The Calming Effects of Nature

It’s 9:40 am as we pull into the parking lot at Lafayette Place. I step out of the truck, to feel my lower extremities tighten from the three-hour car ride. My mind quickly shifts to the cold air seeping through my clothes to chill my bones. I layer my body with a warmer coat, hat, and gloves. I feel the the weight of my backpack as I strap it onto my body. I am well prepared for the 8.6 mile hike on the Franconia Ridge.

Excitement runs through my body as we begin the hike. Our pace is steady, but even, taking caution not to slip on the trail, knowing the ice that lies underneath. As we begin the ascent, I feel my heartbeat beating faster and my body warms rapidly. The conversation slows as we focus on our breath, making sure we save our energy for the long hike up the mountain. These are the moments I enjoy on my hikes, stillness. We come to Falling Waters, where you hear the trickle of water through the ice filled waterfall. At this point the trail takes a steep ascent, but we continue our steady pace. Surrounded by Spruce Trees, their fragrance fills my nostrils, and the thought of Christmas comes rushing into my mind.

I grab ahold of a wet slimy tree branch to pull myself up and over a slippery rock. The branches seem to be placed there almost on purpose, exactly where I need a little extra help. Thankfulness comes to mind as Mother Nature has provided such beauty for all to enjoy. Alas, we break through the tree line and our first peak is in close range. We stop and fuel our bodies with food, hiding between the trees to protect us from what is about to come. I am famished, my peanut butter and jelly sandwich has never tasted so good. It is amazing when one is hungry, how a simple sandwich can taste like a delicacy.

I immediately feel the harsh wind cover my body, as if swirling inside me. As we reach the peak, my body shifts to the direction the wind is trying to take me. I must lightly fight the wind, to not be taken off my feet. I can feel my soul filled with delight as I walk along the rocky ridge. Looking out at the surrounding mountains, I am in awe of the beauty that I am engulfed in. We start to work our way down the mountain, trying to go at a slower pace as not to fall unexpectedly. The trail is steep with packed powder and ice underneath. We can’t help but slide rapidly as the trail glides us down the mountain faster than our ascent. I am ready to to get back to the parking lot and change into clean clothes. The excitement of the day is over, but my dreams will be filled with the sights, smells, touch, taste, and sounds of the day’s hike.