Skillet Creek

As we headed into the woods, the bumpy moods smoothed out.  Tension melted in young and not-so-young bodies alike.  Eyes were widened and gently alert.  We watched a hummingbird sip jewel weed nectar. Breathing came deep and easy.  "Mama, why does it smell so sweet here?"  Ah, it's that autumnal air.

We hiked in to explore Skillet Creek at the area known as Pewit's Nest.  It was our first time here.  First of many, I'm thinking.  Being in nature has a way of soothing our souls.  Not just me, being the nature-lovin' hippy that I am, but each member of the family seems to have this same response.  Connection and nourishment.

It was not swimming weather by my standards, but knowing my girls, I threw the suits in our picnic bag, just in case.

The deeper water was shockingly cold.  Can you tell?

The creek exploring was oh so fine.

We followed a trail up to the top of the gorge to view the falls from above.  Camille was careful to stay away from the edge.  She wanted to help keep her sisters safe, too, since the the edge of the wide trail was a straight drop down.  (That's the falls way off below to the left of Ayla's head.)  The view and the wonder were worth the effort (and nerves) to help three children stay safe on this somewhat dangerous trail.

After our picnic (crackers, gluten-free pretzels, cheese, hummus, apples, a pomegranate), the water beckoned again.

Aaah, this wondrous life.

“You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body 
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.” 

~ Mary Oliver