My hiking boots were well worn, scuffed and muddy. With each step along the Appalachian Trail I could feel the footsteps of those who had hiked before me.
I had no illusions about my abilities. I would not be a thru-hiker, or a day- hiker, only a few-hours hiker. The section I chose was fairly level but wound through ancient hardwood forests. The air was cooled by the leafy canopy above, perfumed by native plants in the understory. The sun stubbornly pushed its way through the green ceiling. Birds chirped and small animals skittered through the pungent leaf litter on the ground. No other hiker passed by and I walked on in silence, adding my footprints to history.
~
slanted sunlight
shines through leafy canopy
lace on the trail
—-
Transforming with Nature’s wonders at Real Toads
—
Kikobun at Carpe Diem
rhymeswithbug 
Absolutely wonderful piece. You really brought alive this part of the hike for me. So well written, so nice to read, and with clever, simple deepness – meaning sincere and not pretentious. Such a good kikobun.
I think you don’t have to worry about being ‘only’ on a few hours hike instead of one lasting for days,the way you right shows you can really immerse yourself in the beauty of the Appalachians!
LikeLike
thanks so much! Your comments mean a lot.
LikeLike
What a beautiful image your haiku creates.
LikeLike
thanks 🙂
LikeLike
Awesome Candy … what a beautiful kikobun you have written. Your haiku completes it very nice. It seems that you are caught by the beauty of kikobun. Very well done …
LikeLike
thank you very much for your encouraging words!
LikeLike
One may have to do it alone sometimes. It works that way! Wonderful kikobun Candy!
Hank
LikeLike
Oh, the quiet that this haiku closing brings…I can see the lacy shadows. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
LikeLike
Thanks for your comments, Hannah!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is why I love walking… so much to see and feel… yet an endless repetition.Like music of light.
LikeLike
for sure
LikeLike
I live in a part of Oregon made for long hikes for all levels of hikers ~~ close to the Pacific Coast Trail as well. You have described the sensations, emotions of hiking well!
LikeLike
Nothing like a hike in the woods. Thanks for stopping by to read my words.
LikeLike
“lace on the trail” — what a beautiful image — and I love the idea of “adding my footprints to history”! Nice work!
LikeLike
Thanks so much 🙂
LikeLike
Love it, Cand. And while you were walking you were read and ingesting the lace. Beautiful. 🙂
I do that also when visiting new places, especially the ones which are a part of recorded history. Best example, one I will remember many steps was Israel. I knew my feet had crossed Jesus’ path many, many times. I even saved my shoes.
..
LikeLike
Thanks Jim! And thanks for sharing your hiking memory too.
By the way, I have had trouble commenting on your posts. I can’t seem to prove I’m not a robot ( I’m not, really) *wink*
LikeLike
Lovely to be the only hiker on the trail……..I loved this.
LikeLike
Thanks, Sherry 🙂
LikeLike
I love this form…and don’t tell anyone I told you, but this will fit tomorrow’s prompt at dVerse Haibun Monday perfectly! :0)
LikeLike
Thanks – and thanks too for the heads up. Mum’s the word 😉
LikeLike
It is magical – I’ve hiked a bit (small bit) of it. Lace on the trial. Pretty
LikeLiked by 1 person