Which forest is new? You decide.

Every Fall, a local nonprofit called the Five Rivers Conservation Trust hosts a short hike in Concord, NH, to highlight the great trails and opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy some of the wonderful, free outdoor spaces we have right in our backyard.

The hike is free, though a $5 donation is gratefully accepted. Our friendly hosts hand out tart, crisp apples at the start (along with the okay to toss the biodegradable cores into the woods once we finish them), and lead us along a pre-chosen tour. About halfway through the hike, we meet up with an educational interpreter who shares some great information about the natural space surrounding us.

Last year, we met a fire fighter who talked about the effects, both good and bad, of forest fires. This year, we learned that age is relative, because what constitutes a "new" forest vs and "old" one is very different from what might be new or old in human years.

The weather mostly cooperated. It was a bit drizzly and cool, but still quite pleasant. I always enjoy getting out in the woods, and the guided hikes are a great way to get to know some local hiking trails as a novice. Hiking can be a great activity, but it's important to be prepared and know where you are going, as getting lost in the woods is no joke.

Our interpreter on the left, explaining the differences between a new forest and an old forest. 

New forest. (Note lack of abundant green)

Old forest. (note established greenery)

Enjoying the scenery!

Where I need to be

My recent trip to Italy was for two weeks, which was glorious. My friend C got to stay for a month. I was jealous. After I left, she spent her mornings happily wandering with her camera and then spent her afternoons and evenings at her computer, working East Coast hours. This made for somewhat upside-down days, but it got her a month in Florence, so who's complaining?

Leading up to the trip, I really thought that re-entry into my regular life would be hard. I had prepared myself for being a bit depressed, as my regular life involves a desk job, lots of meetings, being indoors all day, and then going home to a comfortable apartment yet one that is in an area where cars are a necessity for everything.

To my surprise and relief, that is not how I felt at all. In fact, coming back to work felt even better than before because no matter regular life threw my way, I had just spent two weeks in Italy.

Coming back to a crazy-busy inbox? I just spent two weeks in Italy, so I don't care.

Covering for a coworker while odd situations happen in his area? I got to go to Italy. Bring it on.

Having to drive to get to every single stinking thing I might want or need? At least I had two weeks of wandering in Italy.


Likewise, while I thought I would feel even more jealous of my friend who got to stay, I was happy that she was still there. I enjoyed living vicariously through her. I actually felt a bit more sad when she came back than when I did.

I mentioned this to my friend Tim, and mentioned how perplexed I was by this. "Well," he said

thoughtfully, "as long as she was still there, you were, too."

He was right. Every time C posted a new photo, I could think, I was there.

I understood the cultural references. I was happy she got to eat the food.

Pondering this, I decided to get outside this past weekend and enjoy some of the renowned New England Fall weather. I did have to drive to get to talk my walk, but I didn't go very far. There is a lake only about ten minutes' drive from where I live, and it's an easy spot to go when I have a hankering for the out of doors.

Just as I pulled in to a parking space, I was startled by a shadow overhead. I looked up. There was a bald eagle circling the sky right over my car. He came close. He was gorgeous.

I had never seen a bald eagle that closely before (in the wild). It was magnificent and startling at the same time. I jumped out of my car and grabbed my phone in the hopes of getting a picture. The bird did not disappoint. He spent several minutes swooping and soaring right over the shoreline of the lake. After probably five full minutes of staring at the sky, I looked around. The lake area was crowded with people, and we were all doing the same thing: watching this bird. It was as if time had stopped. We stood there, transfixed.

After the bird went on his way, I grabbed my water bottle and my apple, and set off on the trail. I was happy, even if I wasn't in Florence. There are many things about the European life that I much prefer to American life, but the eagle swooping down for a quick visit reminded me that, for now, I am exactly where I need to be.

Sunday morning volunteering

I had a great time this morning at the local wildlife/estuary where I volunteer. It was busy enough but never too crowded. The folks who came in were so nice, and the adults took care in supervising their children and helping them be respectful of the live animals in the touch tank.

After my shift, I took advantage of the location and enjoyed the boardwalk that leads down to the bay. I let nature and the fresh air inspire me, and sat on a bench to enjoy a snack and read a few chapters of my book.

Life is good.