Misquammy Miles (8/19/15)

Terrain: Road
Path: Misquamicut to Watch Hill-ish & back
Time: 1.25 hours
Mileage: 5 miles
Blister Count: 1

Walked: August 19, 2015

It's been a while since I've walked and I needed to get out as The Walk is looming. A package from Hippie Runners was in the mailbox for me, and email solicitations sent out earlier in the day brought in close to $300. Motivation was set.

I forwent my daily nap and slipped my Fit Flops on - orange this time as they needed to be broken in more before I wear them for 50 miles. I picked out one of my new Hippie Runner bands and set my audiobook on my phone. Off I went. 

My route took me down Shore Rd. to Ocean View Highway.  Not wanting to go too far in one direction and wear myself out, I turned around at the Misquamicut Club and headed back toward Atlantic Ave. 

Generally, I am not a fan of the out-and-backs, but this stretch of sky along Ocean View Highway was worth it. The humidity was starting to settle in and the sky showed it. A layer of pink from the sun about to set sat just above the horizon with a layer of white then blue atop it. Among the weeds in the marsh before the barrier beach the sky was changing and kept me going. 

I made my way over to Atlantic Ave. where I had to dodge traffic, a loose barking dog that the owner couldn't control (fortunately it was just a small terrier type), and tourists cruising the beach. Again, knowing I didn't want to go too far one way, I decided I would turn at the State Beach.

The sun was just about down and more out of fear of deer and raccoons running across my path, I turned at the main entrance to the beach. When I did I saw what I was missing in the sky behind me. The colors popped out of the West and streaked to the East.  

I went up on the pavilion to get a better view, not thinking about my miles any more. It was somewhat blocked so I made my way to the sandy beach and took a bunch of pictures. At some point, and probably too late, I slipped my shoes off and let my toes settle in the cool sand. Is there a better feeling? 

People were still on the beach, lounging, skygazing, and picking up from a long summer's day on the sand. I walked down toward the first path and slipped my FitFlops again. I barely made it across the parking lot when I realized my mistake: I never brushed the sand off my feet before starting again. 

By the time I made it back home, just over a mile or so later, I could feel where the strapping rubbed the sand granules into my foot. I am not used to getting blisters so I didn't really catch on or do anything about the hot spot when I felt it. Needless to say, I had a nice blister form when I got home. 

Not being one for needles of any sort, I let my blister dry out naturally and callous over. I've also gotten all the sand off my feet and FitFlops. Now I should be ready for another walk and more miles!

(I am going to have to keep this in mind on Saturday of the walk when we hit the National Seashore!)