Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Walking, Running, Riding, and Restoring

I always try to find the good in things.  So, in the midst of all the stress with the things going on in my life lately, I've found increased motivation to get out to walk, run, and ride my bike.  Lots of good ways to restore my sanity, relieve some stress, and get healthy as a result.  A win, win, win!  

I always carry my cell phone with me.  And, being the picture taking fool that I am, a lot of pictures get taken along the way.  Here are a few from the past few weeks.  They're all from Instagram....that's why they have black frames on them.

My walking partner, Salsa...




We love going to the Santa Plateau in our local hills.  It's a beautiful place!  And, it's a great place to ride a mountain bike...



It's also a great place to go for a walk or hike.  Gorgeous!
I think I could sit on one of these benches all day!


There are seasonal pools of water there.  They call them "vernal pools".  They're currently looking quite beautiful!  I love the walkway that goes over them.  Sometimes they're filled with fairy shrimp, tadpoles, tiny frogs, and little snakes.  I love it when the pools are there!





My husband and I were mountain biking there last week and came around the corner and saw a pig!  It was out for a hike with it's family.  It seemed very happy.  It would stop to nibble some grass and then look up to see they were ahead and start running to catch up while it grunted softly.  Funny and cute!  I have to say....I've never seen that before!


It was about 70 degrees and sunny that day.  Beautiful!

I love all the big, old, oak trees up there!


I was up early yesterday morning.  I opened the blinds in our living room and the sun was streaming in.  Penelope was soaking it up and looked like she was meditating.  Good job, Penelope!  A good reminder of something I need to do more of....stop, close my eyes, take some deep breaths, and meditate!


10 comments:

cristina said...

They ar egreat, Salsa and Penelope! Love them!

Sandi said...

Salsa is adorable! I want to give him a big snuggle-hug!!!

Cindie said...

Great pictures - so glad you're feeling a bit better with all the support you've been getting - and getting out walking and biking is great for emotional health.

Delighted Hands said...

So much beauty! A wonderful post, thank you.

Susan said...

What a beautiful place in which to live! Vernal pools, vistas, a darling dog and cat, and people who walk their pig! Heaven!!!

gilly said...

Beautiful pics, and what lovely countryside you live amongst - glad to see you're getting out and restoring your soul. Hugs xx

Quinn said...

Nice pictures! Lovely to see so much green - we've got fresh snow and gloom today, and it will be a while before our vernal pools appear.

Amy at love made my home said...

What a lovely place to go exploring! Salsa looks to have had a good time! I have never seen a pig out for a walk, but it looks happy to be out doesn't it! xx

Mereknits said...

Since I just got your last email I see you got some calm before the storm. Sending you a hug,
Meredith

judith said...

Good on you! Looks like just what you were needing.