Hiking adventures in the fall

We pulled our car off to the edge of the road, with two of the wheels resting on concrete and the others on gravel. As soon as we stepped out of our vehicle, we were overwhelmed by the breathtaking views and peaceful quietness, with only the occasional chirp from a hovering bird. The cool fall breeze rolled across our bodies and the crisp autumn air entered into our lungs.

Oh fall, how you captivate our souls with your serene views, calming breezes, and bountiful cleanses. It's humbling to look up and see a vast array of colors among the crystal blue sky. The photogenic scenes that play out in the forefront, like an art gallery on opening night. I could listen forever to the sound of leaves crunching beneath our winter boots as my children and I walk along the trail in search of our favorite spot, to throw rocks into the water.

We hike together, as our hands graze the lower hung branches that drape over parts of the trail, hopping and skipping over raised established root systems. My children pretend monkeys are in the above trees and they crouch down in the underbrush, hiding from tossed bananas. They sit on the dirt bank, watching the water ripple from the wind and they help each other find the perfect rock to make the biggest splash; and they try really hard to beat mommy's record of making a rock skip five times across the water.

We sit and talk about all the wondrous beauty that is in eyesight. My son names the colors he sees and tells me his favorite view. My daughter discusses why the leaves are changing and that the yellow leaved trees should be called banana trees, "because they're yellow."    

We packed ourselves up and followed the trail back to our car, watching the sun peek through the thick trees as it lowered itself down beyond the earth. My daughter grabbed a hiking stick off the ground and made sure to find another perfect one for her brother. Then, hand in hand, they made their way through the narrowing trail and out onto the pavement, where our outdoor adventures ended for the day. 

Saying goodbye for the night... But hello to another soon adventure.



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