Whispering voices of the Day

The morning started out inspiring! Another one of those amazing and peaceful sunrises. As the sky brightened and illuminated the clouds it gave a promise of a good day. So, off I go! the mountains called, hiking boots laced, camera over the shoulder pack ready a time to blaze a new trail. Adventure waits!

Sometimes we just need to visit the old favorites and some days we need something new of unexplored territory. Today is my day!

Yet, arriving at the trail head of Salt Creek Trail # 75, a little voice was telling me, today maybe is not your best day. Loving the solitude, not a soul around, no cars at the trail head, yet an uneasy feeling of not really being alone. A sense and feeling of being watched. Headed on the wide open trail trying to shake that feeling and the woods were bare of underbrush, so a view on both sides giving some security. The uneasy feeling and a tiny voice saying, "maybe you should go back". No No, today is my day, shake the feeling and enjoy the adventure.

Past a small huckleberry field and only a few half dried berries left on the plants there was excitement with the sounds of a creek the trail paralleled. Anticipation to have the trail lead down creek side for those views of glacier water flowing over the rocks.

Nope, as the trail lead away from the water and the rushing sound diminished.

Coming upon a small view of a green meadow, tons of elk sign they have scrambled down the hillside for lust pastures. Nope again, the trail only teases you as you pass the meadow.

The uneasy feeling returns as the trail closes in ( not well kept up). After pushing through a good half mile of brush the climbing begins. Not up a hillside, over the many fallen trees crossing the trail, 20 to be exact. 20 for 2020? Many too large and high to climb over, have to go under on hands and knees ( even for this short girl). Really not feeling the joy and excitement but push onward and upward.

Yes! A glimpse of the mountain, it will all be worth it soon as we crest the hilltop! Only to descend down down down, finding myself at the bottom of a gully, muddy, marshy tree fallen swamp and the trail ends! Turn back at 4.25 miles and knowing back over and under and through the brush.

Yet, returning to the truck, still no people, no creek, no meadow, no mountain view but thankful even with seeing a few cougar tracks no interaction with a big cat or pack of wolves. 8.5 miles, a sense of accomplishment. Was is overcoming fear? Having strength and agility to climb over and under 20 down trees? All is good, the day started filled with excitement for adventure and it was found. A new place blazed through. Will I return to trail #75? Probably not, but that is ok. Not all adventures have an exciting finish line.

Maybe the sixth sense to go back home was when the tire blew on the journey home. Another adventure, its been years since changing a flat tire, and thankfully out of the woods and back to civilization when it happened.

You must take the world as it comes and make the best of it, find adventure and don't let the little things stop you from enjoying what is right in front of you.

"Life is not always what one wants it to be, but to make the best of it, is the only way to be happy" Lady Randolph Churchill