Annapolis Rock, MD ~ 5 miles

November 3, 2012

Cloudy skies, a brisk wind, 40 degree air that felt like 35.  Not what we expected for our latest hiking trip on Saturday.  But we did it anyway.  In the last six weeks, Bobby and I have conquered the obstacles and begun hiking regularly with Gracie.  Would it have been easier to start in the spring?  Definitely.  Do I still grumble about the discomforts and have to recover for several days?  So far, yes.  But we believe this is something good for our family and we're going to give it our best shot.

On Saturday we drove up to Maryland to a hike along the Appalachian trail, to a view at Annapolis Rock.  It was 5 miles there and back, up and back down the mountain.  When we arrived at the parking lot, I had serious doubts as to the wisdom of this hike.  It was cold, cloudy, and windy.  But we had some lunch, bundled up, and started off.  I wanted to carry Gracie first, as it is easier for me to go uphill with the carrier than downhill.  But the carrier easn't adjusted properly and was even more uncomfortable than usual.  But we got the carrier figured out and I persevered.  This would be our first "cold weather hike" and I knew if I didn't attempt the hike, if I quit after fifteen minutes, I would be afraid to try again until spring.  So I pressed on, and up.  The trail at the beginning was steep, rocky, and very difficult.  That was definitely the worst part of the trip.  After what seemed like forever, but was probably only a quarter to half a mile, the trail leveled out and for the rest of the hike was either level or went gently up or down.  I carried Grace about 2.5 miles, almost half the trip.  And I was proud of my perseverance.  After the really hard beginning, the rest of the trail was pleasant, and there was little wind among the trees.  Walking kept us warm and toasty, and the remainder of the hike was easier, and went more quickly, than either of us expected.

The summit of the hike is a short jog off the Appalachian trail, to a rocky overlook of western Maryland.  The view was terrific, but it was very windy and cold on the rock and we didn't stay long.  Bobby carried Grace back down the mountain, and covering her with a blanket seemed to keep her warmer and help her sleep better.  We completed the hike in 3 hours flat, and were glad to get back to our warm car.  However, this hike was a challenge, it was an accomplishment, and in the end it was fun.