Over 20 miles, for the second time.

 At the end of January I did a 21 mile hike from my home up to Erding and back. I was so tired once I reached eErding, that my choice of return route shows a bit of desperation: I cut off the nice rounded loop with a few miles heading due south, making for home as quick as possible!

Now, more than a month later, I'm in better shape and not so desperate. And this time, I've got a significant pack on, about 20 pounds (9 kilos). I'm learning different ways of pitching a tarp, and slowly convincing myself to bring a tarp instead of my Lunar Solo tent:

For this pitch I just wanted to block the north wind, and enjoy as much sun from the south as possible. Also featured is my trusty Tyvek ground sheet, my Nemo Tensor pad, and Enlightened Equipment quilt. Nice!

After another hour of walking, I reached Erding and continued grandly east, feet 100% okay. I only slowly circled to the south on a scenic route. It really is incredible how the body adjusts to the challenges you place before it. I really do keep getting stronger, and it's a fun process to pay attention to.

I listened to a podcast about Socrates, and it reminded me of the dialogues Plato left behind that I read earlier. I just love the way he was stunned on visiting the oracle to hear the prophecy: "Socrates is the wisest man there is." For he knew that was bunk. But over the course of a long life, he definitely proved one thing: he may not be wise, but he is *wisest* because he, at least, knows what he does not know.

And that's really something!

How easily we believe we are wise! How self-assured I am, in my comfort-zone, certain that I-know-best. How much better it might be for me if I could live as Socrates did, with a strong sense that I was at heart dumber than an ox. That is a far closer approximation to the truth that what I think of myself right now (I think I'm a splendid creature).

If you are humble then you at least ask the right questions. At least you know what is important by seeing what is missing.

So it goes! And I arrived home, stopping off for a kiss at Barbara's place. I was not destroyed this time, unlike January 27th. Nice!