Monday 11 June 2007

Head for the Hills

I could feel the tension in me building all week. You see even though I've been living in suburbia for about half of my life now, I grew up in the country and still see myself as a country girl. Which is why I was feeling out of sorts. I feel at peace surrounded by trees, fields and lots of space. I am more myself in such an environment and have found it challenging to live in a city environment. Anyways, I needed to get out of the neighbourhood and into Nature. My spirit needed some soothing and the best place for that to happen is out in the "wilds". It was time to "head for the hills". I knew that after some time away from the city scene I would be re-energized and more peaceful mentally. Early Sunday morning my husband and I went out to enjoy some time hiking in the hills above Kelowna. I took the camera along so I could share the experience with you.


Here's a shot of early in our ascent. The area that looks like a grassy meadow was a full growth forest a mere four years ago - before the huge forest fire that claimed much of the forest above as you can see just some of the remains of charred timber still standing in the background.
Here is one shot looking back at the city of Kelowna and the beautiful lake from our climb into the hills.
This is overlooking Bellevue canyon, which was our destination for the day. It took us an hour and a half of climbing to reach this beautiful, peaceful scene. While sitting overlooking this we saw a hawk using up drafts from the canyon in order to circle overhead searching for its meal.
Proof that thankfully, not all the forest was consumed by the OK. Mtn. Park fire of 2003.
D. took this shot of me standing at the Crawford Lookout, with the gorgeous canyon behind me. Our hike gave me exactly what I needed. It never fails to amaze me how much better I feel when I make sure I get out regularly to wander the hills. Somehow just being in Nature soothes my soul and my world is alright again.

Makes me think of the words in the theme song of the Sound of Music...

The hills are alive with the sound of music,

With songs they have sung for a thousand years.

The hills fill my heart with the sound of music.

My heart wants to sing every song it hears.

My heart wants to beat like the wings of the birds that rise from the lake to the trees.

My heart wants to sigh like a chime that flies from a church on a breeze,

To laugh like a brook when it trips and falls overstones on its way,

To sing through the night like a lark who is learning to pray.

I go to the hills when my heart is lonely.

I know I will hear what I've heard before.

My heart will be blessed with the sound of music.

And I'll sing once more.

5 comments:

Heather said...

Loud and clear, Katherine...I hear you loud and clear. Beautiful pics, I think that we will be doing the same thing next weekend - we have had company for the last two. Glad you got some time to recharge.

Mary-Sue said...

Oh! How I love this post! Thanks for the reminders... I didn't know that refrais "I go to the hills when my heart is aching..." but it will sing in my heart now, for sure. I grew up in the hills and I didn't realize until I read your wonderful words and saw the photos that I need HILLS. not just woods, but HILLS. i need the peaks, the valleys, the climb, the views, the air up there... Aaah, yes. thanks so much, K!

Katherine said...

Heather - hope you do find your way up and away to enjoy some time in Nature. It's the perfect balm to our busy lives.

Mary-Sue - Well, whoops! You caught my slip up in remembering the lyrics! My bad. To make amends I actually found the correct ones online and added them to my post. The words capture my thoughts perfectly. I hope you'll make your way to those hills for all their goodness. Enjoy!

Fantastic Five said...

The kids and I just rode down to my Mom's place this afternoon and the view of the lake and mountains was truly spectactular. I think that when you allow that beauty to sink in; somehow, your body releases friendly chemicals that give you a sense of well-being. I don't know but I like to think that it is healing to the soul. Thanks for sharing the beauty with us.

Anonymous said...

Strange, I must confess that I guessed this was a Heather post. At first I thought that it was either a Heather or Samantha post but remembered Samantha didn't grow up in the country. Nice pics, I especially like the one of you.