Today I finally set foot on the Appalachian Trail. I hiked to the highest peak in our area! The best part was the wild ponies. They were at the parking area fence, all along the trails, and in the nearby clearings. As I was returning on the path, I look up from my phone (navigating which turn) and see a still figure in the middle of the dark trail. A split second of alarm, but it was actually another pony in the dark. I walked right by it, and it got curious enough to turn its head and smell me. I paused. It nibbled my phone. The park has explicitly instructed people *not to pet or touch them* which in this instance feels like I am the only one following that rule. I moved on post smell and a nibble with some delight at the encounter. They’re obviously used to hikers, but it’s a different thing without a fence out in the woods.

Not everything about the hike was my favorite; quite a few things were not. The ponies, though!

I also got some deep breathing after being sick which was great for my lungs. (Speaking of, was 6 weeks of bronchitis really necessary? Who ordered that from the menu of life?) Looking forward to taking the high ground again on another peak! Managing expectations re: scheduling, difficulty level, and pony availability.