Reconnecting with Nature

Nothing relaxes me and clears my mind as a hike in the woods.

My son Justin and I visited Jefferson Memorial Forest in Louisville last weekend. We walked the Red Trail, an easy to moderate path over 4.8 miles from the Horine Trailhead.

"A periodic hike not only stretches the limbs but also reminds us: Wow, there's a big old world out there." -- Ken Ilgunas

I generally take several hikes a year, from nearby Cove Spring Park to Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade to Yosemite National Park in California. I like urban hikes but it's those short journeys to reconnect with nature that I enjoy the most.

"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." -- Frank Lloyd Wright

Hiking is such a simple escape. You don't need much other than a pair of comfortable walking shoes, casual clothing, and perhaps a bottle of water. (Of course, it all depends on the difficulty and distance of a hike so prepare accordingly.)

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." -- Albert Einstein

It's great to get away from all the noise of everyday life and take in the peaceful serenity that only nature can provide. It's soothing to the soul. 

"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit." -- Edward Abbey

I suppose most of us have time constraints but a walk in the woods doesn't have to be a marathon. You can move at your own pace and stop and take in the beauty of the surroundings. 

"Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction." -- E.O. Wilson

A hike doesn't have to be strenuous or test your physical limits. At this point in my life, I prefer moderate exercise when I journey down the paths because I know it's good for the body and mind.

I hope you will take time and experience a walk in the woods - often.

Until the next time....

On Again

My work in progress, a sequel to Old Ways and New Days, has been a real pain in the you know what. It's been on again, off again, on again, off again, and now it's back on again. 

I've been back in the writing groove the past few days, producing several thousand words as the story is becoming more clear in my head. By the way, I'm a panster and mental plotter.

I believe what jump started the process is reading a mystery novel. I got into the story from the get-go, and after several chapters, I went back and reviewed what I had written. 

Needless to say, I wasn't happy with what I read. It was sluggish, and to be honest, downright boring.  

So I rewrote the first chapter and everything has changed. I'm writing every day. 

Now to keep on keeping on.

Until the next time....