Into the woods

Beautiful green ferns

Sunday afternoon was supposed to be a fishing trip for my husband, one of my daughters and her boyfriend. We'd planned it and were looking forward to it but things didn't go as planned. Things shifted and what would have been a relaxing day on the water, turned out to be a blessing in the woods.

Wood Violets

We drove to a nearby state park and stopped by the visitor's center to get a park map then drove straight to the day use area which butted right up to the Chattahoochee River. It was crowded but we wanted to make the best of the day and unloaded the gear and headed toward the lake. After a few minutes, on the bank of the river, we realized this wasn't going to be a good spot. It was much too noisy. We decided to head toward a beaver pond nearby but first we needed to stop for a potty break. As we were heading toward the pond, my daughter said she'd like to try geocaching. We'd picked up a map from the park service. Everyone agreed. We were in no hurry to do anything. It was a lazy, Sunday afternoon and we had plenty of time. With map in hand, we drove to the top of a trail head and began to follow the map to the first cache near that area.

A fern unfurls

Native Azalea

We were all surprised to find that none of our cell phones had service. It's hard to find a cache without GPS coordinates, so we had to use the map and do the best we could. We started off down an old forest service road and then veered off toward the woods. Up a hill and through the brush we went. None of had any water with us. We hadn't planned to be out for any length of time on this hunt so we didn't think we needed it. Only one of us had on hiking boots...my daughter's boyfriend. He's an avid hunter and keeps his boots with him most of the time. The woodland floor was deep in fallen and crushed dry leaves. All I could think as we ducked under limbs and over logs is please Lord, don't any of us step on a snake. The weather had warmed up and I knew they were out. I certainly didn't want us to have a medical emergency deep in the woods with no phone service! We continued our trek in hopes of finding the geocache but never could find it. We did run across a Georgia Orienteering club cache but that was for a training exercise they were doing and we didn't want to disturb it. As we walked on, we began to see what looked like a trail and then we began to see blue blazes on the trees. We glanced at the park map and sure enough, we were on one of their marked trails. It was good to be out of the thick undergrowth and away from the perfect camouflaged material for copperheads and rattlers.

Beautiful foliage

The trail started out nice and easy. It was open and smooth. We had no idea where would take us but we were in no hurry. The air was crisp, the sun was out and we were in the mood for adventure. One behind the other, we continued on the trail. It meandered deeper and deeper into the woods and soon, we found ourselves in what my daughter's boyfriend called "perfect hunting territory." All around us were canopies of Oak, Pine, and Maple trees. The glorious green was so beautiful against the contrast of the deep blue sky. All along the path were tiny dots of color. Wildflowers in various shades of whites, pinks, lavenders, and yellows were everywhere. I was so thankful I'd thought to grab my 35mm camera before we started out. My husband and I sauntered along the trail so I could take photos of the various plant life while the younger ones in our group forged ahead. We forded a few small creeks and traveled through mushy, marshy areas but I didn't mind one bit. I was just so happy to outside in the forest. When I'm in the woods, I don't think about anything except the blessing of God's beauty. I don't worry. I don't ruminate. I don't really think about anything other than seeing what I can see. I love to look for interesting plants or animals and when I find something unique, I photograph it. It doesn't take much to make me happy! We continued on for a few more miles and as we were walking, I listened intently. The sounds of the forest were so pleasant and peaceful. A gentle wind was blowing through the tree tops. I could hear the soft call of Chickadees and Mockingbirds. Every now and then a small rustle rumbled through the leaves and I tried to catch a glimpse of the small animal making the noise. Chipmunks and squirrels scurried up tree trunks. The woods were alive with movement but they were filled with peace. I stood at the base of a large hill and stared out at the wonderment before me. At any moment I expected a deer to bound across the path in front of me but we didn't see a single deer while hiking. I wouldn't have been surprised to have seen a black bear. We were so deep in the woods. Bear were indigenous to that area. Thankfully, we didn't see one. As I kept on walking, I started praying and thanking God for allowing me to have the strength to hike.

Blossoms were everywhere

The trail twisted and began to take a sharp curve upward. At one point, I could see a road and I knew we must be coming to the end of the blue blazed trail we were on. As the trail inclined, I began to struggle a little to breathe. While I was going through radiation for my breast cancer, part of my right lung was damaged. Anytime I exert myself physically, I can tell I'm not being able to get enough air into my lungs and I have to slow down. I've learned my physical boundaries and although I don't like them, I have to listen to my body. I stopped at the midpoint of the large hill and rested. While I was standing there, I noticed a cluster of beautiful pink native azaleas off to the left. I grabbed my camera and took the shot. Since our hike was almost over, I wanted to make sure I captured as many plants as possible. We were getting thirsty as the trail came to an end. We were also very hungry! An opening ahead of us led us to the park visitor's center. We were thankful to see it and know that restrooms were just about 50 yards away.

Lovely flowering shrub

The youngun's offered to go get the car. It was another mile up the road and they knew our strength was waning. We'd just hiked about 4 or 5 miles and we were tired. We agreed to let them keep on walking and we headed for the visitor center steps. After using the facilities, we enjoyed an ice cold soda and a comfy seat in their big porch rocking chairs. It was so pleasant sitting on that big porch and resting. When the kids got back with the car, we drove into town to find a good place to eat. We'd put in a good day of exercise and needed to refuel.

As we left the park, my heart skipped a beat. I didn't want to leave even though I was tired and hungry. I wished I could have stayed in the woods forever. The sacred quiet ministered to my soul and I was so very grateful. What a great medicine for an ailing spirit. If only they could bottle and sell that type of peace for those struggling with the daily stresses of life, but I'm thankful they don't. If they did, there would be no need to have trees and woods around and I couldn't live without them.

© bonnie annis all rights reserved.

A perfect day

Yesterday, we drove 2 and a half hours to reach a park in Alabama. I was eager to get outdoors and do some hiking. Being in the woods always makes me feel so relaxed and peaceful. It's hard to explain but I just feel like I belong there.

We arrived at the park a little before noon. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and I was feeling great. We stopped by the visitors center to use the restroom and talk with the rangers. As we picked up a park map, we planned to start our route at Beaver Pond trail. We drove a short distance to reach the trail head and parked the car. Water bottles in hand, I grabbed my camera and off we went. The trail was a moderate 3 mile loop. Along the way, we traipsed over many roots and I warned my hubby to watch for snakes. Since the weather was warmer than it had been in weeks, I knew there was a good possibility we'd come across a snake lying on the trail. The tree roots all looked like small to mid-sized snakes so I did a lot of walking with my head down and my eyes on the trail. Phil always lets me go first on the trail because he's scared to death of snakes. I didn't have on my hiking boots or have my walking stick with me so I made sure to keep my eyes peeled just in case.

There weren't a lot of trees blooming just yet, but we did find some wild blueberries and rhododendron in bud. Bear are indigenous to this region and I mentioned we needed to be on the lookout for any signs of scat, too. We continued our hike and came across a beautiful stream about halfway through our walk. We stopped to take some photos and then continued on. The sun felt amazing on my face and arms. I didn't realize how much I'd missed it these past winter months. About 2/3 of the way around the loop, I heard something moving through the dry leaves. I stopped in my tracks and Phil stopped right behind me. I told him to listen and as he did, I pointed just ahead of me and to the right. A beautiful King Snake was slithering through the brush. I could see Phil grimace as he watched it. He really is afraid of all snakes. I think they are beautiful but I do respect them and give them a wide berth while hiking. We finished our hike and decided to drive over to the canyon rim for a better view of the falls.

At the canyon rim, we were able to get a panoramic view. We were also able to see the falls below. They were beautiful and the river was running strong from recent rains. Three kayakers were braving the waters and I was able to get some good action shots as they scooted through a narrow rapid.

We continued on and stopped at Hawk's Glide Overlook to have lunch and enjoy the scenery. It was so quiet and peaceful as we sat under a large tree and enjoyed our sandwiches. Right before we left, a glorious Red Shinned Hawk soared through the canyon. I didn't have my camera out and was disappointed to miss the shot. Sometimes I think God wants us to only capture those types of special moments with our eyes instead of our cameras. I stored the glimpse of the hawk in my memory banks and whispered up a quiet thank you to God.

Our next stop was Mushroom Rock, a large sandstone formation in the center of the park. When we arrived, we ran into another couple and started talking with them. Their names were Ellie and Inar and they were from Norway. They'd recently moved to Georgia and were looking for scenic places to visit. Ellie was an amateur photographer like me and was looking for some tips on places to photograph. I told her she needed to visit Cumberland Island and gave her information on how to make camping reservations there. She was so excited and said she'd call as soon as she got back home.

The sun was starting to go down and we decided we'd better head back home before it got completely dark. On the way back home, I couldn't help but thank God. I was alive! I currently have no evidence of any cancer anywhere in my body and I was feeling really good. Spending the day out in the woods in the bright sunshine was so invigorating. I am so thankful I felt like going hiking. There have been so many days lately that I haven't felt well.

Endangered Red Elph Orphine growing on the rocks

On Monday, I go see the oncologist again for a check up. I'm hoping my blood work will be good and show no evidence of any active cancer cells anywhere in my body. I'm praying for that anyway! I'm still doing all of my natural cancer fighting routines and I'm hoping Dr. F will encourage me to continue. I really don't want to hear him say I should be taking the anti-hormone therapy medications. My hair has just started to grow back in from the last round of Aromasin. It's taken about 2 months and lots of Biotin to get it looking decent again. I'm not willing to go back on Aromasin, Arimidex, or Tamoxifen even if Dr. F says I should. I'd rather trust in my healthy choices to keep me cancer free.

It sure feels good to feel almost like I did before cancer. Getting back to living my life has been my number one priority and it feels great! I'm really starting to believe I'm moving out from under the huge cancer shadow that's been hanging over my head for the past 20 months and sometimes, I feel guilty that I'm doing so well. There are 4 of my friends who are dealing with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer right now.  One of those friends has invited us to share Easter dinner with her tomorrow. When she invited us, I immediately said yes without even thinking about any of my family members and how we usually spend Easter together. I knew it was important for Bonnie (my friend and I share the same first name) to know we cared enough about her to want to be with her. She doesn't have much time left and I think she's wanting to tell her friends goodbye. She's been under hospice care for months now. It's hard to understand why some of us are able to fight cancer and move on with our lives and others only seem to get worse. I'm so thankful God has allowed me to do so well and I keep praying I never, ever face another round of cancer. I don't know if I could handle it. But I'm not going to borrow trouble! I'm going to be grateful for today and live in this moment. For me, that's the best motto for surviving and thriving. Have a Happy Easter and remember death could not hold Him! He is risen!

© bonnie annis all rights reserved