Cameron Park

Waco, Texas. Cameron Park consists of 15 miles of twisting trails along the Brazos River. My parents and I went on a hike there a couple days before this semester started. A celebration to conclude the end of semester. A time to reflect on the upcoming semester. An experience to enjoy nature and each other's company before heading to Fort Worth. We chose a combination of three trails, which totaled around an hour and a half of hiking. The first trail was a gradual hike up and down a hill, the second was a short stroll along the riverside, and the last was a steep incline back to the trail head from the river. The tree different terrains provided three different experiences. The first trail was mostly brown. Brown from the dirt trail path, the bark everywhere, the rocky landscape. Underneath the coverage of tall trees, we followed a narrow, winding trail up to the climax of a small hill. Along the way up, we slowly and gingerly stepped across old wooden bridges, ducked below hanging spider webs, and clung to the side of a rock when the path got small and steep on one side. The top of the hill was not a spectacular view but served as a self-confidence booster. The great thing about hiking is that it provides accomplishments. You worked for and earned the satisfaction you receive when you finish a trail or summit a mountain and take in the surroundings. The hike down to the river was very gradual and served as the longest part of our hike. It was early in the morning and I remember simply taking in the noises and shapes of nature. It was like waking up and having your senses fully utilized instead of my usual mornings of grogginess. Being fully awake, we reached the river. Pristine and slowly flowing, the river breathed. It breathed new life into me. I had a new perspective of the next semester... everything was going to be okay. I thought about just how a stream continuously flows, my semester would continuous flow and I would make it through. Leaving the river section of the trail, we were faced with a rocky, very inclined part of the trail that led back to the rail head. Though it was only around ten minutes, my legs were aching and it was hard to maneuver. I led my parents up the incline as my eyes were glued to my feet. I don't think I've ever paid so much attention to foot placement than in this moment. Courage and motivation became vital. All I could think about was finishing. We finally reached the trail head... I finally reached the end of the trial. The end of my summer. The end of relaxing.... However, I was hopeful. I was starting a new adventure. SENIOR YEAR!