About eight miles of hiking have started every day for the past few weeks. The exercise lets me eat more and I keep hoping it will give me time to collect my thoughts and get creative ideas. I'm still hoping.

What I find actually happens is I suddenly notice it's been two miles and I've not really thought of anything. Instead, I just check out poison ivy, buckthorn, wild grape vines, and all sorts of stuff growing like crazy along the trail. I see chipmunks, cardinals, hawks, snakes, ducks, and an occasional deer or turkey family. A rare bit of trash will also peek out along the edge and get a free ride home.

But, no creative insights, no life-changing decisions, no plans to bring about world peace, not even an idea about what to make for dinner. It doesn't matter if I walk slow, fast, or even jog - I just sweat more then. So, what am I doing wrong?

I guess maybe, for me, this time is more about getting the day started and the body ready. Sort of like that first cup or two of coffee that some folks always have to start their day.

Hike On