It smells like spring, it looks like spring. Everything is radiating life. There is a light breeze, and the sunfeel warm against my face. The lake is buzzing with activity; both human and otherwise. Right this moment a duck just hopped out of the lake and waddled past me, to receive a complimentary lunch. After the first chunk of bread is thrown, a crowd begins to swarm. A couple of Canadian geese swoop in, followed by a chattering group of mallards. The triceragoose even made a brief appearence, but rather than eat bread (he/she) just swam over, scared the other birds, then swam to the far shore of the lake, and proceeded to let loose a few loud crows. However, soon the flock regrouped, this time with the addition of a couple of ring necked ducks. I hadn’t noticed before, simply because I hadn’t seen one, but the females are completely different than the males, all brown rather than black and white, with the unique white ring.
[I can’t post media…but here is a link to the ducks!!!
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/PHOTO/LARGE/ring_necked_duck_8.jpg
A couple larger grey/white/brown mottled ducks also joined the fray. (does anyone know what they are?)
A group of people are going through the disk golf course at the far end of the lake, behind me people are filming a kung-fu movie for a film class (I told them I would be writing behind the tree). A family is having photos taken on the bridge. Two young boys endearingly call out to their grandpa, and run to catch up as their make their way toward a fishing spot. Countless people are making their rounds around the lake by various means ranging from a leisurely stroll to a brisk run.
Oops, a frisbee just flew into the lake. The group is trying to retrieve it via (what I think are slightly ridiculous ways). First they try holding hands, with the last person standing on a rock, and leaning out far over the lake. Then they hunt for sticks and take turns executing one footed poses on the rock while trying to reach out and hook it with the stick. I desperately resist the urge to call across the lake and tell them to just wade in and get it/ to jump in myself. But after about 10 minutes of (slightly improved) ballerina poses, one guys decides to just go get it! Hooray success!!!
So many people utilize Westhampton Lake. Not only students, but the general Richmond population as well, particularly families. Throughout this course, I have viewed the natural world through several different lenses, through an ecological/scientific lens, a relaxing and calming state, and an athletically stimulating perspective.
The natural world is constantly drawing people in. In particular people seem instinctively drawn to water due to its amazing calming effects. Yet what about it holds this unique quality? Why are we pulled so strongly to water? Personally I could watch water all day be it the ocean, lakes, rivers, or a trickling steam. For instance at Westhampton Lake, I love the way the sun glistens off the slight peaks, and I could endlessly stare at the continuous waxing and waning ripples. Even the bubbles stemming from the fountain seem like glowing white pearls, each only lasting a few seconds before it fades from sight. Even with the rushing of the road, and my room full of unfinished homework looming in the background I feel at peace. The lake is always able to take me in, and take me away.