River Life

 Today along the river walk, I was in awe of the sights and sounds of 'River Life'~! When arriving there in the parking lot a little after 9AM,this morning, was a treat I haven't had for a couple of weeks....

It was if I was returning home...to a peaceful hamlet... away from the concrete jungle; and all the traffic, and people in such a rush...this was like walking into my backyard for a time of exploring, not just exercise, to improve my health. There were so many sights to see, and sounds of the life there...otters, playing in the currents of the fast moving river...bobbing up and down...splashing each other in glee; and calling out to each other, as they headed back out through Puget Sound...and then on to the sea.

There were Cooper Hawks and Cranes, that were sitting in the trees, and when approached...they took flight before us, at low levels to let us see their colors; and hear them 'speak', before heading on down the river, to fish elsewhere. A beautiful sight when they all took flight, together... at one moment in time...like a band or drill team, in precision drill~!

Rock Statues, along the way looked like protectors of the trail...artfully displayed at the rivers edge. Centennials ready to defend the path; and the life around the water. I love to build rocks; and the zen moments I feel when they are in place,are calming ot the soul...nice to see others have the 'same mind' of connecting energy to form a new life, as such, for others to share.

There were Otter Dam's... strategically placed, to work the rivers path in a new direction at various places...a couple of them had been broken, and were under repair~! The Otters work so hard...it is a shame the construction crews and engineers along the interstate, and in our county couldn't take a lesson or two from them~!

We walked farther today than we usually go...almost double the length of the walk...so much to see~!!!

When we came to the bridge and decided to turn around and head back...the rain came down heavily, and I didn't have a care in the world at that moment...
I was one with nature; and it felt so right~!!! I am thankful for the time I have, and places I have a privilege to view...it keeps me grounded in knowing there are lessons to learn from the life of 'others' I see~!  The many locals that come here are a peaceful lot, and for the Northwest...most are friendly...if spoken to first...others are in their own world, and pass you by with a dazed faraway look...maybe this is their only haven of rest, from the busy world of today.
This is one of the few places of which I feel I am back in the 'South'...it is a slower pace than anywhere-else  except the mountains, or the small lake where I reside.
                                                                
 On the way back down the path there was shaggy manes; which I didn't see when starting out... a prized find this time of year...one of the most delicate of all mushrooms in the wild~!!!I had to have a few...so I very carefully, chose a few of the finest ones I found, leaving others for the spore...to come and visit again; for the next 'stand' and visitors like the deer, to have as a treat, as well~!

Then...after all the fun and curiosity  the walk brought, as we headed to the car...a train came along to remind me... I had not gone away from reality...just sidestepped it a while. The river flowing fast headed to the sea, and the train pulling a heavy, long load headed to the big city of Seattle, and on down south... 'It' seemed to say...I will tell the stories of my tracks; along the path of the river, and Puget Sound... the same as you ...to whoever will listen; as I blow my warning, and  pick up my speed~!

The beautiful colors of the trees in the parking lot welcomed us back with bright colorful hues...and the light was much brighter as we approached to leave, than when we first came...like a smile from nature to say...thanks for taking the time to care~so glad you were here to share~!

After getting in the car and leaving, driving down the road...a Heron was standing in a swampy field...fishing~! He paused and turned to look at us, then gave us a sideways pose...I felt him say it was okay to sit and watch the view. He never budged...and I was pleased to share that moment with him...in his backyard...with the wonderful view~!

                                                                                                                                                                     

A very Spiritual Expereince, shared with my walking buddy and 'Earth Angel' friend, Lyndee...who appreciates nature as much as I do~!We take the time to appreciate and explore with reverence  the habitat of the area.  Lyndee also protects me, and helps me stay balanced as we are  walking...as I regain my grounding, I am finding a part of myself "growing in the right direction"... as my Grandpa would say~!

Many need a formal place to gather and to share the beauty of God's Handiwork...not me~!!!! I only need to step into Nature to know I am One with God, and my soul smiles~!