~*~ Warning! Extreme
Evening Hike! ~*~
Date:
Hikers: Solo
Mileage: Very
little
My first indication that this was going to be the extremist
of the extreme evening hikes was the fact that the name of the trail is
treacherous. It is the much dreaded “Blue Dot Trail” of
As
I set out on the trail I was immediately suspicious of the lack of rocks
underfoot. I’m certain this was some kind of ploy to lure the unsuspecting
casual hiker into the deep dark wilderness. However, having spent so much time
in the wild, I was leery of the seemingly easy walking path. I briefly
considered turning back but decided to forge ahead as planned.
It
was late in the day and the sun was beginning it’s descent over the horizon,
casting ominous shadows all around me and slightly increasing 
my anxiety. A flutter to the side made me
jump and I realized at once I was not only being watched, but followed. A
little bird (don’t underestimate the little ones) joined me on the trail,
hopping along and checking me out. He appeared to show complete disregard to my
presence which made me even more suspicious of the cute, I mean, horrific,
thing.
Many
strange plants were peaking up through the leaves. The bright yellows and
whites stood out against the dark forest floor. I moved in for a closer look
only to discover that they were being guarded by other, more dangerous flora.
Several times, stinging nettles attempted to attack me, but I remained calm and
composed and eluded their efforts to strike.
I have been attacked by the infamous nettles before and have since
learned that they are not a force to be reckoned with and are better left
alone. Their venom causes stinging and itching almost instantaneously and being
that I was so far into the backcountry, it could have been hours before I was
found.
Despite
the chilling atmosphere, and the little spy bird, I continued on. I had to stop
at one point and sit down to catch my breath. Fortunately 
there was a fallen tree that provided an
excellent place to recline and regain my strength. I sipped on my water, being
careful to preserve some in the event that I became stranded out here in the
backcountry. I realized that not bringing food could lead to my demise. One
should always be prepared and I should have known better than to venture so far
without the proper provisions. Some lessons are learned the hard way, friends.
After
resting for a spell, I decided to keep going and try to make my way back to
civilization before darkness came. My spy bird had since taken flight, though
I’m sure he was hovering high on a tree branch, taking note of my every move. I
took photos as I walked, sure that nobody would believe my story if I returned,
and to provide proof of what happened, should I not return.
There
was a tree to the side of the trail that was particularly haunting. It’s bark
looked like fingers wrapped around something…or someone…<cue scary music
here>. I paused only but a moment to
snap a picture and run, sure that if I had stayed, the giant branches would
reach down and swoop me up, forever binding me to 
its trunk. I would be just another photo
op for future adventurers.
I
finally saw the light at the end of the dark, forest tunnel. I had made it! I
had survived the extreme evening hike! The sun was slowly lowering itself
behind the trees but I had managed to make it back to the safety of my car. I
dragged my tired and aching body across the final hundred yards and collapsed
onto the back of my car, relieved to be out of the wilderness. My mind raced
with the exciting stories that could be told from this adventure. My survival
instinct had kicked in and not failed me. The spy bird, the nettles, and the
grabbing tree would have to wait for another victim, because it was not going to
be me.
At
home, a hot shower and a good book brought me back to reality and I smiled. I
had overcome the impossible at
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