Usually when I head into the woods I am following my little man as he explores and discovers the magical world around him. This weekend though I had the wonderful opportunity to take a little hike alone, yes, just me and it was amazing.
I have forgotten what it was like to venture out and explore by myself. I do trail run, so I hit the woods regularly for that, but it is not the same. When I run, there is a purpose, to exercise, to train, but when I explore the purpose is different. It is time for me to get lost, to connect and to just be in nature. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated this time.
We were blessed with an amazing long weekend of weather and Sunday afternoon found a few hours of down time. With Justin and Reece playing quietly, I snuck off to the woods, with camera and water.
Not only did I enjoy a lovely hike on the advanced trail (I don't usually take Reece on this trail, there are some pretty steep hills), I was also blessed to find the most wonderful sit spot. If you have been following along with my reading over the last few months, I have been reading the Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature. It involves, among other things, thirteen core principles of nature connection. One of these is called "Sit Spot". Sit spot is a place in nature that you are to visit daily to just be...be still, be quiet, be one with nature. It is a chance to connect on a deeper level with nature. I have a sit spot at home in our backyard, but I wanted to find one away from home that I could get to a few times a week and on Sunday I found it. It is a quiet spot, off the trail with views which take my breath away. The trees are near by which means the birds sang me a song or two as I sat quietly and took it all in. My hope is to get to this spot at least twice a week. I want to experience it at sunrise soon, I imagine it will be amazing.
So, let me take you along with me on my time in the woods:
 |
| Beautiful way to start my hike |
 |
| Bits of last summer hanging around |
 |
| Gorgeous views |
 |
| Sumac |
 |
| I love these |
 |
| Never seen this before on this trail, anyone know what it is? |
 |
| That is Lake Ontario in the distance |
 |
| More gorgeous views |
 |
| Trees |
 |
| Just to prove it was really me out there :) |
 |
| Tree tops |
 |
| This is a really beautiful hike |
 |
| Thanks for the warning :) |
 |
| Such a beautiful weed |
 |
| The last of the trilliums |
 |
| Dead birch tree, isn't the bark amazing! |
 |
| Beauty leftover from last summer |
 |
| A little self portrait |
 |
| Enjoying the views |
Hope you enjoyed the hike.
These photos are gorgeous Kim. Thanks for sharing. xxoo
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie :)
DeleteI love the idea of a sit spot. I used to do it as a child but it did not have a nifty name. Sounds like a great weekend :)
ReplyDeleteFunny how children find a sit spot naturally, yet us adults have to go out and find one :) It was a wonderful weekend.
DeleteLovely. I rarely get out by myself these days. With our bears and mountain lions I'm always weary of going alone unless I'm on a trail right in town. Happy you had this time to yourself. And that flower, it looks like a red and yellow columbine. Check it out on google images.
ReplyDeleteYikes! We have had bear sightings at this location, but I still hike there. We also have coyotes, which scare me a little more than the bears...I think.
DeleteAnd thanks, I wondered if that was what it was, I had no idea they grew wild here. It certainly is beautiful. Funny thing is I bought one at the garden center last week for our garden :)
Time alone in nature, just taking it all in, is like magic for the soul. I always feel most balanced and at peace after some solo nature time. It looks like you have a lovely area of nature for just that.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Sara, magic for the soul. I feel such a sense of peace, balance and grounding after time in nature.
DeleteGreat photos - how great that you were able to get this time for yourself!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gretchen! It was a really nice treat that's for sure.
DeleteOh I'd love to go on a walk like that right about now. Thanks for allowing me to accompany you!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, hope you enjoyed it.
DeleteYour hike sounds so good! Makes me feel like getting out there for a little 'me'time, enjoying nature and some great exercise! Your photos are so great, you live in a beautiful spot in the world and it is wonderful that you notice that!
ReplyDeleteIt was wonderful and I really enjoyed it. Made me realize I need to put it on the schedule a little more often.
DeleteThanks for taking me along! I dearly wish ! could be in a cooler place right now!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure KC. Feel free to drop in for a visit anytime, just leave the desest heat at home :)
Deletebeautiful! i try to get into the woods for a solo hike once a week.... it always refreshes my soul :)
ReplyDeleteI think that is going to be my goal, once a week on my own. Hopefully it all works out...fingers crossed :)
DeleteLooks like a lovely lovely hike (except for maybe the steep hill part!) :) Breathing in all that fresh air. And wow, seeing Lake Ontario. That must be a sight to behold.
ReplyDeleteIt was the best and I am hoping to do it again soon, very soon.
DeleteThanks for sharing your hike with us, what beautiful views! I think Lisa Coffee is right about the flower being a Columbine. They were everywhere when I was growing up and we used to bite the ends off to taste the sweet nectar. :)
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure Courtney. I think I will have to go back and give those Columbines a little taste :)
DeleteLake Ontario... My Great Lake jealousy coming through. wink!
ReplyDeletebeautiful photos. thanks for taking me on this journey!
You will have to come and visit one day :)
DeleteThanks and it was my pleasure.