I turned 69 yesterday and rewarded myself by getting my butt out the door and to the May Valley Squak Mountain trail head. The forecast was for clouds but no rain. But about .25 mile up the trail it started raining and it was coming down pretty steadily. I had a waterproof jacket and a waterproof hat but no waterproof pants – dumb mistake to leave it behind based on a weather report.
My pants were getting soggy so I shortened the hike. I wound up doing only about 3.3 miles. I did do the little side-trail, the Pretzel Tree Trail, just to see what it is. It is definitely designed for little kids. The trail is short and flat (a little loop) and features signs along the way, telling the story of a field mouse wandering through the woods, chatting with various creatures along the way and learning a little about forest ecology.
As for the pretzel tree itself, I never did spot it. It might have come down at some point.
Anyway, it was better than just hanging out and being blue about the low-key Thanksgiving Day. No kids, no grandkids, no happy buzz around the table. I just hope that 2021 is a better year with more to be thankful for.