With a semi-slack weekend partially filled with watching horrible International Friendly football matches that are leading up to a World Cup that 99% of all footy fans (including myself) know is, for the most part, a corrupt, US-based shit show on nearly every possible level (economic, human rights, environmental, meteorological, basic human decency, etc.) I was happy to be back on the trails this morning and far away from anything relating to the USA or FIFA. #lovefootballhateFIFA

Upon my arrival, I felt like I was being greeted by coworkers as I entered the park; a deer was standing along the service road, a bunny was crossing, another bunny was munching some grass, and then a couple of geese were in the parking lot waiting for me.

Admittedly, in my 4 years of near-daily lumbers, I have never seen any geese in the parking lot. It seemed like one goose was super into eating some leaves, and the other goose kept watch. Whatever their reasons for being there, it was nice to have some company as I got my gear together.

***

Soon, I was in the woods, and finding my “Happy Place” as I lumbered along, tuning out the noise of the world, and getting an early morning sweat on.

Around 3 miles in, I came across my first Moma Snapping Turtle of the season. Yesterday, I was checking some files from last year, and saw that it was about this time that I started seeing the Snapping Turtles make their way onto land to lay their eggs. And, right on time, there she was today.

As Common Snapping Turtles go, this one was smaller than many of the ones I’ve seen in the past, but she was chill, and I was able to get a couple shots, from a distance with my 350mm lens, without bothering her.

As with last week, I have rediscovered my Lumbering mojo and recorded an average moving speed of 3.7 miles per hour. “Look how fast that fat man walks!!!” Was heard squawked from multiple birds as I hiked along. At least that’s what I heard.

I got 6.03 miles in and then headed home for a homemade breakfast burrito and coffee on the porch. I will never tire of the feeling of having 6 miles in my feetz before 8:15 in the morning. Especially since during most of the winter the sun doesn’t even come up until 8:10!!!

There is some rain and thunderstorms in the forecast for overnight and into tomorrow, and I’m kind of looking forward to it. I could use a nice walk in the rain, even if it means the mosquitoes will be out in force.

Later.