January’s Nature Break

The weekend’s  words and images of  “us” and “them”, who can and cannot come into our country, left me feeling adrift and ashamed. Monday morning, sunny and cool, was the perfect time to escape the noise and quiet my mind. I drove two hours, to a peacefully remote state park, Colorado Bend. It was the perfect antidote.

People who go to Colorado Bend State Park would do well to arrive with everything they need, because civilization is at least a half hour away. Actually, that’s not entirely true. There is this little gem at the entrance to the park.

However, there was no live bait or ice cream to be found when I passed by, as the place was locked up tight.

A veritable wealth of treasures- all out of reach.

The park HQ is eight miles beyond the entrance gate, down a windy park road lined with cactus and cedar trees. Many trails are marked along the road, most with parking pads at the trail heads. I chose one of the most popular trails that led to Gorman Falls.

Early in the hike I came across this bench that said,”When You Drink From The Springs, Consider The Source”. Someone had left a perfect walking stick on the seat, and I used it the rest of the way. I thought about the kindness of strangers, who having walked the rocky trail and returned, offered a helping crutch to those who would follow. It was a nice reminder of our humanity.

Most of the hike was gentle, but the last bit was steep descent to the falls.

Good job with the plastic coated lines, Park Dept. I definitely used them. Those rocks are slicker than they appear.

The reward for the trek was a family of gorgeous falls, surrounded by bright green moss and mysterious rock formations.

I ate my peanut butter sandwich to the sound of water drops tumbling down the cliffs. It was divine.

Enjoy the day, my friends. And remember these words-