Day Ridges trail

What if my main purpose in life is to hike?

I was lucky enough to grow up in places and times where I could roam. First in a development in the Chicago suburbs, then in more spacious (and wild) areas of Connecticut. I loved roaming all over the place, seeing what there was to see, spending hours exploring. Some jobs I had required walking in a nearby park or neighborhood at lunchtime to clear my head. It always worked. It’s been important to me.

This hike was in a new location, a short drive east on Route 1. There was a brisk cold wind blowing. And occasional light rainfall as dark clouds passed over. I had to work on turning off my mind by chanting mantras, because I was so busy chattering away to myself. After awhile, I found I could let go of chattering and chanting and be more engaged with my surroundings.

This practice of walking does seem kind of useless as far as making any difference in this messed-up world. Then again, there are a lot of trails around here and without people to enjoy them, would there be less support for conservation? And if I didn’t walk regularly, would I be an even more uptight, less relaxed person than I am now?

Sam’s been walking quite a bit with me. His steps are up from last year’s average, according to his Apple watch. He’s always been active, but mostly sporadically in shorter bursts. I think the consistent elevation of heart rate and breathing from frequent long walks is good for him as a heart patient.

I find beauty in these drowned forests. So bleak and austere, any time of year, but maybe especially in November. This is evidence of beaver activity. Creating a dam that creates a lake and kills a forest. These are a common sight on some of our walks.

This trail passed by some boulders as big as small houses – glacial erratics. I didn’t take any photos of them. I wish I knew more about the landscape. But maybe it’s enough just to experience it. To love it in my limited way.