walking

Get Out And Breathe II: Channeling Dad

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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.

Trekking on rail and trail

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   It was finally a nice day without humidity or rain today and since I had an appointment 2 hours after I’m done with work, I decided to take a nice walk rather than go home and then back out for my appointment. I went to a familiar place, Monocacy Park in Bethlehem by Ilick’s Mill, after going for an iced tea to drink along the walk.

  I usually just walk down the dirt path along the creek and back out the same way. Today, I headed down the trail next to the railroad bed and was almost immediately rewarded with the view of a grazing doe.  She didn’t move much until I was about 10 feet away.  Then, she only stepped a couple feet off the trail, as if to be polite but without being skittish at all. Obviously, she was quite accustomed to seeing people pass by her closely. I was glad I took the different route and continued the thought, going up to the railroad instead of back toward the creek.  It seemed like I got to the trestle a lot quicker that way compared to walking the creek trail. I guess it’s more direct.  I went a little past the train trestle than I usually do since I had time to kill and had gone a shorter route there.  I looked around, enjoying the scene and the warmth of the sun on my skin and the occasional breeze felt great. There was also a nice scene of the stream and butterfly bushes and other blooms to take in. I then returned to the point I started on the rail, but went back to the creek trail to return to my car.  I saw several types of birds and more flora.

   It was time to be headed to my appointment by the time I got to the car, the perfect diversion.  Even though I’ve walked there many times in the last few years, it felt like a different place today. Just that little change in course and location brought a whole different experience.  It also helped me clear my head for my appointment and taking care of some personal business at home. I felt more focused.

   I guess that’s a good life lesson.  A small adjustment in the daily grind can make the day go quicker.  A subtle shift in attitude or thinking, or even putting up a colorful bit of décor in your workspace, looking up some old tunes to listen to are all things that can change the background noise of your day enough to help you refocus.  Talk to someone new or share something different with someone you already talk to. Try a new lunch spot or a new shop for a drink or a snack on your way home.

Dare to make any day a day of change, a day of newness, or a day of different perspective.  Keep going and keep growing.