Peaceful waters: Building a fabric of joy
Long Lake in Maine on July 10, with Hawk Mountain in the distance, near center. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
You might call 2021 the year of travel. People are hitting the road everywhere, after emerging from the decidedly travel-less world of 2020 into their usual summer routines.
For us, this includes driving my daughter to camp in Maine, which has been part of the summer travel schedule for the past eight years. Seeing the smile on her face, and on the faces of her friends, after seeing each other again in person for the first time in nearly two years, was a special moment. It was sheer joy and gratitude, surrounded by the wonders of nature in the Maine landscape, and the prospect of a lively, fulfilling summer. That moment was easily the pinnacle of the trip.
Leading up to that moment, however, were other joyful experiences. The first one: sharing a delicious Maine lobster dinner with friends — a treat I just have to mention. Another experience, while not directly related to culinary delights, is also related to nature. And that's the beautiful boat ride we had on Long Lake, a lovely 11-mile lake between the towns of Naples, Bridgton and Harrison. It's enjoyed by many summer camps, and the famous Charlotte's Web author E.B. White once had a vacation home on the lake.
A loon pokes its head above the surface of Long Lake. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
That Saturday was the kind of day that brings numerous people to lakes in Maine. There's nothing like being surrounded by the expanse of water, with bright sun and wind on your face. At a couple stops, we'd see the occasional loon popping up, then plunging back down again to feed. White clouds dotted the clear blue sky, which soared above the green trees around the lake's deep-blue surface. It was an awe-inspiring contrast in color, which also blended together seamlessly.
While we were swimming, tubing, and boating around that wonderful place, we were also, of course, in the home of the loon. And they did a pretty good job staying out of sight of my camera — except for one little fellow (picture above), who almost escaped the lens again as we scanned the surface for that one, perfect moment.
It was a series of great moments out on the lake, enjoying the ride and the company of friends and family — as were others on that summer day. Being on the water, time seems to expand and hang in the air, as your eyes move from scene to scene of graceful nature and the interplay of its elements. While boats toss the waves about, and the surface moves and changes, you realize a certain peace, revealing the lake's majesty as all-embracing, welcoming and a true treasure. That’s really part of an unfolding experience, of people being able to travel more and experience various, inspirational surroundings with others. Like the very waters of the lake, those experiences will blend together to create a fabric of joy and togetherness that blesses everyone around it. How fulfilling it will be, to keep adding to that fabric.
— Gareth Henderson
Spectacular clouds and reflections at Long Lake in Maine on July 10. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
