If you’re like me, an inordinate amount of your day and night is spent staring at a screen.
This becomes even more acute during the winter, when it’s too easy to say that the weather is “uncomfortable” or iffy.
I don’t know if there’s quantifiable data to support this contention, but I swear that I can detect my IQ slowly diminishing as my screen time increases. There’s a distinct dulling of the senses and a nagging supposition that it’s not supposed to be this way.
Normally, I’d escape by way of undertaking a hike of the sort Deena C. Bouknight so masterfully describes in these pages. Or stepping out and resolving to watch and listen for whatever feathered neighbor has been spotlighted by our William McReynolds.
But last Sunday, I lacked the time to indulge in any of these escapes.
I’d been sitting at my desk for hours, working on the pages that you’re enjoying at this moment (right?) and I’d grown, let’s be diplomatic here, ripe.
And those hectic days leading up to publication don’t allow time for a hike into the deep woods or an inspiring vista.
But it turned out that an easy solution was right in front of me, or one-eighth of a mile in front of me.
Tricia decided that we’d pay a visit to the Horst Winkler Sculpture Trail. That’s a little green jewel that wanders through The Bascom’s campus and it’s packed with wonderments both subtle and startling.
And, since it unwinds beneath a cool canopy of branches and shadows a babbling tributary of Mill Creek, the effect is one of being miles and years from downtown Highlands.
The sculptures are arrayed across the trail and they never cease to surprise or beguile. And since there are outsized Seussian benches scattered about, you’re constantly invited to sit and contemplate.
We emerged from the trail 20 minutes later and 20 years younger. I promise there’s magic here.
And if you’re reading this in Southern Jackson County, you owe it to yourself to visit the Village Green’s Boardwalk, which has sprung into new, vivid life.
The Village Green is the crown jewel of the Cashiers area, a space enjoyed by hundreds of people a week, and one of its most cherished and utilized features is the raised boardwalk that winds its way through the wetlands at the center of the park.
This boardwalk joins the north and south sides of The Village Green and is enjoyed by walkers, young explorers, nature lovers, wildlife observers, bird watchers, and those who are simply looking for a quiet respite from the daily grind. It is a peaceful oasis in an often-bustling world.
The boardwalk winds through wetlands and streams that flow into the headwaters of both the Chattooga and Horse Pasture Rivers and is home to a protected brook trout stream. These waters form a unique ecosystem that is soon to be designated as a mountain bog. These same waters whose levels rise and fall are also the reason that the boardwalk had fallen into a state of disrepair over the years.
The boardwalk has been entirely restored with a much-improved design that will make the area safe and accessible for all to enjoy. The new boardwalk decking is raised above ground level to increase the longevity of the structure. Its width increased to eight feet, allowing for safer pedestrian passing and allowing those who are mobility challenged or require a wheelchair to enjoy the wetlands. Additional safety features are a 42-inch high handrail that’s backed by mesh.
In addition to the safety features, there are additional spaces to sit and relax. Educational kiosks are featured throughout, highlighting the diverse wildlife and native plants of the area, as well as other area nonprofits whose mission is to protect and preserve our natural areas.
Also there’s an additional 800-linear feet of boardwalk near the playground.
Regardless of which trail you choose to experience, your mental and physical well-being will be fortified as we embrace this new season.
Favorites Count: 0