Day 36- Look for me in the mountains

I'm awake this Sunday morning, sitting at the sturdy, wooden picnic table at the Eagle Creek campground in the Columbia Gorge. I'm drinking my morning coffee and enjoying the sight of the sun coming through the trees, casting leafy shadows on the forest floor. Yesterday, I hiked over six miles on the mountain trails. It was a warm, late summer day and my body protested as I pushed it harder and harder to keep going, to not turn around but to reach my goal.

It was a mile hike from the campground to the head of the Eagle Creek trail. A beautiful wooded trail it wound through the woods in gentle switch-backs until we reached the creek. There we followed the small road along the creek to the trail head. I must admit, I was excited! Memories of hikes past filled my mind and I looked forward to reaching the familiar bends, turns and vistas. Several hundred yards up the trail, the beauty of the creek below, white rocks, cystal clear mountain water, drew my attention. I tripped on a rock protruding in the trail and stumbled, almost taking a fall down the steep cliff. My hiking companion noted my stumble and cautioned me I'd better be more careful. It was a wake up call for me, for sure, as I mentally imagined what my obituary would say, "She died pursuing something she loved, hiking in the mountains."

The rocks in the trail became in many parts, pure trail of rocks, and I was thankful for the large, lace-up, suvivor boots. So on and on we traveled. The trail was busy, so many hikers out exploring the mountains. The first mile or so was fine, I breathed in the deep smells of the forest, my eyes greedily taking in the breath-taking views around every bend. It was a perfect day, warm, not too hot, gentle breeze blowing through the hills. After the second mile, I began to notice different pains in my body, sore ankles, leg pains, and strangely a few back twinges. Being with a younger hiker, I tested their patience as I took breaks to find a rock, or tree to rest against to thirstily drink my water, and gather strength for the next leg of the journey. And so it went.

Pl unch Bowl Falls

Reaching our destination, Punch Bowl Falls, we rested for a bit, ate our bagels and carrots and just enjoyed the coolness coming from the water. I love rocks and saw many I'd like to take home with me, but realized just getting my own self down the mountain had better be my priority. The two dogs had done well faithfully hiking besides us, drinking water at stops, and trying not to notice a dozen other dogs passing us on the trail in tow of their young masters.

My companion, a relative, wanted to hike further. A year before we had hiked up another 2-3 miles and found a couple of high bridges that he liked. Unfortunately for him, I had to decline, "Maybe tomorrow," I told him. "Today, I think this will be enough for me."

We readied ourselves for the long walk back. My feet and ankles bruised by the rocks and lace up boots, yearned for comfort and thoughtfully my young friend had packed a pair of my tennis shoes. I switched them out and hung the large boots from my shoulders. Well going back, involved going up and going down, and around, and down. It was a long walk in the early evening but so pretty. I truly believe of all the people I met on the trail I was nearly the oldest hiker. That made me feel good for some reason, as if I had not given up the fight to stay with the forest.

 Finally at the base of the trail we began our trek along the bottom of the creek. The heat of the day was gone, the sun was shining from the deep afternoon sky. Across the creek, a movement caught our eye. A small, spotted fawn was coming to get it's evening drink. Another rustle and it's mother and a twin brother came into view. So sweet, so precious a sight.




 This morning, reading my Bible, the Psalm of the day was Psalm 42. The first verse made me think of yesterday, and what a picture it truly was of this truth, " As a deer longs for streams of water. God, I long for you in the same way." Psalm 42:1 For me this is a picture of my heart. As I follow this desire, and search and pray it is as if I am being renewed day by day. My delight in nature is a gift being given back to me by my Creator.

My life has been, "a tapestry of rich and royal hues". The stress of things outside of my control, the challenges of dealing with people caught in their addictions 24-7, has taken a toll on my spirit. There was a song in my era, You've got a Friend. In that song was a line, "They'll steal your soul if you let them, so don't you let them." For me my life has been like that, either following a side trail of my own making or dodging the fallout from someone elses' journey that got lost. Now, becoming more seasoned in my faith, I am coming into an experience where the storms don't shake me as deeply, and the anchor of my soul holds me fast.

The campground here is coming alive as people wake up, start their campfires and begin their days. An errant crow caw, caws, waiting to see if someone will leave a scrap or two. The day beckons and I am caught up with the desire to explore. Who knew that at 62 I would be blessed with so much life? The Columbia Gorge streches before me, I have so many options for this day I feel as if I am the wealthiest person on earth.

I think of you all sitting at home, or work reading this blog. I only know who a few of you are but I want to wish each and every one of you all the best. Life can become an adventure, at any age, only more than anything else, having the Guide of your life become your friend paves the trail or the trial with happiness. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

Today, may your trial or your trail be filled with the knowledge that there is a God who hears and answers prayers. Believe you are never alone and as you seek, God will meet you with open arms, guiding you all the way home. Be blessed and have a wonderful day.