Morning Walk...or "Once a Planner, Always a Planner"

This posting is more like a photo essay than a blog post, really. It's a short visual experience of my walk this morning and from it, I have two main reflections. The first is that for me to be outside in a natural place is the best place for me to be. I want to walk on dirt paths, cross creeks and climb hills. Secondly, I know why I became a planner. When I was growing up, I saw beautiful natural places exploited and uglied; for new buildings, for roads, with little regard for cultural heritage. Developing land in and of itself is not inherently a bad thing, but like most things, it should be done thoughtfully with an awareness that once it's done, we all live with the results. Perhaps beginning with the industrial era, people began to move beyond the city centers into suburbs...I don't HATE suburbs, but truly, when farmland is sold and developed, that's it. In Charlotte, NC, places that were once farms are now subdivisions. I like local farms, local farms and local produce. That's one nice thing here - they still have that...and I hope that the value of such things can be acknowledged before it's too late.

Coban Pelangi and Jalan-Jalan

I cannot get into the woods enough. It is my very favorite place to be and today I not only got to get into the beautiful, lush forest, but I also got to travel along a road that changed from asphalt to stone, stone to dirt, and dirt into mounds of earth suitable for an off-road adventure. Gas? Check. Spare tire? Very likely. Soulmate and spirit of adventure? Most certainly. Ayo berpetualang! (Let's go adventuring!)

There are really some serious trees around here...

I believe a tree like this inspired the one in Avatar....

Very interesting trunk action happening here...

Lucked into another prime spot for enjoying Coban Pelangi (Rainbow Temptation...or Rainbow Waterfall) There is a fine mist of water so you can imagine if the sun were out, there would most certainly be incredible rainbows.

Traveling along with trash cans at regular intervals.  I just love this area!

One nice thing is that it seems there are always places to have a drink...and in this case, make your prayer time, as well.

the rocky cliffs were so beautiful, it was hard to choose a vantage for a picture!

A little weird to see a poinsettia this big...but I always LIKE to see them.

These cute children were so direct and said hello right away - they were sweet and cute. I'm honored that they would take a picture with me!

I wish I had taken pictures of the "road" we were on...I was distracted by the pretty scenery!