Each summer I spend at the lake, I develop this routine around my time outdoors. I feel as if THIS is the best place to be: THESE woods, or on this kayak (it used to be a rowboat), or swimming in this way. I would have destinations.
Before I had Lyme, I would swim far. I’d do that daily. And I always felt as if being in the water was the heaven this lake offered. During those years, I could also hike endlessly, and I would feel as if the tops of each mountain was “what life was all about”. And then there was the rowboat. Peaches along for the ride. Paddle here, paddle there – always facing backwards as you do when rowing. Not on a motor boat, not making waves, just out bobbing around. What could be better?

Honestly, I’m not any different. The main difference is that my body hurts and I wonder – especially after swimming – whether I’ve done myself any favors. And of course, I trudge along on my short short hikes. And bob in an inner tube when swimming. And now: it’s a kayak.

But in my mind, I’m thinking:when in the woods, this trail is THE place to be right now: as I jump puddles from overflowing rain, or retrieve Peaches from being automatically lured by the passing of a trail biker.

When my sister Louisa and Chloe so lovingly dropped by last week, their timing could not have been better for the sudden warm up of the winter- frozen lake. It was after a number of unusually hot days when they drove in. Just to get in the lake – aaaah.
But what Louisa was commented on was the feeling of the woods. I agreed – they are special: quiet and soothing: soft underfoot, hardwood trees with spaciousness under them and moss-covered granite rocks here and there. That’s close up. But what also is so unusual here is that I look out across the lake to a ridge of mountains – it’s all trees. that whole ridge belonged to one family. They wisely have put into some form of nature conservancy. No one can buy it or build on it. I will always be looking out on tree covered slopes. AND anyone can hike on the trails – there is public access. Green. Space. Quiet.

I was so happy that Louisa and Chloe stayed an extra day. What the lake offers is trees and rocks and water. All the solace of nature. And it’s tough to say which aspect to love more.

That doesn’t stop me from being sure I know. Convinced every time – when I’m on the water, or in the water… on a hill, or looking at it. Whatever it is: I’m right. I know I am.

All are good. But the woods? Those I love. – Peaches, looking at the rainy forest below.