A Walk in the Woods

This past December, I shared a few days with my family in my hometown in Western New York state. Although city life lured me away nearly two decades ago, I still miss the natural beauty of this particular corner of the Empire State. I suspect that I always will.

Whenever I visit my family, I always make sure to hike along the Allegheny River and its surrounding trails.

(Photograph by author)

As I’ve grown older and as my life has slowed down (in a good way), I’ve come to deeply love the landscape of my hometown. The river and hills always refresh me.

(Photograph by author)

Due to climate change, the weather was unseasonably warm. Thankfully, I happened upon a wetland patch still iced over.

(Photograph by author)

Walking in the trails behind St. Bonaventure University, I stumbled across several prayer stations.

(Photograph by author)

Upon leaving the woods, my mind and spirit were calm and restored. Even a stereotypical brutal flight delay on my return trip to Jersey City couldn’t disrupt that feeling.

In 2019, I hope to spend more time in the natural world, albeit closer to home. Don’t hesitate to share suggestions.