A walk through faerieland!

I perused Google early this morning for a nearby trail, because I'm tired of driving 40 minutes to get to my usual ones. I was pointed to one that was only 14 minutes away. Score!

Does anyone else love signs like this? I don't know why, but they make me feel like I'm about to step into early 1960s America and go camping.

This place was indescribable. Just a narrow trail wending its way through a giant forest. A sign at the trailhead told me this bit of trail was part of a 126-mile stretch. The idea of strapping on a backpack and hiking the whole thing seemed very appealing. Til I got tired, anyway. :P

Unfortunately, my camera made a lot of shots look flat and washed out. This was a sea of ferns shining in the morning sun.

And then there was this view! For a little while, it felt like being back in Virginia, and I nearly cried. Anyone who's been or lives there will know what I mean about softly rolling mountains. That's my favorite place in all the world, and it was like coming home.

I passed a babbling stream and a stand of towering pines along my way, and although my brain told me to turn back, my feet keptoving forward. I did not prepare myself for a 6-mile hike today! If any of you are hiking experts, tell me: what kind of snacks do you take along with you? I had nothing in my pantry to bring, and I didn't expect to walk so much. Big mistake. I'll be bringing food along from now on!

(I'll also share more photos in another post!)