Once I'm back in the city, I start walking like a New Yorker all over again.

The energy in this arts community is positive and contagious.

Drill teams and bands and dancers performed with little interruption between the acts.

A group of fellow travelers becomes almost a family unit for the duration of the trip.

Around each bend there was a new panorama to enjoy.

I thought being a moving target might make me tougher to catch.

It was a very pleasant stroll through the valley. 

There was really no way to be prepared for the hills we would encounter.

The more the trail forces me to struggle, the more I appreciate completing the task. 

By the time I got to the reception desk I was very happy to be done.

It was both inspiringly beautiful and somewhat intimidating.

Some of the day was spent adjusting to the time zone.

It seems I am getting much better at my “lost old man” look.