Thanks for this post — it makes me think of so many good things. Like trail work (clearing or re-clearing a trail is one of the best ways to spend a day in the woods), like the familiarity that comes from running through a particular landscape on the same trails, over and over again through the years... And that concept of an annual beating the bounds ceremony seems like something worth adopting in our own places now, I think.
Thanks, Jeff. Yes, I think there would be value in beating the bounds, or some modern version of it—a way of taking stock of the places where we live and value, of looking at them and truly observing those boundaries and places. Hopefully no whipping or nettles though! 😅
Beautifully written. "Each footstrike a celery crunch upon gravel" is perhaps my favorite line because you're right, the sound of running on crushed gravel is just like a bite of celery! I was moved by your essay in part because a favorite trail near my house recently disappeared due to a reroute. When plans were announced about the reroute, I thought, "well, I can secretly maintain the old way." But a revegetation plan on steroids completely tore up the old trail in a matter of days—to the point where I couldn't make my way along it at all—to accelerate its return to nature. I understand why the Forest Service management did it, but it felt like losing an old friend, or perhaps losing a part of my old self.
Sarah, I think you would love Moor’s On Trails, if you’ve not read it yet. A chapter is on the engineering of trail system in our national parks and delves into those sorts of reroutes and design decisions!
I've read Moor's book too & love trails. Sounds like we are both runners -- I stick to Mt Tam, here in Marin though :)
Oh Tam is so great. Love those trails. So great meeting you yesterday, Bowen!
Thanks for sharing! Took me away in another world!
Thanks, Jens! Delighted you enjoyed it! 🙂
Thanks for this post — it makes me think of so many good things. Like trail work (clearing or re-clearing a trail is one of the best ways to spend a day in the woods), like the familiarity that comes from running through a particular landscape on the same trails, over and over again through the years... And that concept of an annual beating the bounds ceremony seems like something worth adopting in our own places now, I think.
Thanks, Jeff. Yes, I think there would be value in beating the bounds, or some modern version of it—a way of taking stock of the places where we live and value, of looking at them and truly observing those boundaries and places. Hopefully no whipping or nettles though! 😅
Ha! Nettles are instant mindfulness — they cut through whatever nonsense is on your mind at the moment and tell you clearly that you are still alive.
❤️
Beautifully written. "Each footstrike a celery crunch upon gravel" is perhaps my favorite line because you're right, the sound of running on crushed gravel is just like a bite of celery! I was moved by your essay in part because a favorite trail near my house recently disappeared due to a reroute. When plans were announced about the reroute, I thought, "well, I can secretly maintain the old way." But a revegetation plan on steroids completely tore up the old trail in a matter of days—to the point where I couldn't make my way along it at all—to accelerate its return to nature. I understand why the Forest Service management did it, but it felt like losing an old friend, or perhaps losing a part of my old self.
Sarah, I think you would love Moor’s On Trails, if you’ve not read it yet. A chapter is on the engineering of trail system in our national parks and delves into those sorts of reroutes and design decisions!
OK, I just placed a hold on it from our library. I try to alternate reading fiction and nonfiction, and I was due for a nonfiction pick, so thank you!
Beautiful story