I was up and in the woods at 7:30 AM today with 500 lumens strapped to my head, a full 40+ minutes before the sun fully rose.
It’s been a good 15 years since I consistently recreated outdoors in the dark. However, I’m in the Fall stretch of the 2024 Lumber Through Hell Tour, as well as the actual Living Hell that is 2024 America. So, I like to get out for my lumbers, home to run any errands, and back inside before the bulk of rightwing, mid-Michigan rim-lickers start their day of stupidity and fascist idol-worshiping.
Since the sunrise doesn’t play by my rules, I’ve been utilizing a headlamp to stay on schedule to avoid society. Not to mention, I forgot how fun it is to be on trails in the dark, and it’s even more fun when it happens to be on Halloween. Sadly, my want to be accosted by a zombie failed to happen.
The first mile was in complete darkness, and by the end of the second, I had enough light to ditch the headlamp and just lumber through the LSD kaleidoscope of crunchy, ankle-deep leaves.
I saw more deer than people, and I continue to be surprised at how some deer hear me break a twig and take off in a full sprint, and others, like the ones you see here today, act like they’re in a freaking petting zoo and I literally have to encourage them to get out of my way. Also, just a couple months ago, there was barely a deer to be seen, and now I see about 10 every hike. It’s hilarious how they KNOW it’s hunting season and where it’s safe.
I got my 5 miles in and was home for breakfast by 9:15. Now I have to lumber a mere 4.89 miles to hit this week’s 25-mile goal. I also finished the month of October with 110.29 miles in my feetz, averaging 5.01 miles per hike. I’m happy about the numbers, but I wish I would have allowed myself to actually enjoy it more.
Trick or Treat is tonight, and I did my part by buying the candy, but Wifey is going to be in charge of handing it out; that’s way too much miniature-human interaction for me! Apparently, I’m also in charge of taking photos of Jake (The Dog) and Lola in their costumes. Fingers crossed, I don’t get bit, peed, or shat upon in the process.
HALLOWEEN UPDATE:
King Jake (The Dog)
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Lola dressed as a stout Ballerina or a Bow-Wow-erina.
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Bonus, because, tongue.
Later.