I finally made it back into the woods today. Our last hike was in April and the time before that is a fuzzy memory. Mind you, I live in the woods but this is different.

Hiking is different.

Stepping out of the grass and onto a trail softened by pine needles is different than the loud crunch of a stone driveway. Reaching out to touch the rough bark of a tree, eyes following the trunk as it reaches toward the sun is different than just glancing at the tree line of your yard while you carry in groceries. Closing your eyes to appreciate the texture of that bark beneath your fingertips generates strength and energy.

Listening to the sounds of the forest change as you follow a trail away from civilization is one of life’s gifts. The variety of birds, insects, bees and frogs chattering amongst themselves is unbelievable if you stop and really listen for it.

The aroma of honeysuckle mingled with decomposing wood and leaves ought to be bottled and sold because there’s nothing like it.

We need the textures and sounds, the beauty and smells of these places for our own mental health as much as the creatures who live in them need these spaces for their survival.

People who work to protect these public places are heroes in my story and those who aim to destroy them are the villains .

If you are like me and live in the woods, I hope you are actually doing something to enjoy the experience. There’s nothing like it and you will feel so much better. If you’re aren’t sure where to start, Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County, Ohio is a good place to hit the trail!