Back in the saddle

Today I hit the trail again for the first time in what has seemed like an eternity, yet it has only been a few weeks. I needed the hike.

Mark and I had planned to meet Sunday morning at 8am at Mount Saint Francis. No actual plan on distance or time, but the idea of “cutting back to the car” if I needed to, seemed like a safe plan.

As I arrived Mark asked if I was feeling okay and added, “if something is wrong I am not dragging you back to the car, I will call for a rescue helicopter”. I appreciate his love, friendship and sense of humor. Not knowing how my body would react, we headed off.

As we ambled along the gravel path, past the water tower, then the field, we approached trail 10. Our eyes scanned the field to the left, forest to the right and trail below for any proper photography subjects. We talked and caught up on how both we and our families we doing. I have noticed with Mark the conversation we do not force it. We tackle a variety of subjects, but neither of us judge each other, and I know I genuinely care what he has to say.

We entered the woods, noticing a slight drop in an already cool 43 degree temperature. The woods provided a bit more humidity and coolness than even a few steps back in the field. Recent rains had softened the ground, and local volunteers have cleanly cleared the path of fallen leaves and branches. This train and descent was easy, but with my recent illness and weight loss, I would test my stamina today, and simple things like a cleared path before me helped lessen the struggle.

I followed a familiar path back to the back of the property, made the turn and headed back in the car’s direction. I felt weaker than normal, but honestly not bad. I kept a good pace and tried not to stop much. This was a trail I had been on hundreds of times, but today felt different. The air was crisp and sweet smelling. Each tree and leave seemed to be new, and the familiar path below me felt like I had not been on it in years.

I snagged a few shots today, but like my hiking, my photographic eye had taken a hit. I wasn’t in the mood to shoot. Mark mirrored that sentiment. I was there for the experience. Nature was filling my lungs and scrubbing my soul.

We took our time and eventually made it back to the car. We hiked about 3.28 miles, but today was not about distance. I spent time with my dear friend and I recharged my batteries. I have mentioned many times what hiking does for me physically, mentally and spiritually. None of that was more clear and needed than today.

Until next time,

Tim (a. k. a. Kilmer)

Comments

A gift from a friend

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography Recently I received a gift from a friend. It was unexpected but it meant so much. A simple gesture, an act of kindness, a show of love and friendship. I met Miranda via Instagram based on a recommendation from my buddy Mark. Like most things, he recommends I seriously consider and highly respect his suggestions. This was true to form. I began following Miranda on Instagram, Facebook and even viewing her website. I stuck up a few online conversations and got the nerve to ask her for an interview. I wrote about that here . Eventually, text and online correspondence led to a few phone calls. I admired her work and even discussed creating a book of my own and she admitted wanting to do one as well. Specifically, I saw two pictures that I loved. My passion for nature, especially trees is well known. When I saw this photo (single tree) I was floored. I even asked her if I could buy a copy. Nothing really came of that. I then saw another photo ...

Martin-Hogan-Long Cemetery

Photo by: Tim Bindner Today’s journey was to a seldom visited cemetery call Martin-Hogan-Long Cemetery (N38°06.621 W86°14.238). It is in Harrison-Crawford State Forest, but by the looks of the road to get there, few have traveled this way, or at least not traveled there in a long while. The bright sun made the 30° temperature feel warmer than it was. Something I would soon discover upon entering the thicker part of the forest ahead. Today’s hike was one mile one way, and I had a friend named Amanda join me upon this adventure. After grabbing our gear, we scurried around the locked gate at the end of a gravel road. By crossing the gate, we moved from a public road to the State Forest property. I was armed with a GPS and printed map showing “ overgrown, barely discernable fire lanes ” as given to me by my contact, a local Indiana DNR–Division of Forestry Resource Specialist. Amanda and I made our way downhill on the fire lane that quickly changed pitch and had us g...

Over Think?

Photo by: Mark Wilcoxson Last Friday I met with my Psychologist and as usual we had a great conversation about what things were troubling me as well as the things that were going great. One such topic I plan to discuss here. After a very emotional week for me, I discussed the three main impacts this past week held for me. While discussing the details with her, I mentioned two specific conversations I had recently. I was told by some “friends” that I am an over thinker. During our conversation, I provided the detail and the label I was given. She disagreed with that statement and diagnosis. As she described it (or I interpreted it) an over thinker is someone who harbors on a subject to where it affects them so much that it debilitates them. They will focus on a particular subject or issue and that exercise will affect other areas of their life. They may change their behavior, actions or lives because of it. She said if anything I ruminate. The definition of ruminate is ‘think deeply abo...

Ruminator

Search This Blog