This morning I was so looking forward to finally getting back out on the trail for a run! I have been sick for a week but started feeling better this morning. As I entered the forest  I witnessed a tree falling and landing across the path in front of me, not 50 feet away. It was totally surreal. In all of the years I’ve hiked and lived among tall trees (my whole life, actually) I have never seen a tree actually fall from natural circumstances.

I heard a very loud “pop” like the sound of a gun, and then a kind of creak/thunderclap sound as the tree fell to the ground. And then a loud “thunk” when it landed. It was both frightening and surreal at the same time.  As soon as I realized what was happening I turned around and ran as fast as I could out of the forest and sort of out of harm’s way. There were still a lot of trees in the suburban areas around the houses and I began to realize how easily one could blow over onto a house.

I am feeling kind of lucky today! It was one of those razor sharp moments when you notice everything.

About the photo:

Camera: Terrapin Bijou
Film: Ektar 100
Exposure time: 5 seconds-ish