When we were kids and took even a short trip with Mom and Dad, I always seem to recall our parents giving thanks that we came back safe and sound. And likewise we gave thanks on our safe return especially considering winter had really arrived in parts of the rockies, a few cars were in the ditch and the golden colours of autumn were taken over by the white dusting of winter. Which brings to mind the real meaning of gratitude. It has been said that when life dishes out a few lemons, simply make lemonade....well its not always that simple and yet we need to give thanks even for those not so pleasant times in our lives, after all, its much like the rough edge of lumber before we sand and finish it to make it smooth.  When we hiked through lands that were occupied by the Grizzly bear and badger and other wild creatures I could not help but be so very impressed what a beautiful home they had, all these miles and miles of trees and creeks and rivers and the quiet we forget existed when back in the city. Indeed, the beautiful quiet, the sense that there is truly a reason, a purpose to this life of ours besides making a living, paying our bills, looking to see how much is left over for some frivilous item we probably don't need. But in the backwoods we need to be observant, watch for change of weather, be prepared and always know our direction and be able to get back to where we started, safely.  We have within our very being -this sensitivity to nature- if we look for it, we can find it and appreciate that gift of knowledge and understanding and respect. Yes, respect for the wilderness. Respect for the creatures who make this wild place home. And just as they say all good things must come to an end, it was time to leave the trail and head for what we know as civilization, in spite of the fact that sometimes these woods seem to be far more civilized and serene than our neighborhoods in most cities, free from the smog and crime and grit, freedom where creatures great and small co-exist just as nature allows them....

Perhaps there is a great lesson in all of this...if we look for it....and I know we shall return, for it is the time spent close to nature where we truly give our soul some rest....