I’m not sure it felt like April today up at the summit of Pleasant Mountain (well, maybe April in Maine). Despite the drizzle and chilly temps, we had a good (not hard) hike with really great views. When we reached the top we were very hungry and found a lovely lunch spot, but then the wind picked up and we didn’t linger for as long as we might have liked. Despite the intermittent rain and the wind, Margaret and Kate were enthusiastic, positive and happy to be outside (or seemed that way!). We discussed the merits of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but Margaret had us beat with her gourmet pesto concoction. I love that they both were game for this day and it was great to share in their enthusiasm.

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The hike down went quickly and back in Bridgton we found a coffee shop called Drip where we indulged in a delicious (but too small) latte.

My husband is probably sick of hearing me say how lucky we are to live in Maine and I even said it to my hiking companions today. But it is the truth. In just a little more than over an hour’s drive we were in a beautiful spot with the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the woods. I don’t know this for sure, but I feel like we live in a pretty cool and unique place that we can do that. And we weren’t alone. There were a number of hikers out today taking advantage of the weekend and this relatively easy and rewarding hike. I was very happy to share this day with Margaret and Kate. Had I thought about doing this hike without my fellow LACers I very well might not have followed through. But they were into it and that (in a really good way) pushed me.

Not only did we have a beautiful hike today, we also had really good conversation. When I drop into my fantasy world of hiking the AT, I think about how quiet and internal it would be. I think that would be hard – not impossible, just hard. Hiking with friends allows for rich conversation and the sharing of stories that we don’t always take the time to tell. We get to know the more hidden sides of our companions and ourselves, which is as lovely as being in the woods.

Happy weekend and happy adventuring,