Time to recharge.

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography

Today I needed a recharge.  Not of any electronic device I own but of my mind and soul.  I was scheduled to hike on Saturday but that got canceled due to rain and Sunday also looked like it might be in jeopardy, but alas I made the decision to go and did.

My hike began in 37 degrees, overcast gray skies.  The recent ice has melted (mostly) and the recent rains left the trails a sloppy mess, but I didn’t care.  I need this.  Today’s journey took me three miles around Mt. St. Francis.  A place I consider my sanctuary. 

As I arrived I noticed that I was the only car in the entire parking lot, so my obvious discovery of isolation only heightened my senses. I grabbed my normal gear; backpack, wallet, car keys, hat, and of course my camera, and I headed out.  I was walking into a headwind that reminded me of the cool breeze you get from a fan or air conditioner on a hot summer day.  I was in my element and that cold breeze began the process of recharging me. External imageToday’s trek was a bit more challenging than normal.  The constant sliding and shifting of my feet in the mud at first had my mind focused on just staying upright and not on why I was there.  It took a bit of time before I reached the opening of the woods.  As I entered and descended the first hill I walked gingerly over each root and around each curve.  I knew from hiking this trail before that I would only be faced with this one steep downhill and I was determined not to fall today, and didn’t.  Before reaching the bottom of the hill I could hear the sound of a small brook and waterfall flowing off in the distance.  I was familiar with this stream and couldn’t wait to get there.  As I arrived, I stopped and took the shot shown here.  I stayed there for about 10 minutes listening to the running water as I leaned against a man-made wooden bridge.  At that moment all my cares and worries were gone.  All was right in my world.  I only wished my wife was there with me.

I continued on the path and the only sounds that filled the air and my head were small creeks flowing in the distance, the squishing of my boots in the mud and a lone woodpecker hunting for food as it echoed throughout the woods.  The purest sounds that most would not think twice about were just so soothing to me.  For now, it was just me and God.  I was there, he was there, and it seemed like I had his full attention.  I took advantage of that.  I prayed about my worries and fears, and I also thought about the three men in my life that I have lost, and how their influence has touched me so deeply.  My life will not be the same without them, but I didn’t feel sad.  I felt that sense of peace I so often get in the woods.  It made it all worth it.

I will likely mention these three men in a future post, but not today.  That is a topic for another day.

As I reached the furthest point on the trail, I made the turn, headed back and soon saw a young lady walking my direction.  I said hello and told her I thought I was alone, to which she replied me too!  I warned her of the upcoming hill she was about to tackle and told her to be careful and like that she was gone and I was alone again.  I wondered what she thought as she approached a large man walking toward her on the trail.  It made me sad that this world has me thinking that way and I hope no evil or scary thoughts entered her mind about me or anyone else she encountered on the trail.

I saw many muddy footprints on the trail, but one, in particular, caught my eye, and of course, was caught by my camera.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  It’s a simple footprint.  Nothing extraordinary about it, but it caught my eye and made me think briefly about who possibly made it and when.External image

One other thing came from today’s hike.  I was able to capture one of my most favorite pictures I have ever taken.  It is a simple picture but I love it.  If you would like to see all my shots please follow me at www.instagram.com/timothybme.  Maybe from there, you can guess which one is my favorite (hint above).

Toward the end of my hike today I was reminded that I have flaws and issues like anyone else, but a simple sign on a tree reminded me that God is watching out for me and made me the ‘Perfect Me’.  Not a perfect person but the best me I could be.  As I continue down my journey of life I want those to know me to do as 2pac once said: “Measure a man by his actions fully from beginning to end.”  I am not perfect and I make mistakes, but I hope my heart is in the right place, with my soul to follow.

Until next time,

Tim