no big screen plasmas, no radios or IPods?

 
Nature...this weekend we experienced it in a way like never before.  A few Hartfield's Hikers (Carolyn, Ladonna, Arametious, and I) braved the challenge of hiking more than 10 miles to and from the Len Foote Hike Inn atop the Amicalola Falls State Park with REI.  
 
We were joined by about 35 fellow hikers from all over the Metro Atlanta area, from all "hikes" of life for an overnight stay in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  With good food, fun filled games about nature and really cool prizes to a rich history tour of the Len Foote Inn that included "Black Gold" (ask me about Black Gold on the next hike) to gazing at the stars while fresh air filled your lungs, this trip was definitely one to replenish your spirit.  
 
Without the use of cell phones and the sounds of traffic (this can include blaring horns or your own voice screaming at the car in front of you) it is inevitable to slow down your mind and allow you to listen to the voice within.  I personally chose to remain as quiet as possible over the weekend and allow my voice to transfer onto paper, writing every moment, every feeling, and every thought.  I was able to really hear things that I would never have given a second thought, such as the sound the wind makes as the sun begins to rise.  At 6:45a in the morning I stood on the wraparound porch off the Sun Rise room while the wind created the sound of a percussionists drum roll for the sun's elegant rising entrance above the mountains.  
 
It is interesting how we wake up each day, ready to command the world to do what we want it to do and we do not even have a clue, how nature just works itself. Everything has a predestined purposeful use to assist another thing.  I was amazed at the many ideas that filled my head and at the clear focus that I had.  This question came to me as I listened to the wind quiet itself for the moon to illuminate the night sky. 
 
Yes I hike every month, but have I given myself time to really listen and experience nature or am I preoccupied with the thoughts in my head or am I racing to finish the trail or am I so consumed in my friendly conversations that I cannot see the beauty all around me?  So, I invite you to join me and the others on one of our wondrous hikes, and I challenge you to really experience the great outdoors, listen to the sounds of nature and your inner voice, enjoy the peace, the fresh air and  to marvel the natural surroundings...you just might discover something new about yourself and your purpose in all of this grandeur!

 Alisha Smith