On A Path Less Traveled

Aimless, no destination in mind, a path to follow, mysteries in nature.

Hiking at Gooseberry Falls

For those who enjoy a good hike, there is a trail that takes you from the visitor’s center at the Gooseberry Falls rest area to the falls, then down the Gooseberry River where you can cross the bridge over the river, followed by a climb back up the other side to complete the circle back to the visitor’s center.  The entire hike is less than two miles, but does involve navigating a lot of stairs,  If you want to see more before returning to the visitor’s center, you can also follow the trials to the upper falls area and beyond, or take the trail to Lake Superior.

Visitors do not need a state park pass to visit the falls as long as you park at the rest area.

Shovel Point

Tettegouche State Park is home to some wonderful hiking trails and a favorite of mine is the trail to Shovel Point.  It does require climbing some stairs, but the hiker will be rewarded with wide open vistas of Lake Superior and the north shore.

To The Horizon, #2

Another point of view for seeing all the way to the horizon.  This is the view from Mt. Shasta, looking west/southwest, in northern California.  I love the hazy mist that fills the lower elevations, it adds a bit of mystery to the shot.  For me, it instills a feeling that I should put on my hiking shoes and start walking, to see if I can reach the horizon, and knowing that if I walk far enough, I’ll arrive at the Pacific Ocean.

Breakfast With Ravens

On a recent early morning hike in the hills above my home, I found myself in the company of four ravens enjoying the air currents rising from below.  While standing on the rock outcropping watching their graceful flight, I was surprised when they started making close passes to where I was standing, often coming within about thirty feet of me.  In case you don’t know, ravens are several times larger than crows and are graceful in the sky.  Having one of these magnificent birds make a close pass is amazing and inspiring.  In Native and Shamanic circles, ravens can signal several things.  Here is an excerpt from one website:

Raven

It’s time for you to make changes within yourself. Embrace your true potential and become who you really are.

-Raven

If Raven comes to you:

If Raven has come visiting you it can mean any number of things. Most powerful of all is the synchronicity that Raven assures you is pending. He is a master of bending and folding time and space so that you are exactly in the right moment at the right time. As a messenger you are reminded that those around you are reflecting back at you the things you most have to learn about yourself.

Know that when Raven appears that magic is imminent. Raven is about rebirth, recovery, renewal recycling and certainly reflection and healing. He signifies moving through transitions smoothly by casting light into the darkness.