We didn't plan on a Winter Solstice hike. This was just the day that worked.
I so am glad I said "yes".
There's that elusive sun. 9:15 a.m. and up for an hour and a half already.
This map of the Woodland trails gives a good indication of how this trail follows the contours gently up to the lookout. Last time I was there, I remember a lot steeper route. This one is very doable.
Isn't that a lovely soft pink sky?
There was quite a bit more snow in the forest than at home. There has not been much wind since our last snowfall.
Signage is very clear. I love the classy graphic images on the new signs on the Woodland trails.
And, just in case you don't know who Jan is..... that bent tree is pointing to her.
If everything is covered in snow except for one spot, that one spot becomes interesting. From a long distance, I thought it was a couple of wild turkeys. Jan checked it out. 6 tires kindly dropped off by a jerk. Maybe he didn't know that garages take them back for free.
The solstice sun .... still shedding a warm light.
Still on track. The trail winds around as it makes its way to the lookout. I felt a sense of anticipation.
And, suddenly, there were glimpses of the hills beyond Rice Lake.
We all had the same idea at once: this trail needs to be on our regular hike rotation in the winter. What a grand spot for a mid-hike picnic.
Walking back to the cars, the forest presented us with the perfect Christmas tree.
Perfect hike on a perfect morning with lovely friends.
Beannacht is the Gaelic word for blessing.
Beannacht
On the day when the weight deadens on your shoulders
and you stumble,
may the clay dance to balance you.
And when your eyes freeze behind the grey window
and the ghost of loss gets in to you,
may a flock of colours,
indigo,
red,
green,
and azure blue
come to awaken in you a meadow of delight.
When the canvas frays in the currach of thought
and a stain of ocean blackens beneath you,
may there come across the waters a path of yellow moonlight
to bring you safely home.
May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
may the clarity of light be yours,
may the fluency of the ocean be yours,
may the protection of the ancestors be yours.
And so may a slow wind work these words of love around you,
an invisible cloak to mind your life.
John O’Donohue
❄︎
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