The trail I chose was part of the North Country Trail system. From my previous experiences I thought 28 miles around trip should be easily doable especially this there weren't any mountains. I started the hike and quickly picked a branch off the ground to use as a walking stick. While not of mountain height, there was plenty of inclines and declines all along the way. It quickly came over me that 28 miles was not a good idea, however I don't like to fail when I put an idea in motion.
In the middle of the journey, I ventured along the edge of a lake admiring the view until of course I spotted the boats moored out disrupting the pleasantness of peace I had felt.
At the end of the 14 miles there was a visitors center were I planned to refuel my water. Well, it was closed and they had turned off all the water fountains much to my dismay. Luckily I ran into a kind lady who was leaving and had a half gallon of un-used water. I then promptly turned around to head to my car. It was growing later and I began to worry if I would be spending the night unprepared in this park. So as only I would probably do, I began jogging. This was risky in that I already was exhausted and would make for a bad situation should I fall. But it went smoothly, exhaustion hunted me and I had to take many more breaks to recover.
As you can guess, I did make it out while the sun still shown. However I was weary beyond belief and still had to drive back. I also came to understand why long distance runners might powder themselves. I was chaffed to the point of blisters and could barely move my legs at all. Even sitting caused a pain of its own, which was probably necessary or else I surely would have fall asleep along the drive. And hopefully we and myself have learned again the follies in preparation and mistaken beliefs of strength I possess.
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