C. Cleaves-Noland Trail

   I was really excited to go to the Noland Trail for class because I had never been before, but I was not really sure what to expect.  Dr. Redick read a passage from Annie Dillard's novel and set the tone for our class that day. Our mission is to examine various sites while utilizing all of our senses and to record our experience. We start off by looking over the James River and the view is honestly so beautiful.  The loud rushing of the rhythmic water is heard in the background as I get lost in the scenery.  Birds were fighting on the water, gnats swarmed wildly, and the consistent chirp of various bugs were the soundtrack of our visit. But still there is a certain kind of peace in the midst of the natural commotion.Next we examined the leaves of a steel magnolia tree and smelled its fruit.  Later we crossed the street and stood next to a humongous statue.  The sound of runners, cars, and conversation float softly in the air from the road behind us.  We examined shrubbery, trees, leaves etc. More than learning an assortment of facts about these different things, I really just enjoyed being outside and observing.  It's amazing what you can see when you really pay attention.It reminded me of when I was younger and my family and I would go for walks every night after dinner. I always felt so calm and peaceful on those nights.  It was like every part of the trail had an independent story that eventually overlapped.  There was a lot more going on than what you might first realize.  We discussed the age of certain trees, and how recently they died, and which berries were safe to eat and which were not!  As we walked along the path the trees loomed over us like giants.  Squirrels weaved across the trail trying to avoid our loud footsteps invading their turf. Shrubbery grew over the path and hidden stumps became our demise.  There was a small thicket of flowers, which most were dead.  A few remained, though, a bright gold color in a sea of green. So many other people were interacting with the trail as well, all with a different goal in mind.  There were serious runners that we made way for, and a sweet young family enjoying an early evening stroll.  I wondered if this was a normal routine for many of them or if this was a new journey for others.  After a while of traveling down the path we were sent on our own to discover and experience new things. I stayed next to the lake for a little bit and just stared aimlessly at the trees and the algae on the water, once again, lost in the scenery.  I found my way back down the path and stopped and sat at the base of a huge tree with a group of other students. I sat their and thought about the beginning of class and it turned out to be something more than what I was expecting.  I felt like I could stay out there for hours- no words are needed.  I jot down a few thoughts in my notebook and before you know it I see the rest of the class approaching and it's time to go.  I head back to my car and prepare to drive away.  Maybe next time I will get to hear the rest of those stories.