Follow that bird!

During the last few months I spent some quality time at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. Even though my visit was in the name of research, the refuge is a place I’ve enjoyed visiting in the past. Years ago, when I was having some turbulence in my own life, I remember going to the refuge for some much needed peace and quiet. As the wetlands are the backdrop for my next novel, I found it only fitting to revisit the place that inspired me so many years ago.

At the risk of sounding cheesy, the refuge is a magical place. Although it’s parallel to the busy I-5 freeway, once you step out of your car it feels like you’ve entered a different world far from people and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Geese fly overhead in alarming numbers and the sounds of dozens of different species of birds and waterfowl mingle together to create beautiful music not found in the city or suburbs.

Whether you’re walking the trails or driving through the auto tour, you can’t help but feel like you’re the only person on earth. It’s the perfect place to get away to when you’re looking to reconnect with nature.

Life’s problems seem insignificant when there’s such an awesome ecosystem surrounding you. You’re reminded of how thousands of birds travel thousands of miles during migration, fending for themselves in life or death situations. The sky seems a little bit bigger, the air cleaner and your own breathing a little bit calmer. It’s definitely a stark reminder that there are things out there that are bigger than you.

Do you have a favorite place to go to when you need perspective?

In the coming weeks, I'll be announcing the title of the next book in the Razors Ice series so be sure to subscribe to this Blog and follow me on Twitter so you don't miss out!

Talk to you soon,

For more about SNWR, visit http://www.fws.gov/refuge/sacramento/ and Like their page on Facebook, too.