Part of what has been so illuminating about the Silent Walks is seeing our path through the woods change with each month. Being part of the landscape when it has been annoyingly buggy and humid, to magically autumnal, to snowy and dark, to damp and cold like it was this past walk, is exactly what this project is about. Yet I understand how walking in mud and drizzle and cold isn't necessarily as appealing as pristine sunshine. Each walk has been surprisingly representative of the time of year, and March held true to that pattern. The Mud Season. Having acknowledged all that, it was remarkably beautiful. The following are reflections from the few of us who braved the wet accompanied by photographs and video taken by the SWHM photographer, Thom Munterich.
Yes, this is the trail."Delightful. Try as I might, I could only find the smallest signs of spring--all the snow melt running off the mountain, the earth feels, smells moist and fertile. It's like it is a completely different place from last month. Loved it."
"Amazing soaked woods. Rich color of umber, deep yellow and the hint of red buds in the trees. Neon green moss. Branches were starting to dry, so they stood out as gray lines against the dark background. Had to step around the water that covered the path. It was light the whole time, but cloudy. I felt so relaxed, watching the ferry boat inch it's way across the river."
"Smelled damp leaves and new earth. Sound of water everywhere."
Note the stream running down the mountain in the background."Big deep mountain breaths in time with the swollen creek bed rumblings. Other observations: wet spring. Leaves like deep pile shag--so different from the noisy playful fall leaves. Loved the "Tree Goiter" at the bridge!!"
"So grateful to Jackie for giving me this all too brief time of quiet contemplation! It even relaxed the pain in my gut from wolfing down dinner."
Unlike the past two snowy walks, there were plenty of signs that people had been here, and I don't mean beer bottles this time.
Druids or hikers? You decide. It's not Micheal Graham though, because it doesn't have his trademark round rock at the top. Some of his beautiful cairns are off Deer Trail Road. If you look closely, you can see a new house being built on the far hillside. Wasn't there last fall.
Our tree spider, now in spring.
A rare dry spot in the path.
Please join us next month on April 21st, the day before Earth Day.
Share the experience with a friend!
Share the experience with a friend!
