Home from a few days in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington.  

We rented a small forest cabin.  

Didn't see any other people the entire time we were there.  

In spite of the rain, we managed to get a hike in every day.  

We hiked the Dry Creek Trail on Wednesday.  

 So much light and so much color.  

The yellow from the big leafed maples was like sunshine in the midst of a downpour.

River view from the Dry Creek Trail in the Gifford Pinchot

Nurse log on the Dry Creek Trail

The big leaves from the maple trees covering the trail.  

Halloween Day Hike

It is difficult to portray the autumn beauty of this area, the quiet and the solitude.  

Yup, we may have to forego indoor plumbing and electricity, but the pay off is huge.  

Of course, not for everyone, but for me it is renewing and humbling.  

Something about old growth cedar and ancient fir trees.... 

in a forest removed from the everyday cacophony of the world... 

that touches my soul.

Thank you, Teddy Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot.

“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”
― Theodore Roosevelt  (from goodreads quotes)