by kimqi | Jan 10, 2023 | Nature, Winter Hiking, YinYang, Seasons
The soft wail of a train, the familiar rumble, the rhythm as metal met metal, this sorrowful, distant music pulled me from sleep. It was still dark, but I remembered the sunny creek from yesterday. Swiftly moving icy water spilled loudly over the rocky bottom. It sang...
by kimqi | Jan 2, 2023 | Hiking, Nature, New Year
I went to Nature seeking answers; she is always generous. I was looking for my 2023 word, the word by which I’d measure all things, a sort of rudder, my version of a New Year’s Resolution. I thought the verb “muse” might be perfect. I liked the pondering meaning of...
by kimqi | Dec 18, 2022 | Hiking, Nature, Qi, Winter, Winter Hiking
Tiny birds scattered in the frigid air as I ducked under a partially fallen tree crossing the trail. I searched above for the bird making a racket, probably warning the little birds of the invasion that was me. The world looked gray. A tall, sturdy tree stood dark...
by kimqi | Nov 13, 2022 | Fall Hiking, Hiking, Michigan, North Country Trail, YinYang, Seasons
The Michigan State Trooper rolled down his window and gave me a questioning look with a tentative thumbs up. I was on the side of the road with my hazards on, looking at a map. I channeled my grandma Leta who once gave her doctor a check, requesting he deliver it to...
by kimqi | Nov 5, 2022 | Hiking, Michigan, YinYang, Seasons
The feeder trail was long, hot and dusty. It was early July and the smell of pine was sharp from the heat. My thirteen-year-old nephew and I walked under the power lines. Power companies clearcut land but generously allow trails on their property. The cost of these...
