Day 1 - Mount Mansfield, Defining the Goal

Two years ago I hiked Camel's Hump at least once/month for a year. The purpose: to get out in the mountains more. I took a hiatus from that endeavor but am back at it, this time on Mount Mansfield.
Today was Day 1 (of at least 12 days). Forecast was for rain, wind, cool temps...so I went early. After encountering a CLOSED sign at the Laura Cowles (more protected) trail, I headed up Sunset Ridge (definitely less protected). I decided as the trees were getting shorter and the wind was getting stronger and colder that today was not a day to reach the summit via Sunset Ridge. So, I starting thinking about the goal...what is my goal?
The beauty of hiking alone is time to think and so I thought about my goal. There are several possible goals: being in the woods, seeing beauty, getting exercise but I finally settled on my ultimate goal: ADVENTURE. When I popped out the woods and screamed into the howling wind because it was wild and fun, I felt the adventure. That was as far as I needed to go today - no need to risk being blown off that mountain or freezing in the cold wind...just needed a moment of adventure.



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