11:51 AM
42°
It was windy when I got to the park today, and my sweatshirt wasn't keeping me warm. Rain fell steadily, and I entered the park thinking I wouldn't stay long. As I walked along Cliff Trail with my dogs, I kept my hood tight around my face. I couldn't focus on much besides the sharp wind and the cold rain slapping my face. The dogs ran ahead, and I watched Keiffer make a sharp turn on the path and disappear. I followed him and found a narrow trail leading steeply downhill from the cliffs. I hadn't noticed it on any of my previous walks, since it was blocked by a thick shelf of rock. I followed Keiff down.
The lake trail entrance was still blocked off up near the parking lot; it had been blocked off since the start of winter. Keiff led me to the water another way. This part of the forest consisted of a lot of furry pines, so as soon as I reached the base of the cliffs, the wind hardly reached me. The pines captured it in their boughs.
The lake trail was closed because the water was really high. The trail disappeared into the water. I took off my hood, and sat on a fallen tree to watch for any wildlife. As my dogs roamed, the birds came to life. Geese sent out their harsh cries, while short, single chirps formed a light background music. Occasionally, a long purring sound would cut off the geese. I watched for any sign of movement, but I saw none. I only heard them, and I knew they were very close.
I felt like I had crossed into a bird sanctuary where few hikers traveled. How many people missed that tricky little trail that my dog found? The water rippled in the wind, and I watched the liquid dance and lap the shore. It felt fitting to end the semester with this visit. I have continued to watch the water at Clark this semester, and most of my visits, I have found it frozen. Today, when I finally found my way to the water's edge, I was glad it was alive with movement. Like a thirsty animal, I felt drawn to the lake. It was as if I had found the heart of the park, the place the birds called home.
I'm making it a goal to start identifying some of the birds I hear at the park. I think the spot Keiff led me to will be a great place to start.
2 comments:
I couldn't help but see a similarity between this entry and Refuge, especially with you calling the place a bird sanctuary as you sit at the swollen lake's edge.
I forgot to keep track of how often you brought your dogs with you? Did you do it every time? Do you think, perhaps, you were more able to visit this place because you had the excuse of taking your dogs for a walk in an area where they could roam?
It's so interesting how water, in its varied manifestations, has informed and continues to inform your visits to this place.
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