Stop the presses – I’ve had a revelation. I realised I should make the most of my time away. And whilst holed up in Stamford, not getting very far with actually figuring out anything to do with that time away – length, future plans, places to go and all that kind of malarkey – I found I really wasn’t making the most of anything. Apart from the well stocked off-license right across the street. Ahem.
So rather than sit on my tush the whole time, I got out of the house for a day and took a jaunt up to Bear Mountain in Northwestern Connecticut. I found out about the “mountain” by doing a search for “things to do in Connecticut” and goshdarnit if the very first hit didn’t prescribe to tell me everything there was to do in this wonderful state. Well, after a solid two to three minutes extra research, it turns out that perhaps there wasn’t a great deal to do in this wonderful state*, but the powers that be did seem very proud of their Bear Mountain, boasting the highest peak** in the whole state. So it seemed like a worthy cause, in spite of the 160 mile round trip to get there.
Once there, it was about a 7 mile circular hike with sections along the Appalachian Trail. It was hardly K2 (at 2300ft / 700m it wasn’t even Scafell Pike) but it was a pleasant enough escapade out in to the fresh air, even if I had ever so slightly underestimated how thick the snow was still going to be and foolishly dismissed the idea that clambering up steep slopes, across icy rocks, in the thick snow, whilst holding on to a leash with a psychotic dog at the other end wasn’t sensible.
The interesting thing about the day was the reminder that you don’t necessarily have to travel thousands of miles to see some spectacular sights. Indeed, amazing, beautiful, inspiring and challenging things sit right on our doorstep. For example, the views from parts of the Michoacan State in Mexico were arguably more beautiful than those from the top of Bear Mountain. But I often wonder if people instinctively look to further afield for the inspiration or getaway that they hanker after, convinced that it can’t possibly be right where they already are. I’m guilty of it – I know I am – and I’m pleasantly surprised to find myself appreciating beauty in so many more, different things and places, every day.
I will always encourage anyone and everyone to get out there and see the world. The revelation is that you can see it thousands of miles away in the middle of Africa or a couple of miles up the road.
Both are equally valid, in my book.
* For a 27 year old male. And a dog.
** But NOT the highest land OH NO! Intrigued? The highest land in Connecticut is on the slopes of Mt. Frissell which has its peak in neighbouring Massachusetts. So now you know.
*** The wind did a good job of drowning out my commentary. I believe I say: “This is Matt, at the top of Bear Mountain. 2300 ft… or thereabouts. It’s a little bit chilly.”
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