Snapped this picture with an older smartphone in 2009. There were fallen trees with moss growing on them, hanging down with sunlight streaming through the upper canopy of taller trees. The hike was moderate, easy trail but long. No dropoff’s, clearly marked, easy enough for most anyone but not cane or walker-recommended.
Seeing the dead, decaying trees renewed with life was awe-inspiring. Even years later, I can remember the hot, sticky-sweet smell of decay, new growth of saplings growing out of ragged stumps, flowers sprouting off moss, seeing insects and small mammals making food and home in the forest. It is amazing to see nature recycle and remake herself over and over again.
How many of us are remaking ourselves over and over again? When we think life is coming to an end, do we pick ourselves up and try something new or do we wallow in self-pity? In this non-depression recession that we find in today’s world, with unemployment, foreclosures, skyrocketing prices, it can be enough to get anyone down. The trick is to keep looking for new adventures and try something new you hadn’t thought of before.
Lose your home or job? Try renting a room in someone’s house in a new city or go on an extended hiking adventure somewhere. There are hiking groups that travel mountains, trails that cover the entire north american continent! Unable to walk or hike? Travel via the library! Do something you never thought you’d see yourself doing before. Now is the time!
Brick ONeil 