With some long runs looming in the not too distant future it seems many of my runs are ending after dark — even on New Year’s Eve.

There’s an extra measure of involvement when the sun is setting and it’s an hour back to the trailhead. Yes, it’s easy to carry a headlamp, but it’s more fun to try and get along without it. Without the headlamp you become part of your surroundings, with it you’re just a visitor.