Image: Nina Bisognani
Walking With Bandit
The first time I visited Vaughn Woods was on a sweltering summer afternoon; the kind of day one might spend inside sitting next to a fan, sipping a cool drink. My energetic puppy had other ideas.
We began on a path leading into a forested area where there was no brush; only trees so tall and straight the tops seemed to disappear into the sky. Filtered light from above drew lovely patterns on the forest floor.
We were surrounded by the presence of God in this calm, quiet place. My body was cooler, more comfortable. Earthly thoughts and worries drifted away. I knew I was where I was meant to be. I breathed in the earthy scents and rested a while. My dog Bandit drank from a nearby stream and sniffed along the forest floor.
Later on, continuing our walk, we came to a place where the trail split in two directions. We chose the path that led downhill toward the river’s edge. Cattails grew next to the marsh. Water flowed over nearby rocks. Ferns and green leafy skunk cabbages added to nature’s bounty. The three o’clock sunlight shimmering on the river reminded me of an impressionistic painting.
As the path narrowed and became overgrown with brush, I saw what looked like a house in the distance. I walked toward it and found a garden planted there. Mysteriously, the house appeared uninhabited. Crab apple trees were blooming along the border of a lawn that seemed newly mowed. Bandit explored the surrounding area while I peeked through the windows of an old cape style cottage on the property. The cottage was empty.
In the stillness of time suspended, I felt a deep spiritual peace. I thanked God for sharing a bit of heaven with the two of us on that steamy day.
Nina Bisognani