Are you scared of the dark?

Tonight my oldest and I went on a night hike at Clear Creek Metro Park.

Quietly,

we wandered through the woods...

...Out into a meadow

where the moon shone brightly.

The stars were like glittering fireflies,

drawing our eyes heavenward.

We heard spring peepers,

tried to call a Bard Owl

and crunched Winter Green Life Savers

watching sparks in our partner's mouth as they chewed.

It should be illegal to be so happy about a walk in the dark.

When our group paused to listen to the naturalist,

I closed my eyes

and felt the tranquility of the place

settle all about me.

Surrounded by fellow nature enthusiasts,

the darkness was peaceful,

not scary.

I have found life

to be like the walk in the dark.

The world is better

because of kind companions on our journey.

May your "walk" be peaceful,

your companions kind

and may you be blessed,

This evening,

tomorrow,

forever.

Night falls at Three Creeks

Tonight the wind blew and made me wish for a sweater.

I saw bats flit overhead searching for their dinner.

A possum dashed through my line of sight and the shining eyes of deer looked out at me from the dark.

Beside me sat my favorite people in all the world.

Where was I?

What was I doing?

Yet again, I was enjoying the wonderful programing offered by the Columbus Metro Parks System. More specifically, I was on a Full Moon Tram ride offered at Three Creeks in Groveport.

I urge you to take a look at the programing offered at our amazing parks and consider attending a night time event. (http://reservations.metroparks.net/programs/)

The forest comes alive with tiny sounds when the sun goes down and critters emerge that are seldom seen during the day.

Your dear ones will cuddle close when the breeze gives them a taste of the coming autumn.

As you head back toward home, you may find yourself buying hot fudge sundaes and quietly singing to the radio.

Trust me, it could happen.