There’s something magical up in these hills. I have heard people talk about it all my life. And until now I didn’t really understand. But this summer, for some reason or other, I get it. These hills, these woods, these lakes, these views. They do not exist like this in any other place I have ever been. It seems we have a very special spot here. And that is why throngs of tourists descend on us each and every summer. Why every sunny day starting in april and ending in october, the main street in the next town over is covered in visitors peering in shop windows and crossing the street every which way, dazed and confused and full of excitement, a little bit of exhaustion over their trip from the city or the other city or who-knows-where. They used to really really bug me. But I think as I get older and spend more time appreciating all this area has to offer, I am starting to understand them more. Starting to want to be a tourist myself, in my own town.
So we’re exploring. John took us to Spectacle Pond, about a 25 minute drive down winding dirt roads, where the girl got her first kayak ride, and I got to loll in the pristine waters and enjoy a tiny beach with not a soul around. It was pretty magical. She tried on the water wings my mom got her, too, and took off swimming like it was second nature. The girl’s a fish, I tell you!
The drive home was pretty magical, too. Windows open, bathing suits still on, warm air blowing our hair, arms out the windows. Just a hint of a thunderstorm in the air. Trees and grass and hills and fields and farms. So. Gorgeous. I am really learning to enjoy it all. It’s so fun to enjoy things. Allow myself to BE. And not worry about what I’m not doing, getting done, what’s next, where to go, what to do. For the first time, it seems, I’m allowing. It’s fantastic. I highly recommend it.
Then we took a little trip this week out of the Berkshires and down to Lake Taghkanic, just about an hour from us, for a three-family camping adventure. Four kiddos from age 7 months to 3.5 years, all enjoying the constant attention, being outdoors all day long and just being kids. And the adults perhaps enjoyed some breakfast beers and some good old-fashioned hanging around. There was a lake and a playground, too, but the weather wasn’t so cooperative. Maybe next time we’ll do more hail-free swimming.
This was one of Natalie’s shots with my little camera. I so enjoy seeing her perspective on things.
We’re going to enjoy this summer to the max, no question about it.
