Indian Summer

I've been in a funk as of late.  As I mentioned in my last post, I tend to get a bit melancholy when the seaons change.  Well, this turned into a lot melancholy.  Finally feeling better, I had the need for sunshine on my face and being one with nature with a bit of exercise mixed in.  I picked the perfect spot.  It was a beautiful Indian summer day!  I decided to take advantage of it and went on a hike in the dunes near where I live.  Lake Michigan is one of my favorite places in the world and I am fortunate to have it in my own backyard so to speak.  I packed myself a lunch and a couple of bottles of water and off I went.  Oh and let's not forget the succulent honeycrisp apple! 

I had been eyeing this trail for awhile...and it was time to tackle it.  I reached my destination and started off hiking first in the sand which was quite a workout in itself.  I finally made it to what were a series of many steps built right up the side of a dune.  When I got to the top I had a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding area.  The perspective I had at that moment...the gratitude I had to be alive and able to enjoy this gift from God was overwhelming.  It was a glorious feeling.  I sat and soaked it in.  I took several pictures

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From there, I proceeded on down the trail.  It took me through the middle of the woods.  I welcomed the shade at that point.  I enjoyed the quiet stillness other than a squirrel here and there.

 I continued to travel  down the trail until again I came to an opening and the sunshine hit my face and the views were once again spectacular.  More pictures.  More inspiration.  More joy. 

From there it continued to be more of the same until I finally came to the end of the trail where it came out on the beach.  Once there, I laid out my towel and sat and enjoyed my lunch.