As the afternoon waned, we walked with purpose back to the parking lot and toward the conclusion of a nice, impromptu winter walk through a forest nearby.
The light was dull, unimpressive. Our eyes were down, looking for small details to salvage the jaunt.
Turnaround, he said. And look up.
The setting sun, turning to orange, began to dabble color onto the tops of the spiring trunks.
It was a reminder to slow down, to be patient, and to look further and deeper.
We would be reminded again 10 minutes later.