Hiking

Discovering a Different Woods

| terriaw

We spent our Saturday doing our usual routine – hiking in the woods and enjoying lunch at a pub.

There is a beautiful nature preserve right in the middle of our city.

I have to admit, I’ve only been there a couple times in all the years I’ve lived here.

Today we hiked through a pine forest, which was just beautiful.

Besides the peace and quiet you feel in the woods, I love to treat our hikes like a treasure hunt, noticing different smells, colors and shapes.

We are always on the lookout for fungus and moss, which grows in so many cool varieties, sizes, shapes, and shades.

Surprisingly, there are still lots of fall colors to be found.

The trail was completely carpeted in a variety of leaves, from brown oak leaves to bright yellow maple leaves.

Thank goodness the sun was shining because the temperatures were cool and it was windy out there.

I wish I could bottle up that tranquility the woods give me, and carry it with me everywhere I go!

The Woods Are Getting Bare

| terriaw

The woods are starting to look a little sparse these days, with many of the leaves fallen to the ground.

But it still feels good to be in the woods.

On a hike this time last year, my mom told me she appreciates trees when the leaves are all gone because you can see the architecture better. Such a cool way of looking at things.

I love to imagine what creatures are hiding out there, coming out only when all is quiet.

I love the earthy smells, the sound of the leaves crunching under my feet, the mystery of the hidden chirps in the undergrowth.

Even the woods are beautiful when they are bare. Hope you get a chance to soak up some fresh air this weekend too.

Morning Quiet

| terriaw

I’ve been taking pictures over the course of each week to capture those quiet moments, such as this morning moment when the sun was just high enough to shine above our trees, melting the dew on the grass and leaves.

I have a new habit where each morning I try to soak up some sunshine and fresh air before starting my day, to breathe in some peace and quiet. It’s quite therapeutic, especially considering how insanely busy work has been the past couple days. Hope you can enjoy a relaxing day today too!

Trail

| terriaw

A great way to ring in the first of October was a hike on one of my favorite trails, especially on such a beautiful day.

The sun was shining, which kept us warm and cozy.

The temperatures were cooler in the woods, which were damp after a week of rain.

I always love the treasure hunt of being on a trail, admiring different leaf colors carpeting the ground.

This particular trail we take ends at the most charming warming cabin, which has an outhouse and campfire pit, nice amenities for the woods, especially when you’re snowshoeing or skiing.

The best part of this trail,

is getting to hide inside my hollow tree!


I thank Mother Nature for every opportunity I get to to spend time outside.

Definitely resets my soul for the upcoming week!

Autumn Hike

| terriaw

The first day of Autumn always makes me want to go hiking.

Well, okay, you’re right, I would love to go hiking every day of the year!

I love all the yellows we are seeing in early Fall.

It’s refreshing to see wildflowers still growing along side the trail.

Soon enough, we will see more leaves change to orange and red.

These are the days I cherish!

In the Woods

| terriaw

Another lucky Sunday spent in the woods!

This time, we decided to try a trail we haven’t been on in about 14 years, right smack in the middle of our local Arboretum.

It was just as fabulous as I remembered it, a thick woods with a heavy canopy and lots of ground cover, making for interesting scenery.

Talk about treasure hunting, in the woods, you would be amazed at what you can find!

Check out all these incredible little finds.

Always a great day when spent in the woods!

Update From the Trail

| terriaw

I love having Sundays off, especially when the weather is beautiful.

It’s becoming a routine for us to go hiking on Sundays. Some of you who know me well know how passionate I am about being on the trails, any trail, especially a hiking trail.

There are so many treasures to find this time of year.

My hubby spotted this cool pink flower, which reminded me of a caterpillar.

This time around, we noticed a lot of berries starting to ripen.

It was cool to study the variety of colors and ways berries grow in the wild.

We also came across some wildflowers, er maybe just weeds, that had interesting architecture.

I love seeing the progress of queen anne’s lace, from the buds opening,

to the delicate and lovely flowers.

We spied these gorgeous little purple flowers that reminded me of forget-me-nots.

Each time we go hiking, whether it’s on the same trail, or a different trail, it’s so fun to make a treasure hunt out of the adventure, noticing the eco system going on in the woods.

Update From the Trail

| terriaw

We haven’t been hiking or on any trails in a few months, so it was a treat to have a free day this weekend for a hike.

We lucked out with such a gorgeous day of sunshine, mild temperatures, and a light breeze.

I love the feeling of being in the woods ecosystem, experiencing the different smells and sounds.


It’s fun to see the vegetation that grows along the trail. We saw lots of Queen Anne’s Lace, wild parsnip, and purple thistles. Seeing these wild black-eyed susan flowers made me wish I had planted these in our gardens. They bloom in summer when most of our other perennials are done for the season.

We also spied a yellow caterpillar, which I’ve never seen before. I’ve only seen the brown and black striped wooly bear caterpillars in Autumn.

Spending time on the trail is always a good boost for my soul, especially this time of year when my creativity tends to wane a bit.

Not Just Another Bike Ride

| terriaw

Earlier this week, I was feeling restless. It was a beautiful day outside so I made a spontaneous decision to go for a bike ride down the fabulous trail near our house.

It was an amazing adventure! I saw all sorts of beautiful things, birds, caterpillars, a muskrat, even a snake, and lots of wildflowers.

As you can see, this trail goes through the woods and through fields.

You might be thinking, so what, just another bike ride.

I went over 20 miles! On my hybrid mountain bike. Wearing a pair of cut-off old jean shorts, which you don’t see too often among those hard-core bicyclists all decked out in their technical gear, cruising down the trails in proper form.


You know me, I just love being on the trails. It’s the best remedy for any kind of blues or anxiety I might be feeling. Can’t wait to go again!