360 degree awarenss while hiking
Hiking, or in my case, walking, is a great way to stay healthy. We are fortunate to live near lots of great trails. The San Pedro River’s corridor of trails is a favorite but we are always on the lookout of a new trail. Whether an old familiar trail or brand new one, every trail is an adventure in discovery. The best way to make a discovery is always look up and down, across and through, in front and behind.
I call this my “360 degree awareness” technique but in my opinion walking, or hiking, should involve all your senses. Breath through you mouth and “taste” the air. Feel the air against your skin. Touch leaves and note their variation in texture. Yes, there is a lot to see but look up close,too. Maybe you’ll see the life-and-death struggle of a spider and fly or watch a itty bitty ant carry a monster leaf. Listen carefully and you might hear a fish blowing bubbles (yes, they do that).
One of my favorite events our morning walks is going from shade to sunshine. There is a bend in the road above our house were you are in deep shadows until rounding a bend. Now the sun shines bright and warm. There is maybe a 10 or more degrees difference between the shade and sun. Just before I pass from the shadow into sunlight, there is moment when the air’s temperature shifts from frosty to welcoming. It reminds me of when my babies would sleep on my shoulder, snuggled up tightly against my neck, tummies full, and they’d give a deep sigh of complete contentment. I love the moment and look for it when exploring the forests.
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Hiking in the Coronado National Forest, looking down on Hereford, AZ and across to the Mule Mountains.
It may be a pleasantly warm spring day but Miller Peak still had its coat of snow.
Arkansas has a park called Petit Jean State Park in the central part of the state. It is probably my favorite of the parks (and we have a lot of great parks). It has numerous hiking trails. They all begin at the top of the mountain. The hiker then hikes down the mountain and back up to the begging. I see something new every time I go there. The wildlife is amazing. The views are amazing. The terrain is amazing. Some areas are densely populated with trees and shrubs, while others are near desert-like conditions.
I really enjoy reading your blog and about some of the different outdoor activities around the country.
I don't think folks realize just how beautiful your state is. The Ozark and Ouachita national forests are two places I can't seem to get enough of. And the hiking! I've put Petite Jean SP on the "to do" list for the next time we get that way. Thanks.