Upper Trail After the Rain

Slick Trails, Bold Rides, the Best of the Upper, Upper Trail:

After spending too much time in front of the computer, I was determined to get some exercise.  I cannot go on a hike without having the camera and I was happy to have it on this day.  The conditions were what I consider ideal.  A storm was likely breaking apart.  The wind against my skin felt crisp but good.  Being the afternoon, the sun was lower on the horizon and beginning to cast shadows.  Because of the earlier weather and it being a weekday, there were very few people in this section of the park.

Anyone who has hiked in upper park knows how rocky our trails are.  Certainly, a negative when crashing on a mountain bike, but a huge opportunity for photography after a rain.  The brightness of the water on rocks makes the trail appear almost as a river.  Vibrant green grass is even more accentuated in this backlight situation.  The uniqueness of a clearing storm offers endless possibility in clouds.  The sky, most certainly, did not disappoint this afternoon.

Perhaps the most special part of capturing this image was experiencing this hike.  In our busy lives it is too easy to constantly think of what we must do next at the expense of enjoying the moment we are in.  I am trying to “Be Present” more so I can appreciate afternoons like this for what they are … a gift!