Why am I so paranoid

The weather has been beautiful for two days now. Hiking has been fantastic. The terrain is getting tougher but with that it is also more fun and exciting. I completed 16.6 mile day with lots of ups and downs. Not to high and not to low except for the last one. 

  This was a really steep rock staircase I came down. But not like the last one. 
  I walked along the raging Ten Mile River today. That was really beautiful. 
  I got new gaiitors today, now I don’t have to tape them. Perfect for this weekend. They match my do-rag I found on the trail several weeks back.  

 Today I also got my new poles that were shipped to an outfitter here in Kent. I ordered them from LLBean. A purchase I didn’t want to have to make but since I left left behind about a week ago it was important to get another pair. I am so glad I received them today for the last descent of the day. 
About 2:30 today I headed back to the trail after my lunch break and delivery from Hubby Bear with my new gear. I soon caught up to a day hiker who was out for the afternoon. He was all excited to meet me and it was soon apparent that he was a little “off”. I immediately became uncomfortable. I don’t know why I get so paranoid but I do. He seemed nice enough and was very friendly but I just don’t like being alone in the woods with a non-thru hiker. I tried to hike really fast but he kept up even though he was panting like a dog. I was feeling really terrible. I was trying to lose him and e says, ” you are so nice to me. No else will have anything to do with me” talk about guilt. 

I finished the day with an incredible descent. Sorry no pics. It was a little too steep and crazy to pull out the camera. 

It’s a beautiful night here in Kent, CT. It’s going to be a great night here in tent city with all my hiker friends.  

   
Happy 4th and Happy Hiking 

Emily M. Leonard

About Emily M. Leonard

I am a 50 year old Maine native and lover of the outdoors. Former Physical Education teacher and soccer coach. I am Married to the best husband ever and gave up teaching and coaching to raise our two wonderful sons. I have always enjoyed being outside and on the go.