Up here in Northern Michigan, we have a small National Park called Sleeping Bear Dunes. The story behind the name is really sad, and one of these days I might tell you all about it.
Today, however, I took a rainy hike on its most popular trail, the Empire Bluff trail. 1.5 miles round-trip, it takes you through the forest and onto a high bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Especially if you're alone, it can feel like you're standing on the edge of a vast ocean.
But there are little things to notice, too: holes bored into tree trunks by industrious birds, delicate wild flowers, and sturdy little dune shrubs that somehow withstand wind and erosion.
For those of you who rarely step foot outside of civilization, I urge you to get away from it one of these days and see what you find. It's a gorgeous world out there, even in your backyard!