Neuse River Trail

Hike distance: 3 miles

Total distance hiked: 116.56 miles
Miles remaining: 62.44

Company Mill again. Ha

Hike distance: 6.2 miles

Total distance hiked: 113.56 miles
Miles remaining: 65.44

Company Mill is my friend

Hike distance: 6.4 miles
Total distance hiked: 107.36 miles
Miles remaining: 71.64

Over all, a decent hike, although hot and muggy.

I'm still curious... I crossed over the MUT for the second time on the trail loop, and a few minutes later I saw a woman walking the opposite way. She asked if she was close to the road. I said yes, just a few minutes. I hiked the remaining 2+ miles and got to the final hill on the way back up to the parking lot, and there she was, standing on the side of the trail. Wait, what?? It was 4 miles back going the way she was going... I never saw her pass me... She was walking when I saw her... The MUT goes way further out of the way to get back... She wasn't running, but she was red in the face and didn't look like a runner, but I guess don't judge a book by its cover - the only explanation is that she ran (at over 7mph!) the opposite direction on the loop, maybe cut through the loop on the MUT (that would cut off about a mile, so that would be more like 5.25+ mph), and just beat me back that way. This trail is pretty hilly with lots of roots and rocks. It is still bugging me, and I kind of wished I had asked her. Maybe she is just a lot more hard core bad ass than she looked. Or maybe she has a twin. Or heck, maybe she did pass me and I didn't notice (I have been a space cadet lately). It was just so weird to be hiking up that hill and see that woman standing there like she teleported.

A walk for Shadow

Hike distance: 3.28 miles
Total distance hiked: 100.96 miles
Miles remaining: 78.04

I needed to go check on Shadow, Julie's cat... So I decided to walk there and back since her place is so close. Not really a hike, but I took a chunk out of the back of my heel a couple weeks ago and haven't been able to wear real shoes much... So I am taking what I can get. My heel was hurting after this walk, so I'm glad I've taken it easy. My next walk may be in flip flops :)

Starbucks + Pokemon Go = what has happened to me?

Hike distance: ~4 miles
Total distance hiked: 97.68 miles
Miles remaining: 81.32

I am ashamed to admit that it was Pokemon Go and lack of coffee that got me out today. I walked to Starbucks to fuel up (a YUMMY black cold brew + a bag-o-beans for later), and I cruised around on a few trails at Godbold Park in Cary for Pokemons. What can I say... A day in the suburban life.

Neuse River Trail Sunflowers

Hike distance: 5.4 miles
Total distance hiked: 93.68 miles
Miles remaining: 85.32

Most of this "hike" was in the blazing sun along the side of the road. Not my kind of hike. Turns out I love trees - for the shade, birds, critters, sounds... Walking without trees around is very daunting for me. This walk felt 3 times longer than it was. The sunflowers were also just past their prime (notice how they look pouty in the photo), but it was still pretty cool. I think next time I'll park at the landfill for a quick easy peek :)

Schenk Forest

Hike distance: 3.33 miles
Total distance hiked: 88.28 miles
Miles remaining: 90.72

I liked the quietness and the more abundant nature in Schenk Forest, except maybe the bugs and spiderwebs. I never saw another person in the woods, and only one other person out on the road. The trails are not marked very well, and the maps that are available online aren't great. I actually had to open the compass on my phone twice to orient myself. I swear I think the Loblolly & Frances Liles trail intersection signs were backwards. And one trail turned into a quicksand swamp, so I turned around there. But overall, I really enjoyed this hike. Almost halfway to my goal!