Michael is sick so I took the two kids for a 9 mile hike at Rocky Fork State Park in Tennessee.
It is getting a bit hot and muggy out here and the insects are out. I used a ton of insect spray but they still tried to get into my eyes and nose. I have seen people with an insect nets over their heads and it might be time to get some.
The REI Memorial Day Sale was going on so I had bought my first pair of trail runners. I’ve always worn hiking boots but thought I would give the Hoka Speedgoat 5s a try.
Yes they’re loud as hell – I’m pretty sure that’s why this color way was on sale at REI. I think the bright yellow will help me if SAR had to find me.
I might be a trail runner convert.
The foam soles take a bit of getting used to but wow it really feels like walking on air. And they are so light on my feet.
It was wet, muddy and slippery in parts so it was a good test run for the shoes. They held up really well and I felt very steady and secure on my feet going up and down the mountain.
The kids did well but short legs and less stamina made them a bit whiney sometimes. By the end of the hike, Emma was carrying Junior’s bag too.
We did encounter some critters on our trip.
We saw not one but two large snakes sunning at different parts of the trail.
One good noodle.
One danger noodle.
That was a big rattlesnake and we gave it a wide berth. Fortunately it was off to one side of the trail.
Get out there, friends !