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I wanted a challenge the other day when I decided to take my walk. The weather was gorgeous, 45 degrees. I know, warm for winter in Minnesota, but then again, it’s all relative. Rather than walking my usual trail, I opted for one of the county parks and rather than my usual 3.5 miles, I was going to walk 6.3 miles.

Snow was still going to be an issue, so I took the bike trail which offered an asphalt surface. This trail goes through some marvelous landscape of rolling hills and prairie. No one else was on the trail. I like that best about walking especially though today because I considered this walk to be something of a walking retreat. My pace was just going to be moderate. My focus was going to be just on the here and now. As I walked farther on the trail, the road noises began to fade. My retreat had begun.

I hadn’t gone too far on the trail when I noticed something odd to the side. Some animal had found its demise in this beautiful landscape. Upon closer inspection I saw what was left of an immature bald eagle. Up close one can see how large these birds are. The power lines overhead were probably the cause of this eagle’s death. It saddened me to see its beautiful feathers blowing in the wind.

Patches of forest flanked the next parts of the trail. The birds were in great song that day. Overhead I saw a sharp-shinned hawk fly by, or sparrow hawk as it has been known. The hawk headed straight for that bit of woods. It wasn’t long afterwards that I heard the alarm call raised among the forest songbirds. The hawk had found its prey. Such is the cycle of life and death in Nature.

A feeling of euphoria came over me as I continued along the trail. I felt so strong. I was far enough away from the road now where only the sounds of Nature filled the air. It was truly a splendid experience on this most pleasant of days. I soon found myself taking off my shell. The sunny day and gentle breezes held a promise of spring. Though I’ve relished immersing myself in the winter and enjoying its special pleasures, I was looking forward to spring and the parade of spring wildflowers and return of wintering birds.

This trail gets much use during the spring and summer. It was nice to be able to enjoy it in solitude. Tracks flanked and crossed the trail everywhere. As I struggled through the few snowy patches, I noticed the sprawling tracks of a larger deer also probably struggling too through this wet snow. There was a lot of coyote sign as well. Looking around me I couldn’t help but think what perfect coyote habitat this was. The nights must be filled with their howling.

Finally I came to the return stretch back on the trail. After over 2 hours walking I felt great. I was proud of my accomplishment, thankful for this wonderful experience of Nature and solitude. The greatest gift I’ve gained by taking up walking is my time to connect with Nature. I’d return again soon to this trail and to this serene experience.