Hiking

While I do have a Part II to my Life changing story, I absolutely must digress to tell you about my weekend! I took all of Saturday and went hiking in the Big Horn Mountains. I had a crappy week at home and at work and decided that I needed to get away. So I drove my AWD Saturn Vue up the dirt road into the mountains, by myself, and found the ranger's station. I met the local park ranger ad hung out and chatted with him for a bit, since he wasn't having a busy day. We talked about trails and Wyoming scenery and where to go to escape the noise and chaos of motorcycles and ATV's. I learned that there are certain trails that they are not allowed on. Those were the trails that I chose. I let the ranger know that I was out exploring alone today, but that I was sticking to posted trails and leaving my car at the head of the trails. (gotta be careful, especially if you don't have anyone to go hiking with!)

I had an awesome, but exhausting day. I hiked up and down hills, mountains, forests, and grasslands.

I trekked over rocks, trees, and streams. Once on the trail and away from the road, I saw no one and heard only the sounds of grasshoppers, birds, and other woorland critters. I found Peace, Quiet, and Serenity.

At the end of one of the trails, this was my reward. It was absolutely breathtaking. The trail to this beauty was pretty easy...it was just about all downhill. Parts of it were pretty steep, though. It didn't occur to me until I reached the end, though, that I would have to go back...

LOL It took a bit longer to get back, but it was worth it. I was pleasantly surprised at my strength and stamina. You see, it was only a handful of years ago that I weighed over 300 lbs and couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without gasping. But that's a story for another day. I hiked about a third of the way up this gorgeous formation before it became too steep and I decided to head back.

The air was warm and there was a gentle breeze. I reluctantly left the beauty at the end of the trail and began my walk back to the car. I had plenty of time, so was not overly concerned.

I found the trail again and listened to the sounds of the forest. I noticed something different, but couldn't put my finger on what it was. I had my camera out and ready just in case, though. I quietly crested a hill and was almost to the forest when I saw him. His head was down and he was quietly munching grass. A huge elk, not more than 50 feet away from me. I froze in my track, then slowly brought the camera up to my face. The motion caught his attention and his majestic head rose. I was breathless as I took his picture. Unfortunately, the flash on the camera startled him and he bolted. I heard him run into the forest, out of sight.

But I did get this:

I LOVE Wyoming! :o)