Thorns and Poison Ivy

Today Kyle and I decided to tackle a hike at Deam Lake State Park. Let's just say we have had the worst luck trying to hike at Deam Lake. This is the 4th time we have tried - two of the other times it has stormed. The other time we saw a copperhead before we ever made it to the trail head. We finally didn't get turned around. 

Today we decided we would try out their one rugged trail - trail 4. Lake Vista Trail I believe is the given name and Wikipedia sites it being 2.5 miles. Kyle decided it should be called 'long slow death'.  We could make this a short post by simply saying we will not be repeating the trail. The first half was all basically uphill while also being poorly-maintained and supplying poor footing. As considerate hikers, we try to knock down spider webs for one another, warn if there is a particularly dangerous root sticking up etc. We said 'thorns' and 'poison ivy' so many times I decided it was going to be our title today.

The climb on the first half of the trail was not friendly.  My bronchitis has had me down long enough that I definitely could feel the struggle to breathe.  Combine that with the incline and obstacles I found myself taking the trail fairly slowly.   It took us about an hour and fifteen minutes to knock out the entire trail.  I should add Kyle was a literally wearing spider webs when we got back to the car.  I probably owe him one. 

 Although at the top of the hill, there were some pretty spectacular views, I have been on plenty of hikes with beautiful views that are not as frustrating as our hike today. There were several times I just wanted it to be over, and that is not like me at all.

Luckily, we started our morning off with some kayaking on Deam Lake. The kayaking was the best part of our time in the park, and I definitely got some sun while on the lake. Enjoy the pictures from kayaking below.  Kyle risked his phone for them after all!