What to call a walk that becomes longer than you originally thought it would be? It seems like there should be a name for a stroll that becomes a hike, for an outing that takes on an extension, an add-on, a bonus.

The other day I hit the Glade Trail mid-afternoon, imagining it would be a simple out-and-back. But the air was pellucid and smelled of crushed leaves. The old body wasn’t as creaky as usual. I had nothing I had to do when I returned. So when I reached Twin Branches I knew I had to keep going, had to see the light sparkling on Lake Audubon.

Just an eighth turn around the lake, I told myself. But that was not enough. I kept going until I reached the big green dam and the steps up to the shady part of the trail I love best. After that, I knew I could sidle up to a neighborhood where I amble past houses and pretend I live in them. Couldn’t resist that.

By that point I was invested enough that I had to do the entire hour-and-a-half loop. It was more than I bargained for, but it was just right.