…is like swimming with your clothes on. It was horrible out there this morning. I almost didn’t enjoy it, but it’s hard not to revel in the beauty of the woods draped in fog. However, that lasts for a few minutes until you realize you can barely breathe, sweat is dripping in your eyes, and every piece of your existence is uncomfortable.
Despite the recent rain, even the streams are dry leaving my dogs without refreshment. They finally followed one of the “larger” branches of water into the woods until they found enough to satisfy. Not enough to wallow in like they usually do, but quenched the thirst for a bit anyway.
I don’t mind the heat itself. Just its cousin, humidity. This weekend was hot, but Bethany and I struck out on an 8 mile trek across town; class VI roads through woods and over hills we’d never be able to see otherwise. We did have to walk the main road (what is considered a main road in Springfield) for a few miles, but then back up into our wooded haven and home. Even watched a deer for a while. And uninterrupted conversation with my daughter—priceless.
Sunday I struck out on my own—well, the dogs too of course. Bethany wasn’t up for two monster hikes in as many days! I discovered an old road the other night but didn’t have time to follow it. So I filled the water jug, slung on my pack, grabbed my walking stick and headed out. It was nice to see different trees, rocks and hills. Nice to wonder what’s around the corner instead of being so familiar I forget to look around. Around one said corner it opened up to a great bog. Something so simple but so captivating.
This Friday marks the first day of vacation! Leaving work early, getting the car packed and away we go! Northern Vermont and the most beautiful spot this side of the Atlantic. Well, in Vermont anyway. The first glimpse of Lake Willoughby with its high mountains stretching up on either side is breathtaking. And you better believe we’ll be hiking those mountains too! Mornings spent kayaking around the bays, days spent lounging on the private beach, evenings spent watching the sun set over the water, finishing up with nights spent listening to the crash of waves on the shore…how can the soul NOT get renewed?
Trekking The Soul 