August 5, 2024

Hiking through new-to-me woods on (prescription) mind-muddling drugs in a heat index of 90 is an interesting experience. I am weaning off the pills, but I think I’ll wean faster.

I stopped by Mianus River Gorge Preserve NNL on my way to my next lodging. This wooded area in NY’s Westchester County is home to old growth hemlock forest and, of course, the Mianus River. The Nature Conservancy maintains a few color-coded trails. I hiked all of them today.

It felt good to be able to walk five miles without my back spasming. My pace is back to normal, too. That being said, I am still on muscle relaxers (a lighter dose now), and there was one moment a couple miles in where I came back from a spur path and totally forgot which way I had come from. I spent ten minutes confused and wondering which way I should go. And I had a map and compass, and this was a trail with obvious landmarks. It eventually dawned on me that I was probably overheating and should drink a bunch of water. I did that, then realized where I was, then realized that perhaps hot weather plus strong muscle relaxers plus hiking don’t mix.

I had plenty of water with me and made myself drink a swig every ten minutes. I also doused my hands and head in the little waterfall along the Red Trail.

I made it back to the car having done all the trails without any other twilight zone instances. There’s a water pump by the parking lot, and I used it to re-douse my head and hands. I have wipes in the car, and I gave my entire upper body a once-over with them (under my clothes since the surrounding area is too populated for a hiker to get nekkid).

I think my back is healed enough to risk going without meds. If I’m wrong, I’ll find out tomorrow.

Anyway, Mianus River Gorge Preserve is a pretty area with well maintained trails. Bring $5 for the suggested donation.