Dancing Trees

It was a glorious day, our first back out on the Buckeye Trail (BT) since July 2010.  All three of us knew we were out of shape and this day would be a test of our fortitude…and it was.  But we were smart about it.  Instead of trying to do 5 continuous miles we broke it up into 3 sections.  But still, going straight up the hills of Pike County is tough, no matter how small you break down the mileage. 

Regardless of how tough it was, it was a glorious day and all three of us agreed that it was wonderful to be back on the BT.  Temperatures reached the low 60’s, the wind was up to 25-30 mph at times, the trees are totally bare and we are just starting to see the very earliest signs of spring…and it is wonderful.

One of the nicest things about being in Ohio’s forest this time of year is the bare trees.  It is the opportunity of the year to really see the contour of the land.  That view adds to your sense of accomplishment because going up and coming down those hills is tough and at the end of a day like today seeing the contour lets you appreciate even more, what a privilege and honor it is to roam those hills. 

I love being in the woods for many reasons.  One is that it is a time to get Pat and Lynn all to myself and enjoy our talks.  And we talk about everything.  Another thing I like about the woods is the time I spend on the trail, ahead of the pack, bookin’ time and totally absorbed in my own thoughts. 

Today my thoughts went to the people of Japan and the horrors they are facing.  I watched the coverage of events last night for a while and the one clip that really astounded me was how the skyscrapers of Tokyo can sway the way they did.  That is what was on my mind when I stopped for a moment, by myself, looking up hill at the bare trees. 

The wind was roaring up the hill side and the trees were swaying, just like the skyscrapers of Tokyo.  Except of course, this was beautiful, not terrifying, and I was in awe, that I could stand for just a moment and watch them dance.  It felt like I had a private viewing of dear friends dancing a dance of joy and freedom. 

It was a magical moment, and then it was done, and we left them to their dance and the day.