This past Saturday my friend and I had planned to go hiking. It had snowed the weekend before the surrounding mountains were still covered in snow thanks to the -5 weather we have been having. I had so wanted to hike to a waterfall however, I knew the weather was about to change, so if we wanted to hike up the mountain into the snow we needed to do it this weekend. So we chose to hike to the cross on Mt Tzhouhalem, a trail we have hiked many times. We would head to the cross and then go up on the ridge and to the summit making it a circular hike and hopefully find some fresh untouched snow.
It was a great day and the trails were still snow covered right from the car park. We seemed to be the only two on the trail and the snow brought a wonderful silence and stillness to the forests.
It was so very peaceful, although one had to be careful as it was a bit slippery in places. Everything always looks so different when its covered in snow and we were treated to many beautiful views as we hiked along.
We reached the cross in a little over an hour and took a lunch break sitting just below the cross.
As we started to head over to the ridge trail, I got thinking about those waterfalls I have been wanting to get to. How cool it would be to see one that could be partially frozen. Thankfully my hiking pal was obliging and we quickly changed our plans and headed back down to the car.
We headed over to Stocking Creek trail where we knew we could be at a waterfall within 30 minutes. Once again we were all alone on the snow packed trail and surrounded in a world of white bringing with it the calming silence.
Thankfully we found our way to the waterfall which I had never been to before. It was running quite strongly but all along the side long clear icicles were hanging. I was so thrilled to be there.
It was a great day and doing two short hikes gave us both the joy of a mountain top and the sounds of a waterfall.
Life is always so very busy, the days fill up rather quickly and I find myself continually making compromises. Wanting to do this but needing to do that. Its a continuous battle in all areas of life. There just isn't enough time in the day to do it all or there just isn't enough money to do it all. I can't be hiking every weekend and still find time for my family and all of my friends.
Life is always asking us to make choices. Today however after making the one choice, I was able to make another and was actually able to "have it all" I came home feeling truly blessed to live in a valley that offered mountains to climb and waterfalls to visit all within a few minutes drive of each other. I was also very thankful to have a friend that was willing to indulge my whim. It was an amazing day that left me spiritually fulfilled as it always does when I get outdoors and connect with nature.
