“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” ~John Muir
Sometimes in the fall season of the year, you are gifted with a perfect day of sunshine, short sleeve temperatures, and friends who want to take a hike in the woods. That was my gift today as this crew of hikers showed up to take a walk with me over to Panther Rock. You can rest assured that Frankie was eager to join in with the hiking too. Marley too although he’s one tired doggie tonight.
This group of friends take off hiking in the Red River Gorge a lot. I’m not one of the regulars but I enjoy their company when they show up out on my farm to take a walk. Many of them grew up in my county and have memories of hiking over to Panther Rock when they were in high school. That was a few years back for all of us. But here they are still moving their feet and enjoying the great outdoors in spite of some of the difficulties thrown at them such as cancer treatments, hip replacements, Parkinson’s, and those added on years that tend to gift all of us with some aches and pains in those older knees, hips, and backs.
But a walk in fall sunshine on one of those perfect days can bring back some good feelings and let a person commune with nature. One of the guys took full advantage of the back to nature by lying down on the path. He said it was a way to connect with the earth and feel rejuvenated.
“Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.” ~Albert Einstein
Another of the hikers focused in on one of the smaller wonders of nature and took some great shots of a group of mushrooms. Another saw a Queen Anne’s lace bloom that had survived the heavy frosts last week and snapped a picture of a November flower.
“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” ~Mary Davis
We were all happy to take a few dirt paths today the way my granddaughter did a few years ago when we were picking blackberries. So although this wasn’t a today picture, it fits the quote.
“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” ~John Muir
I hope you have a chance to enjoy some perfect days before winter comes to call which the weathermen are saying is happening soon in my part of the world.
Do you like walking those dirt paths through nature’s beauty?
Comments 8
Ann, I absolutely love walking dirt paths, taking in the smells, hearing the birds and crickets, and seeing beautiful flowers and butterflies! How great is our God and how wonderful all the things He has created!
Author
It’s good to walk where you can really enjoy the natural world, Lauren. There is much to see out there. I too love walking those dirt paths, both the ones I’m familiar with and those new ones you can discover when you travel to new places and parks.
Yesterday was a perfect day for walking! I took two of my little ones on a walk around the lake, collecting pretty leaves. These fall colors are great for photos too.
Today is cooler, with wind that’s going to create a ground cover of those leaves. I fear the perfect walking days are going to be few now. But it sure has been nice!
Author
Glad you got to walk with a couple of your little ones, Lavon. It is fun to see the beauty of nature through those young eyes and feel their excitement for the pleasures they find. The weather has changed but that’s how it is. Going to be cold next week.
My husband and I went hiking at one of the many metropolitan parks here in Westerville Ohio. The sun was shining through the trees and the dirt path was gilded with golden leaves. All of sudden the quiet was broken by a buck, a fawn and three does racing across our path! Glorious!
Author
Wow. That sounds neat to see, Bonnie. You describe it beautifully.
I love walking those dirt paths. Lots of discoveries to be made. Blessings
Author
Those dirt paths can sometimes be the best ones, Lucy. Sometimes you just have to take time to go chase those discoveries in nature.