"Hello, October! Let the leaves fall, and the adventures begin."- Unknown
An October adventure, connecting with my daughter and nature, was just what I needed to lift my spirits. A sense of peace mixed with joy filled me as we embarked on a hike at Calvert Cliffs State Park in Lusby, MD. The parking area welcomed us with majestic evergreen pines basking in the late morning sunshine. It's early October, and the season of Autumn is upon us. Signs of its presence are evident in the changing and falling foliage, the absence of summer's active bird activity, and the pine needle, acorn-lined trails.
This hike felt different; first, I had a cherished companion, and second, the trail we found ourselves on was far more challenging than I remembered from previous visits.
We walked and talked, laughed and sighed, as I repeatedly noted the ruggedness of the path, with steep ascents followed by equally steep descents. Perhaps the reason it took me awhile to realize that this wide, tree-lined gravel covered earthen path was new to me is because I was enjoying every step, sight, and scent. I kept anticipating familiar sandy trails soft beneath my shoes, wooden bridges crossing the wetlands, and trees that hugged the path with their beautifully intricate roots exposed for passersby to admire. It just occurred to me that I was so engrossed at the time that I didn't take photos of many things that are indelibly etched in my memory.
"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart." ~ Winnie the Pooh
With each step, I gladly accepted the reality of this new route and embraced the challenging terrain. Along the way, we encountered several wooden signs with vermilion-painted arrows pointing toward the red trail, and we passed them all, determined to reach the sandy shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Finally, we arrived at the wetlands, covered in lily pads, cattails, vibrant yellow sneezeweed flowers, and fallen wood debris. Surely, the beach is not far ahead!
After spending some time taking photos and enjoying the fresh breeze, we decided to trek back to our parking area and try to catch a glimpse of the Cape Point Lighthouse. As we reached the junction of the two paths that led here, I glanced over and laughed out loud when I realized we had hiked along the service road. The unfamiliar territory was not a figment of my imagination; it was simply an alternate route to our destination. Ah! Felicitous, poetic words came to mind...
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by." - Robert Frost
On our way back, we chose "the other road," the one that was well-traveled. We enjoyed the narrower trail, surrounded by trees exposing their roots, partially submerged wooden planks with minnows swimming beside us as we gently walked through the rising water, sunbathing turtles, mushrooms, turkey tail-covered logs shaped by beaver teeth, acorns with and without their caps, faded pine needles, sand, crickets chirping, bursts of colorful foliage reflecting upon the still water accompanied by clouds, fallen leaves, and the snake-like creek leading us back to the gentle waterfall.
"Those who find beauty in all of nature will find themselves at one with the secrets of life itself." ~L. Wolfe Gilbert
OCTOBER
Be Present
Let the day flow with grace.
Expect joy. Be positive.
Serve with compassion.
Speak only kindness.
Impart only love.
Never forget you're not alone.
Give thanks for everything.
See goodness in others.
~Mary Davis
