I've started reading Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods and within the first two pages I'm ready to put it down, lace up my shoes, and find a trail to ramble on. The woods, the jungle, the ocean -- the natural world has consistently brought calm and connection to my life.

We hiked the beginning stretch of the Napali Coast trail in Kauai, upon a recommendation from our friend, Charlie, who said it was one of the most beautiful trails he's ever hiked. He didn't let us down. It was stunning. Although it started raining on the loop back, the beauty didn't diminish, and the jungle glistened with a new freshness.

It's also been raining outside the last couple days, and even though it is cold, and the middle of winter, I'm dreaming of getting back out on the trail. Sam, my Northwest man, is eager for any opportunity to get out under the trees, and believes that "rain is the perfect weather to hike in."

Enough of rainy day excuses, for your Monday -- a quote from John Muir:

"Throw a load of bread and a pound of tea in an old sack and jump over the back fence."