Tag Archives: Hikes

Nature’s optics

As we went on the trail, my friends called out a nice optical phenomenon akin to a rainbow, except this one was on water. One of my fellow hikers invoked “Snell’s law” of refraction and also predicted we would only see this from the side we were in.

Iridescent water

And… he was absolutely right. The iridescence was seen only from the earlier spot and angle.

No Iridescence…

We had an interesting hike by the creek today!

Shots taken at the Oakpoint Park and Nature Preserve, Plano, TX

#optics #physicsinnature #nature #hikes

Go, take a hike!

When I was new to America, I was amused when I heard the phrase, “Go, take a hike!”

Growing up in a suburban town in India, I had to walk a lot, and it was part of daily life. I used to be into sports and track in high school. I never gave serious thought to walking or trekking (the term for hiking where I grew up) when I was younger.

But as I grew older and had the sedentary life of working with computers, I learned the importance of moving. I am thankful to a friend who introduced me to some hiking spots in my neighborhood. 

Now, as an avid hiker, I feel that a hike combines so many beautiful concepts together. Number one, hiking is more about the company, not necessarily about the exercise. If you find the right companions to hike with, the conversations literally keep it going that you don’t feel distance as a factor at all.

A good byproduct, of course, is that you are burning calories, and you’re keeping your body straight in good posture and overcoming the negative effects of sedentary work.

I don’t understand why somebody would use, “Go take a hike!” as a choice invective. I think it’s a fantastic blessing to give somebody the option of taking a hike.

I feel like nature is the ultimate healer and energizer. Some of my writing nowadays happens during my solo hikes. I simply voice record my inspiration and use a speech to text app later to get to a draft. In fact, this particular piece was recorded the same way (and this line added during editing!)

So next time we want to wish somebody well, we could perhaps tell them, “Go, take a hike!”, and join them!

I have shared some pictures from the hike where this piece was recorded.

Landmark

This one tree, though leafless was my guide back last weekend during a hike. Hiking alone in a known trail can still be hard sometimes and so I looked for familiar scenery. The lake to the left: check! But have I gone too far? “Not really”, said a wise old tree that I have seen during many a hike. Her branches dancing with the message: “You’re on track!”

#Tree #Musings #NatureInduced #Nature