I look so bright-eyed and bushy-tailed working on the tent. Hiking in the Dolly Sods Wilderness carrying a 20 lbs. pack will do that to you.

Lots of calories burned and (hopefully) many pounds shed as I spent this weekend hiking a little more than 8 miles (round trip) with a 20 lbs. backpack strapped to me.

We hiked the Blackbird Knob Trail in West Virginia’s Dolly Sods Wilderness, an absolute gorgeous place. I definitely got a full body workout. I got home just a few hours ago and my legs, back and arms are sore. I don’t know how, but it seemed like the hike was uphill – coming and going.

While I did eat more carbs during the hike, I didn’t get out of control. I never stuffed myself silly or used the hike as an excuse to overeat.

On the first day, we decided to eat lunch (pizza) before we hit the trail.  Eating only a few slices, it was enough food to fuel my whole 3+ hour trek to our camp site. Once we set up the tents, I felt peckish and ended up only eating 1/2 cup of trail mix (carefully measured out in a snack bag).

The small portion of trail mix was all I needed to help out on the hunt for firewood. Sure we’re in the woods, but cutting trees for wood is a no-no. Nope, you must scavenge fallen limbs and sometimes it’s a hike all its own.

Roughly 2 hours later I felt starved. It took 3 hot dogs with mustard and onions and a very small slice of the double chocolate bread to kill the hunger.

After a very cold night – it very unexpectedly dropped to 32 degrees – I cooked up oatmeal (adding maple syrup and brown sugar) and hot tea the next morning.  For the hike back, I put aside a Clif Bar knowing that about half way through, I’d start feeling hungry and tired.

As expected, the bar was the boost my body needed. However, thanks to the strategically placed blisters on my feet, the last hour of the hike became a struggle as the trail seemed to gain more rocks than I remembered.

We sat down for lunch about an hour after leaving the trail at a little restaurant. I ordered the beef brisket, green beans and mashed potatoes. If I had one regret, it’s the slice of cherry pie I ordered. Just too much sugar for me.

I think I’m skipping yoga tomorrow – except for the warm up and cool down portions of my DVD.  I’m anticipating some tight muscles tomorrow so some light stretching is in order. Otherwise I’m giving my muscles a day off.

Regardless of how sore I am, I loved the trip and the workout. I just need to finish strong this week and stay low carb. I do that, and I’ll see movement on that scale.