Belle Isle

I knew at the very first mention of a “reflection spot” exactly where my spot would be: Belle Isle.  Former Earth Lodger Anne Coglianese and her co-leader, Emma Thomson, first introduced the place to me last fall through a trip with our living-learning community, Westhampton College Outdoor Adventure.  On our little excursion, we hiked through the woods on a path that took us to building ruins on a less-visited portion of the island.  We clambered onto the rocks, which, on this side, take up more space than the water does, and we snacked on cookies.  We gossiped and took in the scenery, all agreeing that it was nice to get away from the University for a little while.

However, this is not the exact place I chose to be my reflection spot.  While I know our reflection spots are supposed to be quiet and tranquil places, something I have learned about myself over time is that I do my best thinking while alone in the presence of others.  Because of this, I chose the more populated area on Belle Isle.   I walked over the bridge, veered right along with the path once on the island, and followed the path past an inland body of water and to a smaller area on the rocks that is a little more isolated.  It’s not part of the long stretch of rocks that people frequent most often, but down the path a little further so not as many people head there, but it’s still populated enough for the likes of my reflective intentions.

I plopped myself down on a rock and took in my surroundings.  I sat on a large rock at the waters edge, my toes in the cool water, and all around me children were swimming in the water, a black lab puppy struggled through some grass only slightly taller than it was as its owner snapped priceless pictures, and kayakers headed through the rapids in small white-water kayaks, pure enjoyment on their faces mixing with the bright sunlight.  I love Belle Isle for the fact that every time you go, you see different types of people all headed into the “wilderness” for the same reason: to escape for a bit.

The one most significant image that stands out in my mind the most, though, is not actually from my reflection spot, but from the journey back over the bridge and to my car.  The image is that of crossing back into “civilization,” and perhaps one of the best depictions of just how Richmond is built on the James River.

I’ve now seen Belle Isle in the early fall, before the leaves change, and during the summertime.  The prospect of visiting again multiple times throughout the year excites me because I will get to see the island go full circle through all of the seasons.