Walking with Gig

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I thought was in reasonable good physical shape… until this week when I went walking with Gig Keirstead or I should say snowshoeing with Gig and about 30 other outdoor enthusiasts through the fields and woods at Elmhurst Outdoors, Erbs Cove, NB (owned and operated by Denise and Gig Keirstead). 


Gig and Denise love to share their passion for the outdoors. So, among their many programs, every Wednesday morning Elmhurst Outdoors, offers a free Senior’s Program, for beginners or experienced, to “enjoy the serenity of the forest through one of their scenic snowshoe trails.


Actually it was a marvellous morning. Wednesday’s snow/rain event left just enough snow to make snowshoeing possible. It was an exercise in mindfulness - my first outing on snowshoes this season. 


Gig lead the caravan of snowshoers over hill and dale, though the woods and along a rapidly flowing babbling brook. 


Along the way Gig drew our attention to the diversity of trees. Pulling a twig from a nearby evergreen, Gig explained how the white spruce is known by several names - Canadian spruce, 'cat' spruce - because if you rub the needles between your fingers the resin smells like cat pee, 'pasture' spruce - because it is the first tree to appear after a pasture is left unattended and the Latin picea glauca. He pointed to signs of past clear cutting when all trees where cut and to the much more healthy forestry practice of selective cutting.


Along the way the ‘crunch crunch’ of snowshoes and quiet conversations filled the air.


Deep in the woods along the babbling brook, at Gig’s command, we stopped and stood in silence… listening. The babbling brook seemed to sing. A gentle wind whirled through the tree tops. Peace filled the Spirit filled ‘thin’ place. 


The walk resumed. Thinking of being mindful… snowshoeing up the last couple of hills, I was certainly mindful of my breath or I could say ‘catching’ my breath. At that moment whatever thoughts might have been swirling in my imagination, be they of war or wanting, be they of famine or feast, or people or politics, at that moment the only thing I was mindful of was breathing. All else vanished. And gratitude that the last stretch home was down hill!


Fast forward a couple of hours and I was at home once again glued to my computer for a church sponsored Zoom webinar with a focus on mental health. The presenter reminded us of the power of mindfulness and gratitude to heal the broken. 


So thank you Denise and Gig for sharing your corner of Creation. Thank you for creating a healing space to be mindful of all that is. Thank you for sharing your passion for the outdoors. 


If you have the opportunity, if health permits, check out Elmhurst Outdoors - snow shoe, hike or ski. It will take your breath away. 


Where ever you live, why not seek out a space, indoors or outdoors, that will take your breath away. 


In Peace,


Elizabeth

elizstevenson@gmail.com

506-650-4812

Comments

  1. Thoughts from Chickadee LaneJanuary 20, 2024 at 6:56 PM

    Elizabeth here. Thank you for reading. I always appreciate your comments. If you are comfortable I love knowing who you are. First name and initial will work.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kathy McLaughlinJanuary 20, 2024 at 8:11 PM

    Thank you the reminder of the healing power of nature! Sounds like you had a wonderful experience

    ReplyDelete
  3. StevenJanuary 20, 2024 at 10:19 PM

    We always need a reminder to slow down and appreciate the Creator’s creation. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2024 at 9:53 AM

    My Mom and I used to walk through a wooded path to her friends home and there they would quilt all day. I remember the quiet, the smell and the bonding my Mother and I had on those walks. Grace

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thoughts from Chickadee LaneJanuary 25, 2024 at 1:17 PM

      Thank you Grace for your comments. I love hearing of your experiences. What a lovely memory of your mother and you walking together.

      Delete

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