Laughter Through the Trees (and maybe Snowshoeing too)

As the producer and actor James Gandolfini said ”I love to hear people laugh!” So true. Joy can come from hearing others laugh.

I finally got to go out with a group of avid snowshoers and spend a lovely Saturday out in the woods in Manitoba. The Bird River Canyon trail is a trail (but no longer an official provincial trail) with some amazing views and photo spots with a lot of spots for a picnic. Folks will see rock outcrops, large pine trees wrapping the sky above you and plenty of flowing water. It’s a fairly easy hike with a few ups and downs, making it a great trail to visit. I have yet to see this in the summer (I’m told it’s beautiful) but its definitely a place to see in winter. The beauty of this place is that it is rustic and just about the nature. I don’t think there are even picnic tables or washrooms, so this is an “everything is on your own”.

”I love to hear people laugh!”

– James Gandolfini

Bliss Reflection

While the main feature is the natural beauty, hearing all the joyous laughter was my bliss moment. This moment wasn’t about my joy, but the joy being felt by others.

Hearing all the laughs, and seeing all the smiles peppered through the trees, made my heart happy. Three hours later, the sharing and laughter was still strong.

As I exited the trail I realized that not only did I get the endorphins flowing from the snowshoeing, but that I had some renewed optimism that even when life was stressful and feeling “too (insert your word here)”, I left feeling light. Being in nature has a lot to do with “seeing” the beauty around you, but this time my walk in the woods had more to do with “hearing” the beauty of friendship and laughter. Sometimes those great moments in life are about seeing the joy in others. 

Bliss Finds and Facts:

• For those looking for some cheer from the woods, and maybe a few unique adventures, look up some trails from Travel Manitoba – spring, summer, winter and fall.
• Here’s a great app to help discover even more trails for your future adventures
• If you want to learn more about all the hikes in Manitoba, check out, Hike Manitoba.
• To join a group to get out and enjoy nature and friendship, there’s always Meetup. It offers a wealth of social groups for like minded individuals and who knows, could bring you your bliss moments.
• And finally, did you know your physician can prescribe you to be out in nature (and a park pass)? Check out this article from the CBC for more info.