Our first field trip inspired me to go back to my newly discovered inflow to the Westhampton Lake. I thought seeing that miniature waterfall that flowed into the lake was a powerful reminder that the lake was a real, flowing body of water. I decided to go back for a second visit. A wintery combination of cold weather and a touch of snow significantly changed the landscape. Much of the previously brown forest floor was covered in a light blanket of snow. Patches of leaves and moss protruded from the snow like small islands from the sea. The cascading water receded since my last visit, but still produced a noticeable flow of falling water. The creek shores drew the frozen water about halfway out on each side. The landscape had slowed down.
The presence of the snow and ice might be unsavory for many people, but I relished it. Blue skies and mild winters typically categorize my hometown this time of year. I found myself taking in all the intricacies of the ice and snow. Watching melting snow in the sun even seemed interesting. Finding a large rock at the water’s edge, I was able to get adjacent with the iced creek. I spent time seeing how strong and think the ice was. Despite the simplicity of the activity, my perch by the creek entertained me.
Although I was clearly on campus, sitting at the creek made me feel like I was elsewhere. I almost temporarily forgot I was on campus. Facing away from campus, I did not see the baseball fields. I saw the creek and everything else off campus. The road propelled cars one by one through my line of vision, oblivious to my presence. Their significant distraction was buffered by my fascination of winter weather. Besides the cars, I surprisingly felt very much like I was in nature. The proximity of the road and houses surprisingly did not detract from my experience.
This visit to my reflection spot was a rare one. Seeing this spot covered in snow and ice is likely an event I will not see again. It certainly contributed to feeling separated me from campus. I look forward to seeing the land change as the seasons pass.
**I have some cool pictures, but I cannot upload them for some reason. I am working on it.