Fletcher Trail Part Two

As we trekked up Fletcher Trail on Mt. Charleston, I was beginning to know how steep the incline really was. My breathing started to become quicker and shorter. In some parts I felt as if I was gasping a bit to get oxygen to my lungs. There was the terrifying thought of the smoke in the air and if it was a problem for the baby or myself. Then, I remembered, this was my first uphill hike in nearly two years and I had a bit more weight to carry than previous hikes. Not only have I gained weight due to pregnancy and delivery…I also had an entirely different being attached to my back. My husband and I are very tall and above the average height for a man or woman so it makes sense that our child is also tall for her age. I am lucky that she already would love to walk the trails with me. This being said…we do stop a lot to pick up rocks and find fascinating wonders of nature. Hiking these days is truly different and I love every minute of it. 

The constant reminder to stop and enjoy the moment is wonderful. We never had a problem doing this before, yet now it is even more necessary. The things found by a child are items I would forget to take a second look at normally. I love the decay and decomposition of nature and recently have had the experience to look upon it with a completely new lens. Also on these new hiking excursions I have found sketching to be completely changed. Now, I am content with just a line. A hint of the subject if you will. Then a photograph for background reference just for these blogs, and a little painting upon returning home. This new way of looking at the world is becoming my favorite genre of my life. This is my best chapter yet in the book of life being created. In Friday’s blog, I will write about the rock fascination and the smells of the trail. Stay tuned and have a wonderful Wednesday!

Thank you for reading, 

-Karen Hilliard

I created two small 4” x 4” paintings on this hike. More will be written about them in the future blogs as well. If you would like to view or purchase one of these paintings, just click them and you will be directed straight to them on my website.