In The Woods
October 4, 2012 * * * * * Posted by: Deborah 
As we began our walk in the woods that day it was so quiet. No sounds except the birds and a distant woodpecker tapping away. The air was crisp and cool, the breeze gentle, and the warm sun felt really good on our backs. The ground beneath our feet was damp from an early morning rain, so that even our steps on the leaves and branches on the path made no crunching noise. The stillness was surrounding us in a beautiful way.
My husband and I often go to the woods to find ourselves again, to escape the normal daily grind, to hear whatever Nature wants to tell us. Normally we do not see other adults of our age out on the trail, but this day we did. A pleasant couple greeted us as we began our walk, then a man walking alone met up with us, and we exchanged hellos.
"It's a beautiful day in the woods today," he said. I noticed his denim shirt, his hat and walking stick, and very pleasant smile. We all then went our separate ways.
A few steps later I heard the rhythmic sound of the tap tap tap of the man's walking stick as he crossed the little footbridge on the trail. I paused, turned to see him moving across the wooden planks, and decided to snap a photo. The sun was streaming through the trees, lighting the path on the bridge, making a pattern on his denim shirt. Just one shot, and we continued on our way.
What was it about the sight of this stranger walking away? Perhaps it was the cadence of his stride, accented by the tap of that walking stick. Or the set of his shoulders, the pace of his walk, the very demeanor about him that spoke of many walks in the woods, taking time to reflect and just soak in all the beautiful surroundings.
For the rest of our time in the woods that day I thought of this encounter, of how just the image of this man and his walking stick reminded me of an English class long ago when I fell in love the the words and wisdom of Thoreau. The tap of the walking stick being a beat of a different drum. The contemplative attitude of those of us on that trail that day taking me back to the reason why ".... I came to the woods.."
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." Henry David Thoreau
Inspiration, Nature
Reader Comments (17)
In-spired or in-spirit was the reason you shot that photograph Deborah. I believe your soul whispered. Being in the woods, it was quiet enough for your mind to listen.
What a beautiful composition and looking at it I feel I'm right there following this stranger on his nature walk. Thank you for the inspiration :-)
beautiful words and image to start the day - i needed that, thank you :) your woods sound very special indeed.
My immediate thought was he was an angel unawares, Deborah. And then I thought about his wife who is no longer with him but whom he still remembers fondly with great joy...and can thereby greet all those he meets with such cheer. This brings tears to my eyes. It says everything about the kind of legacy we can leave as we pass others throughout life. Thank you for sharing this inspiring walk in your woods.
A lovely piece to start my day. I also love to walk in the woods for the peace and quiet. "Talking to the trees" seems to put everything in perspective.
Just recently - I visited a museum that was about the history of Concord, MA and Walden Pond..and - as such - incorporated Thoreau's writings and teachings. And well - all that to say - that he spoke so clearly and lovingly to why we are drawn to the quiet of nature. You've captured it here so beautifully - both in your descriptive words and lovely.. lonely,..evocative image!!!
I don't know whether it was your image or your words which spoke most strongly to me today. I believe that simplifying our lives tends to enrich us rather than the opposite. And your descriptions of your walk took me along beside you. Thank you so much.
Isn't it wonderful to have those sweet, unexpected encounters with strangers that leave you feeling better about the world? I wish we could all remember that it only takes a moment to make someones day brighter. I love hearing about your walks in the woods, there is no other place more special, and I'm so happy that you got this image. Lovely post!
I felt as if I were walking right beside you. Your quiet, peaceful narrative and lovely image transporting me to your special woods. It is fascinating how some brief encounters - a passing glance or simple greeting - can stay with us throughout the day. Thank you for this gentle, thoughtful post.
Deb - a beautiful and evocative post - I can see and smell and hear the woods through your words and image. Love the B&W treatment - it looks like a wood engraving, bringing out the extraordinary textures and light.
There's nothing like a peaceful walk in the woods to contemplate life and explore the meaning of our days.
A wonderful poignant image.
Ahhh Deborah. A man and this thoughts and your serendipitous meeting. I love it.
Into the woods....one of my very favorite places to escape and refresh. I love your image - almost like a wood etching - and your prose is beautiful. I can hear the walking step tapping, feel the beauty and peace of the woods, and feel the love you have for your walking companion. Thank you for such a beautiful addition to our day.
Oh, this really touched my heart... I have always felt most at home in the woods. Today, for the first time in weeks, I felt well enough to go for a walk, and just feeling the sun on my face made me happy.
I love that you turned and snapped this photo at just the right moment, it's perfect.
Deborah, I loved reading this because I felt as if I was right there by your side as you took this walk and had this experience. Such a peaceful feeling... I too love the woods and when I visit my parents in Virginia I'll often take a walk and find myself just lost in the sounds and the smells. Thank you for a lovely post!
The image is so beautiful in the way you processed it. I can hear the tap of the walking stick - and yes, this man looks like he spent many many hours in the woods, and those were good hours. I used to live very close to the woods and I went into them almost every day. Wonderful memories.
Such lovely words, you have captured a perfect moment in time.
I second what Anyes said about the photo. The composition does draw you in and along with the man walking.
I can relate to this encounter with my own experiences of walking my dogs and crossing paths with other people who glow with the joy of the day and being out in it. There are the people that simply pass you by, maybe with a nod or half smile and there are those who beam and proclaim "Such a beautiful day for a walk! Enjoy!" The latter people stay with me and fill me with the warmth of a shared moment of enjoyment.