Walden on a Saturday afternoon

Saturday afternoon, with a little time on my hands in the midst of the day, I fell into old patterns and stopped off to Walden pond.  I stopped first to take a small stone to add to the cairn at the site of Thoreau's cabin and then walked off to be alone with my thoughts in the quiet of the woods.

The air was brisk and I started to take the path around the pond.  At first I opted for the path higher up the hill but saw others plodding there and felt that I wanted my solitude.  I have frequently walked this scant couple of miles around the pond and usually prefer visits in fall or early spring when I have the path to myself (or nearly so).  Though a fair number of people shared the park with me this day I was able to proceed with my walk.

The stillness of the water and quiet struck me .. in fact inspired me to take note to write this posting.  I took the photo above and looked across the water with my arms crossed against the briskness.  When I got around to the cabin site it was surrounded by families.  Children stood upon on the posts marking where the cabin was and conversation was flowing amongst the adults.  I moved on, somewhat pleased to see the families sharing the park but nonetheless wanting to move on having started out desiring peace and quiet.

As I walked off, sometime later, I heard footfalls behind me and moved to one side letting a runner go by.  I can't really describe it but she nicely tossed off a "Thank You" for moving out of her way it just warmed me to the core.  It was just common courtesy on both our parts but it got me thinking.

Not long after I took the photo, the stillness of the water was displaced as someone threw a stone in.  I caught up with the people as they were paused on the path.  I just walked by having spoken to no one (and, in fact spoke to no one all day) but having judged this a "disturbance" I was not pleased.  On over hearing the conversation though it occurred to me that I'd likely like these people.  My early judging of this as an intrusion on me now seemed ostentatious and inappropriate.

So .. 20 second thought for the day .. perhaps we go out seeking solitude and don't find it but perhaps this is just as well.