Respite in the wilderness…

On August 19, 2023August 19, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Photos89 Comments

Dear Friends,

I hope you all had a great week! Hubby and I had a wonderful time at our favorite lake. It felt good to unplug, to just be together, to read, and enjoy good wine and coffee along with the stunning views and tranquility. We also did some light hiking and walking around, but with each step, I was mindful of where my right foot landed. And gratefully, I had zero pain.

For those of you who tent camp, you know what the adventure entails. The experience is relaxing once the ‘wilderness home’ is set up, but until then, it takes a lot of effort. We were lucky to reserve our favorite site that offered a short walk down to the lake. And though the weather report didn’t indicate rain, several thunderstorms entertained when light rain turned into downpours! But we stayed dry under the easy-up and our backpacking tent kept the deluge of rain from seeping into our sleeping bags and clothes. In the mornings, when the days looked like they’d be glorious, I stole a few moments, sitting by the shore, jotting down thoughts in my journal. But I don’t have anything completed, so I’m sharing photos for now:

“The mountains are calling and I must go.”
~ John Muir

stunning lake

coffee time

fire and sky

awesome Jetboil and sample of delicious backpacking food – we kept things simple so we could enjoy more and work less

ambience

there is no such thing as too many sunset photos

stealing a hug (and kiss) while witnessing another gorgeous sunset

lake view from campsite

beautiful blues and greens on the north side of the lake

organic landscape along the trail
too cute
lots of bumblebees around – these are a little blurry

kayaker sunset
beautiful sky

light rain before the storm

I hope you enjoyed these photos; they’re only a fraction of what I took. 🙂

If you enjoy ruminating over life’s rewards and mysteries, my latest book, Ever So Gently, a collection of poems, is available for purchase by clicking on the image below:

Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to reading your posts again.
~Lauren ❤️

Sierra Serenity

On August 14, 2022 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Photos, Writing40 Comments

My husband, Matt, and I experienced one of the best times at our favorite campground in the Sierra Nevada mountains. We hiked on local trails, around the lake, swam, and simply relaxed in camp. Our campsite was lakeside and the water level was high, so the walk down the path to the sandy shore took about fifteen seconds. We’ve had similar sites before in the past, but this one was special because we could see that stunning body of water from every angle. We took in the serenity, putting a halt to the go, go, go mindset. It was nice to watch small sailboats, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards cruise the lake. Inspiration to write in my faithful journal that always accompanies me on our wilderness trips happened immediately. Our first sunset was the most spectacular sunset we have ever watched unfold, and I will post about it soon. I’m sharing a handful of the many, many photos below that we took:

For all you Ornithologists, we saw an abundance of birds such as an American Bald Eagle (incredible), a Scrub jay, California Quail, Finches, Diving Ducks, and Canadian Geese. Other creatures piqued our interest: a tiny lake frog and a bullfrog the size of a softball, lizards, squirrels, and chipmunks. Although my husband had hoped to see a black bear!

And below is a poem that formed on…

The First Morning

Our eyes open to chirps of our feathered campers
from high above in the fir trees, and occasionally,
we hear the rustle of a skittering squirrel.
The night before, every creature became silent
as darkness sank into the evening.
But in morning, when darkness has faded
and sunlight shines over the lake,
we walk the few steps down the trail
to the still water, nestle into our camp chairs
side by side, and slowly sip our caffeine indulgence.
We listen. Peace in the uttermost sense of the word.
Beautiful clouds drift by, prompting us to stroll upon them,
feel their softness, but then they move with the grace of a swan.
Ripples in the sand. Artwork in crystal-clear water.
And this is when we watch morning happen…

From Fabulous to Flames

On August 23, 2020 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Photos33 Comments

We’re home now after another wonderful lake adventure and so grateful to have had blue skies before they turned hazy. Our hearts are heavy; praying for all those affected by over 600 wildfires burning up and down the state of CA, and for the firemen and first responders. Yesterday, the air was very smoky, the worst yet, and the advisory continues through Wednesday. The surroundings are a bit eerie. As more dry lightning is possible for today, our bags are packed because at the top of our street is dry open space. So, we’d rather be prepared in the event that hill ignites. It’s frightening, and I can’t imagine what others have endured who have had to evacuate, who have lost their homes or loved ones. And then think of the animals affected. It’s heartbreaking. We’re keeping all who are in the path of fires in our hearts. In the meantime, we swam in the refreshing lake, relaxed in our site, and did some hiking. It was great to get away, but also good to be home safely. Hope you enjoy these photos (only a few of the many we took; I can’t help but take too many)…

Stay safe wherever you are!
Lauren 💗💗💗

Tangerine Smiles

On August 6, 2015August 6, 2015 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry36 Comments

Those were the days
of jumping off
diving boards,
playing Marco Polo,
swimming like mermaids
to heart’s content,
working up appetites
for sweet fruit
ready for picking,
playing board games
with sticky fingers,
laughing at clumsy
motor skills,
yet reveling in the
simplicity of it all
and life was the best

Summertime

On July 15, 2015July 19, 2015 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry15 Comments

Soft serve on a cone
Hot dogs at the fair
Popcorn at the movies
Adventures if we dare
Bikes on the streets
Longer days to play
Sunscreen on our noses
for a hike on any day
Surfers on a wave
Towels on the sand
Parties in the pools
Dancing to the band
Moonlit strolls for lovers
Cool drinks with lime
Oh, how we love you
Sweet, sweet Summertime