A beautiful December day in North Carolina called to me, “Come, hike. You know you’ll love it.”

I responded with boots, gloves, and a wrap, singing, “Into the woods.”

img_2609The hike lived up to standards. Even though it rained hard yesterday, today was sunny without much wind. I shared the trail with a few people, but they, like me, were introspective and happy to be out in the sun. Two and a half miles later I was pleased with my outing.

It was after I returned home that I discovered the trick. Something in the woods got in my nose and now I’m sneezing my fool head off. Allergies in December. What fun.

Still, a hike in the woods is a lovely way to spend the morning and clear out the mind for writing.