woods (June 15, 2008)

I just returned to Minneapolis after a week spent hiking the Lake Superior Trail in northern Minnesota. Although we didn't hike as much as we planned, we did do about 30 miles in the course of four days and crossed a number of rivers rushing towards Lake Superior. 

 We saw deer, a coyote, and a grouse. The grouse, in particular, was the most exciting spotting. Deep into a game of "Commando," I spied someone hiding behind a pine tree. Just as he reached me on the trail, a strange noise sounded from the bushes. There, toodling in the undergrowth, was an enormous (by grouse standards) grouse! All week, we had heard the boat-motor call of the grouse...but we had yet to see this prim bird.

Hiking brings me back to the present like not much else can. As soon as my boots hit the trail, I am not tired, not anxious, not feeling like I should be doing something else.

I am happy to be back in the cities...a week tucked away in the woods is perfect.