Reflections on the Lake

We're walking through the woods, me, you, and my Yorkshire Terrier, Mandi.  The trail winds to the left and to the right with towering aspens on either side.  Down the path a ways it becomes brighter.  When we finally reach that point, the trees give way to a majestic view.  Magnificent mountains and rolling hills, covered in wild blue grass and patches of vibrant wildflowers.  We hike just a little farther and around the bend is revealed a clear blue lake, so crystal like that the surrounding peaks are reflected perfectly.  If you peer straight down, you can see all the way to the bottom.  So clean and pure.  Nothing but smooth river rocks rest on the floor of the lake.  A school of fresh water trout speed by just under the surface, slightly disturbing the calm waters.  A dragonfly buzzes past our ears and glides to skim across the lake, joining a water bug.  A graceful doe, with her two fawn, appears on the far perimeter, from behind the rushes.  Papa buck can be seen beyond them, on guard to protect his young family.  Higher up the mountain, a grizzly bear romps through a row of pines trees, startling a humble squirrel on its limbs.  He quickly darts into hiding, hoarding his precious stash of acorns.  We take off our sneakers, eager to wade into the cool, inviting water which is lapping at the shore's edge.  Oh, it feels so peaceful.  It doesn't take long before we start in deeper and begin splashing each other. Soon we're near thoroughly soaked and enjoying ourselves immensely.  :)  But hunger calls our names and we must strike up a fire.  Hot dogs, baked beans, corn, and an apple pie is on the menu.  Smoke sifts through the air, up past a cardinal on a tree branch, and up higher still, where a woodpecker drills his beak into the bark.  Before the day light fades anymore, we reluctantly begin our trek back through the woods.  By the time we reach the vehicle, the sun has set below the horizon and a starry galaxy makes its appearance.  Oh, how we imagine the stars twinkling in a reflection on the lake.  What a beautiful sight that would be.  If only we hadn't had to leave that scenic retreat.  On our way back down the mountainous, winding road eventually merges onto a multi-lane express way.  Street lights dot the way and a car zooms past us.  Oh, to be back, splashing playfully in the lake, away from the fast-paced life of the city.  Oh, to see God's shooting stars and not on-coming headlights.  Oh, to never ever depart from nature.  How I long for that day!