I woke up today sometime around 3 AM. I’m not sure if it was due to the heat, anxiety, or some combination of the two, but, despite a few restless hours of tossing and turning (while being serenaded by the incessant whining of my cat), I was unable to fall back asleep.

I finally gave up on my attempts just before 6. I got out of bed, got dressed, ate some breakfast, and sat on my couch to watch TV. I did not, however, particularly feel like sitting around all day, so I pulled out my phone and started browsing through some of my saved hikes on AllTrails.

After some perusing I decided on Clear Lake. It was about 75 miles out of Eugene, but the hike looked gorgeous and I didn’t have anywhere to be until 2 PM, so I had time to make the drive.

I drove out there and was stunned by how clear and blue the water was. The hike was about 5 miles long, leading around the perimeter of the lake. I got there early enough that it was fairly quiet (though I did stumble upon the occasional fisherman and camper), and the water was beautifully calm.

By the time I got back to my car I was in a great mood. The fresh air and gorgeous views had cleared my head and I was ready for the week to begin.