I used to have a little sign hanging in our home (until it broke. By confession, it was a thrift store find) that read: “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” When I happened upon this little gem of a message in a thrift store, I instantly picked it up and held it to my bosom. I loved the message because I like dirt trails. Needless to say, I bought the two dollar sign.
Added to my joy of finding it was later the joy of reading this quote attributed to Pythagoras of Greece:
“Leave the roads; take the trails.”
To that end, we loaded up our sweet little Lily, ourselves, and a few necessities and headed towards the Tetons yesterday for a day trip.
Despite not being able to hike into the lake we intended to see due to the lingering snow, we still had a lovely little time enjoying Mother Nature.
Whereas I am too much in a hurry too often and miss the bestowed gift of the present’s moment, it was so nice to be welcomed and hugged by Mother Nature’s arms and fall into her peaceful pace for several hours.
Ahhhh…the soul satisfaction of leaving the road and taking to the trail.
Those are the mighty Teton Mountains (above). Really spectacular. Idahoans are fond of bragging that after God finished making all the mountains in the world, He then made the Tetons. Best for last. It’s a sweet thought; when you see them, you get it.
Now with the weather warming (even here in Idaho), let’s get out and get a good Mother Nature hug from roads less traveled – even good, ole dirt ones!
It is there that you will feel just how true the 1885 words of John Muir are:
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. 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 away like autumn leaves.” (Reflections on Grand Teton National Park, 27 June, 2016, https://rapidcityjournal.com/reflections-on-grand-teton-national-park/article_565fca5b-3ded-52c3-9bca-5a060d428a2d.html)
Unto all the world: “Leave the roads; take the trails.”