I notice a change in the trail and in the way I feel the further I recede into the forest.  I'm floating along the trail studying bark, leaves, moss and especially the new sounds.

My mind feels as rinsed clean by the sound of water as if I had taken a cleansing bath.

I had been so intently listening to running water that now in the quiet of the woods my mind has been emptied.

I sit and meditate.  I am quiet and so are the woods.  We transcend together.

When I again open my eyes I inspect life around me with new eyes and with a closer understanding of how much I am like it.

The trail begins to ascend steeply until you reach a junction with a spur going off to a lookout.  From here you have a wonderful view down Keene Valley with Giant Mountain being off to the right.  This is the northern lookout atop Indian Head, I turn about and walk to the southern lookout.

The trail is level, peaceful, there are wonderful views of the surrounding Adirondack high peaks.

After a short walk again through the forest I first see the lake through the trees then I burst out upon a glorious rock to see the Lower and Upper Au Sable Lakes.

Wind coming up the valley rises up the small mountain and with the rock top I stand into it.  I open my ears for the sound of it, I open my mouth for the taste of it.  Freshly made in this glorious land and now temporarily belonging to me.

Thank you for reading about my journey.