The Joy of Being Surprised by the Unexpected

Treasure #1

Great Blue Heron

 

On Day 1 at Sand Hollow we saw 2 big, beautiful gray birds perched high on a red rock cliff. They didn’t let us get too close before they spread their wide wings and soared away from us. We wondered what they were and wished we could get a better look at them.

 

When we put in our kayaks the morning of our 2nd day, I noticed the footprint of a bird – a BIG bird. Look at the size compared to my footprint! We were pretty excited! Maybe we’d see those majestic birds again that day.

 

About half way through our paddle we met our bird friend. We were able to get a little closer than before. I think it was a Great Blue Heron.

 

When we were too close for comfort it flew off to some rocks much further from us.

 

I pulled out my watercolors and, with my kayak nestled against the red rocks in the picture above, I painted the scene before me which included the Great Blue Heron. Can you see him in my painting

Treasure #2

Waterfall in the Desert

 

When we first put in our boats on Day 2 we headed to the left of the dock and found a lovely rock garden filled with hidden waterways and coves. It was so beautiful and fun to wind our way through that red rock labyrinth.

 

As we continued paddling along the shore we were so surprised to find what looked like a stream emptying into the reservoir. We were delighted to find something so unexpected! We had no idea this existed! We pulled our kayaks up onto the sandy beach and hiked up the red rocks, following the stream.

 

It cascaded down the red rocks and rushed down to the reservoir through a green oasis in the desert. I was so curious about where this water was coming from. We followed it all the way to the top to find that it was gushing out of a big pipe opening up out of the hillside. So, it didn’t have the most romantic source, but the waterfalls tumbling down the red rocks was an amazing treat to find.

Treasure #3

Dramatic Color Up Close

 

I was surprised to find that I felt a little creeped out as we rounded corners of high red rock cliffs to find the rock plunged deeply into dark, protected waters of coves. The inlets were dark in shadow and the water looked black except for the pale reflections of the opposite cliff.

 

I felt small and insignificant in my kayak hugged up next to the towering rock walls with black water beneath me and the chill of shade. I would have paddled right past some of these smaller inlet canyons but Des, having just spent some time in one of them said that the reflections were amazing there.

 

From where I was maybe 15 feet away in the sunshine, the reflections were nothing to hoot about. But I followed her into the shaded cove and just as soon as I glided into the shade the reflections against the still water exploded with color!

 

The most dramatic oranges and blues I’d seen yet at Sand Hollow. It was like sensory overload. I just couldn’t take all that color in fast enough! And my camera barely gives it justice in these pictures.

 

If I hadn’t taken the time (and a little courage) to get a little closer I would have missed it completely!

Treasure #4

Seeing with New Eyes

 

After exploring everything to the left of the dock, we decided to cross the open channel back to the area we had paddled the day before. We wanted to see the back side of the red rocks again, the area where we felt like we were in a white-water river the day before when the wind blew fiercely whipping up whitecaps.

 

The difference between the two experiences was immense! It felt like a whole new place!

 

The first experience was about:

• adrenalin of hard paddling
• sound of wind loud in our ears
• eyes focused on the churning water

 

This time there was:

• silence
• serenity
• sunshine
• a whole majestic shoreline that we totally missed the first time!

 

In our eagerness ( and a little fear!) of getting through that turbulent channel we didn’t see beyond the intensity of what was right in front of us and missed the surrounding beauty.

 

Here is the channel the second time around, calm and picturesque:

 

There were hidden coves that we didn’t even see last time, let alone explore. I’m so glad to have had a second chance! 

 

Even the sheltered side that we spent a lot of time in the day before was different and even more beautiful without the wind. We could see through the crystal water to the looming boulders beneath us and the rocky floor of the canyons.

The life lesson I learned.

So, the lesson I went home with from Day 2 at Sand Hollow was to expect to be surprised by the unexpected. To have a feeling of excited anticipation. A wonder of what is just around the corner. To foster a feeling of hope in the routines of my life, even the things I do all the time.

 

I’ve learned that a place is never the same one day to the next. Each new day holds its own new possibilities. Each moment can bring new beauty, understanding, appreciation, and unexpected surprises, even in old familiar places, when I see with new eyes of hope and wonder. Each moment is a gift!

Now I want to hear from you.

When have you seen the old with new eyes and been delightfully surprised by the beauty and joy that came when you weren’t expecting it?

 

Hey Friend, tell your story in the comments. What you have to say is important and may be just the very thing someone needs to be inspired today. Drop a reply in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear from you.

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