Well Thursday was a fun day but actually the 5 plus mile hike was like work towards the end. It was a beautiful day with bright sunshine and blue skies but the temps did get close to the 80 mark. We hiked or walked the New River Trail from the Gambetta area along the Chestnut Creek and through a an old train tunnel and then across the railroad trestle that spans the New River. What a beautiful hike and the shaded trail was a joy to walk but first you had to travel to Galax,Va.
I started the day with a 6'ish rollout that was closer to 7 than 6 for a change to my usual routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator. All is well with those I lift up daily by name. Our house guests and friends got up about the same time I did and headed into Sparta to the Wellness Center to work out in the gym and weight room. We held off breakfast until they got back around 9'ish then we ate some fresh fruit and Nancy made these awesome pumpkin muffins, wow were they ever tasty.
We had made plans with the Tracy's for a hike along the river in Galax so Howard and Meg with their two dogs Chester and Nellie met us their sometime around 11'ish. The hike was perfect for the dogs and we let them run free as much as possible and they were off into the woods and into the river at times. We were all glad when we got back to the parking area around 2'ish as the distance was a bit further than we anticipated. I though it would be about 3 miles round trip when in fact it was over 5 miles. Thankfully it was level terrain but with awesome views of the river and the steep terrain of the mountain.
We got back to the cabin close to 3'ish and Nancy had to make guacamole and salsas to take to the Tracy's where she was making green chili enchiladas, rice and beans for our supper and get together. I took the corn toss boards and we had some hotly contested games then one huge hotly contested badminton game that left us all sweaty. The food was very delicious and some of us enjoyed a little fruit of the vine while gaming and eating. We sat outside afterwards and gazed at the heavens and the milky way was evident as well as all of the constellations. It was going on 9 when we got back to the cabin then vegetated watching some NatGeo Wild show about the Jaguar before we decided to call it a night and I hit the shower and read a little until 10'ish, LATER
