A fortnight ago (October 28), I took my first Autumn Hike of the year. The joy set in less than 1.5 miles up the trail. Joy always sets in. A mile and a half is about normal. I always wonder at that point why I’m not out there every day!

Anyway, I’ve been telling myself, “Wait for fall, then you can go out and enjoy the trails. When you see the crawdads, you will know the time is right!” So, of course, I headed off to Wood Canyon to see. I was not surprised to witness crawdads fighting at the bottom of the creek.The chilly mornings kind of assured me that I’d find them there.

Proof of Autumn!

I hiked the big loop – a totally irresponsible thing to do in my shape. But I did it anyway, knowing full well it would trash me. Turns out, I fared the 9.5 miles surprisingly well. And on top of spotting my crawdads, I saw several dear, including a three point buck. Then on my hike back out, I passed The Rock. It came out of nowhere, as I often walk by it with little consequence. Today, I stopped, climbed up and sat. And the tears instantly fell like a waterfall. I felt as if I sat among ghosts, me and my three young children, so long ago. I don’t even remember if I relished the moment back then as it occurred. I hope I enjoyed it as much as I miss it.

So, my first hike of autumn -- that’s it in a nutshell. I can still hike 9.5 hilly miles and for that I am grateful!