Day 3,191

Due to high waters blocking off the main entrance, a secondary entrance which is only open during the weekdays, and an almost two mile walk to get to the main trail from the only entrance you can walk into and it felt like I had the entire wildlife refuge to myself. It was AWESOME!!! I spent the next almost four hours hiking with my 45# training backpack on – completely solo. The only time I saw another person was in the final of my 13+ miles, and they were about a half mile in front of me.

Throughout the hike I saw a deer (long before she saw me), a turtle, a bunch of frogs, a sandhill crane up close, a pair of swans, so many different types of dragonflies, a huge variety of birds, and so many different species of wildflower. So much relaxation in the woods, so much fresh air, so chill. Miles and miles and miles of serene solitude while hiking.

Thanks!!!