A Path in the Woods
Friday, February 3, 2006
Across the lake from my home, there is a path that leads off into the woods. It is possibly accessible to me from the damn to which I have access. I only noticed this path this winter, when the foliage of the trees in the woods had fallen, and have extended my view. The path holds a certain mystery for me. What made it? Where does it lead? How far does it go?
Some time ago, I called the owner of those woods and received permission from the owner of the land across the lake to hike there. Yet, I have not done so. Why? Is it fear of the unknown? Snakes, I am told, are abundant here; but, they would be in hibernation at this time of year. There are lynx (I’m not quite sure what these are except that they belong to the feline family) and bobcats, deer (totally harmless), alligators (these if they do indeed exist would be in or near the water and not in the woods), coyotes, and I’m sure other wildlife.
I’m a nature lover. Yet, I have not taken my hike that I so coveted the right to do. Was it the knowing I could if I chose to that I really wanted? Or is it fear? Am I getting “old” in my old age?
When I first walked across the damn, I was told by my neighbors not to do so for an alligator had been spotted sunning itself upon the damn. This didn’t stop me, however. I took my dog and a stray with me on leashes and I could have “fed” them to this mysterious Enchanted Lake Monster before it came for me. This speaks well of the pet’s owner’s affection, right?
So if I’m not afraid, what is it that keeps me from taking my hike? Maybe I simply wanted the right to do so. Or maybe I fear I’ll open a “can of worms”; if I’m seen hiking these beautiful woods, then any and everyone might do likewise, and they won’t be “mine”. But at 63, could I be that childish? Yes!
Could it be laziness? No, because I walk and/or paddle boat for one to two hours daily, weather permitting.
Actually, I think it’s a desire to have something mysterious and unknown in my life; a challenge that beckons me. Like the pathway leading off to a place I don’t know about, the woods provide me with a childlike, storybook place where amazing creatures live and mysterious things happen.
Some day I may exercise the permission granted me to hike those woods; but for now, I am happy to imagine what it will be like. Many times in life the anticipation of an event enhances the actual happening.
I realize it is a child’s game I play; but then that’s why at the age of 63, I am still that little girl inside who looks at the world with wonder and awe. I hope I always, no matter how old chronologically I get, am able to see a reality of my own making (imagination?) and can be happy and excited with anticipation about what’s “around the corner” of my path in this marvelous journey we call life.
Across the lake from my home, there is a path that leads off into the woods. It is possibly accessible to me from the damn to which I have access. I only noticed this path this winter, when the foliage of the trees in the woods had fallen, and have extended my view. The path holds a certain mystery for me. What made it? Where does it lead? How far does it go?
Some time ago, I called the owner of those woods and received permission from the owner of the land across the lake to hike there. Yet, I have not done so. Why? Is it fear of the unknown? Snakes, I am told, are abundant here; but, they would be in hibernation at this time of year. There are lynx (I’m not quite sure what these are except that they belong to the feline family) and bobcats, deer (totally harmless), alligators (these if they do indeed exist would be in or near the water and not in the woods), coyotes, and I’m sure other wildlife.
I’m a nature lover. Yet, I have not taken my hike that I so coveted the right to do. Was it the knowing I could if I chose to that I really wanted? Or is it fear? Am I getting “old” in my old age?
When I first walked across the damn, I was told by my neighbors not to do so for an alligator had been spotted sunning itself upon the damn. This didn’t stop me, however. I took my dog and a stray with me on leashes and I could have “fed” them to this mysterious Enchanted Lake Monster before it came for me. This speaks well of the pet’s owner’s affection, right?
So if I’m not afraid, what is it that keeps me from taking my hike? Maybe I simply wanted the right to do so. Or maybe I fear I’ll open a “can of worms”; if I’m seen hiking these beautiful woods, then any and everyone might do likewise, and they won’t be “mine”. But at 63, could I be that childish? Yes!
Could it be laziness? No, because I walk and/or paddle boat for one to two hours daily, weather permitting.
Actually, I think it’s a desire to have something mysterious and unknown in my life; a challenge that beckons me. Like the pathway leading off to a place I don’t know about, the woods provide me with a childlike, storybook place where amazing creatures live and mysterious things happen.
Some day I may exercise the permission granted me to hike those woods; but for now, I am happy to imagine what it will be like. Many times in life the anticipation of an event enhances the actual happening.
I realize it is a child’s game I play; but then that’s why at the age of 63, I am still that little girl inside who looks at the world with wonder and awe. I hope I always, no matter how old chronologically I get, am able to see a reality of my own making (imagination?) and can be happy and excited with anticipation about what’s “around the corner” of my path in this marvelous journey we call life.
posted by Sandra | 10:26 AM
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