Nature Experience: Noland Trail- Mary Ragan

I was not feeling the experience like I had hoped at first. I had rushed over, was hot, being bit by mosquitoes, and somewhat distracted. But as we got further on the trail I got progressively more interested and consumed. Professor Redick showed to us and explained many plants and trees. I love how we felt and smelled and tried to fully experience everything, even wiping the pink berry stuff everywhere like warrior paint. This interaction helps me to get involved and understand. Through this I understand better the concept of reciprocity that Lane explains. We looked at and touched this place and had to allow it to touch us in order to get anything from it. As I walked the trail, observing, listening and reflecting, I remember thinking that I wish I could do it everyday. I wish I could find the time everyday to go out and relax and think. It was such good quality time to reflect and take a break, focusing on something completely different that normal, just focusing on trying to get something out of being in that place at that time. Although it can seem kind of overwhelming, it is nice knowing that there is something that we have no control over. We could only walk through it and allow ourselves to be enraptured and captivated to experience the place and further maybe even participate in it. I was really caught by this branch that was caught in the trees that looked like it had been placed there. It's so interesting how things just happen naturally and we are in such awe of them because we are used to everything being in out control or being done by man. I also saw a curved branch that really made me think of an entrance way. While standing on the bridge I noticed the contrast from one side to the other as it was bright and cheerful on one side and more dark and breezy on the other where not a lot of sunlight came in. I really loved the feeling of nostalgia that I get looking out over the lake. My family and friends used to go camping every year in the fall and this reminded me of it so much, making me want to go back. I liked closing and leaving thinking of how wonderful camping was and soaking up the feelings and memories that looking over the lake at the reds and oranges gave me. I'm still unsure if I participated in the place like Buber writes about or just experienced it.