I got out early this morning, before the predicted 40 mph wind gusts. One of the nice things about the aftermath of a rainstorm is that I can walk silently on wet fallen leaves, even in hiking boots.
Nature rewarded me twice. The first time I was coming around a hairpin turn in the trail as I climbed the mountain. I glanced up and saw a doe browsing probably for acorns under the leaves. I was close enough to see her face and her shaggy winter coat. The breeze was blowing my scent away from her, so I stood still and watched her meander and munch.
A little farther along the trail I heard a hawk call. I cupped my hands around my ears and listened. I heard two more calls just before I saw a red tail hawk glide and land on a nearby branch. I didn’t need binoculars to see the details of the hawk’s feathers.
Again, I stood very still, listening to the water gurgle and bubble as it flowed down the mountain.
I can reach a level of peaceful relaxation in nature that I rarely achieve indoors, even when curled up with a good book and a cup of cocoa.