I have had some extra days off this month due to the availability of voluntary unpaid days off. I took a few because I felt the extra time would be more valuable than the relatively small amount of lost pay. This past Friday was one of those days and I was happy to spend a couple hours of it outdoors with a good friend and her tiny, but valiant dog who led most of the way on our walk at Leaser Lake in northeastern PA. I was familiar with the locale by name and pictures on social media, but had never been there. I’m so glad I finally got there!

As I’ve written about before, getting out in nature is a great way to clear your head and refresh your spirit. Whether you’re in touch with it or not, there’s a natural connection between our souls and the natural world around us. I grew up in a family that, thankfully sought out that connection, going on many hikes, rides and picnics. I also did some camping in my young adulthood, mostly with my brother and cousin. That was very enjoyable even if it is a bit of work. (Probably why I haven’t done it for so long.)

On this adventure with my human and canine companions, my shutterbug self took many photos with my phone while I soaked up the scene with my eyes and my spirit. Being near Halloween, I couldn’t help but think about all the souls that communed with Mother Nature in this place over the years. And then, toward the end of the unexpectedly long walk, (we just started walking without knowing how long a trail we were venturing on) we wound up blazing our own trail for a short distance. It was obvious that the main trail went off to the left sharply, but I thought there was an old trail continuing ahead, so I plunged forward, much to the chagrin of our canine leader who had so faithfully tugged ahead on point.

As we picked our way through the underbrush and through thankfully dry little runoff troughs, I couldn’t help feeling like I was channeling my dad. I don’t think there was ever a hike we went on that he didn’t disappear for a spell, going off trail to explore. I felt connected to him as well as nature in those moments. It felt good to indulge in a shared trait with my dad, our adventurous spirit and love of life. We don’t get to relax and just go where the wind takes us very often while adulting these days.

Thanks for leading me on that hidden trail, Dad.

Here’s some of the lovely scenery the lake environs offered the other day.