NCT: hiker as optimist

Blissful Hiker learns on the North Country Trail in Northern Wisconsin, that the very act of moving one foot in front of the other is automatically optimistic.In this episode:On a visit to old friends, Blissful takes a long walk in the Chequamegon National Forest on the longest national scenic trail in the United States, the NCT at 4,700 miles. It's easy walking, but long in deep and dark forest, almost like being indoors. In the Porcupine Wilderness, she passes lakes and crosses a beaver dam covered with thorns, then crosses into the Hardwood Scientific Area looking for a promised view. But it's only a massive tower with no access – and no view.It's more forest with colorful mushrooms and frogs, and finally a view at Juniper Rock. This is followed by ruins from a Swedish settlement from the late 1800s.It's not the greatest hike in heat, humidity and bugs, but far better than sitting around at home. MUSIC: Introduccion y allegro by Carlos Guastavino as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, pianoSupport the Show.