Simon Robson - Reflection from The Noland Trail

  Today we met and had class at the Lion’s Bridge and on the Noland Trail. After some instruction from Dr. Redick we were let go to interact with the setting around us. Although I did not have a lot of time to spend out there because I had a class right afterwards I tried to slowly make my way back to my car and interact with the different elements of the woods, water and trail around me. 

As soon as I began walking back the first thing I was noticing was the trees and how many different kinds they are and how different each one was. Some had very smooth bark while some had large bulky sections that fit together like a giant puzzle. Some had vines running up them and some had the marks from where vines used to be as Dr. Redick pointed out to us. The diversity of the trees was reflective of people and the stories of their lives that they possess just as the trees have their own stories. Some trees lay face down in the water as they have fallen off the bank. Their life seems to have ended but their purpose lives on as animals use them as refuge or as nests or spare wood. 

I keep walking and see the prickly holly leaves and red berries that look so vibrant and tasty but I know they are not and that the pointy leaves help to keep me from touching them. I hear crickets chirping all around me and footsteps as people walk and run on the same trail. On the side of the path I can see lumps of vines and branches all tangled together and the long tall grass that has small yellow and purple flowers among it. Among a bunch of chaos there is this beauty and vibrant life that pushes through. 

The fallen dead leaves make up my path that I walk on. This seems interesting to me as they were once a part of something living. I see the huge tree that we talked about and I notice a large clump of mushrooms jutting out of the side. The life that takes place on other life. In other life. And because of other life. This tree undoubtedly has a long story behind it and has seen plenty of other life come and go. The mushrooms on its side have only been here for a small fraction of its life. It makes me think somewhat of the relationship we have with pets. Often they are only with us for a portion of our lives but we are with them for almost their entire life. 

As I near the parking lot I see some short sections of chain link fence that have been weathered and grown on. While we can build all kinds of things, almost everything will one day be taken by the natural forces. Next to the parking lot is a wide tree with large roots and many branches. One single branch reaches out over the water and barely hangs low enough that just the end is touching the water. It looks like renaissance art. I hear lots of birds chirping and I look at the water one last time before I get in my car and head back to campus.