SERENITY in its finest array!
Lake in the Snowy Range Mountains
Medicine Bow National Forest
Sunrise over the Prairie in Kansas
A Glacier lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
Cool refreshment! Compliments from a mountain stream in RMNP
It is mind-boggling that another year is in the past and the second week of a new one is almost over.
New Year’s Eve typically has people setting new goals, fostering healthier habits, making new resolutions, choosing a “nudge” word.
A new survey from www.forbes.com conducted Oct. 23, 2023, looked at 1,000 Americans’ attitudes surrounding resolution setting and what types of goals were prioritized.
The most commonly selected new year’s resolution was fitness, which contrasts from the previous year. The previous survey in 2022 showed that many people were prioritizing their mental health, rather than their physical health, in their resolutions.
If you have been reading “Bloom” (you may access previous columns at bloomblog.org) over the past 18 months, you have learned the great outdoors is my second home.
The Creator God never ceases to amaze me with his superb artistry. Observing all that he has made, I am reminded of just how much Christ loves me. He is the one who gives me breath and good health to actively enjoy the beauty this world presents. I am incredibly grateful for His goodness.
Nature allows me to reflect, gain clarity and ushers in a refreshing mind-set. My spiritual, mental and physical well-being is impacted and thrives best when I am outside the walls of my house.
“The trees, the flowers, the plants grow in silence. The stars, the sun, the moon move in silence. Silence gives us a new perspective,” said Mother Teresa.
In the early hours of a September Saturday morning, my husband and I set out for yet another adventure. Our travels began by heading west hoping for a Colorado Rocky Mountain High (not what you’re thinking).
Eighteen hours later, heavy rain and unfamiliar territory forced us to stop for the night. The convenience of a comfortable vehicle and rest stop provided just the place to lay our sleepy heads.
The hint of first morning rays out over the Kansas prairie was the beginning of a new day. The sunrise was stunning and absolutely breathtaking. Maynard Dixon was right when he said in his poem Prairie Sunrise, “The day! The marvelous day, exalting and vast!”
Our first destination for challenging physical fitness, rejuvenating mental health and satisfying a craving was Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Reflection Cabin was our choice for a home away from home for the week. Rick and Cheryl Grigsby were excellent hosts and if we ever stay in Estes Park again, we will certainly look them up.
Located in the mountainous region of north-central Colorado, RMNP offers spectacular views of glacier carved valleys, gorges and lakes. The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake was so much more than what John Denver tried to convey. Calmness in all its glory.
Herds of elk roaming the land were a sight everyone should see. Hiking, fly fishing, driving the Trail Ridge Road and watching a cow moose and her calf take a bath in Bear Lake are a few highlights of the visit.
Our next journey required heading north into the Snowy Range Mountains area in the Medicine Bow National Forest, located in southeast Wyoming. This area is about 9,000-12,000 feet in elevation and although I did not see any, the region can experience snowfall any month during the year.
This part of the trip included sleeping in a portable shelter made of fabric, cooking over a campfire and using the facilities provided by nature when “nature” called. Favorite sister, it really wasn’t so bad. New experiences are always a good thing.
Pristine lakes and streams, stunning quartzite peaks, high alpine scenery, gorgeous array of wildflowers, herds of moose. Beauty of untouched landscapes, gently flowing streams, quietness of the night. A feeling of unruffled repose was granted from spectacular views within the wilderness.
Unfortunately, all I caught on my line fly fishing was sagebrush. I had to fight the jealousy and force myself to commend my husband on his many catches of the day. The wild-brook trout in those crystal clear streams are insanely gorgeous.
Onward to the mixed-grass prairie on grass-stabilized sand dunes in north-central Nebraska. The absence of sound and noise along the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway, Highway 2 offered an appreciation of quietude.
A highlight of this part of the trip was spending time with friend’s Terri and John. Y’all are the best!
Secrets of the Sandhills, a Nebraska Sandhills Novel, by author and friend John Hunt, is a great read and offers a glimpse into quite an interesting land.
I know inquiring minds want to know which part of the trip was my favorite. I am so glad you inquired!
Wyoming, camping out in the middle of nowhere was for sure my favorite. The wilderness is a place I wish to revisit again and again and again.
Immersing myself within nature is time for self-reflection, inner growth and is beneficial for my mind, body and soul.
Serenity.
We all could use a nudge.
Lake in the Snowy Range Mountains
Snowy Range Mountains
Sunset in the Sandhills of Nebraska
great photos and thoughts