Posh Sleeping

When I made this trip almost all the way across the country, & because I would definitely need to rent a vehicle to get around for a few weeks (which was gonna cost me much moola even with uber discounts included), I realized long before I hopped aboard the Greyhound that I'd be best off to "car camp".

In my general inexperience with car camping (just an overall affection for camping) I figured that as long as I got myself an SUV for a rental, I'd be set & I could fold down the backseat, leaving a long amount of space for me to stretch out. It turned out that I only needed to fold down a portion of the backseat leaving ample width for this whether I'd be sleeping on it or inside of it. This, in turn, left space where I could also set up & consider which things from my checked luggage bag I'd need at certain points during my trip.

I set myself up just fine for my first night - where my only "glitch" became the unexpected learning experience of being farther north than my "hometown" familiarity being much more unanticipated daylight than I could process. Well, that's an exaggeration, yes. It was July & not June anymore, after all. And therefore a time of year when it's sensible - rather, assumable - that each day's daylight will be the appropriate minutes shorter that it should be. And, well, it is, for each given area.


I'd learned years ago how Alaska has daylight all day for half the year & then darkness all day for the other half the year. Or, something like that. Similar to those who believe that Earth is flat, I somehow got it into my head that it's only in Alaska, down to the jagged borders of the state's line, where this "extended daylight" happens.

😂 Well, yes, the tears of laughter are all on me! As well they should be!! I mean, really people, c'mon! There's no practically, no logic - because, well, I simply hadn't ever really thought about it. I knew it to be true for Alaska & so I "locked" it in as being "only in Alaska". And that it is definitely not.

It's a gradual phenomenon (okay, so "phenomenon" might be a strong word to use here, although when one discovers something that seems on equal level to comprehending that the Earth is round & not actually flat, "phenomenon" has a bit more reasoning than might otherwise be acceptable). And by "gradual" I mean similarly to how the time zones exist, in part, to maintain modern day latitude fluctuation, there's something to be said for daylight in regard to longitude as well.

And so, in addition to all of the other "unexpected learning" I experienced on this trip to cross the finish line of two marathons, I also learned, first hand, how much more daylight there is further north than where I typically spend my time. And whereas I expected, in mid-July, for the sun to be going down (for it to be practically dark, or absolutely dark) definitely by 9:15 or 9:30 at night, well, that's not what I did experience that first night of sleeping in the back of an SUV (so no curtains on the windows) & in a parking lot (so no trees - definitely none of appreciable abundance) while I tossed & turned a bit anyway out of general heightened anticipation for the first of the two marathons, which I'd be crossing the finish line for after I slept like this three more times. On the positive note, I certainly had the time to adjust my body to this alternative (car camping) sleeping style. I really do believe it was roughly 10:45 that first night when darkness fell upon that parking lot. And so it was.


When I awoke needing to use the store's restroom, & figuring that a "stretching out" walk through the store would do me well anyway, I found myself contemplating the home fashions department just a little bit more. I was hesitant because I knew whatever I'd chose to buy would be large or bulky & that I'd not want to pitch it out, rather to manage forcing the zipper closed on my checked luggage bag once I did pack it back up for the return trip.

Since I'd been silly enough to reason I'd potentially read six books (when I ended up bringing back a seventh book too) & where I furthered my reading of one of the original books & managed my way through nearly a third of another, there simply wasn't space for me to be buying anything of substantial size that I'd not be eating or recycling, etc.

Alas, I found this. I found it to be reasonably priced & felt that I'd be ultimately be able to wrap my belongings around it in order to get it shoved well into the checked luggage. And, in the end, it folded down incredibly (intense compression) & everything else got piled heavily atop it with additional items originally not included with the carry-on, now adding to the carry-on after all. Because, yes, it did all. work. out. to bring it back with me.

And, because I did purchase it, I was able to set it up underneath this. The extra cushioning (or cushioning in general 😊, because otherwise I was stretching out directly atop the barebones "carpet" of the SUV) became a welcome respite.

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At the Hydration Station

This trip I took in June was a big trip for me. I didn't just coordinate & plan exactly what clothing made sense to take, I also did what I could to improve my energy while running. Even though the trip would cover three weeks of life, it's main purpose was for me to cross the finish line for two different marathons. I also hoped to prepare myself in so that my crossing each finish line wouldn't be nearly neck & neck with the cut-off time for each.

I did some homework & learned some things I should've known already. ...Better late than never. 😏 There's electrolytes in this stuff. And electrolytes are great little energy creators. They make it in organic too. This is my favorite flavor. Since I'd not run with anything except water in my camelback before, I was advised to dilute it, so I put in roughly a half & half mixture. The first marathon had what they called Hydration Stations & they had this, along with water, partially filling up mini cups at each location.

When I'd refill my draining bladder (the one on my backside, not the one inside of me 😂), I'd toss in a few of each of these from the volunteers on standby. I got ambitious, & even though I don't do well with drinking right out of those cups as I run/walk past the folding tables where they are lined-up, since I'd just treated myself to a port-a-john visit (because stopping at one costs clock time) following a downhill that was pressing into the outside of my right knee (like it typically does 😞), with the Hydration Station right after the port-a-john line-up, I was walking ... then as I began lightly jogging, I figured "what the heck?" & accepted a cup from each of the two areas. Then, because I am also a fan of actual mixed drinks, I said aloud (where the volunteers could hear me talking my silliness) as I poured one of the two cups into the other, "I'll just make me up a mixed drink here." 😋 And it was delicious too!

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First Time For This Water Sport

It was about the same time that I got my newer bicycle, the 26" one, that fit me much better, that I also found myself trying out a new sport, a water one this time.

That morning (which happened to be Father's Day 👴) I ended up joining a lovely group (of just five) pretty awesome people on a nearly three hour hike where we discussed many fun things including linguistics (one hiker's specialty) & movies titled with one word such as this movie & this movie.

After another four hours passed on by, (including a half hour of googling images of what exactly I was in for once on the water), I registered for my rental.

I'd packed light when I got out of my vehicle to go to the rental window. Originally I carried a plastic sandwich baggie of cash & my phone. Then I realized I had this strung around the passenger seat's metal "riser" & walked back passed the short distance I'd walked away (about three vehicles) to grab it. It would work well as a "pocket" I didn't otherwise have, sitting underneath the bottom hem of my top. Luckily for me, I also keep these braided into this. And I instantly realized these would come in handy (Oh! It's a pun!!! 😂) while out on the water, so I grabbed them too.


So, I sometimes joke about the first time I went to rent a vehicle & had just cash with me figuring, "Why not?". I also joke that I'm such a "rule follower" I'd think nothing else than to bring back something I've rented as I'm expected to do.

Here I was again at a rental window with "just cash" & my phone & this & these. 😂 I was asked about having my driver's license on me or a credit/debit card; I had none of these three items with me. Bummer. As I explained that I'd have to run back over to my vehicle to grab my license, the window attendant volunteered it'd be fine to clip my paperwork behind a friend's information. This worked for the both of us, well, three if the rental company is included. 😄

So, out on the water our large-size group went. For me, there were frustrations. Yes, there were. I smartly wore my prescription sunglasses. I opted to skip wearing a hat, figuring there'd be a likely chance of it not staying on my head, & therefore ultimately ending up in the water. I'd covered my limbs & face in this, because, well, the weather that day was a scorcher. On that day, merely by standing still, most everyone had sweat beads rolling down their limbs. It was humid & into the 90s. And the sun was blaring from high in the sky.

This event had been promoted as a "beginner's" event. And many first timers were out on the water right alongside me. This really didn't help much except to have too many people right there & therefore congestion. As a runner & hiker, when things like sweat, etc. get into my way, I can easily "wipe & go". This hadn't been the case in those moments. Also, at least as a runner or hiker I could just step to the side & let others pass me on by - sometimes I do this when I need to stretch for thirty seconds. While on the water, this isn't just not practical, it's not possible; the water moves, & so do you - you're on the water.

So there I was, out on the water, trying to prevent the sweat from burning my eyes, & I was failing miserably. My very-important sunglasses were in the way of wiping the constant sweat away & I was finding it difficult to figure out how to actually be on the water. Alas, yes, I managed. Our group's leader was no where nearby. Despite promoting the event for "beginner's" I didn't actually see the leader until well into our time on the water, & wasn't actually sure where the majority of the group had gone, which did frustrate me since it was a busy, hot day where it was difficult to navigate the scene not even knowing who on the water belonged with our group, which I didn't.

I did, however, successfully have my "first time" with this water sport. And because this conveniently came in the mail the night before, I was able to wear it (it fit me [my figure] great!) which greatly relieved me as my other options would've left me feeling, well, somewhat insecure (which, incidentally means I'd essentially feel plain old - insecure). I wore it with regular cotton shorts. I originally came to find it because I was perusing the lighter blue colored options (as they are my favorite), then I decided to go with the navy color since the lighter blue was so much so I felt it would dirty too easily & too quickly. And by "dirty" I mean markings, not sweat.


To top off the afternoon what was left of our group grabbed a bite at the adjoining eatery. We ordered our drinks. I ordered as I typically do, "water, no ice". After all, water is typically cold when a restaurant adds ice to it. The waiter needed to come back as he was working with a nearby table as well. He admitted it'd be best to get a refresher on our drink orders & we happily obliged. Everyone made sure that he got my "no ice" request; he'd actually remembered that part. 😏 All in good fun, yet an interesting request, I was asked why I ordered "no ice". Our waiter gave the extra minute of his time for my story. So I quickly explained that I'd rather have just water in my glass, no ice in the way, since the water is already cold when added to the glass. As I stated this I realized we were sitting at a table on a patio on a 90 degree day. So I said, "You know what, go ahead, put ice in my glass today! It seems appropriate!" And so he did. 😄

When deciding what to select from the menu I noticed these as an option. They weren't something I typically saw on a menu, just knew of characters in movies or television shows to talk about selecting. So I did; I ordered them. I sort of wish they'd been salmon, though I also realized that would've altered the cost more than I'd have wanted (& may not have selected the option entirely). I found them to be messy. Enough so that I needed ample napkins on what seemed to be a constant basis. And I doubt that I'd order them again, at least not from the same place.

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It's Been One Week

It was at this time, one week ago, that I had crossed one finish line completing 26.2 miles, equaling a marathon. I'd only had one glitch occur, & that had been with accessing my Friday night housing. I did myself proud & kept prudent during that time period by looking for each item in the car that I knew I needed to take inside with me. By that time, I was getting inside, though, in all technicality, I had lost roughly one hour of sleep.

There wasn't any time to consider that an hour of sleep had potentially been lost. I showered quickly & set myself up for my [very] early Saturday morning. The biggest perk was that, even though last Saturday's marathon start time was set for 7 a.m., it was set for 7 a.m. This meant that, despite the likelihood that I'd be crossing the finish line pretty far into the day, it would be a little bit earlier with the start time being a little bit earlier.

And, all being said I was able to get to that start line just as I was supposed to. I wore comfortable running attire &, as the temperature was to soar as well as the humidity level, I took off the long-sleeve t-shirt I wore overtop my layered tank tops while standing at the start line, just minutes before the starting gun went off. I tied it around my waist; all was good. Also, I had my Camelbak strapped in place; all was definitely good.

Journey (this song) pumped through the speakers at the start line, both before & after the National Anthem. I also heard this song from the Eurythmics early on, around Mile 6. Because there was a spot where the marathon course crossed over three times, a DJ was there encouraging us individually. At my first passing through the DJ played this song (ironically?) & because I get a thrill out of high-fiving (well, anybody) along a running course, I gladly ran up to the DJ & slapped a strong high-five before continuing on. The DJ commented, "Well, she's pumped." The final time I passed by the DJ this song played. Incidentally, I was able to make a mental note of it because I wasn't as familiar with it, yet the song's title is the bit I heard as I passed by. I danced my way passed the DJ's area - to which the DJ responded, "I needed a dance partner."

The biggest detriment to this marathon was unforeseen gravel as our terrain for Miles 18 through 23. This was added to our constantly dehydrated bodies due to the exhaustive weather conditions. (To which I constantly said, "Mind over matter; mind over matter." And remained super chirper.) Finding solid traction was defeating; knowing that the end was near was rewarding.

A volunteer on a bicycle kindly conversed with me for miles 23 through 26 (then wished me well & said, "Nice chatting with you" while pedaling opposite the direction of the finish time mat). Even though my finish time not only wasn't a PR, it also was a few minutes over the hour (although it was quite a bit under the marathon's cap finish time, which was very good 😂). My time would've been even a few more minutes longer since I noticed my mileage time both before & after the volunteer came up alongside me.

After getting my customary "finisher's photo" on my smartphone, eating a couple of bratwurst, & grabbing one for the road, I began my on-road-adventure across the state's line to gear up for Sunday.

Woot! Woot!

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Breaking It Down & Getting It Done

As this is my last post I'll be able to write before I run 52.4 miles in less than 48 hours, I thought to write a little bit on one way I mentally break down a marathon - especially if I'm struggling to consider my remaining miles.

The first few miles are "gimmes". Many runners are "weaving" & finding their pace & getting into place. In fact, a time or two I've managed to pass up Mile 6 without considering it too much. This was also a good thing as, if I'm considering Mile 6 too much, it's knowing that there's only 20 more miles to go. And that can be too many miles to dwell on that early on.

Typically I begin with Mile 10.

Mile 5: A head-nod because I like doing things in increments of five.
Mile 6: Just 20 more miles (yes, I round for these things...'Point Freaking Two'...).
Mile 10: Double digits, folks.
Mile 13: Half way, baby.
Mile 15: Because I like doing things in increments of five. Though, really, this is hardly noticed because, as I consider this for a heartbeat, suddenly I'm at the much more glorious Mile 16.
Mile 16: Ten more miles to go.
Mile 20: The mile's first digit is what we'll end with; nice.
Mile 23: Roughly a 5K remaining.
Mile 25: Because I like doing things in increments of five...And because 😮 {gasp}...One. More. Mile!
Mile 26: Point. Freaking. Two. to go!

And so, just about every three to four miles, or fewer in some cases, there's reason & encouragement to keep on, keeping on.

I'd taken a few years hiatus from listening to music, a time which encompassed this song's release. I'd not heard it, or become familiar with it as had mainstream society. Nevertheless, as I rounded a bend on a marathon course, where there was also a half-marathon running simultaneously, I happened to catch the first notes of the song from across the way. I glanced, while remaining focused, & saw a half-dozen to a dozen spectators standing, along with their sound system, on the top step of a staircase to a likely apartment building. They giggled & glanced to each other & us as I apparently hadn't been the only runner to glance as the silence broke from the song's beginning notes.

Shortly thereafter a male runner, I believe speaking to a female running friend, mentioned about how they were "almost finished". I thought he'd spoken in sarcasm as that bend in the course we were at approximately Mile 10 or 11.

Soon after the great signage & volunteers directing half-marathoners to the left & marathoners to the right arrived with significant distinction. This is when I realized that male runner was simply encouraging & not using sarcasm; he & his friend were half-marathon participants.

When "the herd" fleshes out after half-marathon participants are directed to break away from marathoners an entirely separate & distinct mental pathway comes into play. There's many less elbows to be bumping alongside of, & yet there's less camaraderie as well; it's a case of "is the glass half-full or half-empty"? Or, the more contemporary, "is the glass half-full, or should it be in a glass half its size"?

And so it goes. Because regardless of the incredibly black & white shift in these factors, there's still half a marathon left to complete. Unless, of course, it takes a mile or two to mentally recognize the "wow" 😏... Then there's a chance that the next mileage sign reads Mile 15 or Mile 16 & it's possible to revert to the above & from there mentally shift gears.

While on this musical note, a thought to mention a few songs typically playing at the starting line to "pump up" everyone & keep spirits soaring. This song is a popular tune among high school bands; it works well blasting from speakers at the starting line. The author at this link agrees.

Most any "MJ" song, although this song & this complete album are solid options.

The same goes for Tina Turner; I'm in high favor of this song & this song. The former, because it's encouraging & its got a great beat; the latter because its got a great beat & it's just a good song.

This song because it's got a great beat &, I believe, could easily be a great song to push someone who's mentally a bit down.

This song because it's about a "stride", just not a runner's stride; it's an oldie, yet goodie that I kept in my head as I'd finish out the final laps of the two mile - the longest running option in high school track. Oddly, despite it not being a current hit, I find myself frequently catching it on the radio these days.

More currently, this song because it's "high spirited" & encouraging. Also, this song for the same reasons.

Then there's this song, which has great motivational rhythm; a lot of the soundtrack does. ... And I found myself today pulling out said soundtrack because I wanted to take a listen to that tune. Preceding it on the track listing: this song, which could also make for a great starting line pump-up song; especially with it's confident title.

Several of these songs came to mind due to this listing.

Time will tell which, if any (Who am I kidding? I'm bound to hear a few of these tunes before Sunday comes to a close! 😂), of these will infiltrate my eardrums & push me to go the distance.

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Walking in Stride

Dad's never been a runner, though he's been a strong advocate for fitness, exercise, & movement in general throughout our lives. Hiking while on vacation (camping! 😍), backyard badminton, occasional neighborhood walks, & some other times too. He's definitely always loved a good walk.

I recall one Memorial Day Weekend camping trip where we'd hardly even been set up more than a few minutes - in fact - I don't recall us being completely set up - I think the party lights - Dad's favorite (remember this post? 😎) - & the camper's awning - had yet to be put in place. Yet Dad wanted to make the most of the day - well, probably the weather - maybe me & the age I was at that current moment. We didn't go far. Just a quick stroll (I really want to write "down memory lane" right here 😂 - it feels so appropriate, & yet, well, we didn't; we hardly spoke at all during this stroll) around a portion of the campground which cut into the area where our campsite was situated.

I also recall back when I running [read: jogging] with the cross country team in high school, & I'd see Mom at the top of the final hill, where I so desperately longed for her to be at the bottom of the hill, the bottom of the stairs below the hill, & at the sideline of the track where our school's cross country course happened to finish. I'd have no energy, though I'd still do my [pathetically] best to motion to her & weakly (cause I really was worn out) cry out, "Go down. Go down."

To which she'd reply in a, 'Gee, I wish I could. Though with my knees...' tone, "Dad's down there. I'll be able to watch you finish from right here where I'm standing. I'm proud of you. You're doing so good." She was right. She could see me from where she was standing. She could watch, pretty much, all of the rest of the event & all of the camaraderie from that spot, though there was some minor tree blockage. And I'm sure it was relatively difficult for her (although she never focused on making any changes in order to make this situation any different) because she couldn't be right there among the other mothers who'd managed to come out to the school & the track to support their sons & daughters listening to their chatter & contributing to their conversation. I think so at least. From where she "had to" wait it was a bit odd, though it was an unspoken understanding since it was obvious she wasn't able to be standing alongside her husband fully supporting her children as they participated on their team. Also, I'm sure that Dad filled her in on the scene as he saw it in order for her to "keep up with the Jones'" among the team's parents.

Dad was there though. He did come down to the track. I'd just completed another 3.1 miles & I'd accomplished that. He knew that I knew he was there for me & if every other teammate was too busy & caught up in their own conversation (remember I was the last one & many might have already been on their way with the remainder of their day) I could count on him if only for a jovial, "You made it!" "Good job!" "You finished!" and generally just being present. And sometimes this moment would also include a father/daughter hug. (Did I mention I'd have been rather sweaty & he'd have been in his work clothes? ...Which would have been a dress shirt, Dockers, & likely a tie too.) He did his best. He did what he could within the limitations of what he had available.

At a time, years later, Dad & I decided to optimize that same track. With me running & with him walking. I ran & we paid attention to see how often I lapped him. I think, during that "event" I ran two miles. I also think that during that "event", I lapped him twice. I probably didn't use the opportunity as well as I could've. It's only been in more recent years that I've done better with paying attention to my form & goals while I run rather than allowing my mind to dilly dally...Which is what happened that day, resulting in my not making the most of it, & not working better to lap Dad more frequently.

*****

Since Dad's retirement he's joined in a walking group that meets up at a local park. They use these (each member purchased whichever model worked best for their personal taste) to calculate their distance & steps & track miscellaneous information. There are prizes for various accomplishments, which, as any ordinary "group" might need, is their overall motivator.

He kept at the group for quite some time & knew that he needed something better than what he'd been managing with since he'd joined. He also knew that if he gently mentioned it to me, I'd likely work on figuring out something for him. That I did. 😊 Yep. That's exactly what I did do. I worked on some homework to pick something that'd likely work best for his situation. I cross referenced with a few brick & mortar stores. Then I selected this & had Amazon mail it directly to him. He responded with a quick (that's his style! 😊) & joyful email that he'd received the package & it was just what he wanted.

I won't lie. 😏 It did feel good that the homework efforts I put into my purchasing decision were all for the good. 😄



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Hiking Ambition

Following up on my recent writing about going on a hike I'll reminisce about my most recent hiking expedition. It's actually quite the funny story. 😂 And we're laughing already! 😏😊

So I knew just where I wanted to go on the hike & I got myself out there. I'd recently hiked there, along with someone else [read: someone who knew what they were doing & where they were going 😂]. This time, this most recent time, however, it was all me. Yep! And that's where the foul was really made.

I got myself there (to the established hiking trail at the state park) & parked my vehicle. I saw where the start was & I clipped my key onto my clothes. I had on my hiking boots, which had been broken in, having worn them just once before, & I'd also recently purchased a pair of these because they suited well along with the boots much better than my ordinary socks. (Which would be running socks - go figure!) A few of my toes & the side of my forefoot had been slightly crushed wearing my running socks inside my hiking boots, even though the notion had originally seemed quite sensible.

I had ambition running through my veins. I didn't want to take anything with me extra, nothing to weigh me down. After all, I planned to hike out to the main area, hike around the loop, then join back into the beginning section & be back at my vehicle in no time. No time in this case equals roughly an hour & a half. 😜

This would've been nice. So nice that I didn't even pull my hair back. I had planned the hike in the earlier part of the day, before I needed to be off & going onto other time commitments. Before the heat of the day could & would have me, well, getting sweaty. I'd wanted my hair down for the later day commitments, so I left it down in general. An hour & a half hike didn't seem enough to bog me, or my hair, down enough to mess it up that quickly.

So there I was confidently hiking with my hair down, my phone locked up in my vehicle, a sweatshirt on over a simple t-shirt where I'd be able to switch & wear it around my waist if I got that uncomfortable.

Apparently I didn't know much about what kind of uncomfortable I'd soon be feeling.

*****

Things were going well; they really were. Then, a few more turns, slopes & such, & I began considering, 'When might I happen to next turn & see the section that leads back to the lot where I've park?'

*****

I began reading the signs marked for the hikers; they didn't make much sense. Nothing read as a short (less than a mile) hike to any destination, which is what I was due. Early on I'd passed a few individual hikers. I ran into one more set of people hiking, a small family, & as they greeted me I explained my dilemma. They directed me toward where they'd parked their vehicle. Honestly, at that point, I just wanted out.

Sure enough I came to a parking lot. Though it wasn't the one where I'd parked. It was a desolate strip. An inactive, unlined street ran behind the lot which could hold, maybe fifteen vehicles. An older man lived across the way with a few horses that I could see; I did consider checking with him to at least learn what time it happened to be.

After all, I'd left my phone in my vehicle. Where was I? I did have a 4 p.m. commitment I'd eventually need to be getting to. I'd started out at 10:45 a.m. Could it be much past 12:30/1:00 p.m.?

Next two young men came chatting their way out of the hiking area. I'd remembered hearing, then seeing them briefly while on the hiking path. We'd not crossed paths as there was a section where two paths ran nearby one another, within earshot, yet not overlapping.

Turned out the other vehicle in the lot belonged to them. (There'd been two vehicles in the lot when I'd emerged from the hiking path. The other, the small family had driven away in a few minutes before the young men walked back into the midday sunshine.) As they walked toward their vehicle I knew I had no other option & I began walking toward them. I explained how I'd meant to hike the trail & that my vehicle was in a lot, just not the one in which we were standing & chatting.

One of them invited me to study the nearby hiking map. I thought he wanted me to walk back onto the hiking trail. This wasn't going to happen.

Instead he showed me where we were on the hiking map as well as the distance between the sections & where the trail began, which was very near where I began, as I'd begun a bit further out, as in further away.

Oh, & it was 2:30 p.m.

*****

They volunteered (realizing it simply needed to be done) driving me back to my vehicle, wherever that lot may be, on the other side of the park, very near the beginning of the hiking trail.

The driver, he asked me, once they'd told me their first names & I'd told them mine, "So when did you know?" "When did you first start...?"

I was able to answer honestly, "Really, I was able to count my blessings the whole time. When I was getting question marks in my mind, I considered how I was dressed well for the event, I didn't need a toilet, I wasn't parched (I could've used an ounce or two of water, though I really was 'fine'.), I'd eaten two poached eggs on this for breakfast (I favor this variety), so I had the necessary protein stamina. I'd begun wishing many of my locks of hair weren't falling about & I was denying that they were actually in my way as they were, so I eventually decided to braid them back, even as temporary as it'd be, without them being held back in an elastic tie. I re-braided the strands three times (which is coincidence that there were also three strands each of the three times 😉); it worked out."

"What wore me out, if anything did, was swatting. Eventually my arms got tired of swatting at the gnats to get them out of my vision, out of my face, so I could continue on the walk of the hike, basically without inhaling them."

We giggled about this. And eventually found my vehicle...Tucked away, well, right where I'd left it.

I was most grateful to the young men because there was no way to know the next point in time when a park ranger would've been perusing the lot where I'd emerged. And, unbeknownst to me, as the clock had kept on ticking so well, I was due to be somewhere just over an hour once I'd found that midday sunshine.

*****

Sharing this story before the day ended with someone else...Mentioning the gnats & how they began exhausting my arms, I learned that wearing one of these around my forehead (which could also collect my sweat & hold back my hair quite a bit 😏) with a sheet of this rubbed all along it & through it, would be a worthy it resolution.

And, of course, with any simple internet search, possible solutions are plentiful; it's about the swatter finding their best repellant method.



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