It was with a bit of trepidation that I chose the Garnet Trail for a strenuous hike that can be knocked out in a couple of hours. On the one hand, it has 1,500 feet of elevation gain and it’s only a little over four miles; on the other hand, most of that gain is in the last mile making for a very steep hike. Couple that with the rockiness, and the slippery talus in parts, and my caution, especially on the descents, was mingled with a palpable fear of falling; not sure if I could stanch my instinct to catch myself with my right arm, the one attached to my newly bionic shoulder. I am sure I slowed down because of that fear. But since it's been seven months since the operation, I'm hoping this fear is unfounded. I was able to complete the hike in just under 2 hours, however, so I must be getting my leg and lung strength back from ten months of relative inactivity since my accident on February 10.Temps in the 60s at the start, mid 70s at the end. Clear skies and nary a wisp of wind. Saw only five other hikers.
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Finger Rock, top middle.
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| My destination, the flat formation tilting up to the left (north). |
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Old sigh revealing the fact that, until last year, the Garnet Trail was called the Pontatoc Ridge Trail.
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| A lot of greenery and flowers due to climate change. Even saw a lizard scurrying among the rocks. Neither of these phenomena are normal for December. |
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