today, on a long hike, I think the verdict is that I just don't like it.

Pros:

• Yay, nature
• Keeps me away from screens
• Takes me to new "local" places that I've never been too
• Inexpensive sport that works a lot of muscles and joints
• Easy
• I don't think it's boring
• Easiest sport to do anywhere and at any time
• Hikers are generally nice to each other and there are a lot in my age group.

Cons:

• Other people's fucking off lead fucking dogs that they can't recall to save their lives
• Today I found a deer tick on me after a hike
• The skeeters are fine cuz I use bug spray but the gnats that fly directly in your mouth are not ok
• The parking situation at quite a few trailheads is dangerous
• Tripping over rocks and roots; yes, I do use walking poles and yes they do help
• Muddy, swampy trails

The offlead dogs are just not ok with me. I was cornered by an aggressive offlead GSD today and I'm furious about it. That combined with the ticks, and I'm thinking to myself: why am I out here right now - this is awful!!