Open to Being Surprised

We have an offsite for work this week, and due to the longer commute and inaccessibility to a gym I decided to keep my walking goals over the next couple of days relatively modest. Going to a new area is always a little tricky, and you don't ever really know if you're going to get stuck slogging down some terrible suburban sidewalk.  Frankly, that's what I was convinced that I had in store for me this morning.

I'm happy to report that my terrible record as a fortune teller remains intact.

Fairfax, VA Sunrise

Deep in the heart of suburban Virginia, I came across a muddy little flood control pond.  There were a couple of ducks and a single Canada goose that had taken up residence, and the trail around the little smudge of shallow water was less than a quarter mile long. Even with these humble dimensions, I caught the sun peeking up over the horizon after completing its sojourn to the other side of the planet. The mud colored water flashed to life reflecting the clouds, trees, building and blue of the sky. Just when I least expected perfection, the act of being outside served up a perfect moment of serenity and beauty.

My walk was just over 1.5 miles this morning due to time constraints and my decision to nurse the foot just a little bit longer. With two hundred paces to go, I came across three deer that were wrapping up an evening of grazing.

Deer in Fairfax, VA

The little spike buck was missing an antler, and I'll probably poke around a little tomorrow to see if I can find it. The does were a bit skittish, but they did not run.  I came within about 30 yards of all three, snapped a quick photo, and then headed into a day filled with meetings.

Getting outside on the trail has opened my eyes again to the wonder of the world like I experienced as a child. I am regularly amazed at the experiences that have crossed my path through just the act of getting outside and being open to being surprised.

I'm looking forward to what tomorrow will unveil.