It’s here, it’s here! Summer is *almost* here!
I used to be neutral about summer, and then one year I discovered my love for hiking. The longer and warmer days made these hikes more doable and more enjoyable.
Last Tuesday I kicked off the season with a solo hike to Mason Lake. I had never been to the lake before, but I had been to Bandera Mountain which shares the same beginning of the trail. I’ll never forget the hike to Bandera because the bug swarms were out of control, and Tuesday was even worse.
I was like one of those barn animals with fly’s swarming their faces.
The beginning of the hike was familiar, with steep hills and rock fields. I was breathing like a labored donkey thinking to myself how out of shape I am, but after passing 6 people I realized perhaps I was trying to bulldoze up the mountain too fast.
I’m still somewhat out of shape though.
This hike was a much needed soul revival. Summer months bring out my desires to explore, and when I explore I feel balanced and centered. Insert “ommmmm” chants here.
The trail climbs 4300 ft into the sky providing amazing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the ever so gorgeous Mount Rainier as shown above. Conditions this time of year were fine, just a few trees down towards the lake that allowed me to practice my show horse leaps.
I did feel a bit nostalgic missing my hiking partner from the last adventure to this area, but I very much enjoyed being on my own clock. Solo hikes mean bathrooms are everywhere, and sweaty hot mess appearances are no big deal.
Actually let’s be real, sweaty hot messes are never a big deal in the mountains.
Fun fact: my nostrils are shaped differently.
The lake was so still and quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Plenty of giardia looking water too.
I sat. I savored.
Great view of Bandera mountain.
One of the things I love about hiking, aside from the immediate sense of accomplishment and relaxation, is that it inspires me to be creative. For me this is something as simple as taking photos, and sharing them in this space.
It’s imperative for our well being to find things we are passionate about and to DO THEM. Make the time, because nothing is more important than self care.
Q: What inspires you to be creative?
Blissfulbritt 
62 thoughts on “Ira Springs Trail – Mason Lake”
kathy @ more coffee, less talky
preach. i’m all for self care and carving out the time to do you. (love those views!!)
Brittany
This is why we would be the best of friends, and you’d keep me in check. Yes and yes.
Anthony
As always, your pictures and words to your adventures are inspiring and great to read. It sounds like you had a great time. I appreciate you sharing them with us.
Brittany
Thank you! It was great, can’t wait for the next one. 😄
shellybartz
Always a great read! Always entertaining! (Ha …your “fun fact !”) gorgeous photos!!! Love your blog !
Brittany
Thank you! Haha I never remember that fact until I take a photo like that. Makes me laugh every time.
That Hiking Guy
Incredible views!!! This looks like an all around awesome outing. I appreciate you sharing with us
Brittany
I appreciate you reading! Thank you. 😄
Kelsey Ann Yoki
Those views = amazing. We, meaning my boyfriend and I, are hoping to get hikes in as the weather levels out to be a bitter nicer here in Duluth, MN. We always talk about it, but summer comes and goes and we realize it didn’t happen.
Brittany
You must go! Just wake up one morning and DO IT without even really thinking about it.
Jessica
This is amazing. I always love coming here for your photos. 🙂
Brittany
I daydream about going into the woods on a bike with you…but I’d get lost in your dust.
danaelizabethx
Lovely pics!!!!
Brittany
Thank you. ❤️
Emma @em-poweredwellness
Beautiful place. I feel the same way–summer brings out my need for adventure, and adventures outside help me ground and re-center myself.
Brittany
Yes! Being in nature is a full proof centering tool!
Rachael @ Catch Me If You Can
how could you not feel centered being around all that beauty! if i had somewhere to hike i would do it all the time i love connecting with nature like that. seeing creativity actually inspires me to be creative. like your photos, those are beautiful and they make me want to get better at my photography as well. im a naturally creative person but i am definitely inspired by others
Brittany
I think it’s great when we feed off each other, I’m always inspired by others to explore more creative outlets!
The Fit Foodnista
Actually, lately I’ve been lacking in the field of inspiration. I am hoping to get some back, I’m going to NYC this weekend then off to New Orleans. I guess travel really gets me inspired creatively.
That hike seems stunning and the photos are absolutely beautiful! I need to go hiking again!
Brittany
Travel does it for me too!
Ellie
I am inspired to be creative after I read some articles about blogging and how others have improved their [insert art form here] and how with hard work, anyone can do it. I also am inspired to be creative when the weather is nice and I feel pretty. I want to get creative with my outfits and show them off!
Tomorrow I am going trail hiking and I hope the views are as beautiful as yours!
Brittany
Have fun, take lots of photos!
millerle77
I like! So soothing and calming. The pictures are very artistic and they make me want to pick up a pack and take off. Kinda hard to do though when you have a three-year-old who thinks they are the center of the universe.
Brittany
You just need a pack that can carry the wee won along for the ride! 🙂
Josh dV
Great pictures as always. I’m pretty sure your blog is just a checklist for places I need to go.
I’m inspired to be creative by those around me. My kids are super fun and they encourage me to be and have super fun. This is a very inspiring space and I’m happy to have the privilege of returning time and again.
Brittany
Thank you Josh, you always have such kind comments! Kids are crazy inspiring.
Kristy @ Southern In Law
What an incredible place to explore!
If I’m in a bit of a creative funk or suffering from writers block, a walk outside in the sunshine is exactly what I need to clear my head and get those creative juices flowing!
Brittany
Nature in any element is so helpful!
Lauren Rice (@heyricecake)
Your hike looks amazing! I loved your comment about the bathroom 😂 . You’re so brave to do a solo hike – that’s on my list of things to try soon.
Brittany
I’m mainly just impatient and when I have no one to go with, I go alone! 😝
katalysthealth
Fun fact: my nostrils are shaped differently too 🙂
Brittany
Nostril soul mates.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
Those views are breathtaking. I can see why you love hiking there. Next time you’re in Cleveland, we will have to add hiking to our list. I still can’t believe it didn’t happen last time.
Food and kitchen shenanigans inspire me to be creative.
Brittany
Yes, we MUST hike next time. MUST.
An Unrefined Vegan
Spectacular! I’m savoring your beautiful photos :-)!
Brittany
Me too, me too!
Lindsay Edwards
OMG where you live is a majestic storybook land. I want to be there soooo baaaddd.
Brittany
Come to meeeeee!
P
These pictures are so breathtaking! I so so wish I could have gone on a hike with you!
Brittany
Next time! We must. ❤️
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
Coming to your blog is like a little escape from my reality and I love that. These photos are beautiful and I wish I was there.
Brittany
I love this comment. Soso much.
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
Self care is SO important. I’m learning that more and more as I “get older.” Mind if I use one of your pics as my computer background?
Brittany
Oh my gosh, please do! How cool of you. 😍
Amy @ A Desert Girl
Ahh, these photos. We’re planning a trip to the San Juan Islands for our 5th anniversary (2 years!) and I can. not. wait. to see those views and breathe in that PNW air.
Brittany
YAAASSS! I still need to explore those islands!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
The mountains most definitely have that effect on me as well. I always feel so much more alive and inspired when I visit them, which makes me wish I could make it happen more often. Also… I just had to check if both my nostrils are the same shape 😆
Brittany
Hahahaaaaa. I’m so glad you looked, that made my day.
Rach @ This Italian Family
Those photos… just beautiful as always! So glad you are making time to do something so good for your soul!
Brittany
Amen, sososo important!
Josie @ Literature Mistress
Wow! I imagine it can’t be especially hard to be expired to bring out the camera when you’re surrounded by those views! ❤
My creativity knows no bounds when it comes to finding new ways to procrastinate! 😉
Brittany
For sure! I have a hard time putting it away, but force myself to so that I can appreciate the surroundings!
dave379
Seeing others’ art always inspires me to be creative, whether paintings, drawings, sculptures, or words and photos. And nature too. Thanks for the art and make time self care reminder! So many great pictures.
Brittany
Thank you!
Kayse
This looks amaaaazing. What a beautiful hike. Mother Nature inspires me to be creative, among many other things. It’s just a good reset button that gets me away from the things that distract me from creativity, self care, and being grounded.
Brittany
Yes! I agree wholeheartedly.
Allie Zottola
Yay for exploring. I feel more balanced when I get to explore on a regular basis, too! I love your different shaped nostrils :). LOL at the giardia water!
Brittany
Thanks love! 😜
Amy
I love love LOVE your nature pictures!! They’re always so striking and stunning… And all that green!! (Something we don’t get mid-summer in my part of California. 😉 ) Still, you’re welcome to come down here and we’ll head up to my parents’ cabin in the mountains and you can kick my butt at hiking because oh my gahhhhh hills kill me every time!
Brittany
Hills – they burn so good. 😝
stateeats
Wowza! Fantastic shots, I esp. like the waterfall one and the one with Mt Rainer in the distance. -Kat
Brittany
Thank you!