Hike in a Dewy Wooded Wonderland: Peaceful Nature Music

A couple of years ago, my husband and I planned out a beautiful multi-day backpacking trip on the Ozark Trail along the Current River in south central Missouri. I was really looking forward to getting out and spending quality time together in the outdoors.

However.. a day or so before we were to leave, he got called in to help with an emergency at work - one that would interfere with our backpacking plans. 

I was so bummed about not being able to go and almost canceled the trip… until I realized.. maybe I could just go by myself?

You might be thinking - Katie… that sounds crazy scary - and I am here to tell you… you are not wrong. But at that point - the reward of immersing myself in nature for a few days far outweighed any risk I would face. 

And though I was pretty anxious the first couple of days of backpacking, I wrote this in my journal on my last morning out on trail: 

“This morning, I wrestled out of my sleeping bag to explore the river bluff near my campsite. The sun was creeping over the horizon - giving out just enough light to caress the hills in the valley.

Steam rose up in puffs, marking the meandering path of the river - that gorgeous aqua blue I love so much - glistening below.

I stood there, breathless from the majestic scene before me, and reflected on how anxious I was on the path to get here. How worried I was over every little thing. How I courageously pushed through the fear and got here anyway.

Just then, I spotted a beautiful feather on the ground.

I have no idea what bird dropped this for me, but I silently thanked her, held it up, and took a picture to mark the moment. It's as if she whispered to me - it's time to take flight. And don't worry, because everything is going to work out the way it is supposed to.”

This piece, called Woodland Reverie, by Daniel Dorff, conveys the pure joy and reassurance I felt as I stood on the river bluff that last morning out on trail. In it, you can hear the birds chirping, wildflowers blooming, and those gorgeous Current River views.