It has been 10 months

hiking and walking 4 to 6

days a week to regain my strength

a difficult journey to recovery.

Goals were needed to succeed.

No clouds in the sky,

the morning air crisp, but not chilly

we settled our packs

and readied the cameras.

Wearing light jackets, we were ready.

We started up the trail,

immediately steeper than any other trail

hiked this summer

Taking our time. No rush,

we had all morning

As we hiked, the trail

didn’t seem so steep

(though it was)

crickets and grasshoppers

joined our procession

Larger animals were not seen

though birds were heard

occasionally visible

Still the hike was exciting.

Terrain not difficult or seeming steep

Climbing above the wheat grass

scrub oak and mountain mahogany

dominant, growing in clumps

wildflowers blooming by the trail,

steep drops to either side.

Sunlight on the valley below

Wheat grass golden,

Flowers in white, purple, yellow

standing tall and short

lighting the way along the ridge

The goal had been to reach the top

and we did, marveling at the landscape

presented by God and shared with us,

For a few brief moments

a glimpse of what Heaven may be.