October 20, 2021 – Wednesday
Yesterday we joined our Wild and Free group at Indian Caves State Park. I have good intentions of exploring new hikes in the area, but if I am honest… they are easy to put aside for more seemingly important things. I feel so blessed to have found a group of kindred spirits who help hold me accountable to my goal of being out in nature. There were tears getting out the door. Piano and math became a difficult mountain to climb for my daughter that morning. We had to lay it down and just get ready for the real hike of the day. She can sometimes make a mountain out of a mole hill. I can’t imagine who she learned that from (ugh).
We started the 1 ½ hour drive listening to The Railway Children by E. Nesbit for our Wild and Free book club. After about thirty minutes, the children started chanting in unison from the backseat “Penderwicks! Penderwicks!” The Railway Children - Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis, are up against fierce competitors – Rosalind, Skye, Jane, Batty, Ben and Lydia Penderwick. It is a match I am sure E. Nesbit would have been familiar with when she published her book in 1906. She was on the heels of Ben, Polly, Joel, Davie and Phronsie (the Five Little Peppers), and only one year prior to L.M. Montgomery’s beloved Anne Shirley of Green Gables. None the less, she persevered and became a classic. Some books, like the Railway Children, are apples and others, like the Penderwicks, are chocolate cake. Our children benefit from both.
We arrived at Indian Caves, having to momentarily leave behind the adventures of Arundel. I wondered how far I had driven – perhaps I too had gotten lost in the book and traveled further than anticipated. The corn fields had disappeared. As we entered into the 3000 acre state park, the hills were covered with autumn’s paintbrush, and were breathtaking! The spectacular winding narrow road that led to the trail head was over canopied by trees and sprinkled with fall’s confetti of leaves. Much to my dismay, this narrow road was cluttered with Halloween decorations. It was distracting from the beautiful fall foliage. I adore the golden glow of October! Oh how I wish the world didn’t attempt to litter it with darkness.
With over twenty children in tow, we headed out on the trail. Trail three was a strenuous climb – and that says a lot coming from this Colorado girl. Nebraska, I was more than impressed! The children did amazing. We ended the day at the historic site of St. Deroin, where they played outside the old school house for over an hour, spinning around and around on the merry-go-round. The mothers chatted over the ringing of the school bell and laughter of our children. It is the simple things in life they truly long for. Children are happy with little. Fresh air, nature and friends go a long way. We try to give them the world, when all they really need is time outside to enjoy it.
It was late in the day by the time we headed back home. With evidence of the days warm sun still on cheeks, dirt on knees, and pockets full of treasures, we loaded back into the car. I was envious of the wise families who stayed to camp. Maybe next year. After enjoying a nourishing snack of “apples”, we finished our drive with… you guessed it “chocolate cake!” My wonderful husband met us at home with pizza takeout. I was thankful. The morning hadn’t lent itself to preparing ahead for dinner. When life’s mountains, like piano, math and even dinner prep feel overwhelming – it is always best to get out into nature for some perspective. Nature has a way of grounding us.