Nature New Hampshire Wildflower Magazine | Page 43

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I pass the bog after taking it in, and keep following the logging road to find what I call the “fairy streams”. The fairy streams are crystal clear brooks with delicate, whispering waters flowing over the sandy bottom, lined by moss-covered rocks which are perfect for rock hopping to the other side. As I continue on I see one of the many waterfalls that mark the forest standing above me. As I climb the trail to the top of the waterfall I cross several other fairy streams. Their remnance leaves the ground damp and radiating the fresh smell of the Earth from the dirt beneath my feet. I keep going, brushing against the spiky pine trees that remind me of Christmas with their familiar smell. I find myself at the top, with a pool of water glaring at me, perfect for wading into to cool off. When I turn around to trek back to thebottom of the falls, I can find yet another of the endless treasures hidden in these woods - “Joe’s Alibi”. Joe’s Alibi is a cabin owned previously for what was probably a secret getaway for someone seeking purity within the forest. It’s a quaint cabin with two old wooden beds that you can see from the screen porch, and beside the porch is an old metal grill now covered in moss.

Growing up in an extremely affluent suburban area surrounded by snobs and preps, it was difficult to find myself and be who I was meant to be. Throughout my entire life from the time I was born I’ve been visiting my grandmother in New Hampshire every summer and other school vacations, and venturing into the magical forest behind her house. Nature is a vital foundation to my life that has been rooted deeply within myself since day one. I have certain places that bring me serenity when I am seeking internal peace such as this one. Being so exposed to nature has helped me blossom into who I am today through several experiences. It has become significant to my life and well being; it has attributed to new people, knowledge, feelings, and memories.