Community Garden

A Community Garden

For this next nature experience, I traveled to a community garden near my father's house. The day was bright and sunny, with a few puffy clouds here and there. Birds chirped and bees and butterflies swarmed the bright orange and red and yellow flowers that engulfed the entryway to the garden. A few lizards scurried across the gravel path in front of me as I walked down the narrow stretch surrounded by flora on all sides. The path split two ways, one of which went to the right and snaked around a large pond inhabited by a family of turtles and some frogs. A few patches of bubbles were visible, suggesting some fish might also reside there. The beautiful scene of the tall oak trees and sky reflected on the deep green and blue surface of the pond. To the left was a large garden area with a few people walking here and there, all looking at something. I later came to find that they were observing a model train track with many different paths and trains chugging around the large, open area. Every so often along the paths there were benches that allowed me to sit back and relax, taking in the scenery and smells. Bluebirds swarmed the trees above and squirrels cautiously searched the ground for acorns. I traveled the gravel path for a few more hours before I ate my lunch at a picnic table and gathered my possessions to leave the garden. Even as I was leaving the garden, I couldn't escape the beauty of it. Someday I wish to return and see it again.

Nature Photography

Nature Photos

Today, I went for a long nature walk. However, instead of just observing the already amazing beauty of nature, I photographed the beauty to save for later so that I could admire it even after my time was through. As I was walking along the trail, I managed to capture the beauty of nature in multiple photos. The first picture I took was a low photo of the trail as it went on for a while and then curved around a tree and disappeared from sight. The bottom of the picture was focused on the rocks and pebbles, and they became less visible as the trail went on. The next photo was of a small stream running down the middle of the trail. I took two photos of this, one from the top and one from the bottom. I captured the slowly running stream as it created miniature waterfalls as it ran down small rocks. The background of the photos was a group of large ferns with the sun shining through the pines. The final picture was at the base of a large rock, covered with moss and flora and surrounded by large oak and fern trees. The sun was shining through the leaves as it emitted rays of sunlight in small areas. I took these photos to capture the beauty of nature in a different fashion. You don't have to go on a long hike to hunt for a deer for a slim chance. You can simply admire the scenery, the non-living beauty that mother nature created for humanity to observe in complete awe. I encourage you to go out into nature and observe the gorgeous sights that I have. Take in the beauty of life in a natural state. I promise you won't regret it.

Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing

Forest bathing is a calming technique. It is a practice where one goes out into nature and walks. You do not bring electronics with you, you simply quietly walk. You walk slowly, however. This is not a hike or a nature walk to reach an objective or observe a specific thing. You have no objective besides peace, nothing to observe except the beauty of nature. You don't talk. Everything is quiet, save the animals of the woods. As I began walking through the forest, the first thing that I noticed, or rather smelled, was the pines. The needles smelled wondrous, and I was reminded of fresh oranges. The sun shone through the treetops and illuminating the forest in careful, precise areas, the birds began singing. I identified multiple blue jays and two crows. The blue jays sang a memorable song, while the crows cry was shrill and chilling. There was a light breeze that I can only describe as refreshing. As I strolled down a trail, I ventured off to the right of the trail, and followed a smaller trail. The sun was shining beams of light through the tightly gathered treetops, creating a mysterious yet beautiful sight.