SheSue Experience

Babbling Brook in Oneonta Gorge

Picture mossy covered rocks, a babbling creek, birds chirping and the wind whispering through tree branches. The sky is blue overhead and the trail is soft under your feet. The only sounds are those of nature, the water, the birds and the wind. The only smells are those of the trees, perhaps a wildflower or sometimes a campfire. This is where I do my best thinking. Nothing is fake here, nothing manufactured, no bosses or deadlines, no dirty laundry or weeds to pull; just Mother Nature at her best.

My first post is about one of my favorite hobbies, hiking. And there’s nowhere quite like the Pacific Northwest for fabulous hiking trails. Oneonta Gorge is one of my favorites. Oneonta Gorge trail is in the Columbia River Gorge. Most of the guidebooks take you as far as Triple Falls, but my favorite part of the trail is further up. You’ll know when you reach the mossy covered rocks alongside the babbling brook away from the crowds. For trails in the Columbia River Gorge, check out Johann and Sandra’s website: http://www.johann-sandra.com/gorge.htm

Trail in Oneonta Gorge

A great book on hiking in the Columbia River Gorge is “Day Hike: Columbia Gorge“. It offer maps and trail guides for a wide variety of hiking trails in the gorge. I use it often.

Hiking not only helps me clear my mind, but it’s therapeutic on different levels. In yoga or meditation, you are supposed to clear your mind. Come sit under a tree in this gorge and all bad thoughts will go away. Walking is good for your health, giving you exercise and fresh, clean air. Walking is also good for your mental health. If I’m upset or angry, all I need to do is walk. For every step you take, you are lifting yourself up again. Try it, it works.

Triple Falls

My lovely daughter is on the right