An Unexpected Adventure

So today after a meeting at work, I decided to take a walk on one of our trails. It was a trail I've never been on before, but it's always looked so inviting. However, since I was alone, I was only going to allow myself to go as far as was in view of our administration building (which was still a fairly satisfying distance).

I started down the trail in a good mood, enjoying the nature and the walk. As I neared the end of my trek, I grew more and more reluctant to turn around. So once I got to the bend that took the trail into the woods and out of view, I decided I would walk around the bend, just to see where it went, and then turn around. I came around the corner, and low-and-behold: a inviting, grassy slope! It was so intriguing that I decided it wouldn't hurt to climb to the top of the slope, just to see what was on the other side. As I made my way up the slope, a beautiful little pond came into view! I had known that there was a pond on our property, but I hadn't known where, and I surely hadn't been expecting it to be so close. Standing at the top of the slope, I let my marvelous discovery sink in.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something off to the left of the pond: the most breath-taking little trail I've ever beheld! It was a grassy path that wove slightly in and out of the underbrush, making its way through the trees that lined the pond. Small white flowers that dotted the lush undergrowth were accentuated by streams of sunlight pouring through the canopy above. It was so wonderful that I just had to walk down it, just to the end. Then I would turn around. So I followed it around the pond, relishing every moment. Then I came to a fork in the path. One direction lead back to the barnyard and to admin., the other continued around the pond. At this point, I had already surpassed all the limitations I had set for my journey - might as well go all out and take the more "exciting" path around the pond! So I did. The rest of the trail was more open and not as exciting as I had expected, but still just as beautiful, and way better then ending my little outing.

Once the trail reached the opposite end of the pond, I could tell it was about time to turn around. The other end of the pond stopped right at the edge of thick woods, and I wasn't really dressed for a grand, hiking-adventure. But as I neared the end, a pale, wooden structure peeked through the growth around the pond. I quickened my step, and low-and-behold (again): a cute little bridge! The bridge crossed over a tiny stream that fed into the pond, and then stopped right at the edge of the woods. The trail continued on the other side of the bridge, but it was less manicured and definitely required better footwear than sandals. All I could do was stand on the bridge and gaze out across the pond, trying to make the adventure last,  knowing that it had to end. After a few pictures and a sad farewell, I turned and wandered back down the path, veering off in the direction of the barnyard and my car.