Everything is Beautiful in its Time -- Swayback Hike 2/1/2014

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
Eccl 3:10-11 (NKJV)

Hike: Swayback Bridge Trail of Legends, Sat. 2/1/2014, 13:45-15:45CST
Distance: 5.5 miles  Rating: 4/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions:  Partly cloudy; calm; mid 60s.  Trails wet and muddy from recent winter storm but all areas passable.  Several vehicles at the trail head.  Encountered 4 other hikers, 6 trail runners, and several mountain bikers.

Thoughts/Observations:

An unusual afternoon hike for me.  I am a "morning person" and normally prefer to get on the trails as early as possible.  Zac had a K-Laser treatment this morning, so hiking had to wait until after lunch.

I was surprised at the number of other hikers (4) and trail runners (6) that I encountered -- most in a single day.  Perhaps these trails are getting more popular with hikers/runners too...

The ubiquitous passerines were flitting about the canopy and forest floor.  Bird song was a beautiful companion along the trail.  No deer or squirrels observed today. 

Seeing the forest highlighted with the western sun was a bit novel.  Winter-time in Dixie produces open forest vistas.  One can see into and through the forest to little coves and secret spots that are hidden other times of the year.  It is always a treat.

Thank YOU, LORD, for the beauty of YOUR Creation.