After an unplanned break from steady hiking due to a sprained ankle, illness, rain and ice, I finally made it back out with my hiking partners yesterday. We chose an easy trail and did only about four miles so we could ease back into it.

After a lovely, long winter it felt good to be outside for a stretch of the legs. The sun accompanied us most of the way as did a strong breeze. At about 44 degrees, it was comfortable.

Sunshine on your face, clean air in your lungs and dirt beneath your feet.

These things are vital to health and wellness. These things remind us that we weren’t meant to walk on concrete all day and that our connection to nature will help keep us sane and feeling inspired in an increasingly soulless world.

Even though I live in the country where nature is outside my door, access to parks is of utmost importance to me. I firmly believe that public lands like state and national parks and forests should be protected at all costs. Humans have proven they will strip land of resources and build anywhere they can make a spot without care for the needs of the natural world we rely on so heavily for our health and well being.

Our parks and forests are treasures and I am grateful to live close to public lands so I have a place to go for my own physical and mental health.

What’s your favorite hiking spot? I’m always looking for potential destinations! Have you been out on the trail much this winter? Do tell.