A friend and I were able to get off campus this past weekend. We’d discussed leaving campus to do something outside in the surrounding fall landscape, and found ourselves hiking at a nature preserve.
Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area came to us as a result of a Google search: “farms to walk near me”. Though a nature preserve wasn’t our originally imagined destination, we decided it sounded good.
There was a paved path leading to a narrow boardwalk, which took us to a shallow, swamp-like pond. At the end of the boardwalk there was a platform with benches that served as the perfect sunning and viewing spot.
My friend and I felt mutual relief in this open, natural space. The day was perfect — clear blue skies, warm sun, and a comfortable temperature. As we looked out at the water, to the changing trees across the way, taking in the scent of leaves and soil, we were able to breathe.
We hadn’t realized it, but we were in desperate need for a moment in nature. It was an extremely freeing feeling to be detached from campus and from work and to just exist in a natural atmosphere with nothing weighing us down.
The nature preserve also has rocky trails through the woods, where we enjoyed a bright green haze of sun through the treetops until our environment became too buggy to continue on. We agreed to come back, having enjoyed ourselves so thoroughly, and left feeling positively relaxed.
The moral of my story, which I am sharing with you, is to venture outdoors. I was able to get all of my weekend homework done ahead of time, so this experience was truly a meditative one. I needed this time to be without responsibilities and to be in the open air.
If you go to Mount Holyoke or any of the other five colleges, I suggest checking out Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area. Otherwise, a “hiking locations near me” Google search usually does the job. You might even want to extend your adventure, like me, and treat yourself to lunch after. I enjoyed my sandwich and iced chai very much! Us students deserve little reprieves like these. Be well!
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