Tuesday, October 23
Yesterday I needed to decompress from the weekend so I spent the afternoon hiking one of my favorite places in all of PA -- Hawk Mountain. It’s located just a few miles from the Appalachian Trail, and hugs the Kittatinny Ridge of the Central Appalachians.
One of my favorite spots in the whole place is the North Lookout – the place where bird enthusiasts flock like paparazzi stalking Lindsay Lohan. Yesterday I laughed as I emerged from the trail and saw, sitting on the rock outcropping of the North Lookout, what had to be at least 50 Raptor watchers with binoculars pressed to their faces. On a really good day one can see anywhere from 300 to 1,000 raptors riding the thermal drafts in the distance. Yesterday we saw a golden eagle, among others.
On the way down I took the long way and sat down in the woods, just to listen. Within 30 minutes I was smitten with amazement as the woods came alive as I slowly became a motionless spectator. The same chipmunk kept transporting chestnuts, one at a time, over the same log and into his well hidden burrow. Small birds fluttered throughout the tree tops looking for insects. The wind meandered through the branches like a slow moving brook.
I was amazed at the way the place came alive once I slowed down enough to catch it. It all reminded me of a poem David Waggoner tells of Native Americans and the wisdom they have for those who get lost in a densely covered forest. The opening and closing lines begin,
"When you’re lost in the forest, stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you are not lost. . . . Stand still. The forest knows where you are. You must let it find you."
My life is a lot like that…busy rushing here and there…deadlines…adrenaline…to do lists. Then every once in a while I get a chance to get away and simply listen, to be still, and pay attention to my life and my world and the people I care the most about. When I do that my life seems to come alive again.
One of my favorite spots in the whole place is the North Lookout – the place where bird enthusiasts flock like paparazzi stalking Lindsay Lohan. Yesterday I laughed as I emerged from the trail and saw, sitting on the rock outcropping of the North Lookout, what had to be at least 50 Raptor watchers with binoculars pressed to their faces. On a really good day one can see anywhere from 300 to 1,000 raptors riding the thermal drafts in the distance. Yesterday we saw a golden eagle, among others.
On the way down I took the long way and sat down in the woods, just to listen. Within 30 minutes I was smitten with amazement as the woods came alive as I slowly became a motionless spectator. The same chipmunk kept transporting chestnuts, one at a time, over the same log and into his well hidden burrow. Small birds fluttered throughout the tree tops looking for insects. The wind meandered through the branches like a slow moving brook.
I was amazed at the way the place came alive once I slowed down enough to catch it. It all reminded me of a poem David Waggoner tells of Native Americans and the wisdom they have for those who get lost in a densely covered forest. The opening and closing lines begin,
"When you’re lost in the forest, stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you are not lost. . . . Stand still. The forest knows where you are. You must let it find you."
My life is a lot like that…busy rushing here and there…deadlines…adrenaline…to do lists. Then every once in a while I get a chance to get away and simply listen, to be still, and pay attention to my life and my world and the people I care the most about. When I do that my life seems to come alive again.
3 comments:
It sounds very relaxing and peaceful! You gave me a great idea of a PERFECT group social!!
Brian,
I could not agree more. I have the place for you. The Grand Canyon of PA, in Wellsboro, PA. I have always wanted to invite you there, as I feel it is a awesome place to share, and to see what God has created, put's life into prespective. From the winding streams, wild life, to the high mountains. It is a great place. If you ever want to go.. Just let me know my treat.. I have the unlimited use of an old farm house on 1k acres.
Al Crosbie
Sounds like a great time...catch me Sunday (if you're willing to talk after the Bucks whoop on the Nittany Lions!).
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