What It's All About

This is what it's all about. Normally when I go hiking I search out as many animals as I can so that I can bring the pictures to you. That's only a part of what I do though. So, what else do I do while I'm out there? I live!!!

I like to just enjoy the peace and joy of my surroundings. Sometimes that might happen in the forest where it's dark and cool, and sometimes that could be at the edge of the forest on a lake that not many people know about. Today it's the lake I want to talk about.

The pictures you see were all taken from one spot. I usually tell you about a man-made viewing platform where I look out at this lake, but that's not where I was this time. Today I followed a hidden deer trail down a slope to the edge of the water. There is an old tree stump that leans over the water. I sat there and relaxed all alone while I took the pictures.

There is the fishing platform where most people like to see this lake from. It looks small from here, but it can easily hold twenty people. It also looks hidden by vegetation, but that's only from where I was sitting. You can see almost everything from that fishing platform. But you can't be truly alone.

That wall of trees in the above picture is a place where almost nobody can get to. I'm thinking of going there very soon. There is actually more water beyond those tall weeds in the foreground. I've never gone to the treeline beyond because I feel that it's a sanctuary for some of the wild animals. No human goes there.

For now, I'm content to sit at my little hidden place at the edge of the lake where I am. Most others would never consider coming down here. The small path down looks very wild, and it's kind of steep. But if you take it slow it's an easy trip down. And then at the bottom is this little clearing with a perfect place to sit and relax. It must have been made just for me.

A few weeks ago when it was very hot here I sat here for a very long time. The dark of the forest and the close water of the lake lowered the temperature in this particular spot to a very comfortable level. It was so nice that I didn't ever want to leave. But I knew I had to eventually continue my journey.

This is the perfect spot to gently observe nature and just let my mind wander. This is what all of us need. A place we can hide away and let the troubles of the world drift away into nothingness. It's only when we go back to civilization that those troubles latch onto us again with their evil tentacles. Until then, I'm content to stay right here in my hidden world. That's what it's all about.


Nature Center Magazine - Steve from Out On The Prairie is back to share with you some very good basic advice on preparing for a camping trip.This is the latest in a series of his excellent nature tips. Read it for the tips. Read it for the entertainment. Read it.