"When I'm on the trails, my mind is free. The absolute quiet is a haven, broken only by the whoosh of the wind, the jackhammer pounding on a woodpecker, or the frantic rustle of squirrels sprinting through dried leaves. Being in nature challenges me, fills me with a sense of adventure, and makes me whole. I feel the weather more keenly, be it plodding through mud and raindrops or tanning the back of my neck in the scorching sun. My senses are heightened. If the trail leads to the top of a commanding hill, I feel my cares slip away with each step of the climb until I stand on top, above it all, energized by the view and the effort it took to get there. Only on a trail"

- Martin Dugard, " To Be a Runner"

When I read this Tuesday night before going to bed I knew I was going to have a great night's sleep, because I finally found the words that express how I feel when I am alone running in the woods. This feeling of peace of mind. The ability to let your daily troubles slip away for a while should be something we all search for and make part of our daily lives. Our lives are like a non-stop roller coaster. We have to contend with our daily issues constantly and then also have to try to figure out how we fit into this crazy world we live in nowadays. Everything is so divisive and everyone is so offended and defensive these days. It is no wonder why we all have trouble finding peace, but it is crucial that we all find a way to make that peace happen. My way is in the woods and on a trail. My hope is you all have your way as well.

Thanks for reading and as always your thoughts and comments are always welcome.