More Notes From the Happy Hiker

Had a wonderful hike today -- felt even better on this hike than on Sunday's hike. My improved eating habits are helping immensely to mitigate what I believe to be wonky gallbladder symptoms. Thank goodness. :)

Here are some pictures of the woods and the trail:









The mountain laurel blooms have passed their peak and most of them have wilted away and fallen off. Bare laurel is everywhere now.



But the blooms were beautiful while they lasted, and during the hike, I kept my eyes open for lingering blossoms. And though they are few and far between now, I did find a few!



I bid the remaining laurel blooms goodbye with a "see you next year."

I didn't see any bears or deer, nor did I see squirrels, rabbits, or snakes, but I did make a multilegged friend. Meet Mr. Millipede. I also got crawled upon by a Grandaddy Longleg, but I didn't get a picture of him. Grandaddy Longlegs don't photograph too well. They're too leggy.



Last but never least, I have good news about my novel-in-progress, Heart's Chalice. A brand new character walked onstage last night, and he is exactly what I needed. I could hear story pieces falling into place all around him with satisfying clicks. Betcha I break 30K tonight on my rewrite!