The Last Leaf of Autumn

At NATIRAR, a lonely leaf clings to the top of a sapling.

Yesterday, in mid-afternoon, Pris and I took full advantage of the glorious weekend weather – quite unusual for this time of the year.  We decided to visit the grounds at NATIRAR, one of the best places in the Somerset County Park System for individuals, couples, and families to take a healthy stroll in the midst of a quiet, very expansive setting.

There you will find serenity whether you go alone, are accompanied by a friend or loved ones.  The park offers a perfect ambiance to simply walk, talk and enjoy the beauty, as well as the compelling presence of nature.  If you have one of man’s best friends as part of your household, bring your dog along.

From the parking lot, follow the path to your right, counterclockwise on the circular walkway that goes around the expansive lawn before you.  Look for the green on white sign that reads “Nature Trail,” and you are on your way.

I’d estimate that at least eight out of ten persons who passed our way were accompanied by dogs.  The trails are wide and, just as important, every one behaved – even the humans.   Dogs straining on their leashes were more interested in exploring what their senses revealed than in anything else. 

 

One of the amazing phenomena that we came across is that not one, not one person was chatting on a cell phone or thumbing away on a smart phone.  Phew!  What a relief to know that people along that trail not only had the smarts, but the respect for themselves as well for others to not disrupt the sound of silence filling this pleasing setting.

OK!  There was one guy, but only one guy that we observed who was on a smart phone, but that was only as we neared the parking lot at the end of our walk.  Nor was he a young person, but an older gentleman who, judging by the duration of his fiddling away with the phone, seemed to be more interested in the electronic signals beaming his way.

Perhaps I’m being too harsh.  Yet, I think that balance in life is not a bad thing.  My mom might have been even harsher.  She would probably have recollected that situation with one of her favorite aphorisms:  “There is no fool like an old fool.”  Yikes, I’d better check myself on that one!

Thanks for reading.  Take care of yourselves – and remember, one day at a time.

(For an enhanced view, click on the photo.)