Sweet Smell of (White) Pines

I’ve been too long away from this wild open sky
On the concrete trails that wind through canyons dark and wide
……………………..
Now the dust lies thick and heavy where my feet are falling
There’s nothing but the sound of the Jaybirds calling
~Kate Wolf, Sweet Smell of Pines

Yesterday we hiked the eight-mile mountainous trail from Tony Grove to White Pine Lake.  I always find it therapeutic to be so far from the madding crowd that all you can hear is the breeze softly rustling flowers and leaves.

Tim took Squiggles - thanks for the backpack, Mike and Jill!

I took Lily – thanks for the Ergo infant insert, Aneesa!

And it wouldn’t have been as fun if we hadn’t brought Grandma (who stole my Ergo and carried Lily part of the hike).

And Grandpa (who was a good sport and helped Squiggles when she insisted on hiking a section instead of riding in the backpack).

The scenery did not disappoint.

I deemed the day a grand success, even though I could barely walk when we got home.