Santa and the Elf at Roaring Run today.

Another Christmas Tradition Hike of Note

My friend Susan did our usual Christmas morning tour of breakfast and hike today with a special bonus for some of the people we ran into. 

Our tradition for the past few years has been the early hike, taking a Christmas gift for random people, who react with surprise and delight at this unexpected little shared joy. The gifts aren't pricy, but they are heartfelt and we get that back--in spaces. It is a truly Christmas spirit adventure outside in the pristine Western Virginia mountains.

Today we shared our enthusiasm with Hilton and Bea Bowe (that's "be-bo" for the uninitiated) a late 60s couple who decided to hop in the car near Charleston, WVa, this morning and go for a drive (5 hours' worth) instead of exchanging gifts. "We just don't have any place to put anything," says Bea, smiling, so we did this.

Earlier we had discovered Maureen (Love) and David Muse hiking back from the falls at Roaring Run and looking truly happy to be in each other's company. I suggested David was Maureen's muse and he said she was his, as well (not to mention his love). Nice people.

And a grand day for us, as well.

One of the views on the way up Roaring Run.

Susan takes a short break.

That's my football pose. Every guy knows it. 

This is our annual yoga pose at the sliding rock. 

I simply can't photograph this view enough. 

Susan on the boardwalk. 

David and Maureen Muse. 

Susan at the Falls.

Somebody is happy ... 

And somebody else is, too. 

Hilton and Bea Bowe with Susan.