I was in Madison to say my last goodbye to someone I have been friends with since I was 14. I pretty much find places to hike or walk wherever I am and hiking brings peace to my mind. I'm from Madison originally. It is a beautiful town. For years I have just walked the river road. This morning I hiked the railroad cut that goes from downtown up to the upper part of Madison. It was pretty, quiet and required mindfulness as you have to pay attention to your step.....lots of loose gravel, uneven and missing rails.
When you hike along the old rail road there are these very steep old steps branching off to the west. I had never followed them before....hadn't even noticed them (I'm lost in thought a lot I guess). They were great exercise.....I climbed them all but had to turn around without completing the trail. I believe they end up at the Madison State Hospital. I have yet to hike the Heritage Trail in Madison, so little time! I will have to do that next visit.
"Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. " ~John Muir
