About the Author, Yvette Beetley “Mtn Minnie”: I am a 45-year-old, single woman who loves the outdoors, gardening, my dogs, photography and wine! I have lived in New Mexico for a majority of my life and recently discovered that I need to adventure more around my own state! I have one son (25 yrs old) and two dogs – a Pomeranian (8 years old) and a Chocolate Lab Mix (4 months old).

To see more from Yvette, click her name above!

I’m in the hotel wishing I was on trail. Laying in this hotel bed with the TV on and freshly showered just doesn’t feel right. My legs are riddled with mosquito bites that have turned into bruises and swelling. My feet hurt and are blistered and that cramp in my leg has returned but all I can think about is hiking. Being out there, doing it each day but I’m here in this bed and planning my return.  I’m sad…almost like experiencing a loss of some sort. I try to keep the tears at bay. Why is it so hard to move on from the trail? In the past few days, I adjusted quickly to being out there and loving it.
I have thoughts swirling my mind….was not touching the monument at the start the beginning of our mishap on the trail? Even though we made some mistakes the benefits of being together and creating lasting memories outweighs any tribulation.
I review in my mind…what could be have done better? Differently? I am thinking of ways to lighten our loads, new training options, what time of year will be best. I am already planning our return.