Hiking in the Forest Knowing When to Slow Down

Home
>
Outdoors
>
Hiking in the Forest Knowing When to Slow Down

Hiking in the Forest Knowing When to Slow Down

One morning in mid summer, I headed out for some time to myself on the trails of Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue, Nebraska. As usual, I stopped in at the Visitor Center to pay the entrance fee, then got back in my car and drove a couple miles down a long and winding road to the quieter back entrance.

It was a typical warm and humid summer day in Nebraska. Starting out on the lush green trail, I was already uncomfortably warm. The bugs were everywhere: mosquitoes, gnats, flies, bees, you name it. I followed the stream trail, which made its way through four-foot high grass. I tried to enjoy the setting but had to constantly fan away the bugs in front of my face. I grew increasingly frustrated.

Eventually becoming exasperated with the bugs, I stopped dead in my tracks and waved my arms all around while turning around in a circle. I accentuated my attack on the insects with a slight growl to alleviate my anger. Just then the whole world moved and went tearing around me. After my initial shock, I saw what I had missed the moment before.

It seems that a deer had been nestled in the tall grass just one foot, (one foot!) from where I stood. I missed it because of my preoccupation with the insects which I believed were bent on ruining my morning. When I started making such a fit, the deer was forced to abandon its spot. It leaped in the air right before my eyes, literally, and dashed off for better cover.

It was too late. I missed it. Now I was attentive and ready to see what was around me, but the sight that might have been seen was gone. It killed me to know that I missed the enjoyment of being so close to wildlife! Immediately I wondered what else I was missing, and not just there on the trail. I wondered how the bothersome bugs of my life kept me from noticing really important stuff. This has become a life lesson that Ive remembered often. Its affected my visits with my Grandma, the time alone with my husband, and get-togethers with friends. Its affected my to do lists. My motto is If I dont do it, will anybody notice? If it doesnt add value, I simply cross it off my list. Ive learned from my mistake.

One day this summer while visiting Colorado, my husband and I sat quietly on the bank of a pond and watched swallows dance in the air to catch flying prey. I was amazed at the sharp changes of directions they could make in mid-air. After I sat there for quite some time wearing my bright green hiking hat, an equally green hummingbird flew up to within two inches (two inches!) of my eyes, gave me a look over, and flew away. He was gone, having paused only for one full second, but this time I didnt miss it. I remember exactly what that hummingbird looked like.

About The Author

Paths began to beckon Theresa when she was 12, visiting the Bridger Wilderness in Wyoming. Walking, dancing, and movement are a part of her, nourished by John Denver's musical challenge for her to 'fly.' Join her 'walking with women' Life Discovery Tours. Learn more about Theresa Gabriel: Women Summit LLC http://www.womensummit.com

Life Discovery Tours - Women's Retreats

In The News:

Liz Truss to tell western Balkans 'we can't take foot off accelerator' over Ukraine war
Wed, 25 May 2022 22:34:00 +0100
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss will meet armed forces personnel in Bosnia and Herzegovina to re-affirm the UK's commitment to peace and stability in the western Balkans.

World Bank warns of global recession due to war in Ukraine
Thu, 26 May 2022 06:49:00 +0100
The president of the World Bank has warned that the war in Ukraine could spark a global recession.

Princess Charlene of Monaco discusses marriage and health in rare interview
Thu, 26 May 2022 08:48:00 +0100
Princess Charlene of Monaco has spoken about her health problems for the first time, admitting that the "path has been long, difficult and very painful".

Kate Moss says Johnny Depp 'never pushed me, kicked me or threw me down any stairs'
Wed, 25 May 2022 15:12:00 +0100
Kate Moss has said Johnny Depp "never" pushed her down any stairs, contrary to rumours discussed by Amber Heard during the ex-couple's defamation trial in the US.

COVID-19 is more worrying than monkeypox, says Pfizer boss
Wed, 25 May 2022 18:17:00 +0100
New COVID variants that might evade current vaccines are a greater threat to global public health than the monkeypox outbreak, the chief executive of Pfizer has told Sky News.

tikatoshop.it

Erfahrungen mit Pallhuber Wein
Agen Bola SBOBET Terpercaya

Travel in comfort and at your leisure with CT Airlink Limousine & Car Service for top quality private transportation and exceptional customer service. We operate Sedans, SUVs & Vans for CT Car Services to covering all Connecticut airports including Car Service from CT to Newark Airport , Mohegan Casino Uncasville CT, Foxwoods Casino Mashantucket CT, Manhattan Cruise Terminal NYC, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal NYC and Bayonne Cruise Terminal NJ. CT Airlink hire licensed and friendly chauffeurs who have in-depth knowledge of the Areas.