Tall Tales from Kansas

If you are a person who enjoys the heck out of walking in the out-of-doors, it is likely you have a favorite place to get away to on a regular basis. Somewhere far enough away from home to require an overnight stay, but not so far that it requires a plane ride. For me, that spot is in the Ozarks, and it just happens to be beautiful in the fall when we go down to tidy things up at the cemetery.

We generally stay in a cabin at Big Cedar Lodge where you can walk right out the door and ramble to your heart’s content. They used to have unpaved trails in the woods that we LOVED. Alas, those are no longer maintained and would require a machete to attempt to navigate now. But I am easily pleased with the paved trails. There are lots of ups and downs, through lots of beautiful trees, and views of the water. It is the reason we stay there. Well, that and the putt-putt course.

This was not the most colorful year ever.

It was overcast, cloudy, and drizzled a bit each day. But temps were in the low 50’s, and it was perfect for throwing on a snuggly sweatshirt. Let’s face it, I am tired of shorts and tee shirts and humidity and mosquitos.

I found beautiful leaves and berries to exclaim over.

There was woodsmoke in the air from the fireplaces in the cabins.

In other words, I got in all the walks I wanted and enjoyed each one to the fullest.

I was listening to an Eckhart Tolle talk this morning in which he advised “do not argue with the is-ness of the moment, let go of thinking, and welcome what is“.

That is some mighty fine advice to live by.