Imaginary Walk Across America: 11-7-11 Deep in the Patuxent Research Refuge

Tonight daylight savings time almost did me in. It was my first day back from vacation, so of course, I was buried at work and didn't get a chance to squeeze in a noontime walk. When I got home it was already dark out and I almost talked myself into an evening at the sewing machine. But, Tony had made a trip to the library today to pick up 'Clash of Kings', which is the next book after the 'Game of Thrones' in the Fire and Ice series. Andrew had it loaded up on my Ipod by the time I got home and I was eager to get back into the story. So, I donned my reflective vest, my Garmin and my new book and headed out. I managed 6.82 miles....all in the dark. Lots of leaves piled along the curb waiting for the 'sucking' truck to come along and pick them up. I was kind of wishing for a book of matches so that I could light them on fire. I miss those fall days where you could smell the burning leaves. I guess now it's bad for the environment and probably a fire hazard, but it would have been a lot more fun to have my dark path lighted by glowing leaves.

Come on baby light my fire!

In Maryland, I am walking alone again...so sad after spending 4 days with my girlfriends at my side. But, I today I walked through the Patuxent Research Refuge, surrounded by brief glimpses of scurrying wildlife and beautiful birds..flying, floating and wading.

Patuxent Research Refuge

At the visitor center, I read that the refuge encompasses 12,841 acres and portions of the land used to belong to the military where they did munitions testing. Apparently, they swept the land for unexploded ammunition before it was opened to the public, but it is recommended that visitors stay on the trails 'just in case'. You don't have to tell me twice, it would be just my luck to sit on a stump to empty out my shoe and blow a hole in the seat of my pants!