As many of you know, I kicked my year off with big travel plans! – only to have a travel ban and continued political uncertainty rain on my parade.
In fact, there’s another executive order scheduled for the week ahead. At this rate, I know many legal immigrants who don’t even want to leave their houses, anymore.
Needless to say, my ruined travel plans didn’t make 2017 look very promising. That was, however, until I stumbled upon an old piece I wrote back in 2015: Adventuring is an Activity – Not a Place.
Great Motivation
It was exactly the reminder I needed that beyond hopping on a plane to Hawaii or Canada, there’s still room for instate traveling. With that mindset, I set a date to take a solo hike on the one good day of weather we had that week.
My family wasn’t too pleased to hear my plans to go trekking through the woods alone, but Alex generally does as Alex wants. And so, on a bright and sunny afternoon, off I went to Clayton County International Park.
Starting Out
This was the closest trail to the parking lot, but the prospect of hiking on concrete like I technically do all week anyway, just didn’t appeal to me. As I looked around for something to shoot with the camera, I found another trail nearby, tucked away and barely marked.
Spring is Coming.
That trail was far more promising than the paved one would have been, and turned up a lot of great photo ops from the very beginning.
I even found some greenery pushing through to herald the coming of spring.
This is great news! I bought more bathing suits than I know what to do with and can’t wait for better weather, and pool days – since beaches are probably now out of the question.
Picking up the Pace
Close to the miniature tree, I found another interesting subject. It’s just pieces of bark, but they made for some pretty good macro-shots. Here’s my favourite:
Once I landed a good shot, it was time to pick up the pace again.
The Winding Bridge
Along the way, I saw a bridge looming in the distance. Bridges are one of my favourite structures to come across on hiking trails. There are always great photo ops from the top of a bridge, but the bridge itself is also a worthy subject.
Going Uphill
Once I had my fill, it was time to get moving again. The rest of the trail went uphill, and that’s always a welcome challenge.
At the top of the hill, I found more proof that spring was just around the corner. It was too windy to get a good shot, but I tried!
The Last Stretch
After that, I powered through the last leg of the trail.
By then, I had been hiking for an hour or so, so I stopped to take more pictures of odd bits and pieces of nature, scattered in the woods. I loved the blue and orange pattern on those rocks, best of all. I’m not sure if you can tell from the pictures, but the white one looked like snakeskin.
The Reward
Once the hike was over, it was time to relax on the only seat I found along the trail. I read A Feast for Crows for about twenty minutes, and then stretched my legs, and took my leave.
On the way home, I dropped by one of my favourite sushi restaurants. I’m an unrepentant sushi addict, and probably won’t be cured anytime soon. The other good stuff is ginger salad – yum!
Just in Case…
For those of you who might be wondering: no I didn’t fear for my safety as a woman alone in the woods, and it didn’t feel strange being out there by myself at all. As I’ve said in other posts:
If I can’t spend time with me, why should anyone else?
In fact, the trip was exactly what I needed to clear my head. I didn’t even realize how tightly wound I’ve become, since the start of the year. Not until I was outdoors with little care for anything, but putting one foot before the other.
Next time, I plan to bring Shadow along. I’ll try him on the leash over the next few weeks. And if that fails, well there’s always the carrier, or his kitty-knapsack. Maybe together, he and I can save my travel blog, after all.
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Have you been hiking lately? Ever seen a cat on the trail? Hopefully our PR kitty will be among the rare ones who make it out in the woods to have awesome adventures.
Happy hiking!
Lovely photos! It’s coming up on a year since my last hike so this psot is a little motivation for me to hit a trail. Thanks for sharing!
Wow Kelley! It’s definitely been a while. You should get out there again. I had a blast. What led to the one year hiatus?
I’m not going to make excuses, just life.
Well here’s to changing that! Enjoy your hike!
Thank you!
Awesome Alex. isn’t it great going exploring right in our own backyard. We are discovering so many little and big things we had forgotten about or never really explored with wanting eyes. Some great photos and yesssssss spring is coming. We were out walking Emma the other day and the pussy willows and buds are sprouting.
Yes, it is. Although I would much prefer to explore in someone else’s backyard. I can’t wait to take a trip down to Savannah! I hope Emma enjoys her walk!
Savannah is so beautiful. We too look forward to spending time there. We love the way the streets run under the canopy of oaks and huge drapes of moss that usually hang from its branches.
That’s what I love too, and the cobblestone. It’s like a first world Jamaica to me. That’s also the first place I tried sushi and got hooked.
Isn’t it something how places can transport us to another place in time. We’ll look at the sites but not sure we’ll get hooked on the sushi, lol.
Tell me about it! I had no plans of leaving with a new favorite food at the time.
I can’t hike due to physical ailments, so thanks for allowing me to join you in pictures and words! I enjoyed myself, too! Love the pink lilies against the stark background. Also, that bridge! What a joy. Thanks a million! Keep being YOU.
Mo
Thanks Mo! If you don’t mind me asking, what ailments keep you off the trail?
Spinal stenosis, disc degeneration, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and the beat goes on and on. I can walk for about 10 minutes tops. Makes trips to the grocery store quite difficult. But at least I am no longer always wheelchair bound. Things are looking up. I have to move, even when it hurts, or I will get worse. Yet, moving makes me worse if I do too much…crazy! I’m keeping a good attitude. That’s key.
Mo
I’m sorry to hear that Mo! I hope you get your mobility back soon! If you have company though, you can take the wheelchair along paved trails. Some might get hilly so company is best, especially since you probably haven’t been in the chair for a bit.
Hope you make a full recovery!
Be careful young lady when you go hiking alone. God bless you and keep you from all harm. I love your descriptions and photos.
If the photos tell the truth….this sounds terrific!
Thanks for this share…
Haha, they do. I was hoping for more colour in the woods, but it is winter after all. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. 🙂
The smile says you were one with the charming nature
I was, thank you!
I loved this post! Your pictures reminded me of a nature trail right here in Herkimer, NY (where I live). I haven’t been there since last year, but I think another visit is in my future. I’ve never seen a cat there, but a few dogs (my schnoodle, Tabby, loved it there).
I haven’t seen cats on hiking trails outside of instagram either, but I’m determined to make it happen.
You should definitely revisit the trail. I’ve never been to the same park twice, but I think I’ll head back to this one with Shadow since I know it well enough to risk bringing him now.
Happy hiking!
There aren’t a lot of places to hike in easy driving distance from me, so I tend to revisit places. Make sure you take a lot of pictures of Shadow!
Oh, well being familiar with a certain area definitely has its perks. And I will! He will make a great model!
this freaking travel ban business is getting ridiculous. They are deporting a veteran of the armed services. I can’t even, you know? I can absolutely understand why nobody wants to travel anymore.
I am glad you have found a way to have adventures in spite of the nonsense pouring out of our government at the moment. This hike looks like it was a beautiful way to spend a day
A veteran of the Armed services??? Are you serious?? After the NASA scientist incident I knew it was all hell breaking loose.
One of my family friends are being deported as well. No reason at all. No crime or criminal record, not being charged with anything. He’s been here 8 years, is married to a citizen and has a 5 year old daughter.
There’s gonna be a lot of broken families and messed up kids when this is all over.
I am so sorry your friend is being deported. This is yet another shameful event in a long history of shameful events in murica. First the red man, then the black man, now the brown man. Where does it end? I’m afraid it doesn’t end.
Alexis, if you ever get the chance you need to pop out here to Colorado Springs, Colorado. We are surrounded by amazing hikes as well as the Manitou Incline which is an old railway that goes up the side of Pikes peak. It’s very well populated not to mention a difficult hike given the 2200 ft elevation gain over just under 3/4 of a mile but completing it gives a real sense of accomplishment!
Hey Joe! I’ve been hearing a lot of great things about Colorado and the hiking up there. Maybe when this whole political soap opera on travel and immigration settles I’ll head up there for a hike.
Are there actual springs on the trail? My favorite trails are the ones with water bodies!
Not so much up in the mountain areas but at the base of the incline is the small neighboring town of Manitou springs which is a joy to walk around and see the shops. There are springs all through the town with fountains plumbed! Then about 4 hours away is Manitou springs with vapor caves, the hot springs pool, and Doc Holiday’s grave, beautiful area.
That sounds amazing. Not sure how I would feel about the caves though. All I think of are bats and snakes! 😂
its great that you are out and about
Thanks Lisa. I’m working on leaving behind the workaholic hermit life I slipped into after the travel ban!