Although I was a little disappointed that the Appalachian Trail has put out information urging people to stay off for the time being.
https://wildeast.appalachiantrail.org/official-blog/please-stay-off-the-appalachian-trail/
We to the parts in our hike that keep us as far as possible from other people. We could easily get dropped off, hike all day and not see or both anyone. We saw 5 other people in last weekend's 10 miler! However, after hiking the 565 to 94 section of the trail and Stairway to Heaven I can TOTALLY see where the problem is! To say it was packed would be an gross understatement! I don't want to exacerbate what is already a problem and it also has a bit to do with setting a good example for my young hiking partner and my students. So, we'll wait 'til all this passes and, besides, the weather's just getting nicer anyway!
I am starting to really miss my students but groups of us video chat every day and we probably will start doing it on the weekend, too! We do all sorts of things: either read a chapter of our book together, do some science work or just play games, so we're staying in touch pretty well. Yesterday they wanted to video chat but I said I was busy in the kitchen so I baked pumpkin bread "with" them on the chat and quizzed them on fraction problems that had to do with the recipe- that was fun!
After working hours and in between e-mails, I'm getting a ton of painting done. Just started an Andalusian foal yesterday and, if it rains tomorrow, he'll get some color to him! I'm also working slowly but surely on my Buddy the Elf donkey. Not sure I have the right green for his jacket but I could mix something up that would probably work. I'm still priming him so we're days away from any thoughts of details.
Today was beautiful outside so I whipped out both the leaf blowers and went to town on the yard, grassland and front gardens. It took all afternoon but was totally worth it, especially since there's a few days of rain in the forecast.
Yesterday afternoon was gorgeous, too, so I worked the horse! We're still learning to lunge (it's a process with this one- ugh!) so we did walk/trot in both directions. She was focused and a good listener when we worked on transitions so I didn't go as high as canter this time.
Afterwards I jumped on for some walk/trot astride just because she was tacked up anyway. I asked the kid to come out and snap a few pics of us for me to send to my class- there were a lot of pictures where my head was chopped off! She's still a photographer in training!
Nighthawk was a good, goofy girl for the ride. We're working on maintaining the trot even though she's lazy and it's harder to trot when there's a person on her back. I'm also in the process of teaching her how to neck rein because my horses just kind of have to know that.
Today's big leaf blower excitement ended with me blowing out the trailer- now that's how you do it!
Boy was my hair FILTHY by the time I was done! Have a happy Friday everyone!