March 2019 SOLC–Day 17
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Sometimes when I’m hungry, I just can’t figure out what I want to eat. Even with lots of options, nothing sounds particularly good. Kurt and I run into a similar problem when we try to figure out where to walk, especially in the winter. We know we want to get outside, but can’t figure out where to go. Other than the beach, at this time of year, a walkable path is not a given thing. We’ve had snow, thaws, refreezing, etc. which can lead to slippery, uncomfortable and even dangerous walking paths. Sometimes our constant debate paralyzes us, and we end up going nowhere.
“You want to go take a walk somewhere today?”
“Sure.”
“Where should we go?”
“I don’t know. Do you feel like going to the beach?”
“Is it windy? When’s high tide?”
“Do you think the trails would be ok at Vaughan Woods?”
“What do you think about that railroad path up in Augusta?”
We circle around and around and other than agreeing we want to go, we get nowhere. Literally and figuratively.
Last Saturday the sun was shining and the temperatures were rising and we were once again debating the merits of various places. Beach? Woods? Somewhere new? It was starting to feel like that old familiar “go nowhere” pattern. Then inspiration struck!
“Wait! I know!” I said, “Why don’t we check out the Eastern Trail down in Scarborough? Remember, it’s the one that goes through the marsh. We saw it from the Audubon Center last year.”
Amazingly, it sounded just right to both of us, and we quickly motivated, organized and departed.
About forty-five minutes later we arrived and stepped out of our car into the parking lot. Immediately, we knew we’d made a good choice. The path ahead of us had been built on an old railway bed. It was slightly snowy, but easily traversable. On either side of it, the marsh stretched into the distance in its striated monochromatic late winter wonder. Geese swam in patches of open water and ducks took off and landed with regularity. Crows and seagulls flew overhead. The trail was open to the blue skies and the sun was like a soft caress on our cheeks, so welcome after weeks of bitter, biting cold.
“Oh, this is perfect!” we agreed, and off we walked, thoroughly delighted with our choice and the sunny, warm-ish day. Happy to be outside, watching the birds, and going somewhere, together.
Beautiful blue skies and wait! Are those buds!?!
Nix the comfort zone 
Beautiful photographs. I can see why you chose this walking path today.
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Thanks! We’re so happy we decided to walk there. It’s a great spot!
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I can SO relate to the struggle of deciding where to go and then going nowhere. I love how you describe the destination– something about the sentence structure– maybe the variety — , as well as the images really brought us along with you.
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Thanks, Melanie. The struggle is real! lol
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This spot looks absolutely perfect. Your words describing the walk “the marsh stretched into the distance in its striated monochromatic late winter wonder. Geese swam in patches of open water and ducks took off and landed with regularity. Crows and seagulls flew overhead.” are simply beautiful as are the photos. My husband and I go regularly to a state park nearby to walk the trails and bird watch too. Nature is restorative. Glad you got to walk somewhere together.
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It was wonderful. I’m so glad we finally decided where to go and then thoroughly enjoyed it. We’ll definitely be going back. As you say, nature is restorative.
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Beautiful walk! Your photos show the beauty of nature at this time of the year.
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It’s a very stark sort of beauty, isn’t it?
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Your photos capture the glory of nature you spent so much time looking for! Living in New England as well I know the struggle to get out in a trail that is safe and warm. You found it!
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It was a great spot for this time of year. I’m looking forward to visiting again and also to having a range of available choices as the snow and ice recede.
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Wow. I am envious of all of your walking options and I know just what you mean about choosing one that is doable in this late winter season. I love where you ended up- gorgeous!
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I need to get down to Scarborough and check out that walking trail! I tend to venture out my back door that leads me to fields and woods, but I want to get closer to the coast from time to time outside of tourist season. Love these pictures, I was feeling a slight chill and lots of exhilaration as I looked at them!
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I’d love to hear about some of your favorite walking destinations, Paula! Do you ever go to Vaughn Woods in Hallowell?
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Yes! I live near the Gardiner farm (Oaklands) that I walk -there are trails in the woods from there that go all the way to South Gardiner. The Kennebec Rail Trail has scenic views of the river, ospreys, eagles…love it!
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I want to go walking w/ you. I’d walk on the beach any time, and these photos draw me into your world. It looks so inviting.
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I’m always happy to have a new walking companion, Glenda! I’m so excited that you won the Highlights prize! Congratulations!!!
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Oh, we have the same roundabout discussions all the time – I’m so glad last Saturday’s led you to this trail. I, too, want to go on these walks with you. Thanks for the photos – makes me think that a (very) early Spring walk might be worth the cold and muck.
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Come on down, Amanda! I’m always up for a walk 🙂
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Walking is certainly a challenge this winter. It looks like you and your husband found a perfect place. I wish I lived closer to Scarborough and the ocean. Great photos too.
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I’m about 45 minutes from the ocean, but it’s so rewarding to visit that I drive there frequently. Now that I’ve discovered the Eastern Trail, I’m sure I’ll be visiting Scarborough more frequently as well!
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Love the photos! I think you need to put all the options in a hat and then draw one out. Then you are off! =)
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Oh! Great idea! I might have to think about doing that. It would certainly be easier than our roundabout decisions (or lack thereof!).
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Great photos enhance your slice, Molly.
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Thanks, Carol!
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Lucky for us you made a great choice…eventually! Great photos, as always, Molly. That’s what we are like with going out for dinner. What? Where? Nowhere!
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We’re like that with dinner, too! lol
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Wow! Great choice! I know that feeling of not being able to decide–it’s frustrating, sometimes even debilitating! Glad you could agree on this special place this time.
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We actually made a decision and were thoroughly pleased with it. It was definitely a win-win for us!
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