Whoopsie Saturday

 

So, I decided to join up with a 'hiking' group and at least get some ideas of all the neat hiking trails that are near and around LaCrosse. This hike was actually in the middle of the city limits but through a park and a nature preserve that had been made by a generous land owner.

I'm in the middle of the pack on the first photo. I got to meet some nice folks. Most are casual walkers and not hard core hikers. One lady made that comment as she noticed that I was wearing Yak Traks and apparently looked as if I were prepared for a long journey. [I just keep a backpack full of gear in case it is needed]. Most of the walk was paved, but the snowy trails were iced and slippery.

I nodded and said I did a lot of solo hiking, so always hiked with a backpack.

We went to a private preserve called Hugelheim. It was a nature preserve developed by a fellow named Paul E. Stry. The loose translation of the name means house on a hill in a forest.

The excitement happened back at the parking lot. I was in my car and looking up a place and waiting for the others to leave....when BAM.
I got hit by one of the other hiker's. Uffdah. The lady pictured in the blue coat in the first shot backed into me hard.

I jumped out and at first nothing looked damaged but scratches. My tail light was still intact but I could see a broken clip in the right rear quarter panel. 

She was all crazy like and apologizing that her back up camera must have been dirty. I just looked at her. [In my mind I thought, WTF how can someone be that stupid not to check around when they back up!]

We exchanged phone numbers and I went over to the dealership and they suggested to go get an estimate as it looked like the rear quarter panel clips had been broken. I know these cars and that means the whole back section comes in one piece and they pop that off and put in a new one. Uffdah.

The scratches may be able to be buffed out.

I hung my head before going home. I wasn't angry I was just totally bummed. But life happens, I guess, and the last thing I want to do is make new friends and immediately be pissed off at them.

My drive home was quiet and now I know that I can take Charlie on the next hike. Dogs on leash are allowed. He'd enjoy it.

Let's top that off with waking up with a nagging tickle in the throat that feels suspiciously like a sore throat.

I'll attribute that to spending 9 hours in the courtroom with 80+ people on Tuesday.

I'm supposed to care for my friend's littles this week while she and hubby go to chemo treatments. I am hoping this is not a cold.

My conclusion is that group hiking is not really my thing, however I am learning about all these fantastic and free places to go to and explore afterwards on my own.

Those last 3 shots are the only ones I took on Saturday while walking with the group.

I could have really spent a lot of time where the group photo was done.

The best part is that I am learning all about these amazing area.

Update.

Fever of 101.8 tested negative for COVID.

This sucks.