Fluorescent lights aren’t minimized no matter how comfortable the leather chair that leans far enough back allowing the soles of one’s feet to be seen crossed at the ankles on a table that isn’t appropriate for feet.  I wonder how I would feel if I fell backwards into the corporate world and spent all of my thinking hours in a room of boundaries both real and perceived.  It gives me pause to think of these things while outside in a Colorado blue sky with the wind blowing the shards of ice crystals along a meadow expanse where the only breaks are the occasional fencepost.

My awareness was high – the peaks slathered in a white that looked like the perfectly mixed peeks of a homemade whipped cream.  Flitting bout was a Hairy Woodpecker with a non-chalant air of one whose belly was full of small edible bugs.

No one had been this way in snowshoes.  There were no debits in the snow, only a thick uninterrupted blanket that was inviting if not warm.  A spray of snow billowed from my steps and  landed with softness nearly imperceptible.  Now and again I would hear a soft “whoomp” and occasional fissures as my steps displaced the compact stack with its elongated reach.  Paying attention I could see a minute slope of these slabs that have fallen ¼ of an inch.  Witnessing this, I can only imagine the slide of avalanches on inclines where the snow has mounted throughout the season.

Being a peaceful day, I stopped at a hidden knoll above the crossroads of a fox pathway.  Listen.  Sitting quietly the sounds were 360-degrees.  Sounds that would be ignored if I hadn’t take these moments to reflect.

In the distance the clouds begin to build creating a new comfort for my attention.  With limited imagination my mind wanderers generating stories of conversation that take place between mountain top and cloud.  From my vantage point all seems so innocuous.  My space is warming and safe.  I can see in all directions from my restful perch that is uninhibited by the ring  of the phone, the ding of an email, the knock of a door and the race down a long hallway to a meeting of the minds.  Out here thoughts are clear, destinations formed with a route of distinction of working with others and a lasting respect.

It has been a good day in the office with much accomplished.  With a few notes in my pocket the stove is tucked away in my backpack and the last draw of a hot drink relished.  Snap a couple straps of my snowshoes and down the small perch I go.  Yep, my mind is clear and my tasks set … just another day in the office!

About Step Outdoors, LLC

Step Outdoors wants you to go outside and we lead individually inspired one foot in front of the other adventure pursuits to get you there.  In the summer, we will tailor a first time  overnight backpack or a more challenging multi-day hiking adventure just for you.  In the winter, we offer snowshoe hikes appropriate for beginners and for those with a tad more experience.  Perfect for mothers and daughters, couples, families, co-workers or a group of friends, we provide a 100% guarantee of fun.

Check out our blog at http://stepoutdoorscolorado.com/blog/.   Or send us an email at info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.