Everyone has been prepared since our first orientation back in Ohio for the 16-mile hike, and today it's finally come. The weather was set to be cold and rainy - which is not ideal - but it turned out to be better than if it had been 90 degrees like it apparently had been some years. We started off as a big group walking into the woods, then gradually separated out into smaller groups that were moving at the same pace. The first 2 miles of the hike were difficult and pretty much straight up hill, but it smoothed out after that. The first trail was 8 miles long and we ended at a small resort area where we got some hot things to eat to go along with our sack lunches and rested for the next part of the hike.
Not everyone went on the next 4 miles (2 miles up, 2 miles down) up to the top of the hill where a large tv tower stood. When we got up the hill and up the lift to the top of the tower the view wasn't really all that impressive. It was pretty foggy that day and you couldn't see much out of the windows. Some people rented scooters to get back down the hill - yes, you read that right, scooters. I'm sorry I don't have a picture of it, because it's just as hilarious as it sounds.
The last part of the hike was the best: 4 miles around forest and waterfalls. The trails were ridiculous and definitely would never be allowed in the U.S. I can't even count how many times we jumped over fallen trees and went down slippery straight-down ladders and thought the trail was leading us directly into the gushing river. It was gorgeous, though, one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever been on!We were all exhausted and sore at the end of the day, so mostly everyone just crashed at the hotel. Some went into the hot tub or pool, but most of us just used some wifi and went to bed to sleep off the day. I think we all wished there was a rule that said no activity for at least 2 days after a 16 mile hike, but we had to be up early in the morning as always!
Video of group leaving for the hike
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