The urge to lace up my hiking shoes, tight, to explore, to rid myself of unbalance drove me to the hills. During the hike my mind cleared and I thought of poetry.
I usually keep a small notebook with me and jotted some lines down whenever I took a break. After the hike, I felt the weight of current events fall away, my shoulders relaxed, my mood lightened. I can tackle another week.
Each photograph inspired a poem:
Trails layered themselves, invited me up, to clearer air, brighter vistas.
The glassy blue ocean behind me, the zig zag paths lie before me,
behind me an ocean breeze, a snap of frigid air.
Trees appear sprouting limbs, haphazard grasps for sky.
I need to see those trees, sun myself on the fallen log nearby.
Rocks tumble beneath my feet, pebbles slide, until I reach the pinnacle.
Handkerchief sails make their way to Chumash lands,
ancient islands, ridges of a dinosaur back submerged in the ocean.
Glossy ravens, red speckled beetles,
a hawk circles on a parasail of feathers above.
Rock people gather in homage to the sea.
Remind me of balance even with sharp edges on round surfaces,
the seemingly impossible, possible
A march of all sizes,
hues of cream, ochre, umber
in one direction.
Spiky barbs,
alarming, dangerous,
a heart symbol
dotted with strawberry tunas.
The end of the trail meets me with love.
Do you enjoy hiking?
alvaradofrazier.com 
I LOVE hiking, Mona. I’ve missed it recently, due to rainy and snowy weather and other engagements, but I’m so glad I got to hike some of the most gorgeous trails in Yosemite and other parts of Cal. I walk on a daily basis, often twice a day, and if I’m alone these walks allow me to clear my mind, to focus on my priorities. The combo of nature and physical effort makes it perfect when we seek balance and peace. I’ve often found new writing themes or plot ideas as I walk. It looks like most people who write walk!
Your photos are gorgeous!
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Hiking & walking are sure fire ways to relax and at the same time feel inspired. Would you believe the pics are with my iPhone? Such a handy thing.
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