OLALLIE STATE PARK, NORTH BEND, WA:
Today, I ventured to North Bend, WA, the crisp air invigorating my spirit as I parked my car at the trailhead just before sunrise. The deep blue sky promised a beautiful clear day and I felt a familiar thrill coursing through me. Today’s hike would be a gentle journey, a recovery from my recent adventures, but I knew that even the lightest trail could reveal breathtaking beauty. Lacing up my boots, gratitude swelled within me, a quiet companion from my introspective drive. As I stepped onto the path, I embraced the winding trail ahead, where nature awaited with its lessons. Each twist and turn would serve as a metaphor for life’s challenges, inviting me to reflect on the deeper truths that emerged amidst the beauty and struggle of the landscape around me.
With every step, I felt the weight of the upcoming holiday season pressing on my heart. This morning, my thoughts turned to my best friend, Kelly, whose presence lingered in my mind like the warmth of the sun reflecting on nearby mountain peaks. As I journeyed along the trail, I realized how much I missed our shared laughter and the simple joy of being together. This time of year usually fills me with wonder and excitement, but it feels different now—more complex. I found solace in the memories we created, each one a reminder that true gifts lie not in material things but in the experiences we share. Today, I pondered how to honor Kelly’s legacy and nurture the dreams she held for our children, reflecting on how moments of connection can illuminate even the darkest days.
As I approached the majestic Lower Falls, the cascading water mirrored my contemplative thoughts, urging me to consider how I could strengthen my children’s bonds amidst life’s inevitable ups and downs. The trail I walked was a reminder of my own childhood, where I often chased after fleeting material joys, while the real treasures lay in unforgettable memories. Inspired by the power of experiences over things, I decided this holiday season would be about giving time and connection, with less emphasis on physical gifts. I envisioned my children creating one-on-one experiences for each other—shared hikes, coffee dates, or cooking sessions—each accompanied by heartfelt notes of gratitude. This journey, both on the trail and in my heart, felt like a powerful way to honor Kelly’s memory and create a legacy of love that would guide us all forward, just as the trail unfolded ahead of me.
The Journey…
This morning, I found myself at the Twin Falls Trail in Ollie State Park, the air crisp and cool, ranging from 31 to 42 degrees. As I parked my car at 7:15am, 20 minutes before sunrise, the sky was blanketed by a deep blue hue, promising a beautiful clear day ahead, yet to unveil its hidden wonders. Lacing up my boots, I felt a familiar thrill run through me. Today’s hike would be a gentle one, a recovery from my previous adventure in The Enchantments. Yet, I reminded myself that even the lightest of trails could offer breathtaking beauty. With a sense of gratitude swelling inside me from an introspective drive, I stepped onto the path, ready to embrace the journey ahead, where nature awaited me.
As I ventured along the trail, the sound of the river’s roar filled the air, a symphony of nature harmonizing with my thoughts. The path was well groomed with dirt, roots, and rocks, demanding careful attention to my footing, especially in the slick spots where autumn’s remnants had left a muddy canvas. Here and there, vibrant splashes of fall colors clung to the trees, defiantly resisting the encroaching chill of winter. Each step was a dance of balance and contemplation, surrounded by the iconic elements of the Pacific Northwest—towering trees draped in emerald moss, patches of mushrooms peeking through the damp earth, and the ever-present rush of the river, a reminder of the power of nature’s flow.
As I approached the Lower Falls, the anticipation built within me. The sight was worth every careful step—the water cascaded down, splashing against the rocks with relentless energy, a stunning contrast amidst the forest and clear sky. I navigated boulders and fallen trees, pausing near the lower falls, absorbing the scene; the mist hung in the air, cooling my cheeks as I breathed deeply. The Upper Falls beckoned above, in the distance, a promise of more beauty to come. Each moment spent on this trail felt like a meditation, a reminder of nature’s resilience and serenity, guiding me deeper into reflection as I absorbed the tranquility and power of the landscape around me.
Gratitude…
This morning, my gratitude focused on my best friend. She’s been on my mind a lot lately, especially as I navigate through this funk that seems to have settled in with the onset of the holiday season. I’ve always adored this time of year, but this year feels different, more complex. As I drove through the stillness of the early morning with darkness enveloping my car, I found myself retreating into my thoughts. It’s my way of processing the swirl of emotions that accompany these memories. I’ve been hesitant to burden others with my struggles, choosing instead to embrace solitude. It’s during these quiet moments that I truly feel her presence, like a gentle reminder that I’m not alone in my journey.
As I reminisce, I realize that it’s not the tangible gifts or the decorations I miss; it’s the shared experiences—the laughter, the adventures, the simple joy of being together in this very car. Each memory feels like a boost for my spirit. Today, my gratitude is rooted in the realization that Kelly’s legacy is woven into the fabric of our shared moments. It’s a powerful reminder of the dreams she held for our children, and as I drive, I’m inspired to nurture that wish she had for them. This quiet drive, this reflection, has rekindled my mission to carry forward her love and hopes, illuminating the path ahead in the dim light of the morning.
Reflections…
As I set out on my hike, the cool air wrapped around me, looking to break the barrier of my heated vest, reminding me of the warmth Kelly brought into our lives. The path ahead was familiar yet ever-changing, much like the journey our family has taken since her passing. With each step, I found my mind drifting to one of her greatest wishes: that our children build lifelong relationships, supporting each other through life’s inevitable ups and downs. It’s been a year filled with challenges, especially as we navigate the second holiday season without her. I can’t help but ponder how I can cultivate an environment where their connections can flourish despite the busyness of their lives, just as we navigated our own hectic schedules while raising them.
Reflecting on my own childhood, I remember how easily I got caught up in the material aspects of life—new toys, gadgets, and the latest trends. Yet, as I navigated the today’s trail, I realized that those physical items faded into the background, while the memories—those magical moments spent with family and friends—remain vivid. Kelly understood this well; she always valued experiences over material items. However, don’t mistake that for her letting me off the hook during MY busy gifting season, the short period of time I called the “quadfecta” (Anniversary, Christmas, Birthday, Valentine’s Day)—it was always a hectic winter! We often discussed how shared moments forge bonds that last much longer than any material gifts. It’s the laughter in our home, the victories at little league games, the side trips during soccer tournaments, and the quiet drives we took together that truly shape the fabric of our family’s story.
With this “trail-thought” guiding me, I decided to embrace the spirit of giving this holiday season in a way that aligns with her wishes. Instead of encouraging our children to buy physical gifts for one another, I’m asking them to consider gifting “experiences.” The idea is simple yet profound: each of them will gift one-on-one time together, creating memories that they can cherish forever. While driving to the trailhead, I imagined the possibilities—coffee dates, hikes, or even a simple cooking session at home. These shared experiences will not only deepen their connections but also instill a sense of gratitude for the time spent together.
As I continued my hike, I felt a surge of excitement thinking about how our children will respond to this idea. I plan to encourage them to accompany their experiential gifts with a heartfelt note, expressing what they appreciate most about each other. This practice will not only enhance their bonds but also foster a culture of gratitude within our family. These moments of connection will help each of them develop a deeper understanding of one another, reinforcing the values we hold dear. Just as the trail before me twisted and turned, I realized that the path to nurturing their relationships would require intention and creativity.
In the end, I believe this approach will honor Kelly’s memory in the most meaningful way. By prioritizing shared experiences, we are creating a legacy of love and support that reflects her hopes for our family. These interactions will not only strengthen their individual relationships but also cultivate a sense of unity within our family. As I reached the end of my hike, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I’m excited to witness how our children embrace this opportunity to connect with one another over the next year, creating bonds that will serve as their pillars of strength, just as Kelly envisioned. The path continues…
-Ken
- Olallie State Park, North Bend, WA
- 47° 27′ 10.152″ -121° 42′ 19.44″
- ~4 miles | ~950 ft elevation gain | ~2 hours
- Sunrise: 7:33 a.m. 31-42 degrees, clear
Musings 