Summer Hiking on the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail in summer is sooo inviting! This part of the trail on Cold Mountain, in Virginia, could be sporting Maria VonTrapp singing  ” the hills are alive with the sound of music!”

Feel the freshness of wind, drink in the fragrance of tall grass,breathe in, no DRINK in, crisp air and sunshine!  That’s the [...]

Hiking: Make it fun the first time!

I love my job as a Ridgerunner for the Applachian Trail Conservancy!  While doing my job, I get to walk on the wonderful, beautiful Appalachian Trail every day!  And that’s not even the best part.  The best part is that I get to meet people at trailheads who are just considering walking this path.  They’re [...]

Contemplate Earth's Beauty

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”
— Rachel Carson

My daily walks on the Appalachian Mountain ridges of Virginia confirm [...]

Smell Triggers Memories

“For the sense of smell,almost more than any other, has the power to recall memories and it’s a pity we use it so little.”
— Rachel Carson

Click here to download a 15-minute audio to awaken all five of your physical senses!   It’s free!

Outside is Best!

Behold the glorious spring openings!

From Sandhill Cranes Overhead

That unmistakable warbling honk
Circling, moving in clumps and V’s
Hundreds of them overhead
Heading north – in general

Another season passed already?
Yet, it IS a season cycling around
Familiar pattern, thus consoling
Yet, new beginnings, new adventures call

Within repetition is the possibility of creation
And so go I
With gratitude for sandhill cranes living instinctually.

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Here’s a link to a site with info [...]

Why is Walking in Nature Important?

I was challenged with this question yesterday.  I caught my breath in response because I realized that in my heart I KNOW!  It’s one of those things that I’ve never had to explain to MYSELF because I just know that walking in Nature is important.  So, here’s the beginning of what might be a long [...]