On the Edge of the World

Feeling triumphant, I catch my breath

and gaze out at the vast expanse

blue, as far as the eye can see

A stunning view, as sky and water coalesce

I’m filled with gratitude and awe 

standing on the edge of the world

 

© Julie Rehnelt 2019

 

I’ve explored along the north shore of Lake Superior so many times throughout my life, but somehow have never noticed this sign tucked off to the side of the road…

In fact, I’d never even heard of Palisade Head.  (I feel like a bad Minnesotan).  But on one of my little adventures this summer, my sister noticed it on the map while we were on our way to a different spot along the lake, so we decided to check it out. And omygosh it was absolutely breathtaking! 😍

There was a beautiful scenic overlook from the parking area, and that sight alone was amazing, but off to the side of the parking area, we found a place where you could climb up onto the rocks.  It was precarious looking and we both felt a slight bit of trepidation, but my sister had recently acquired a couple of sets of trekking poles (totally gonna get me some of those!), so we swallowed our fear and set off.

Some of you know that almost 3 years ago, I underwent a double knee replacement 5 months apart.  I’m so very grateful for my new knees, I never would have been able to do this (and many other things) without them!  But what you probably don’t know is that my sister also underwent a double knee replacement herself a couple of years prior to mine.  So this little hike on the edge of the world was sort of a big deal for both of us.  There were moments when we were both on the verge of tears, feeling deeply grateful for the ability and the gift of being able to explore in this way.

I’m not much of a risk taker or thrill-seeker, but I am adventurous – especially when it comes to exploring nature, so being able to get out and hike on this cliff, to see the views that only those with able bodies get to witness, was very meaningful to me.

Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t easy (I’m still not exactly ‘able-bodied’), and I was afraid, but with my sister’s encouragement (and her trekking poles), I did it!  And it really did feel like I was standing on the edge of the world.

I couldn’t really even see my phone screen in the bright sunlight, and these pictures do not do the spectacular view justice, but here are a few photos I snapped…

In this next one,  I was trying to take a picture of my sister, but I couldn’t even see her on my screen, so I was just guessing where she was in the shot haha!  Oops, crooked horizon…

What she was looking at, that you can’t see in the picture, was a guy who was climbing down the face of the cliff.  He was older guy and had Led Zeppelin blaring on some device, which was fun, but it did affect the vibe a bit, so I was glad when I couldn’t hear it anymore and could just listen to nature sounds.

We live on such a beautiful planet…

🌎

 

Wishing you a day filled with beauty, and with…

 

✿~Peace & Love~✿