Many thanks to El Toro, sorely missed on trail and blog, for the title for my Spring Loop report
The Spring Loop has become a Bimble tradition which I sometimes fear runs the risk of becoming tired, like the runners who complete it! Yet, every time I run it, there is a new surprise, or a renewal of a fond memory of a prior run. While there are many memorable parts to every Spring Loop event, I choose to just point out just this one, this time. The route is mostly mountainous and grueling. At about 35 miles into the run, one comes out into a little village, devoid of commerce, with a ball field, a few farmers’ homes, horses, dogs, and donkeys. I am positive the ghost of Norman Rockwell is standing there, capturing the scene. It is always late afternoon, and the sun is (hopefully) still slightly above Jones’ Nose, the near vertical down climb that has just been tackled. On the right, a vast haying field stretches to the base of these Berkshire foothills that surround. On the left, the beautiful home of the Gentleman Farmer who owns this field sits stately, slightly worn, and utterly dignified. My reaction is always the same, and yet always surprises me. First, I am shocked by the beauty, the solitude, and the quiet. Then, the slightest pangs of jealousy hit, as I imagine the owner, waking every morning, looking out the bedroom window, and smiling with satisfaction at his “domain”. Then, I always realize, that the beauty I see is different, possibly not greater, but definitely none the lesser, than he sees. It comes with the 35 miles of mountains that precede the view. It comes with the plan, not yet exercised, to sit on that bench and watch the sun set. It comes with the anticipation that I am about to enter the Cathedral Pines, a scene of drama in nature, not restfulness. I may never sit on that bench and watch the sun set, but I decided, then and there yesterday, that some day, some of my ashes will settle into the ground at the site of that bench. With that thought, I realized that I was confident that this scene would remain, as is, for many years into the future. My realization of my faith in the future lightened the load, and quickened my steps, up Mohawk Mountain and on to the finish. More photos HERE
Updated, 10/11/2010 : The Bench, It may be later than you think… The shadows grow longer, the back is failing. I decided to sit and enjoy the scene while I could!
Updated: 11/15/2010: Another month goes by, another Bimbler milestone birthday, another Spring Loop, and, The Bench!
For a spring loop,it was a little late in the year but a wait well worth it. The sentiments Forrest has expressed are shared, there are parts of this route that are tough but the beauty of the landscape melts any unpleasant residue. There is a road that skirts the grass meadow and I found myself yesterday walking so I could enjoy the view across to the hill beyond and savor the moment. Several times I questioned why I don’t do this run more often, in fact Spuds raised an interesting question while we descended from Cathedral Pines. He commented that the trail would suck in the opposite direction – now there is a though, the spring loop in reverse. Maybe next time!
P.S. I hope Spuds is going to post his close encounter experience, cause its a good one!
Thanks for the company on the loop this weekend, Forrest and Bimble – I will certainly post my spring loop experience soon!
Perfect sentiment exactly. The best rewards are the ones you earn, and this is one of the best. Wish I could have been there.
been fortunate to have had many great adventures via running but the resume is incomplete until Shelly Girl and I experience the “loop”. Thanks for reminding me, yet again, how much I hope to take part at some point. Congrats to all!
Forest, It was great to read about the loop. My only visit there a few months ago is still fresh in my head and you descriptions were spot on. And the pictures…fabulous! It was just what I needed, some peacefulness. Thanks for doing all the “heavy lifting”.
I went back today… The teak bench, which has weathered the weather since well before my first Spring Loop, was in a sorry state of repair. I do not know how ir so utterly declined in just 6 weeks. I decided I better take my sit-down and watch the sun. I couldn’t stay until dark, but I did wait for the sun to touch “the nose”. I got up and shuffled off, wondering how much longer the bench would last. I thought to myself that I should have realized that a simple creation of Man’s hand could never be permanent, but I remain hopeful that the larger scene, clearly Creation’s work, and on a particularly good day at that, just might. I shed a tear, just briefly, for man’s follies and nature’s magnificence.
I’m glad you sat on the bench. What a beautiful day and a beautiful day to reflect. Hope you had a great birthday.