Sixteen miles in the sultry, magnolia-fragrant breeze, with The Book Thief in my ears and smile on my face. A heavy little box turtle needed some help crossing the path, and a speedy garter snake insisted on doing it alone. Wild blackberries were worth the stop. I’ll bring something next time to carry them, and gloves. Drifting neon sparks tempted me to stop again in the shadows of dark leafy caverns, but I was enjoying the ride and the light was falling. I can hear my girls laughing upstairs. It’s good to be home.