Swiftwater Forest Preserve in Paradise Township is a very quite, very beautiful short loop in and out of tall white pines and hemlock trees. It was still pretty cold out this weekend, but the sun was shining and the snow was frozen enough to need light traction to keep from slipping. We hiked the short loop around the preserve which is just about 2.5 miles, stopping for a moment by the chimney to watch the white pines sway in the wind. Many times when I’m hiking, I like to stop, feel my feet connect to the earth and observe the stillness of my surroundings. There’s a lot to be learned from what you find in the forest, and today these wise old trees had a lot to say. After a short meditation, we headed back around the loop and headed home feeling at peace having and such a beautiful day.

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