Probably an old access road, created back in the early days of Lake Conestee, and now a part of the park’s trail system, this sandy pathway curves through an open field on the edge of the forest and then curves back into the woods, headed down toward the lake, or what is now a remnant of the lake.
Perhaps the old road was used for some utility function, possibly used by fishermen to bring in their boats. On this day it’s a quiet open space, warmed by the morning sun. The soft crunch of sand under my feet pleases me; the pleasant chirping of birds in the trees nearby makes me smile; and the soft curves through the weeds and around the occasional tree guide my morning walk as my mind wanders quietly through sweet imaginings.
Morning dew glistens on tall dried weeds in the sunlight, as I take note of where I am at that moment. Just beyond that curve, the old road starts its decline down to the lake. I have never seen this part of the lake muddied by rainstorms, and so I anticipate what I will see in just a few moments.
The sky is a bright and beautiful blue and so the lake will also be a bright and beautiful blue. Except for the opening where I will stand, and except for a lookout platform that will be off to my right, the lake’s waters will be totally surrounded by forest, a natural wall enclosure that always sets off the colors reflected in the water.
A number of large rocks have been gathered there near the lake’s edge, perhaps a place to be used for gatherings of folks who have something to share together. I will choose one of those rocks, one that will give me the best viewpoint, and I will sit there for a while. I will look out on that beautiful lake, and its deep line of trees, and there, sitting on that rock, without the pleasant distraction of walking on sand, I will, at some point, close my eyes. And if for only a little while, for a few precious and quiet moments, my thoughts will drift away from my troubles … and carry me with them to a better place.