Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Robert Lannes: Noland Trail


It would be easy to say that our class trip to the Noland trail was definitely the most interactive class we’ve had this year.  When we first showed up I didn’t really know what to expect.  At the beginning of the class, we went around as a group for close to twenty minutes, and observed the trail with Professor Redick, as he identified the different plant species that lined the trail.  We got to the bridge, he told us about the giant turtle that appears there when people are on the bridge.  Though this turtle didn’t appear for our class, I still got to see the other small turtles, expecting us to drop them some kind of treat.  After reflecting with the class for some time, he instructed us to explore the trail at our own pace. 
            I then ventured off on the trail, trying to take in the scenery.  We eventually found a smaller trail that led us off to the water.  I was able to take in all the smells in the air, that you will never smell unless your surround by vegetation.  The sunlight reflecting off the water caught my attention, and I was very impressed at how I was able to relax and gather my thoughts.  As we walked further down the trail, I attempted to imagine what it would be like to travel on a trail like this for months.  It began to hit me at what an experience that would be.  At one point we ventured off the trail, and I noticed lots of wild life. 
            I then realized how relaxed I had felt the entire time, because I wasn’t really focusing on anything in particular.  I had detached myself from the hustle and bustle of my busy schedule, and immersed myself in nature.  I didn’t have any profound experience on the trail, but I did come to the realization that taking time out of your busy life to connect with nature isn’t time wasted.  You can make a connection with a  place, by simply existing in it.  

No comments:

Post a Comment