those initial blooms, but have been enjoying them ever since!

The first thing I thought of when I learned that I had developed a dairy allergy, (which explained the migraines I had every single morning for years) was pizza. It is my favorite food - whether it's a gourmet pie, or a greasy gas station slice, it always hits the spot! Fortunately, vegan cheeses are actually quite good, and I'm finding they are available at a lot of eateries. Thank goodness! I can still enjoy pizza!!

As an avid fisherman, I thought he might like this brook trout patterned shirt for his belated birthday present! It's either the ugliest or the coolest, we can't decide. Regardless, we'll be able to see him!

My son has a son! It's surreal and wonderful to think that I'm a Grammie now. I'm already so in love. We are going to have such grand adventures together!

It's been a hot minute since Ike ran a race with me, and 13 years since Chris did. When we picked up running again this spring, Chris suggested we run a 10k & Acadia came up. It turned out to be such a great idea! You can't find a much more picturesque place to spend the weekend. Mother Nature gave us a brief window between showers this morning and we took full advantage. Elvis even showed up, and a gentleman running his 650th race! Wow. Incredible! We also chatted with a woman who was running in her 30th state. I've got some catching up to do! This sport continues to inspire me every single day.

We started together, but then Chris took off and began chasing down the front runners. Ike and I were having fun chatting and laughing as we ran when all of a sudden we saw him coming back at us! He was flying! I texted Ed to let him know so that he could get to the finish line in time. Chris ended up 8th overall and 1st in his age group. Ike and I finished strong, and we were psyched to see our family at the finish line! Watching Ike sprint to the finish line like the good ol' days was heartwarming. He could hear Cait yelling for him and just took off! The best feeling. We can't wait for the next one!!

We wandered around Bar Harbor this evening. There are lots of shops and eateries to explore!

My friend gave me this because it reminded her of the places where I run. It's perfect. I will treasure it!

Nothing makes them happier than when I fill up their pool!

A li'l late to the party, but we made it! Happy Global Running Day!

Who would've guessed that all this was underneath that brown hair dye? People ask me why I stopped coloring my hair. I'll tell you. It was when I had to wear a hat while we were exploring in Alaska. I thought how foolish it was to have to worry about my roots showing when I should have just been enjoying myself! So much time was spent over the years rearranging my hair appointments based on when I had events coming up. So much energy spent thinking about my hair color. Not any more. It's so freeing!

I don't regret coloring my hair. I was born with brown hair and I loved it. I had fun experimenting with different shades and highlights and lowlights and everything in between black and red. I almost stopped coloring it during COVID when I couldn't get an appointment with a stylist. My dad handed me money to buy box color because I looked too much like my mother, and it made him sad. He said I could stop when he passed. But, I wasn't ready for that when it happened, so I continued. Finally, Alaska healed my heart and my priorities shifted.

It was a challenging transition, and I'll admit that in my mind's eye my hair is still brown. I sometimes don't recognize myself when I pass a mirror or see a picture. I'm learning to love it, though, and I never had as many compliments on my hair when it was brown as I get now that it's silver!

In case you were wondering, yes, Buffy did drag me up Mount Osceola with her yesterday! It was not the most pleasant of days, but we tend to just take the weather as it comes and not let it bother us. Besides, the wind blowing the fog around the mountaintops was actually kinda cool. Literally. Which is always better for a dog, anyway! The rain was never enough to soak us, and we brought plenty of extra clothing, just in case. Buffy was brave facing lots of strangers and their dogs on a narrow trail, leaping over BIG boulders, crossing waterfalls, and continuing to push onward. She's amazing!