Find Inspiration Around Every Turn

A trail is a path or track passing through a natural area.  Trails can be used as a tool for conservation of our natural environment.  They provide opportunities for protecting plant and animal species and preserving important natural landscapes. 

A great trail will have different types of scenery along the way.  There may be lookouts, switchbacks, open valleys and meadows, creeks, and waterfalls. Lakes, streams and creeks are all a big plus.  The most popular trail in the world is the Inca Trail which leads to the mysterious and ancient site of Machu Picchu. This Inca citadel is an amazing place to visit.

A nature trail is a path through a forest, a field, or a mountain range that is used for hiking and seeing plants and animals.  Its purpose is to provide a controlled natural experience for visitors to enjoy.  Hikers will be shown, by simple signs, the trees, smaller plants, geology, natural communities and the native animals that live in the area.  Hiking is proven to have many health benefits.  The physical exercise you get when out on the trail, or the emotional or mental relief that comes from being in nature are beneficial to your health. 

One thing to keep in mind is don’t step off the trail unless you must when yielding. Going off the trail can damage or kill certain plant or animal species, and can hurt the ecosystems that surround the trail.   

There are many types of trails.  A foot path is mainly only for people on foot.  That includes hikers, runners, backpackers and walkers.  Bike paths are used mainly by bicyclists.  An Equestrian Trail is a type of trail specific to equestrians.  

Often trails in urban areas have trails that are used by cyclists and people on foot.  Be sure to look out for bikers and other hikers.  If they are approaching from behind, a cyclist should announce “on your left’.  I usually say, “bicycle behind you.”  Those that I am trying to pass should move to the right of the path.  Always make sure the trail you are on is a marked trail.  Be sure to listen and to look around.  Hiking alone is not automatically dangerous but be sure to tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.

Urban trails provide opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors and provide important spaces to bring people together.  A storybook trail is a way to get children to enjoy the outdoors and read a book with their family and friends.  Pages from a children’s story are placed along a trail in a community.  What a fun and educational activity for children of all ages. 

My favourite trail to cycle is located very close to my home.  Henderson Lake Park contains many amenities and attractions, including a 24 hectare man-made lake.  The path around the lake is used by cyclists and hikers.  Here are some comments given by visitors to this park.  

• "Walker or handicapped friendly. Beautiful wide trails, and with option for a short walk or long. Have been there in the cool of spring and heat of summer under the trees …"

• "Really great park for a walk - scenic, curvy trails and well maintained."

• "Nice city park lots of walking and running trails"

• "Beautiful park. Great place to walk anytime of the year."

These are the sayings on the bookmark called Advice from a Trail.

• Walk into Beauty

• Stay on Your Path

• Find Inspiration Around Every Turn

• Tread Lightly

• Pack Life with Good Memories

• Every Day has its Ups and Downs

• Watch your step!

Here are my comments about each of these sayings. 

• Walk into Beauty -To walk into beauty is what happens when you take a nature walk.  There is so much beauty around you. 

• Stay on Your Path - Life is about choices and you have to choose your own path. Stay on your path.  Don’t try to follow someone else’s path. 

• Find Inspiration Around Every Turn - Inspiration is defined as motivation from an external source.  When you walk or cycle along a trail there are many turns.  Around every turn you may see or experience something that causes you to create something new. 

• Tread Lightly - Proceed carefully and be on the alert.

• Pack Life with Good Memories - Exploring a trail with friends and family is a great way to create memories. 

• Every Day has its Ups and Downs - Just as a trail has its ups and downs, never lose your focus on your goals and don’t let yourself be beaten because of your lack of effort. 

• Watch your step! - Watch your step, is a warning to tread carefully. 

Have a great day everyone.  Find inspiration around every turn.

# living life abundantly  # published author  # travelling tuesdays