Want my recipe for a mind, body, spirit detox? A hike. Pure and simple.
Whether a journey of solitude or a frolic with friends, nothing restores, cleanses and recharges like a day on the trails surrounded by endless foliage, a blue sky and the warmth of the sun on your face.

It never ceases to amaze me how amazing I feel after hours, yes hours, out in nature. It’s perplexing to me that more people don’t go outside to enjoy the spoils of Mother Earth that surround us. I guess I happen to be super lucky to be living literally at the foot of the escarpment. And am I ever so glad that I do.

Now, initially I had much different plans for today. I had scheduled myself in for a quick morning run, then shopping at a mall. This all changed after a night of awful sleep and being greeted by dazzling sunshine that finally forced my eyelids open. Original plans went out the window pretty darn fast. I happened to be dog sitting a lovely canine by the name of Jersey, so I packed a backpack with water and snacks for us both (doggie delights for her and a trail mix of pumpkin seeds, hazelnuts, dried cranberries and cacao nibs for me).

Off we went into the wild.

The sounds, smells, and sights of the forest, fields and rocky ledges were just delicious. I love how you can observe every detail of your body when you’re out there with no distractions to fuzz your perceptions – the building heat of your skin, the pounding of your heart with every incline and ascend, the delight your brain registers as you turn a corner to discover an amazing view, the feeling of the ground beneath your feet. And yes, even the sting and immediate itch following a mosquito’s feast (and boy did they feast today!).

Ahhhh. Heaven.

After nearly 3 hours at Kelso Conservation Area, we headed home. Content and spent. The pooch and I pooched. We re-hydrated and I was happy to have leftovers from yesterday’s meal to feed my growling belly.

I leave you with some pics from our adventure.

Oh, and here’s my post-hike nourishment. Perfect, no?

Happy hijinks on the hiking trail,
ilona