Walk by the Winooski River

The trails by the Winooski River

We looked way down at the river from the side of the bridge.  Michael peeked through the holes of the wall and watched the water go by.

Happily we spent time watching the water, looking out at all the trees that surrounded us and listening for the sounds of nature.







We heard Woodpeckers and saw trees that might be homes for birds.  Michael was reminded of
Owl from Winnie the Pooh and wondered if maybe he was up in this tree.

We waited in nature's music, listened to the birds call to each other, the scratching of trees together, the rustle of leaves on the ground but Owl must have  been sleeping.  We walked on.

Michael skipped down the trail, hopped over roots and jumped onto the fence, ever watchful and curious.

He spotted trees and went right over to some to touch the bark and look way up to the top of the tree.
We noticed that different trees had different  bark and felt different as well.

We put our hands on this tree to discover the sensation of the bark.  We put our feet on the roots and stood still beside the tree.  We raised our heads and looked at the leaves coming out.  And we were quiet and let our senses speak to us.


  Vermont has much beauty in many hidden spots.   Look at this birch, a stark brightness amid the evergreen , tucked away on a quiet hill.

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The river was ever present as we walked the trails. Push aside the branches and there it was, a winding thirsty view, making me want to fall back into it and savor the sensation of floating with the current.

But we continued on for Michael had much to
take in.

The sky was layered with blue and whites, almost a ladder-like view to climb with eyes.

The greens were a mixture in every shade, we touched the leaves and needles as we walked by.









We took one last look at the river, watched the current carry sticks, watched the swirls of waves
wash on by.  I wondered what Michael thought as he stared at the water.  What did he make of the trees and the wonders of the Winooski River so close to our home?

I hope he remembers the moments.  I hope he recalls the feel of the bark, the dirt trail on his feet, the smell of pine sap, and the callings of the birds.  For in those moments we were part of more than the normalcy of a routine day, we were part of God's nature.