Hike-a-Day May is all about getting out on the trail every day of the month, and Sue showed us how it’s done. She logged all 31 days and topped the charts with 235.01 miles, with the next closest at 185.25. We caught up with Sue to hear how the month went, from favorite trails to a very unusual wildlife sighting.
- 1. What inspired you to join Hike-a-Day-May?
My friend, Celeste Boatright, sent me the information about the challenge and thought I should do it. I hike everyday so I thought it might be fun.
- 2. Had you done anything like this before, or was this your first time taking on a month-long challenge?
I guess I haven’t officially done it before. I like to challenge myself, keep track of miles, trails, wildlife etc. My son, Matt Connery and daughter in law, Justine Murray do long distance hiking. I don’t do that but when they start one of these long hikes, I like to track my miles compared to them. When they hiked the PNT, it was 1200 miles and in the same time, I was just shy of 700 miles. It is just fun for me. Of course the trails they are hiking are much harder than my day to day.
- 3. What was your favorite trail or hike of the month?
Favorite trail during that time? I guess the new trail off the blue gate (Syringa) because of the trails it connects to and also I love Zen Garden off of the VTT [Trail Network] up to Momentum. They are close by and I start so early I don’t like to drive an hour before I start. Well, that is not entirely true. In the fall when it is cooler, I like to go to some local favorites, – Harrison Lake, trail [#120], Pend Oreille Divide trail, etc.
- 4. What surprised you most about doing this challenge?
I was surprised more people didn’t participate and some that did had few miles.
- 5. Will you be back for Hike-a-Day-May next year?
Sure, I will do it again!
- 6. What’s your go-to trail snack?
I make up my own trail mix. A combo of salty, sweet, crunchy, and chewy.
- 7. Any wildlife sightings worth mentioning?
Spring is welcoming all the songbirds back and wildflowers!!!! Most interesting was coming across a snake (common garter snake) biting a mouse. They were rolling around as the mouse had bitten the snake several times too, neither were letting go. They actually rolled right down a hill into the brush so I never saw who won.
- 8. Any other comments or stories to share from your experience with Hike-a-Day May?
It was fun and I liked using trail names. Honestly being retired I knew I could do it everyday. I hike all weather and love being out there on very cold days or nasty wind and rain. It just shakes it up.
Linda “Sue” Elsa on the Pend Oreille Divide Trail #67!
