 | When you think "Louisiana," hiking isn't really something that comes to mind. Typically, it's the food, people, and images of a raucous crowd on Bourbon Street that first come to mind. Hiking is a very distant afterthought when it comes to this state. I'm guessing that probably has something to do with the fact that this state is pretty, well, flat. This really puts a damper on trying to get my body physically accustomed to hiking up large mountains for six months. |
However, it has helped prepare me for the "Green Tunnel" effect known to happen along the Appalachian Trail. Without the rewarding expansive views at the end of a strenuous section of trail I have come to appreciate the small moments that happen along the trail. Whether it be a small flower, interesting rock formation, or even the wind rustling through the trees above. These small happenstances are what the trail is really all about. When the sky is opening up on me and everything is soaked it is going to have to be these small moments that get me through it.
Yesterday, my good friend Ben and I drove up to Tunica Hills WMA on the Louisiana/Mississippi border. It is one of the few areas near where I live that offer some sort of elevation gain. Also, it has some pretty awesome waterfalls and rock scrambles. It was a perfect day for getting outside. We couldn't have asked for better weather. However, the trail was a little waterlogged from the previous days rain. The trails were rather slick so this gave me a chance to test out the traction on my trail runners that I will be using for the trip. Also, I was able to test out my new camera that I will be bringing. Enjoy!
