Sunday morning forest church on the mountain.
Firs, aspen, spruce reach for heaven.
Bird choir trills, hums, whoops.
Hush falls on tree islands between bright open slopes.
Harrier glides, watching over all.
Fossils keep those who have gone before with us.
Gnarled oaks push in, embrace.
Mushrooms sprout from their hosts, reminding us that all things are connected.
Squirrels perch on logs, listen to the reading.
Spruce drips sap, evergreen, tangerine.
A group on horseback makes a joyful noise.
All live, all give, all praise.
Hike length: 5 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Trail traffic: very light early, moderate in late morning
Wildlife spotted/heard: squirrels, Abert’s squirrel, harrier, nuthatches, downy woodpecker, mountain chickadee, brown creeper, grasshoppers, dragonflies, hummingbirds
Woman Seeks Elevation 