If you don’t know where you want to go, then it doesn’t matter which path you take.
Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
There’s a lot to be said for not knowing where you want to go, especially when travelling. Much as I like to plan a trip, it’s also important to leave time for simply wandering, seeing where a path might take you. Whether in a city or in the country, whether somewhere shaped by man or in wild places, there’s a particular sense of anticipation as you follow a path without knowing where it is taking you.
Even following a path that you always planned to take has its delights. You are in a place you never visited before so you can have little idea what lies beyond the next bend. Is there a wonderful vista? An amazing wildlife sighting? Or simply another intriguing bend to lure you on?
The great outdoors
For Sunday Stills this week Terri is celebrating paths and trails in the great outdoors. The US National Parks Service has designated June as Great Outdoors Month and as I’m a big admirer of the parks system and also as they currently need all the support we can give them, where better for me to start than with a gallery of paths from some of the various parks we’ve visited. You will have seen some previously, as well as others on this page, but a few are hopefully new.
If you’d like to know where these shots were taken, hover over any of them to see a caption. Or click to open a slide show (also for the galleries that follow)
Next, here are some images from other places around the world, many of them also in national parks. My feature photo was taken in one such, following our guide on a walk in Analamazaotra, Madagascar.
And finally, some paths from closer to home in England, from our various trips around the country.
37 Comments
equinoxio21
The roads taken. Excellent.
I would not have felt comfortable with a pack of baboons of the same path… They’re very aggressive… Were you on foot? (Hope not)
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you 😊 Yes, we were on foot, with a naturalist guide from the lodge who had taken us out for a spot of early morning bird-watching. We also had one of the lodge dogs with us but he was more scared of the baboons than they of him! But they were no threat, they were more interested in getting to the lodge to see if there were any takings dropped from breakfast tables 😀
equinoxio21
Interesting. That would mean baboons have adapted… Not so bad. (Poor dog…)
Annie Berger
Your commentary immediately made me think of Robert Frost’s poem ‘The Road Not Taken,’ Sarah. As I’ve mentioned before, we’re also avid trip planners, but being open to other choices is important to remember. A great selection of photos – I was drawn more to the English ones this time.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Annie 🙂 That’s a wonderful poem and I could easily have quoted it here! I hope you can come and enjoy some of those English paths one day …
Annie Berger
That would be delightful, Sarah.
grandmisadventures
What a great collection of paths and the people you share them with 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Meg – I know you’d enjoy a walk along many of these 😀
grandmisadventures
I know I would these!
wetanddustyroads
I enjoy discovering new paths (but must admit, sometimes it’s nice to take a stroll in familiar places too). You have walked so many beautiful paths, Sarah – whether in a national park (love those in the US) or in forests or even just in your own country – each one is unique and lovely.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you very much Corna 😊 I know how much you like to explore an inviting path too!
Anonymous
What lovely paths you’ve been on and in so many different terrains.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you 🙂 It would be nice to know who you are, so if you pick up this reply please let me know, and include your name in future comments perhaps!
Suzanne@PictureRetirement
Isn’t it wonderful that a memory is attached to each path we take – whether good or bad, it is a part of who we are and where we have been. These are beautiful reflections of where you have traveled.
Sarah Wilkie
That’s a lovely thought Suzanne, thank you for that 😊
Egídio
What a wonderful adventure to travel through these photos!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Egidio – lots of great memories tied up in these photos!
margaret21
Such inviting paths. I only know the British ones, but even they have lots to offer. The Cardingmill Valley is the area I loved exploring last summer. Lots still to explore!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Margaret 🙂 I used to visit Cardingmill Valley as a child, when my grandmother lived in Shrewsbury, and it was lovely to rediscover it with Chris a few years ago!
margaret21
It’s a part of the world I’ve only recently discovered, and I love it.
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter
Nothing better than a good wander! I recognise Norris Geyser Basin and the Northumbrian ones, but everywhere else is new to me so it’s good to get a trail view virtually.
Sarah Wilkie
Glad to take you to some new places as well as old friends Anabel 🙂
the eternal traveller
We’re the same. We often don’t make concrete plans for a destination until we’re there and find out what there is to see and do. You have some lovely walks in this post.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you 🙂 We do make some concrete plans but leave plenty of time for ad hoc activities too.
Monkey's Tale
I prefer to find my own path, but sometimes, I have to admit, the well trodden ones are often pretty good too. Maggie
Sarah Wilkie
They are well-trodden for a reason Maggie 😀 But yes, often it’s better to find your own alternative path, I agree.
Susanne Swanson
So many wonderful paths and trails, Sarah!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you very much Susanne 😀
Jim Earlam
Great pictures Sarah 😀
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Jim 🙂
Anne Sandler
Great trail photos. I especially enjoyed your England trails.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Anne 😊 I’m glad to have been able to share some English paths with you!
Terri Webster Schrandt
While I always have a destination in mind for a trail, simply wandering it is the best experience, Sarah! What gorgeous pics of trails you shared here! Even on my phone, I immediately recognized Tuolumne Meadows in that first set of pics. I also enjoyed seeing the baboon trail! Thank for sharing your beautiful trails and paths!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Terri 😊 I had great fun with this challenge – lots of good memories linked to these paths!
Sue
Agreed that it is important to leave time for simply wandering, seeing where a path might take you. …. that way we can have expected delights and adventures!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Sue – glad (but not surprised!) that you agree 🙂
Sue
😊😊