Before Sunrise

RECENT POLAROIDS OF ALMOST FALL-LIKE WEATHER - NOTICE MY FLIP FLOPS...

I'm not even sure I'll be able to describe this morning.

*****

Before sunrise.

A mere hint of fall chill in the air.

Around 60 degrees.

Very pleasant hiking weather.

As we make our descent down the trail we notice there are remnants of a deeper cold air that mingles with the warmer air as the night passes into day.

Everything is alive.

You can feel the energizing breeze against your skin.

See the leaves as they fall effortlessly, spiraling down through the breeze to the soft earth below.

The sky.

Morphing into a brilliant blue with wisps of clouds scattered.

The recent rains leave the creek flowing with fresh water.

Ice cold to the touch.

But the sound.

The sound of running water cascading over once parched rocks is hypnotizing.

The canopy above us allows sunlight to start filtering in as we continue along the trail.

Flecks of golden sunlight scatter through the branches, dotting the trail ahead, almost blinding us with intensity against the flowing creek ahead.

The trail becomes more dense, rocks and boulders carve out a narrow path.

Along the creek's edge, one hop and we arrive on the perfect boulder.

So cool to the touch.

But the energy.

The vibe.

How do you describe perfection.

The sky above, gleaming down brilliant blue diamonds laced in a sheer collections of clouds.

The trees that surround, shelter, nourish your soul.

The breeze whispers ancient secrets through the trees and creates fine ripples in the creek.

Dazzling creek.

Crystal clear, green from the foliage above, sparkling from the breeze and sunlight that pierce the surface and delve deep towards the depths.

There is perfect harmony interlaced among each of our senses.

To sit and bask and witness such beauty.

Such perfection.

I am so thankful.

So thankful to take it all in.

To experience magic.

The trail continues on.

Ferns.

Natural springs.

Bamboo forests.

Trees dance in the wind.

Their roots, steadfast and solid in the earth.

Birds sing songs of this day.

Performing to anyone lucky enough to tune in.

Winding through the trails.

Random bike course set in the hills.

Vagrant sleep camps scattered with books, mattresses, and shopping carts.

Around each bend.

Over each rock.

Discovering new paths.

We set out to explore new trails today.

I think we took in so much more than we even expected.

*****

Until next time...

Color Me Enchanted

Early before the sun rose.

We made the road trip out to Enchanted Rock.

Stopped in Fredericksburg for breakfast and snacks on the trail at the Peach Basket.

Not many people on the road or at the park when we arrived at 8:30AM.

Weather has been cooling off here.

There was a slight potential for rain... but you know how that goes.

The clouds did offer a little shade from the intense sun so that was definitely welcomed.

We started the hike around the loop trail and made our way to the first summit, Turkey Peak.

From there we didn't really follow the trails but continued towards the next two summits, Freshman Mountain and Buzzard's Roost.

I may have had a slight panic attack on one of the descents from Buzzard's Roost.

So there was about a 20 foot drop in between to boulders and I'm on a steep incline rock and I'm supposed to "slide" down just a bit on my bootie to catch the lower rock and "hop" on it....

Fear had me frozen for a little bit.

Damn it's crazy how that works.

But I pushed through it and slid down that dang rock (not gracefully I'm sure) and hopped on the other rock (not gracefully either I'm sure).  

Legs are jello at this point after the adrenaline.

Then we take my jello legs and walk them back along the dry creek bed towards the beginning of the trails to begin the ascent on Enchanted Rock.

One water and potty break before the ascent and off we go.

Going up, and up, and up...

Sun beating down.

Sky for miles.

We were almost to the top when my energy just crashed.

Josh was walking next to me and literally had to hold me up for a second so I could stop and get some water.

A few minutes later, with Josh literally "having my back" helping me forward towards the top.

1800 feet, Josh at my back, his energy keeping me going, and we made it.

Such a rush.

I've done Enchanted Rock before.

But after three summit hikes beforehand and the heat of the day on my back.

Just felt different.

*****

At each summit we'd sit and just enjoy the views.

The breeze.

The fresh air.

Clouds.

The cool granite beneath your skin.

It was perfect.

No rush.

No expectations.

Just good vibes and nature.

*****

After five hours at the park we took a few side roads around the countryside.

Just driving and enjoying the views.

Stopped in Fredericksburg to visit a few art galleries until the farmers market opened.

Then had freshly made from scratch pizza and cold water while the little country bands played tunes in the background.

*****

So grateful I was able to take the day off.

Our adventure was one for the memory books.

Looking forward to more!!

*****