This hike was very special for me. There was no one on the trail and I spent my time appreciating the utter magnificence of nature. It is beautiful beyond any words I could string together. I feel such joy and love that is incomparable when wandering through a forest and experiencing the purest resplendence.
I sobbed, not from sadness, but from deep gratefulness to be able to be in the presence of this grandeur. It was gift and one that I will never forget. One of the greatest lessons I have learned from nature is that there is no limit to love and wonder, nature proves that.
Normally I hike with my AirPods in, but I took them out and listened to the birds. Now that I know their calls, I can call back to some, specifically the Spotted Towhees which seemed to follow me the entire trail. The butterflies were drifting throughout the forest and drank from the river while I watched their gentle and inquisitive ways. The swallowtails kept me company and followed me to the end.
Nature is so precious. Nature is love. Please do everything in your power to protect our magnificent planet. I hope you can go outside and sit in its presence and connect with the love that surrounds you.
If you do go on a hike, please leave no trace. Please do not leave trash. Please do not pick the flowers or trample them. Please keep an eye out for creatures on the ground so as not to harm or startle them. Please keep your dog off the trail.