"To know the sublime by experience."
The sun shines magnificently on the western face of the hills. High on the eastern ridges, the surrounding grasses and brush radiate gold. Inland, it's dry and warm but soon, the fog would settle in from the coast and encroach the nearby valleys, suffocating the slopes with it's gentle and mystified thrum and disseminate an abundance of moisture. I anticipate the accompaniment of a cool and brisk breeze. For that, I am pleased.
...
The sage and coyote brush that blanket the hills appear damp. The stalks of the wild mustard swing back and forth across the trail. I blaze through and my legs brush up against the wet stalks, leaving a trail of moisture on my skin. I see many rabbits poking in and out of the brush and the quails scatter around in a frantic rush in the foreground. The first of many climbs has me already breathing deeply but I don't mind. The flora has come to life and the sweetened aroma of the sages and lavender that surround me seem to percolate through my pores.
...
Foot traffic is relatively non-existent during my evening traverse in the headlands. Miles and miles with nothing but the melody of the wind. With the fog settled in, the greens of the chaparral and brush appear wildly vivid. My gaze jumps around in a whirl with every bend in the trail, as each pocket, valley and ridge appear unalike. The patterned hues and topography only encourage my curiosity. I discover that with my attention focused on the external, I lose consciousness and minutes pass until I finally come to. Awakened in moments of peace and solitude.
The subliminal beauty of life on the trail.
Location: Marin Headlands, Rodeo Valley, Tennessee Valley
Trails: Old Springs, Wolf Ridge, Miwok, Coastal, SCA, Bobcat