Off The Beaten Path

After doing an hour of laps and an hour-long aqua aerobics class this morning, I was feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

It’s great to move the body and know that you are doing something good for yourself. We live in a world filled with challenges and problems. Sometimes it even seems the world has gone slightly mad. That’s why it’s important to think of ways to de-stress.
For me, swimming is one way. I really look forward to the hours spent weekly in a local public indoor pool.

So after swimming, I had an errand to do and decided to take a shortcut to the supermarket to pick a few needed things. Driving on an unfamiliar road , I kept looking on my left for the road I planned to turn onto. It never surfaced. I must have buzzed right past it, unaware that I went way too far.

When I finally did turn left, the road was wooded and beautiful, lined with trees dressed in colorful autumn attire, but quite remote and empty. Couldn’t help wonder where I was or where I’d end. Actually, I love driving by myself and discovering new places but driving alone in the woods can be a little unnerving. At one point, I saw a beautiful lake in the distance. I was driving far above it. The vista was incredible! I felt like I was somewhere in Europe on vacation , privy to spectacular scenery.

There was a road to the right called Turkey Trot. That’s when I knew I was really off the beaten path. Would a flock of turkeys come dancing across the road? What would I do? Stop the car and wait for them to pass or what? I have to say I was a little bit scared.

Finally, I came back into civilization and recognized some familiar landmarks but boy, I sure was a long way from the supermarket.

Just like in life, sometimes we go where we do not plan but the views are great and we are better off for having had the adventure. That’s how I felt about my unexpected morning jaunt in the boonies.

I’m also very glad I didn’t see any wild turkeys near Turkey Trot Road!