Saturday’s hike was a literal breath of fresh air after a long, hot, stifling summer. The high at Lake Hope State Park was an unseasonable 79 degrees, a severe shift from the high nineties and humidity of just days earlier.

The mostly shaded trail was inviting. The aroma of pine intoxicating to the senses. A periodic light breeze felt luxurious.

The three mile hike over hilly terrain follows a trail covered in soft pine needles in places, dirt in many places and areas riddled with tree roots. The ground is important because you need to notice how the earth feels beneath your feet and to allow that connection to course up your legs, through your stomach, and up into to your heart, spirit and mind.

Hiking isn’t just moving forward. It’s an exercise of the senses so I always touch trees, breathe deeply and look all around.

Kayakers glided through the glassy open water but labored to cut through thick lily pads on the back side of the lake. A butterfly landed on the trail before taking off again, soaring ahead before stopping to wait as though to confirm that we were still coming.

We left the trail feeling rejuvenated and satisfied. Nature’s balm had again soothed our tired spirits. We were refreshed and ready to face another day.

I wish more people understood and appreciated the restorative qualities of nature. We need nature to survive- the sun and moon, clean water, soil, pollinators and fresh air are all vital to human survival. We need all of this and more.

We need quiet and we need someplace where we can simply exist with the glorious earth that gives us life. I am eternally grateful for this wisdom and for the places that make it possible to embrace nature.