It’s been a tough start to the year. And there’s still a lot with which to contend. But that doesn’t mean we can’t find some measure of solace in nature.
Story and photos by Dawn Robinette
We began the year intentionally, declaring 2020 to be our year of travel.
Then 2020 became something no one could have anticipated.
Like everyone else, we hunkered down. Staying home. Staying isolated.
Yet we found ourselves going out more and more. Not to the grocery store. Not really anywhere. Just out. When things have felt the heaviest, we’ve found ourselves itching for outside. On bad days, on good days, our hearts have pulled us outside.
At first, it was walking our neighborhood. Then it became exploring paths near our home. We ultimately expanded our footprint and roamed San Antonio, purposely going places where people weren’t.
We’ve walked the San Antonio River, logging most of the 14.5 miles of trails that line the river and marveling at the creative art installations along the way. We’ve quietly stood on the grounds of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, seeing the United Nations World Heritage site that spans five missions whose beauty and serenity give new meaning to “Remember the Alamo”. We traced the acequias that brought them water all those years ago.
We’ve cheered on spring animal babies born along the river, feeling buoyed by the hope they bring. It’s impossible not to laugh at mama ducks quacking disapprovingly when their offspring paddle too far, or gaze in wonder at Yellow Crested Heron babies perched high in their nests. Even the Diamondback Water Snakes sunning themselves on river rocks drew our careful, extremely socially distanced, awe.
We’ve roamed empty downtown streets, surprised at what we never knew existed within our city. Stumbling across historical markers, interesting architecture and curious construction, we’ve seen things we’d missed during our regular, non-pandemic day-to-day.
While we haven’t traveled more than 25 miles from home, our spirits have been moved. As we explored, the disappointment over what this year was supposed to be faded into appreciation of what is.
In this time that makes no sense, a renewed gratitude for all that surrounds us has sparked a fire to learn more, see more, understand more and appreciate more.In sunshine, in rain, in the swirling winds and unknowns of today’s world, pausing to breathe, taking time to find beauty.
An award-winning writer, communications expert and military spouse who enjoys unearthing new discoveries and revisiting old favorites in her adopted hometown of San Antonio, Dawn Robinette loves to tell stories. You can follow communications work at Tale to Tell Communications and read more of her musings at Alamo City Moms, Rio Magazine, and Texas Lifestyle Magazine.
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