My idea of the ideal vacation was once wandering through museums in Italy (the visits punctuated with lots of good Italian meals and wine, of course) and perhaps there will come a time when that again is my ideal. These days, however, perhaps because I spend so much time – particularly during heavy writing periods – sitting in front of a computer, my idea of the perfect vacation is to do as much hiking as possible (with some breaks for hiking).
Yesterday was the first hike of our vacation, Acra Point Loop in the Catskills. (Yes, back in my home state of NY.) Dave thought it would make a nice easy hike for our first day. Not quite right: Almost as soon as we passed the trail head, there was a difficult to navigate path through rocks and deep tree roots. And, while the elevation was nowhere near some of the heights others might consider serious climbs, the six mile loop was a challenging enough first day hike for a 30 pound overweight mid-50s woman and her 69 year old husband.
A little huffing and puffing aside, it was a perfect day. No vehicular traffic and not another person on the entire trail. Just the sound of running water, trees rustling in the breeze, and the calls of birds and insects and others of God’s creatures. Sun and a cool breeze. Beautiful vistas at several lookout points.
For me, hiking is always a day of just hanging out with God. No agenda. No rush. Just time together feeling the earth beneath my feet and enjoying the beauty of creation.
Thanks for the hike, Lord. It was a good time.
