As a young man, I often enjoyed the wonders of the natural world. Whether it take the form of camping, hiking, swiming, or climbing, I maintained an insatiable thirst for the beauties the Virginia backcountry had to offer. Due to a lack of motivation and increasing amounts of occupational and social responsibilities, I have become a stranger to the places that knew me only by scent and footprint. Perhaps regrettable, it is never an inopportune time to revisit those "old stomping grounds" and once again return to that which makes us creative and human.
Last saturday, following a sequence of introspective personal and professional events, I trekked my way to Harper's Ferry. A quick scat to the border of West and Regular Virginia reveals a swiftly flowing river, semi-active train tracks, and recently flowering Virgnia Blue Bells. Accompanied by two of any man's best friends, Hannah Belle and Denali, we romped and swam our way to a place only recognized by animals native to the area. Not a visitor in sight, nor a cloud in the sky. What have I been doing all this time? A question that crossed my mind as I bathed my face in cold river water. This is who I am, this is what I needed. I made fun of the boy who needed these hills for the past 8 years. I realized it was the man version of Jeremy who needed a change of perspective and to taste the river that fed the dreams of yesteryear.
We discovered waterfalls, rock formations, native flowers, birds, insects, and a train track that led to a place not nearly as beautiful as ours. Maybe it was the weather. It was the dogs. It was the fact I had a date with friends after my excursion. It was the taste and feel of silence. It was the idea of returning to that which fed the boy that became a man. It was me. It was you.
Neat tip: Go for a hike in the woods. Find an aesthetically pleasing place outdoors where other people will not interrupt. Listen to 'Farmhouse' on the way there, and rediscover the person you once were. I realized last Saturday that what makes me happy is that which feeds the whole of my senses. All 6, only when soul meets body and the next thought has nothing to do with the last.
