Last weekend I started feeling under the weather. I had the bright idea that all I needed was to get out into nature and breath deep breaths of wild air. I made a plan to go to a place up the Mckenzie River called Blue Pool. I had never been there before and didn't know what to expect. So I made a plan to go and thought I would make the best of it.

I left nice and early to ensure I would be the first person up there, which I happily was. The only thing I forgot to do was check the weather report, snow and rain... three things I didn't plan on when I was figuring how I was going to cure my cold.

The hike up was enjoyable. It was quiet and peaceful; the only noise around was the river beside me as I hiked up the trail. The rain continued strong as I hiked and I slowly remembered that I still needed to rainproof my jacket from my last hike. I remained convinced this was the healing my body needed. Though my body disagreed with my decision, my mind was quite happy with the solitude. 

The trail was wet and muddy, but not difficult. There were many beautiful lookouts along the way that gave great views of the river. By the time I made it up the two miles to my destination, my coat was starting to soak through. 

Blue Pool is a beautiful place; it's a pool where the Mckenzie River resurfaces from underground. It is a lovely shade of blue surrounded by rock walls and evergreens. Despite my poor planning in winter clothing and not the best conditions for photographing, I did my best to enjoy my hike and the beauty before me before heading back.

To be honest, I was feeling a bit defeated. After getting back to my truck nearly soaked to the bone and freezing, I quickly realized the mistake in "trying to cure" my cold, I was also disappointed about not getting the shot I was hoping to get. So I began my journey back with the heater at full blast and a fresh hot cup of coffee from my thermos. 

Thirty minutes later I decided I wasn't ready to head home quite yet and made my way out to Cougar Reservoir... I'm glad I did that! I drove up into a valley where the fog clung near and low to the trees and mountainsides. The calm yet excitement emotions that came over me at the same time are quite tricky to explain, but It seems never to fail me, the more I let go when I go out into the wild, the more I end up seeing.