My return to nature today was way overdue. I've been going through a very rough time since March 18, 2022. I won't explain the details here, just know that I was pushed off of a metaphorical cliff that day and I grew my wings back. Those wings are on fire! Unfortunately, I've been crashing and burning too often since then, so a return to my lunch break hike was essential. All pictures were taken with my cellphone camera.
Millstone Creek Falls in Jonesboro, TN
The sound of water soothes the mind, body and soul. Being in nature grounds you back to the earth when all your mind wants to do is fly far, far away. I always feel free in the woods away from the stress of everyday life. The modern world can be too much sometimes. We need to get back to nature more often.
I love how the water beats down on this one rock. I'm sure this rock is super smooth. I am waiting for hot weather until I try to sit on that rock and let the water beat down on me. I will call it my rock water therapy. I suffer for chronic pain, so this therapy will be priceless.
I can visualize myself in this close up of the beaten rock. I can't wait to sit there in August! It is still kind of chilly at this location right now. We have had a nice spring here in East Tennessee. Not quite warm enough to enjoy the cold creek water. Cold exposure is one of my favorite ways to heal the nervous system. I'm just too chicken to sit there right now. I decided to climb this rock instead.
I laid in the shady spot on top of the rock and enjoyed the peace and quiet. I focused on the coolness of the rock to ground myself even more. The slope was a bit steep so I wasn't up there long but every second was worth it.
Tree canopy and sky
There was poison ivy growing all over this place. Even on top of this rock. I'm not highly allergic to Toxicodendron radicans, so I am not afraid. Wasps and hornets on the other hand are my kryptonite. I also suffer from arachnophobia. Although, if I see one in my home, I will gently remove it and release the little creature back into nature. I do not think it is wise to harm spiders. They have a very beneficial role in our ecosystem.
Poison ivy vines growing along the trail.
Rosa multiflora - Multifora rose
Tulip poplar bloom on the trail
Trail Entrance
This place is on private property. The owners keep it open to the public as long as no one trashes it. I picked up two plastic water bottles here today. Please have respect for nature and leave her like you found her or leave her better than before. Peace be with you always 😇