HIKEscape = the love of hiking and the landscape of nature. Derived from Hike: a long walk in the country or wilderness; and Scape: a view or picture of a scene —usually used in combination with another word; and Escape: To break free from confinement.
Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”
John Muir, Our National Parks
All of the seasons have a beauty and cadence that is unique, fulfilling and sometimes challenging. Fall provides the final hurrah of wildflowers, and herbaceous plants and trees are storing energy to overwinter and prepare for spring. When winter arrives, the stark features and undulating creases of the mountains reveal the bare essence of the land and long range vistas. As winter progresses, and snow, ice and downed trees become more frequent on the trail, my thoughts turn to mountainsides gilded with spring ephemerals.
During wildflower season, the number of miles hiked is overshadowed by the number of wildflower species identified and photographed. A spectacular display of wildflowers can leave me as breathless as a 3,000 foot climb. When surrounded by awe-inspiring views, it only takes stumbling upon a yellow jacket nest, a venomous snake, or a sudden storm, to reinforce how insignificant we are in the greater realm of nature, and realize that preparation and awareness should never be underestimated.
It is very exciting to create this blog and share my love of hiking, wildflowers and exploring scenic spaces. Experiencing the diversity of plant communities while on the trail just never gets old- season after season, year after year, regardless of location. For me, hiking is an opportunity to connect with the earth, engage in intense physical activity, and focus on emotional and spiritual well-being.
I hope that you are interested in this blog because you value the natural world and want to preserve the incredible biodiversity for future generations, whether close to home or across the globe. There are times that I may post photographs, but not disclose the exact location of a trail, due to the presence of rare or endangered species. On your travels, leave no trace and take nothing but memories with you. Here are some links to Leave No Trace principles and organizations whose core mission is conservation:
https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles
Have camera, will travel
You only live once
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Hope springs eternal is a phrase that has been in my mind this season. It was a tough winter in many ways- for all of us. The hope of spring hikes loomed large, with spring Read more…