I came to a realization a few nights ago. Although I really wanted to pig-out on comfort food, I didn’t need it. Although I was offered several places in which said pigging-out could be carried out, I decided to turn them down. What I really miss is my family and friends and wilderness. I could celebrate Thanksgiving with relative strangers, and thus strengthen budding friendships (and thus have more time to work), OR I could celebrate with established friends & family (fun, but leaving no time to work), OR I could get off my butt and find some wilderness. I opted for the latter. I had a hasty breakfast at 5:30, then drove for about an hour and a half and found myself at the trailhead for a section of the Ozark Trail.
It was lightly snowing, and the stream sang for me. All for me, since I alone owned the trail today. The creek greeted me very closely, as I slipped in my crossing. Fortunately I brought a couple extra pairs of socks, so even that trial has turned into a great memory (on the way back, I took off foot gear and crossed it “North Fork,” style, ala WM). My good camera is in Utah, enjoying the family that I miss, so I had to make do with my cell-phone. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! See you soon.
4 comments:
That's so awesome. Good for you! I even got teary eyed thinking of having a trail all to myself...in the lightly falling snow...of course, I got teary eyed when I walked out of the Institute Building on campus and it was dark, and softly snowing, and christmas lights...anyway, You're awesome!
I miss you. The reference to North Fork brought back the ever growing trend to have allergic reactions to posts.
God bless your stout heart my brother.
Of course I'm teary - but just hearing your voice does that! I miss you too! So glad you got a few minutes (or hours)outside and to yourself (no small feat in St. Louis).
Sounds like you made the perfect choice. Sniff.
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