It's About The Miles This Day!

Sunday was not about time, but about getting the miles in. Roger and I are starting to prepare for a half marathon. (We are walking the half which is 13.1 miles) We got in seven miles this day. Sometimes I think it is important to allow ourselves just to truly enjoy the view. The weather was perfect, great for taking in the clean crisp air. We did the Molten Falls trail, starting at Hantwick trail head. There are a few off trails you can take, allowing us to get more miles in. It is a rather flat trail, so almost anyone can do this hike. I marvel at all of natures beauty that we see as we travel these trails. What are you doing to enjoy natures beauty?
Venturing out onto the train trestle was fun but eerie all at the same time.
Damage on the train trestle, a tree perhaps, or just the weather worn wood.
Um where does these tracks go?
Roger checking out this piece of equipment. You can see the log along the track. This winter there was a lot of trees that came down on this trail and along the tracks.
The trestle bridge that takes you across the river. It is so amazing that bridge actually holds a train.
The amazing nature is bountiful on this trail. Check out this multiple trees intertwined into one. I marvel at how this happens.
This bridge that takes you to the Molten Falls, during the summer kids jump off the rocks near this bridge.
Our break point is at Molten Falls, we refuel and hydrate. A perfect setting for enjoying the scenery at its best!
The roaring of the Lewis River. Oh so beautiful!
Ahh this water does me good!
A decision to cross the Lucia Falls Road took us to this trail. Over here are some picnic tables to our surprise and some great walking in the woods. Do you go exploring during the winter months?
As you can see I love to be outside in the woods. What do you love to do outside?
Big Tree Creek Falls was roaring.
The history of Chelatchie Railroad.
If you really look close you can see a skiff of snow on the hillside.
The stairway to no where. Actually we think the bridge is over to the side during the winter season to allow logs and debris to pass through from the falls.
I marvel at the rock steps as we climb these. All the work that has gone into this beauty.

Check that metal ring around that tree.
Um how did that ring get around that tree? There were no soldier markings.
Natures sky. The vastness of the height of these trees. Wow!
Roger being childlike or romantic. Writing our initials on this moss lined rock. "Smile" from me. I do love that man!
RM + FS Forever! If you look close you can see our initials.

The Lewis River Was Roaring

The Lewis River was roaring. It was very pristine looking to my excitement. All the snow and rain we had these last couple weeks, I was totally expecting chocolate water, well no it was a beautiful clear with a hint of green. The air was very cool and crisp, creating for an invigorating walk in the park. My friend Erin and I have planned to make many of these such walks in our future. Not only do we get to enjoy the scenery but get to share our thoughts and aspirations.
My friend Erin joined me for this walk in the park. We are both nature girls, loving to be out doors. Do you share that common bond with some one?
Take me to the river and I am one Happy Woman! How about you?
The Lewis River was overflowing it's banks.
There was some standing water, but not near as much as I thought there might be.
Natures art. "Peace" symbol on this rock makes me smile. How about you?
Exploring the usena also known as old mans beard. Working for a natural path for seven years, allowed me to learn about so many herbs and plant life that is right in our own woods, that are used for medicinal purposes. Usnea is used in respiratory issues, as well as women's health.
Erin checking out the stretch that usnea has, it was so fun to share this information with her.
Check out that limb. Beautiful!
The ferns growing on the tree limbs. Magical!
I will continue to take paths this year that lead me out doors. Where will your path take you?

A Perfect Way To Start The New Year!

It was a perfect way to start the New Years, with a walk at Lewisville Park. The air was cool and crisp. Roger insisted that I wear my new hiking boots. Weighing in at 4# of weight on my feet, ugh. He is my personal trainer and sometimes he can be brutal. It is what I need, however I don't admit it to him. I just tell him he is so brutal. He counters back to me that he is letting me set the pace. Yeah right? Do you have someone that pushes you beyond your limits? I do know that I am always glad when he has just done that in the end. The feeling of accomplishment is a spirtual high!
A very swollen view of the river. We have seen this river at so many different stages.
This is the upper trail at the park, giving us some endurance training with all the up and down hills.
Reflections ahead!
Taking some time for reflecting. Are you taking time for feeding your spirit? Finding the balance.

I Will Be Doing This!

I will be doing a lot of this, walking that is. I have some goals set for myself to accomplish. I did several walking events last year and will continue to do that again this year, pushing myself to excel beyond last years limits. What are your goals this year? I started slow with very low miles, working up to a half marathon, yes 13.1 miles. More to come on those experiences. In the mean time I am off to walk at our local park. We have an awesome park in our area that gives you some endurance training with some beautiful sites along the way. Our Lewis River runs through this park making for a pristine beautiful experience. Fills my spirit! What fills your spirit?