Today marks my return to the Highland Cemetery Trails. Last week, my solo hike took me around the main 1 mile loop of the Black Squirrel and Possum Path Trails. Today, I return with one of my older brothers to check out the other sections of the trail and to snap some photos. We started at the main entrance and followed the Black Squirrel Trail; to the Screech Owl Trail; to the Fossil Trail; and ultimately to the Fungi Trail.
What a wonderful day to recharge on the trail. The hiking conditions were great, with only a few muddy sections. The dismal morning made way for sunshine and a cool breeze. The recent rain brought a steady flow of water to the streams and waterfalls along the trails. We were able to take our fair share of photographs along the trail. And it would not have been a hike if I had not slipped on a rock, twisted my knee, and fallen into the stream!
“In every walk with Nature, one receives far more than one seeks.” - John Muir
As I entered the woods to commune with nature and recharge my soul, I discovered something that I had forgotten: brotherhood. My brother and I went on this hike to enjoy nature and take photos, but deep down, I think we both were searching for each other. Life starts moving quickly and you start to lose track of those things that are important and dear to you. It is definitely time to start spending time with my brothers more often, and today was a great place to start. There is nothing like spending the day with one of the guys you measured yourself up against through the years. It was great hiking, snapping photos, and catching up. The last time we hiked together was easily over 20 years ago. The days of a 20-something year old guy with his teenage brother have now made way for a couple of married middle-aged guys with families and careers. Text messages and phone calls are easy, but spending a day together face to face, doing something you both enjoy, means so much more.
At the outermost portion of the Fungi Trail, it loops back following the stream. As we looked down into the rock covered stream bed, we noticed a large square stone in the center of the stream bed. My brother joked that it was a sarcophogas from the cemetery. I went down into the stream bed to take a closer look and realized that it was in fact a cemetery marker!
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| Highland Cemetery Trail - Washed Away Grave Marker |
We followed the stream down from the marker and located the two waterfalls. Once again, I am just amazed that these hidden gems are unbeknownst by so many that drive by at the speed of life. There is something about the sound of a waterfall, regardless of its size, that sooths the soul. The sound washes away worries and troubles and cleanses anew. With a renewed brotherly bond, we followed the trail back out to our starting point at the main trail head and discussed our plans for our next hike!
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| Highland Cemetery Trail - Waterfall |
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| Highland Cemetery Trail - Waterfall |
