We got up early to drive to Sugarloaf Mountain in Maryland to hike to the top. Stunning views from up there, including views toward where we live, 50 miles or so in the distance. You can see Sugarloaf from my office window. I’ve forgotten what it felt like to having thigh burn; some of that hill is straight up. When we got to the top, we dropped down the other side and hiked through the forest. The terrain is rough going: loose rocks under fallen leaves. We went about 6 miles, and my hips surely knew it. I’m going to have to work up to getting more miles in so that Hubby will let me come with on his longer hikes. When we got home, we tried putting up Christmas lights, but half of them only half worked. Hubby went to get new ones, which I didn’t necessarily like since buying new lights isn’t very green. But the lights will brighten the winter.

Eager at the the hike’s start.
Looking toward home.
The last steep ascent to the top.
Stopping for tea and crumpets.
The mountain was a Civil War-era signaling station. I don’t think this was Civil War-era, but it would make a nice hot chocolate station in winter and ice cream hut in summer.
Not so enthusiastic at the end of the hike. Thank heaven for walking poles.