My plan to get to bed on time in order to wake up on time worked. I slept well in my tent. There were still stars out when I left, though it was bright enough that I didn’t need a headlamp to go walk to the mailbox. Even with the moon having set hours earlier.
My ex-mother-in-law was in one of my dreams, which was strange. I haven’t thought of her very much in the last few years, other than thinking that it’s funny she had the same first name as my now step-mom. Makes me wonder how my ex is doing. I hope he’s doing well.
After checking the mail, I got to doing my exercises. I worked up a good sweat. I haven’t felt motivated to run in the last month or so. I want to get back into that. I’d really like to do CrossFit again, but with the nearest box being an hour drive away, it’s hard.
I had been feeling a little disconnected from my emotions, and this morning a friend asked me a question that helped clarify why I was feeling that way. He asked me if I still felt Ambrose in my heart. And I realized that my mind had been playing a trick on me. As if any amount of time, let alone something as short as a year, could separate me from Ambrose. He’s always in me, within me, and with me. No matter how many years pass.
Thinking of that helped me cry a bit, which felt right. A release. A reconnection and reaffirmation.
The work day wasn’t very exciting. Just a normal day. I had ramen with vegetables for lunch. I’m trying different flavors to see what I like best with veggies. I’d never had the chili flavor before today. I tend to find something I like and stick to it. Chicken, beef, and creamy chicken, Maruchan brand only. No good reasons why.
After work, since the hot springs are closed, I decided to drive over to Midvale to check out their farmers market. It was a bit smaller than I expected. One vendor selling food, and two selling woodwork. I checked out the food and chose some granola that I’ll take on next week’s trip (maple walnut ought to be a good energy boost), and some freeze dried pineapple. I hesitated over the marshmallows, because I’d bought some on my REI trip recently and was very disappointed with their flavor and texture, so the lady gave me some to try for free, which was super nice.
The marshmallows were quite good, strawberry lemon flavored. I tasted the granola when I got home and I think it will be a treat on the trail. I knew the freeze dried pineapple would be good, and I was right on that score.
After dinner, I ran myself a hot bath. It’s not the same as the hot springs, but it’s what I’ve got this month. I do love a hot bath. I used some epsom infused bubble bath, and now I’m all warm.
It’s been windy and cloudy through the afternoon and evening. Threatening rain, but not producing it. I’m going to sleep outside again. It’s a bit weird not sleeping in my bed, but it’s so nice to sleep with the natural world in my ears.
