As I sit writing this, comfortable in my bed, I would like to drift off to sleep, to dream…
But some day, I’m going to BLAZE a trail again. I’m going to put one foot in front of the other and find my hiking rhythm with the trees going by, fresh and green, pine needles under foot, senses all open to everything at once. My breath comes strong and steady with my legs working like they were made to work. The air feels crisp and pungent with life. I am part of that life, part of the forest, part of creation. The path ahead beckons to me. Will there be deer? Will it rain? Will the sun set before I get back home? I don’t care! I am here now, ready, alive. I approach Sugarloaf, the giant sand dune of oaks and pines, and climb up. My breathing becomes harder. My legs start to ache, but I am strong. I am alive! I reach the top. My heart beats faster, blood flowing where it needs to go, opening my arteries, clearing out the gunk.
I survey the slope descending to the river and remember how my children used to run down the hill to the water. Sometimes they’d roll down and get all sandy. Sand everywhere. But it didn’t matter because they laughed. I ran down that hill myself a few times. Now they have it fenced off to protect the hill, prevent erosion. To be careful. I could run down the hill anyway. But, now, I’m 62. I could break something.
I take the path down to the river. Not exactly running, but with a light step and a quick pace, aware of the turns and the places to put my feet so I don’t fall. I reach the water and run in. Clothes and all. It’s cold! And I am alive again.
Someday, I’ll go on that hike again. Someday, maybe I’ll hike on the Appalachian Trail. I best better start practicing by walking around the block to the park in my neighborhood.
Here are more pictures of my beloved maritime forest. It’s been too long since I set foot there.

Me and Doodle on top of Sugarloaf

A mushroom has found shelter on the dune.

There are not many hills around here, so this is special.
Today’s Stream of Consciousness prompt from Linda Hill was, “movement.” But we were not to use the word, “movement,” just choose some sort of movement and write about it.
For more information on the Saturday Stream of Consciousness, visit:
https://lindaghill.com/2018/01/26/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-daily-prompt-jan-27th-2018/
Here are the rules:
1. Your post must be stream of consciousness writing, meaning no editing, (typos can be fixed) and minimal planning on what you’re going to write.
2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop.
3. There will be a prompt every week. I will post the prompt here on my blog on Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The’,” or simply a single word to get your started.
4. Ping back! It’s important, so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours. Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below.
5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back their post. Even better, read everyone’s! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later, or go to the previous week, by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find right below the “Like” button on my post.
6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get!
7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views.
8. Have fun!
January 27, 2018 at 1:31 am
That post is so beautiful!
January 27, 2018 at 10:18 am
Thank you, Bee! I’m happy you enjoyed it!
January 27, 2018 at 12:15 pm
I did indeed!
January 27, 2018 at 3:32 am
I felt like I was on that trail with you 🙂
There is just something so freeing and energizing about being out among the trees on the trail with just the sound of your own breathing and footsteps, the calls of the birds, the rustling of leaves.
January 27, 2018 at 10:37 am
Exactly! You get it! 🙂 Glad you could come along. 🙂
January 27, 2018 at 3:59 am
Beautifully done. Takes me back to when I could do it 🙂
January 27, 2018 at 10:38 am
🙂 Good memories. Glad you liked it, Derrick.
January 27, 2018 at 6:11 am
That’s beautiful! Made me long to get out of the house and go for a walk! The photos are great too, where are they taken?
January 27, 2018 at 10:45 am
I know that longing! Today could be the day! The photos were taken at Carolina Beach State Park. Glad you liked them.
January 27, 2018 at 6:51 am
Looks so fun! Love all the photos 🙂
January 27, 2018 at 10:52 am
Thanks, Courtney! Glad you enjoyed them. 🙂
January 27, 2018 at 10:11 am
I love winter hiking but rarely have someone who will join me. I admire those who go out alone but since my brother had his bathroom accident (brain surgery on Thanksgiving, ’18) and no one for two days to help him, I think of falling and not able to get up. Slippery roots and other frozen aspects deter solitairy walks. Be careful! A cellphone will do little good unless you can tell the person which path you took and if you drop your phone into a crevice, no use again! 🙏 🕊
January 27, 2018 at 11:04 am
I’ve been trying to get someone to go with me for a year. But the truth is, I let other things get in the way. Used to go with my dog when I was single, and let someone know my plan. So sorry about your brother’s accident. 😦 It makes sense to go with another person. I hope we both find someone to hike with us soon.
January 27, 2018 at 10:11 am
Oops, Thanksgiving, ’17. 😊
January 27, 2018 at 11:04 am
😉
February 17, 2018 at 4:27 pm
I do have a possibility, JoAnna who is from eHarmony. . . I have hopes and prayers being given for this (Jeff + Robin.) 💕 I wish your sweetheart was able to hike with you. Take care and I’ll be back. . .
February 17, 2018 at 10:32 pm
May your new possibility be full of kindness and healthy wit. ( as in no more witless dating ?) David and I have hiked together before and we will again. I’ve asked him to go with me before it gets hot and buggy. Maybe even Monday. 🙂
January 27, 2018 at 11:08 am
Beautiful pictures!
January 27, 2018 at 11:58 am
Thank you! Getting motivated to go back there!
January 27, 2018 at 12:18 pm
I’ve really gone into hibernation this winter and I know that a good brisk walk would be good for my body and soul. Thanks for inspiring and motivating me to start blazing some trails of my own. Happy trails 🙂 Harlon
January 27, 2018 at 1:31 pm
I’m happy to inspire you! A good brisk walk almost always makes me feel better, and it’s always better for my body if I don’t over do it. I motivate myself by saying I’m just going to walk for 30 minutes, then I might walk further if If feel like it. Enjoy, my friend! 🙂
January 27, 2018 at 4:02 pm
Oh this is good. And you can do it too! Stay strong.
January 27, 2018 at 8:06 pm
Thank you so much! I love that encouragement. This afternoon I was feeling sleepy, wanting to take a nap, but went for a walk instead. Got lots of good energy! So, I’m making progress!
January 27, 2018 at 6:56 pm
Beautiful!!!!!!!!!
January 27, 2018 at 8:08 pm
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
January 27, 2018 at 7:25 pm
What beautiful pictures, I would love to take my little dog for a walk there.
January 27, 2018 at 8:23 pm
Thank you! I hope you enjoy the walks in your neck of the woods. 🙂
January 27, 2018 at 11:58 pm
beautiful, JoAnna!
wishing you a sweet adventure
and experiencing the wonders
of life with each step up
and down that mountain 🙂
January 28, 2018 at 3:42 pm
Thank you, David!
January 28, 2018 at 11:47 am
Ahhhhh! Reading this fresh air post was a wonderful quick break for me 😁
January 28, 2018 at 3:44 pm
Yay! Happy to give you a breather. 🙂
January 28, 2018 at 4:31 pm
Loved your narration of the climb. Absolutely spot-on in gratitude and connection.
January 28, 2018 at 8:39 pm
Thanks, Joey. That’s what I love about Stream of Consciousness. Sometimes I put my foot in my mouth, but sometimes I get out of my own way.
January 30, 2018 at 11:15 am
Wonderful JoAnna. I love walking in the woods, and your pictures are stunning.. Being at ONE with Nature Heals us on so many levels. and today even though it was cold, the sun was out with clear skies, I had to go out and walk.. My hubby did not feel up to it, so I went alone.. And for my efforts I was rewarded with seeing a buzzard bird of pray, soaring in circles overhead..
Sending love and hugs your way JoAnna. 🙂
January 30, 2018 at 4:43 pm
I’m glad you got to see the bird of pray. Nature is definitely healing. I hope hubby feels up for a walk soon. Hugs and gratitude. 🙂
January 30, 2018 at 4:45 pm
Thanks JoAnna… His knees have been playing up.. Most the weather I think.. but he is fine apart from that, Thank You my friend
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January 31, 2018 at 12:00 pm
Thank you so much for sharing that hike with us! I could feel the energy of it, and smell the trees and woods. Very very nice!!!
January 31, 2018 at 5:02 pm
Oh, I’m so glad you felt that and picked up on the smells! 🙂
March 18, 2018 at 10:54 am
Beautiful, JoAnna!! I love your photographs…so peaceful, serene. Nature is so important for us to get out and get into! I grew up in the woods. That was my home…the place I felt safe…where I found my refuge.
Sending a knowing wink about wanting to run down the hill as fast as you could!! I still think I can do what I did as a child…and then my body says, “Come on…for real???”
Blessings to you on this lovely Sunday ❤
March 18, 2018 at 2:37 pm
Thank you, Lorrie! We did this hike again in late February. I didn’t run down the hill, but it was still lovely. 🙂