Hiking fills a space inside that I miss during the winter. Donning my day pack with the granola/power bar of the day and two or three liters of water, my rain gear and extra layers, I’m excited to see whatever the trail has in store.

Beauty? Grandeur? No doubt. The way Elaine and I hike, it always starts crisp because we like to be on the trail early, both to avoid the heat of the day, and the crowds of people who begin their adventures later in the day.

It was a rare hike day for me, alone on the trail because Elaine is enjoying a much-needed vacay after school let out for the summer. As the sun was beginning to shine on the frosty meadow grasses, the deer were uncurling from their respite and grazing. I had to smile because, like our calves, one doe seemed to be in charge of several new babies while the other mamas were a little way off filling their bellies.

At the top of the ridge, all you can do is breathe in the vista and be thankful for the blessing.