Tiny tots and grandmas too....

This morning, the Columbus Metro Park's Winter Hike Series began (http://www.metroparks.net/UserUploads/UserDocuments/Winter-Hikes-2010-schedule-rfs.pdf). A newbie, I pulled into Blacklick park a bit before ten and immediately knew that this "event" was unlike any other "hike" I'd been part of. There was a line of cars waiting to park. The lots were marked with three foot florescent yellow signs and I have never seen so many Rangers and Volunteers... ever... anywhere...

I literally laughed outloud and pulled into line. When I passed the Ranger standing in the road, I too rolled down my window and received a map and instructions. With a shake of my head and a grin, I parked my car. I tried to find the "guided" four mile hike but no one seemed to know where that group was. So, I decided to head out on the self guided path.

Hiking solo in a deserted park is not odd; I do not find it lonely. However, hiking alone when most people are with others... that is a different matter. I was hiking rather fast, as I was not wearing an extra layer under my jeans and I find it feels rude to walk too close to couples. (It makes me feel as if I am eavesdropping.) I passed several groups, wishing them a good morning as I did. About ten minutes in, I fell in step with an older woman, who was also hiking by herself. We started chatting and hiked the rest of the path together.

Back at the lodge, Volunteers handed out soup and big containers of hot water stood ready. I happily made myself a cup of instant coffee and snapped a picture of the turtles that stood, snow covered, outside. Bitty toddlers in snowsuits held parents' hands... the crowd was a friendly bunch. I smiled at the hikers who had patches covering their gear from amazing places. Someday... someday... that will be, God willing, me...

The world is a lovely place. Each day a new experience... new people to meet... new places to go... wonders to explore...

Even within our daily routines, there are bits of joy to find... the discovery by my eldest and I that anteaters ride their mother's backs... the happy greeting posted by a fellow hiker on my meetup profile... Good people... a beautiful world... pretty scarves... snow covered turtles... laughter shared between strangers...

Yes... I give thanks... We are blessed...

Being Brave

Tomorrow I am going on an adventure.

I love the outdoors and during the summer it is a rare week when I haven't taken my children to at least one of our wonderful Metro Parks.

Without spending a dime except for gas, it is possible on any given day to find a green space where silence prevails and raccoons dream of rubbish bin leftovers.

Sadly,

as summer turned to autumn,

real life started again for my children and I,

our happy routine of hikes and picnics slipped away.

Caught up in the day to day, the "time" for adventure seemed to have disappeared.

The past month or two I have again discovered the wonderful joy of no longer being a passenger on the road of life.

It is in the spirit of this new found freedom that I am headed out tomorrow.

With new "sensible" shoes already broken in, I am going hiking.

No one I know wants to go with me; most would roll their eyes at the very suggestion and shake their head with a chuckle in my direction.

I am not letting this stop me.

I will probably end up muddy and cold.

I'm not worried,

I'm sure to find a large coffee when it is all said and done.

This is a year for new beginnings,

for growing,

for stretching myself to become more than I am...

To become who I am meant to be.

What is it that you want to do and are afraid to try?

Today, close your eyes and see yourself doing it.

Learning the new skill you'd like to acquire,

meeting new people,

being brave.

Let me remind you,

as a dear friend has reminded me.

Your life is a blessing and you are loved!

Become who you are meant to be,

I know you can do it!