A Walk on the Wild Side

Take a hike in the park or through the woodlands to discover nature’s beauty hiding in plain sight.

May 10, 2024

For nearly 40 years, I lived out in the boondocks, our closest neighbor over a mile away. My husband and I loved the deer, wild turkeys, foxes, bats, birds, herons, turtles, and other wildlife that roamed or flew around the countryside.

Unfortunately, I only learned to appreciate nature’s other gifts after my husband passed away, and I began investigating the neighboring farm fields and roadsides. I was amazed at all the natural wonders hiding in plain sight!

I noticed smaller creatures, insects, and floral beauty I’d never seen before. Those walks awoke something within me—a joy, passion, and genuine appreciation for Mother Nature.

Even after four years of hiking along the same paths, the sense of adventure didn’t go away. My walks never became boring. Sighting an unusual wildflower or hearing the higher pitch of a bumble bee as she buzz-pollinated a Carolina horsenettle kept my fascination with the countryside alive.

Now, I live in a more developed area with houses surrounding me on three sides. I thought my days as an explorer were over. However, I obtained permission to explore an undeveloped area near my home. Sections of the woodland have been cleared, but the trails and meadows allow me to travel farther inland and survey more territory.

What a thrill. For an hour or two, I can escape my daily routine and walk on the wild side again.

What at first appears to be a chaotic mix of grass, vines, brambles, and flowers really is a beautiful, diverse collection of living, thriving plants and insects doing their thing. It’s a pleasure to mingle with them.

Yesterday, I took some photos I’d like to share with you. Hope you enjoy.