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Emotion 365: The Land of Rejection

Hiking trails wind through the national forest Rejection. Some are well-worn, some well-maintained and many are trampled and traveled, mainly by deer. Deer trampled paths wind through the woods under ancient evergreen trees and through forests of oak and maple trees. Acorns fall onto the pathways. Trails end at bluffs overlooking the sea. They ascend peaks through rock slurries.

Hikers visit to meander and complete each trail in turn. They climb and descend peaks. They arrive and camp at lookouts. They take photos from the bluffs and storm clouds roll in.

“I’m glad to be here and not out at sea,” they say, on stormy days.

“I wish I were there on one of those sailing ships,” they say on calm sunny days.

They sign the guest books at the Rejection trailheads and swipe through the pages looking for names they know.

“Who has hiked here before me?” they ask.

Every trailhead has a box for maps, but they are often empty. It is easy to get lost in Rejection. Many spend days wandering the wrong trail and ending up at an unexpected lookout. Usually another hiker finds them soon enough and points them in a new direction.

“Always pack lots of food and water,” the guide books advise. “This trail is most popular in wildflower season.”

About this project: Emotion 365: Every Day a New Land of Emotion

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