January Serenity Blog Circle - New Year, New Activity

Santa brought me snowshoes this year! A friend and I headed out last week to some local trails not too far from the city that I didn’t even know existed! It was a much needed nature break. I didn’t take very many pictures, I didn’t want to bother my friend, a non-photographer, with my constant stopping. She is very understanding, however, as her husband is also a photographer.

When we arrived and started getting our gear ready, the snow started to fall in big, fat, soft flakes. The best kind of snow!

the parking lot view

Bring a lunch and sit for awhile.

A snow covered river bed.

After a while the snow slowed and mostly stopped. The trails were quite compacted, so snowshoeing was loud when we were in motion. We’d stop every now and then to rest, soak up the view and enjoy the silence out in the woods. We never saw another person out on the trails, though there were numerous vehicles in the parking lot. Some were cross country skiing, some were “fat biking” (bikes with very large tires that can be ridden on snow), some just walked their dog out there. There are different trails for different activities with tracks laid for cross country skiing on those trails.

I was astounded that I didn’t know about this trail system and I look forward to going back in other seasons to explore a bit. I could see that under the snow in some places were open meadows and wetlands. A day out in the trees and fresh air is just what I needed! Spending it with a friend was the icing on the cake. I look forward to exploring this new found area some more.

The Serenity Project is a collaborative photography project featuring images that bring a sense of peace and calm. Please continue our circle to to see what has brought my friends serenity this month.

Next in the circle is Ohio photographer, Eileen Critchley .

Click the link to see what serenity looks like for her this month!

Thanks for being here.

September Serenity Blog Circle - Finding Serenity in the Outdoors

“Time spent amongst trees is never wasted time.” Katrina Meyer

My husband and I recently were lucky enough to spend two nights at the rustic Moraine Lake Lodge.

No TV or cellular service and limited Wifi. Just fresh air, nature, good books and a wood burning fireplace! It all adds up to serenity for me.

We arrived early the first day and left the crowds of Moraine Lake for an easy hike up to Consolation Lakes.

There is nothing like the fresh smell of the forest - I wish I could bottle that up.

Consolation Lakes

The backside of Mt. Babel

We stopped by a lovely little stream just off path, on the way back down.

Amazing filtered light and foliage in the forest

The next day we headed off for another hike to Sentinel Pass through Larch Valley. Sometimes these hikes can be slightly physically difficult, but the reward is always so worth it!

Larch Valley

Larch Valley looking to Pinnacle Mountain

Heading up to Sentinel Pass!

The view at the top, looking west into Paradise Valley - Sentinel trail continues down there!

The view looking back they way we came. The Valley of Ten Peaks and Minnestima Lakes in the foreground.

After returning from our hike, the weather turned so we lit the fireplace and relaxed with our books until we fell asleep! A guilt free nap with the sound of rain and thunder. Nothing more serene than listening to the sound of rain on the roof.

Part of the reason for the afternoon nap was the previous late night shooting the Milky Way!

The last morning we were there the weather was still unsettled but it made for amazing clouds hanging on the peaks.

Serenity is canoeing on a mountain lake.

I will always find peace and calm while spending time in the outdoors.

The Serenity Project is a collaborative photography project featuring images that bring a sense of peace and calm. Please continue our circle to to see what has brought my friends serenity this month.

Next in the circle is Nancy Armstrong, Kansas City Fine Art Photographer

Click the link to see what serenity looks like for her this month!

Thanks for being here.