Wild Virginia Hike

On Sunday August 4th I led a group of folks up White Oak Canyon to Cedar Run Trail and the wonderful swimming hole and water slide there. What a glorious day! I do some volunteer hikes for The Shenandoah National Park Trust; this hike was both the Trust and Wild Virginia working together. It was an "awareness of wilderness areas" hike. It was a perfect day for a hike- 70 degrees in the mountains and the water temperature was a refreshing 58 degrees!

My American Dream

I wrote this poem a few days ago. I don't often write poetry, and am a bit wont to share it. I don't have an understanding of rhythm and meter; just sometimes a thought is deep inside me, and this is the way comes out. I feel like the Universe, along with many friends, family members, and people I keep meeting on my walk are encouraging me to keep on keeping on, living the life I live. It suits me. It embraces me. It rebels against the norms of society, but it somehow works for me, and supports me in this crazy world of ours. 

Living in the moment is my American dream,

Not planning for the future, 

Not working on a scheme.

Today I will go hiking, can't sit in an office all day.

I'll take in the vistas and sunshine,

and hug a few trees on my way.

Perhaps I'll go for a bike ride, exercise my body and mind,

Forgo the norms of society,

Forget the routine nine to five.

What of money you may ask, what of bills to pay?

Yes, I have a few of those,

These facts I too must face.

This'a job, That'a job I pick up here and there.

As long as I live simply,

I can live without a care.

I drive an old 4Runner; the adventures I find are free.

I sleep in a tent on vacation,

Where many new friends I do meet.

This simple life beats it all, less stress and discontent,

Much more of the good stuff,

Like time to dance with friends.

Give it up, let it go, embrace and honor yourself.

Live the life of your dreams,

Enjoy your free spirited wealth

That's the key to happiness, living one day at a time,

Live it to its fullest,

The peace will free your mind.