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