Harpers Ferry, WV and Wild Fires

 Happy Friday!  We made it through another week.  I was supposed to be with my parents right now while my father has spinal stenosis surgery but it was rescheduled because he had to start taking an antibiotic for another issue.  As much as I feel bad for him having to wait, I'm actually glad to have this time at home.  There are massive wild fires in Canada right now and the smoke has reached down to Pennsylvania, causing us to be in Code Purple (VERY UNHEALTHY).  We can see and smell the smoke.  Apparently, breathing in this smoke is equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes in a day.  So, I'm glad my parents don't have to be outside in this while taking Dad to the hospital.  I'm also thankful I can sit inside with my kids.  It's terrible but my heart breaks for those in Canada and other areas where fires are extreme right now.  So many have lost their homes, their lives, their animals.  Everything.  So, I won't complain about having to be trapped inside the safety of my house.  Praying for relief for those truly affected.  I can't imagine.  

Yesterday, we took a trip to West Virginia to explore the tiny, historic town of Harper's Ferry.  It was the first visit for all of us.  Though it's a place of important history from the civil war with beautiful scenery it was a very, very hot day.  Not a good day for hiking and exploring, especially for this 47 year old who felt like she was going to pass out.  If it was 10 or 20 years ago I would have been fine, but I've quickly come to realize that hiking on a 90+ degree day is unbearable.  I can't do it anymore.  

Our first plan of the day was to hike the Maryland Heights trail, which was supposed to be quite a climb but offered a breathtaking view of both the Shenandoah and Potomac River and also give us an opportunity to be in three states at once.  However, that did not work out.  I begged my husband to make sure he knew exactly where the trail was before we started and instead we continued to walk straight on the long Appalachian trail for 2 miles before he realized we were on the wrong path.  Then we turned and went 2 miles back.  Was I upset about this?  Yes!  Did I complain and yell at my husband for not knowing what he was doing?  Yes!  I was sweaty and hot and very frustrated.  This seems to happen at every trip we take.  I feel bad about being frustrated but it is what it is.  This was not my idea of a fun time.  Instead of trying to figure out how to get to the right trail we just walked around the town.  

Despite being on the wrong path, it did make for some nice scenic photos, though.

My husband told the kids he would take them back without me so they could do the proper hike.  I'd be okay with it if it was a cooler day.  For a girl who always loved summer, I'm really struggling to enjoy it this year.