Few things serve to remind me as much of this all-too-human tendency as early autumn in my beloved and lifelong home state. While on a recent hike at nearby Hartshorne Park, the symphony of colors and breathtaking view from an overlook above the Sandy Hook peninsula and Gateway National Recreation Area reminded me again how fortunate I am to be proximate to such splendor. I was not surprised hearing gasps from several of my hiking companions approaching that overlook. Lots of pictures were taken. None that I saw captured a fraction of the magic. Visit this website for an idea of what I re-experienced.
However, near the conclusion of the hike, our leader asked the group if anyone would like to take a few extra minutes and walk to the lighthouses that sit atop this magnificent spot. And though I'd been there before, the perfect weather, those majestic trees, and the fellowship of others who enjoy the outdoors capped off a peak morning. Though the picture below showcases a manmade vs. a natural feature, the cloudless blue sky enveloping that 1862 lighthouse brings back the wonder I experienced that day walking through a familiar and sacred place.
Yes Pat, revisiting breathtaking moments of beauty, especially in the natural world, often take me back or inspire me forward. On October 5 I drove Trail Ridge Road for the first time this summer and I reclaimed memories as my partner lifted both of us to the delight of golden aspen in bright sunlight in one of our favorite places.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous; Thanks for the comment. Although I'm unfamiliar with Trail Ridge Road, if it brings you the joy that my recent hike in Highlands NJ brought to me, you are indeed fortunate. BTW, I love the phrase "...take me back or inspire me forward...". Captures quite well what I was referring to in my opening sentence, i.e., our unfortunate human tendency to sometimes take the nearby natural world for granted.
DeleteThis post brought back a delightful memory of visiting Sandy Hook on a winter day with almost no one but my partner and I strolling the beach. The extreme silence was profound in contrast to the constant buzz and hum of New Jersey in general. Equally delightful was the sight of jets making their final approach to JFK but again with no sound. It was a very interesting ballet of sea and sky in motion.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous #2; So pleased this post brought you back to a fond Sandy Hook, NJ memory. And I love your last phrase = "... a ballet of sea and sky in motion." Beautifully put.
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