Panther Mountain via Fox Hollow Rd. (All Trails Challenge Map 142)

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Panther Mountain via Fox Hollow Rd. (All Trails Challenge Map 142) 


The last time I did Panther from Fox Hollow, I remember it being boring and long, so I went in with two IPAs expecting the worst. However, it ended up being a lovely hike that took less time than expected. Conditions and weather were perfect, and the autumn sun bathed everything in a golden ambient light. 


I was thinking a lot about what it means to be in alignment with yourself. I think I’d define it as when our outward actions / behavior are in accordance with our values. 


When we have the opportunity to behave in a manner that coincides or exercises these values, then we are rewarded with positive feelings and an intuitive sense that we’re awakening to our truest nature. The outside matches the inside so to speak. So much of life is behaving in a way that takes us out of alignment, and I think that’s why we’re often so depressed. 


I also think that’s why solitude is so important. With solitude there is no need for artifice or suppressing your own needs / feelings to benefit another person. It’s a respite from that, and allows us to focus on knowing ourselves rather than just coping with not being ourselves. 


Perhaps if in relationships people allowed for time away from their partners that it might make the bond stronger. My mom and dad celebrated 50 years together in April and when they were asked the secret to their longevity my mom said, “Separate vacations.” They don’t take all their vacations separately, but they are able to spend some time apart. Maybe they’re onto something. 


As for the beer review, I had the last can of Now Youse Can’t Leave and I brought along a bonus beer, Saranac’s Clouded Dream IPA. I saved the latter for the summit. I wasn’t really in the mood for another beer, but figured since I had it, let me try it. I was kind of disappointed in this one. I wasn’t a fan of the aftertaste so I ended up just pouring it out. Maybe it was an off can or something. Saranac beers are usually delicious, but I gave this one a 5/10.






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