Yesterday we tackled an extremely steep set of hills at Emmenegger, not the one we thought we were going to tackle. I assure you. In fact the first steep climb should have convinced me that I am not in my 40's anymore. Heck, maybe my 20's. But my babies were determined so up we went, several steep sections more. It was completely worth it. The view from up there was beautiful and peaceful.
Today, we went back. We were determined, okay I was, to tackle that loop trail. It's just shy of a mile, but the darn thing is a serious climb up and then back down. If I'm questioning life later today, well let's just say I completely deserve it.
One of my favorite books in my late 20's, early 30's was "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson. I read it many times, somewhere along my life journey I've lost the book or I would read it again. As the pups and I spend hours walking down dusty trails I remember it. It inspired my dream to someday hike the Appalachian Trail.
It's a dream that will never come to life at this point, but boy oh boy it was a definite dream back in the day. Now the idea of sleeping in a tent and hiking where there is the possibility of bears, bobcats and other creatures. Not to mention the dreaded snakes. Well, lets just say, the mature me wants not part of that! I'll stick to my little local trails, I've been in the Smokey Mountains, it's not a hike for the faint of heart...
We traveled the upper ridge of the walk, looking down through all of the woods, it felt a bit like we were walking through paradise. Yesterday we got out there late so there were a lot of other people and dogs, that becomes an obstacle course. Both the pups are people and dog friendly, neither of them have mastered the appropriate way to greet new friends. It's a struggle when you are walking almost 200 pounds of muscle. And let me tell you, that little one is STRONG!
Coming down the path we followed yesterday, one that merged with today's path, we arrived at one of the beautiful wooden bridges that are throughout this park. It was beautiful yesterday. Today... well, today was sadness. I didn't take a picture, I didn't want to memorialize the petty destructiveness. All over the beautiful bridge out in the midst of the beauty was ugly white graffiti. Random characters, words written and scribbles.
Further down we reached the accessible loop again and started to walk that paved trail to give our legs and heart rate a rest. I am very watchful when out with the pups, I don't listen to music or podcasts instead focusing on my surroundings and what is going on. You simply can't be "blind" anymore. I noticed the man on one of the bridges right away and chose to go the other direction. It wraps in an odd shaped figure 8.
He had my full attention, as his movements were strange and from a distance I couldn't tell what he was doing. I wanted to be sure he didn't need help, but also that he didn't have a dog with him and wasn't a threat to us.
As we passed him, he was on his knees leaning over the edge. But didn't appear injured and had no dog, so we continued on. Moments later we heard the sander. This gentleman wasn't a youngster, at least my age, probably closer to Hubs age. And here he was on his knees sanding off the evidence of more destruction. As we came around the loop we paused for their water break and watched him for a moment or two.
Why are there people that have so much disrespect for things? It's not art. It's pure destruction. How were they raised? Have they ever encountered the consequences of their actions? It made me sad, angry and disgusted all at once. People make we weary lately. I hate to make a blanket statement like that, but it's where I'm at.
On the 15 minute rush hour drive today, I was almost hit 4 times. The first was a lady in an SUV pulling blindly out of the gas station. She was shoving food into her mouth, holding her cellphone against the steering wheel and just dashed out on a blind hill. She missed us by inches. A few moments later the guy in a car 3 lanes over realized he'd almost missed his turn, no warning... dash over... and boom there he is zipping in from the right. I was already stressed and hoping that would be it. Unbelievably the driver of the semi-truck beside us evidently had to blow his nose and was driving with his elbows, swerving into both lanes on either side of him. Leaving the highway, how was that only 5 miles of trauma, I figured I was safe, only a short distance to the exit for the park, and here comes another texting fool, looking down at their phone swerving into our lane head on, thankfully he looked up in time to realize.
I assure you, I completely needed that hour in the woods with my babies. I needed to not be by people. I don't understand the need to be absorbed with doing things other than driving, while driving. Hubs often daydreams about another motorcycle. The very idea terrifies me. Not because of his skill, but because of the insanity on the roads.
Folks, if you get a moment to walk in the woods. Do it! Reset your spirit, give your soul a chance to wander freely in nature. It's hard to find that these days, but it feels vital to our very existence. I need to get with it, I need to finish my French Butter, it's been fermenting for 48 hours. And then hop in the shower to head out after lunch to go take my art class. Ironically, in the woods. There might be a theme for my life lately.
Enjoy this beautiful day, go walk in the woods if you can...
much love,
b
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