A bit more westward down the interstate highway one has the opportunity to turn off and reach a hidden jewel in the hills.

Just one of many natural wonders, or scenes of uncommon tranquility, the passage of the Guadalupe river just above the secret town of Waring, Texas, has tuckeditself securely in my heart.

 

 

A more picturesque view of crystal water and high-reaching Cypress trees may not exist. I have fished here,thought and dreamed here, and have found simple enjoyment many times just exising on the banks here. The trees seem to have spread their arms up and out and around in effort to protect this spot.

Are they protecting this place and keeping her secret, or proclaiming her existence to the neighboring hills and inhabitants? I am unsure of this, but am confident that they do their job, and will continue to do so perhaps beyond the life of this river.

Driving to this beloved scene, I came across three calves that were outside the fenced-in area they were originally in. Separated from their mother, they were disoriented, and were bewildered as to how to find the way back over the fence (or around the fence, as they never realized).

They finally resorted to entering the river at the point the fence ended, and instead of pulling a quick u-turn, they proceeded across the river, only to find themselves on grazing ground across the river from their mother. The mother soon followed. All four animals resumed feeding on the lushess, green grass.

 

 

Theses animals make me wonder. They stand there so oblivious to the world, yet with posture that claims they are the rightful owners. It is beautiful ignorance! And they put it so well into practice. Do they even know of the wonder and glory given off by their home? Surely not! But should they? They appear so at home, and even reluctant that they ought to carry on any differently than they do. What do they think when they sonter down to the river to drink? I would think of the unmistakeable ease with which this crystal body of water moves, so sure of itself. I would think of it so clean and as such a mystery to feel swim down the back of my throat. They could not think anything beyond the fact that they are thirsty, and after they drink, they are not.

But I do appreciate them. I would stand now as they do if I were able, if I could somehow transfer their posture to my own wiry frame. It must be better, though, to have been created with the abilily to gaze upon the land with thoughts of intricate beauty, to ponder just how majestic in simplicity it is. Yes, I am glad to look upon it with thoughts of delight and awe, and if a piece of this land is mine someday, maybe then I will a stand upon it like the cows can. And then I will wonder upon it like they cannot.

 

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