You know those days when you begin with a perfect plan but then it somehow becomes compromised by external and/or uncontrollable factors? Well when mother nature decided to turn her sprinkler on for the day, we assumed our scheduled hike at Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, Arkansas had to be altered...but instead of calling it quits we decided to keep our spirits up (along with our hoods) and make our way to the trailhead because there was no way we were going to let a little rain ruin our plan to explore the canyon below. Our confidence and determination brought us to the bottom of the valley where we discovered that the rain was actually a non-factor due to the resilient trees draping a dry canopy above. Coming around the corner up and over large boulders, we discovered an oasis where a small pond was being filled by a steady stream of water that fell from roughly 90 feet above. The 200 foot cliffs surrounding the tranquil nook in the valley was worth our 3 mile hike and it was then that we realized how happy we were to have pushed forward, not allowing a weather detour to ruin our plans.
Upon our arrival back to the campsite we assumed mother nature would give us a break from the rain (that is what The Weather Channel phone app said at least...) but this was obviously not the case so instead of pouting we decided to try and make the most of it. We still had dry fire wood, an open-air tent, a jambox, and a few more days on the road- so how could we not move forward and enjoy the rainy outdoors? Yes, it would have been so easy to sit inside stoically cursing the rain like all of our other camping neighbors but instead we pretended like there was no rain at all (kind of). With our tent partially over the blazing hot fire, we sat in our chairs completely dry, thankful for the opportunity to be able to enjoy outside considering the circumstances.
Most days, many of us likely experience something (big or small) that is uncontrollable/unplanned & at times it is hard to not give up; however, when we courageously choose to stay the course, it can be that much more rewarding. While this story may be a bit minor in the realm of bigger unplanned events, our hope is that you too find ways to push forward & reflect upon how your perseverance has brought you to where you stand today.
Today, we find graditude in learning that Arkansas is a beautiful place, singing with the guitar around the fire, and dancing (figuratively) in the rain that didn't stop us.
Upon our arrival back to the campsite we assumed mother nature would give us a break from the rain (that is what The Weather Channel phone app said at least...) but this was obviously not the case so instead of pouting we decided to try and make the most of it. We still had dry fire wood, an open-air tent, a jambox, and a few more days on the road- so how could we not move forward and enjoy the rainy outdoors? Yes, it would have been so easy to sit inside stoically cursing the rain like all of our other camping neighbors but instead we pretended like there was no rain at all (kind of). With our tent partially over the blazing hot fire, we sat in our chairs completely dry, thankful for the opportunity to be able to enjoy outside considering the circumstances.
Most days, many of us likely experience something (big or small) that is uncontrollable/unplanned & at times it is hard to not give up; however, when we courageously choose to stay the course, it can be that much more rewarding. While this story may be a bit minor in the realm of bigger unplanned events, our hope is that you too find ways to push forward & reflect upon how your perseverance has brought you to where you stand today.
Today, we find graditude in learning that Arkansas is a beautiful place, singing with the guitar around the fire, and dancing (figuratively) in the rain that didn't stop us.