A Forgotten Wallet and and Opportunity

While waxing philosophically (or sophomorically) about yester being a rather unremarkable day, it slipped my mind that my wallet had been left at work.  The very fact that the wallet had remained at work and the day had remained unremarkable is a testament to some of the ways my outlook on life and the changes that are being implemented.  Three years ago, a wallet left at work would have evolved through my own imagination as a full blown catastrophe with the accompanying anxiety, drama, and worry that those imagined full blown catastrophes caused. Instead, it was unremarkable.

One of the results of the mislaid wallet was the opportunity to execute a rescue mission this morning.  This led directly to another opportunity that has been rattling around in my head for the last several weeks.  Since the wallet rescue brought me to the general area, the opportunity to walk in Great Falls Park  in McLean, Virginia.  In spite of some light rain, it was really refreshing to put some actual trail miles under my feet, and the scenery was indeed remarkable.  Yesterday's consolidation yielded a "big reveal" much sooner than I had anticipated.

Autumn on the Trail in Great Falls Park

After retrieving the wallet, I managed to enter the park early enough to avoid the $10 user fee.  This wasn't part of the plan, and the user fee is pretty clearly justified given the easy access to what amounts to a natural wonder only a few minutes from Washington, DC.  That being said, it was a welcome bonus...a sort of cherry on top of what amounted to a great experience.

Warning Sign Near the Northern Boundary of the Park

The National Park Service has made it abundantly clear through signage that the waterfall on the Potomac River is nothing to be trifled with, especially from the upstream side.

The Great Falls of the Potomac from Overlook #3

From high above the river, it is not difficult to see the wisdom in the warnings.  The waterfall itself is a series of technical Class V+ drops of up to twenty two feet depending on water level.  It's a picturesque oasis literally minutes from the city.

Experiences like this continue to provide confirmation that the Universe is conspiring with me to provide what is needed.  A misplaced wallet provided to opportunity to conduct one part of the daily practice near an awe inspiring backdrop.  Another great day in the books.