Today, we hiked Carver’s Gap trail and what gorgeous sights did we see! Muriel was designated backpack carrier so she got to carry the water bottles, snacks, and miscellaneous paraphernalia. As the rain misted, I felt my eyes gaze upward and I could see that this mountain hike would be fraught with mud, moss, and murk. Speaking of murk, all three of us bookworms saw this thicket of peculiar trees and immediately mentioned that it felt as though we were entering Mirkwood.

But, soon enough, our feet led us away from this deep shadowed place.

And, with relieved strength, our journey continued up the mountain.