Walking the Doodle Trail, Pickens, SC

For the second time this week, my husband and I drove to the nearby town of Pickens, SC, to take a walk on the Doodle Trail. It used to be a railroad route but has been made into a lovely paved trail for bike riding or walking or jogging. Sometimes I forget how nice it is to be outside taking a walk.

 


One of the nice things about walking this trail is the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. They really do look blue and are beautiful. I love that we can see so far, past the trees, past the roads and the houses, past the water towers and the electric wires on and on till our eyes meet the mountains.

[bctt tweet=”As we move along I feel my shoulders releasing tension. We walk at an easy pace, not too fast and not too slow.” username=”GaylWright”]

 

My breathing is steady, and I look at the beauty and listen to the birds. I see squirrels racing along the tree limbs jumping from tree to tree.

Walking Along a Bamboo Section

I stop to look at the bamboo. It doesn’t go along the whole trail, it’s really just a small section, but the greenery is so soothing and calming. I breathe in deeply and feel refreshed. What a variety of plant life we see along the trail!

 

walking the trail

 

Other people are out walking or riding their bikes. I wonder if they, too, feel renewed as they take time to get some exercise in the fresh air. Do they notice the variety of animals and plants? I saw a family of four riding their bikes together having a lovely time. You could hear the joy in their voices. It was a treat to see and hear them.

 

[bctt tweet=”I realized that we need to get out more. We need to go walking, spending time in nature, reflecting on all that God has provided.” username=”GaylWright”]

 

Besides lifting our spirits there are physical benefits to walking that are worth taking the time. I’ve heard that walking is one of the best exercises we can do. How beautiful to be able to do it outside in nature where all creation praises God!

 

Psalm 148:7-13  (CSB)

Praise the Lord from the earth,
all sea monsters and ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and cloud,
stormy wind that executes his command,
mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all cattle,
creatures that crawl and flying birds,
kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all judges of the earth,
young men as well as young women,
old and young together.
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted.
His majesty covers heaven and earth.

Isaiah 55:12  (CSB)

You will indeed go out with joy
and be peacefully guided;
the mountains and the hills will break into singing before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

 

[bctt tweet=”May you all have a lovely Sunday, filled with blessings and joy and maybe some time outside in nature!” username=”GaylWright”]

I’m linking up with: #LMMLinkup

 

8 thoughts on “Walking the Doodle Trail, Pickens, SC

  1. Dear Gayl,
    Thank you so much for sharing these moments from your walk today. It felt like I was right there with you. But then when you ended the post with that Scripture from Isaiah, tears came to my eyes. That has been such an important verse for me throughout my entire adult life. How sweet of the Lord to remind me that He is still leading me forward, even if it feels slow to me. It is for His praise in the middle of His creation. Blessings, love, and hugs to you dear friend. xoxo

    1. I always love it, Bettie, when you feel like you are with me as you read. I’m so glad the scripture meant so much to you. It’s hard when the journey is rough and there is so much pain, but He is still leading us to the light and is with us every step of the way. Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear sister/poet/friend! xoxo

  2. A lovely description of your walk along the Doodle Trail. (Nice name too). I didn’t know you had bamboo in that area. Maybe originally brought from Asia?

    1. Thank you, Lisa! Yes, I’ve seen bamboo in various places here in the south. I love this little patch of it that seems almost out of place with the rest of the trail. I guess that’s why it stands out. I’m not sure where it originally came from. Blessings and love to you, dear Lisa! xo

    1. Thank you, Mary. Yes, there is something about being out in nature that just helps me relax. It’s away from the demands of home yet not so far away. It’s a perfect respite to a busy life. Blessings to you! xo

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