Prior to the walk in the park where GN and I spotted the loon, we took a walk in the woods. We were definitely off the beaten path. In fact, there was no path whatsoever.
I parked my car at my regular entry point. As you can see by the photo below, I am only a few yards into our walk and the car is disappearing from view because of the thick underbrush.
There is truth to the saying, “We may never pass this way again,” but sometimes we get to become comfortable with where we’ve passed because we are given the chance to repeat it. That’s true for me and this particular spot. I have more years of experience with passing this way in the woods, than I do at my work.
These little flowers greeted us shortly after entering the woods.
Everywhere the eye can see, it was thickly wooded, thick with mosquitos, dotted with birch trees, and heavily overgrown. It was a good hike and a good test of orienteering. There was absolutely no path. (Don’t get me wrong, there’s a time and place for a path or a paved walk in the park, but while I am able, I want to step lively in the woods from time to time.) I loved it because we got to see what we saw because we stepped over felled branches or small trees rather than follow some pre-determined, paved journey. It’s a good way to beat the summer heat, too because the sunlight struggled to find its way to the forest floor.
I’m not much of a shopper for souvenirs, but I usually bring back parts of birch branches that have decomposed from the inside, leaving the bark, which makes lovely holiday candles or Christmas tree ornaments.
How about you: beaten path, find your own way, or a combination of both adventures?
I hope all this walking means that your knee is doing much better!
Kitsune: Thank you for remembering. My knee is doing better. It has informed me that it refuses to go back to being a teenager, however. And it doesn’t care for changes in barometric pressure either. But it cooperates from time to time.
I feel your pain, I’m 21 and I have arthritis in my right knee and hip. My knee hates rain and cold. I also get headaches when it’s going to rain, that’s no fun. I thought I was too young for this!! lol
Kitsune: Too young, for sure. I’m grateful for the days when I don’t hurt and can get a good night’s sleep.
Me too. Heating pads are definitely a big help. I’m glad to hear that your knee is doing so much better.
I’m a city boy, so my sense of direction gets out of whack. I don’t stray too far from paths when I’m unsure. I will cautiously move away, but I’ll keep track of the path. Lost is an adventure and I don’t mind it once in awhile, but I’d rather not test the boundaries too much when I don’t have the skill to get myself out of a mess.