Footprints in the Sand

Footprints in the Sand

Here are my footprints in the sand. There is something so tempting about digging into the grains and feeling them wrap around my feet, the warmth cuddling my bare toes. I’m obviously not the only one who likes walking in the sand; there were many tracks, feet and shoe impressions intertwining along the path. I could do it for hours, drifting along the water’s edge on the beach.

This particular site is not at the shore, however; it is at Atsion Lake on Route 206, part of Wharton State Forest in southern New Jersey in the Pine Barrens. It was part of the iron bog and glassmaking industry that existed in the mid 1700s to the mid-1980s. The red-tinted water reflects its iron ore and cedar origins. Atsion was acquired by New Jersey in 1954 and opened as a recreation area.

It is compelling to walk in sand even though the imprints are changeable and fleeting, prone to symbolism and clichés, and always left behind. Perhaps the lack of permanence is its attraction. Wind, water, other people, birds, and sometimes vehicles shift the sand and each day presents a clean palette for all who choose to make their mark. I find a sandy stroll is meditative and also a good reminder to enjoy today because life itself is all the same things as footprints in the sand.

What can you still see in Atsion?

http://www.hmdb.org/Marker.asp?Marker=42338

Trails and natural Atsion attractions:

http://www.njwildlifetrails.org/PineBarrensTrails/Sites/tabid/1698/Scope/site/Guide/PINEBARREN/Site/254/Default.aspx

The Footprints We Leave

The Footprints We Leave

It snowed a little over the weekend. Not a lot, just a couple of inches, but enough for anyone walking by to leave footprints. Our patio had a host of prints, evidence of the wildlife that frequents our backyard. I was able to identify rabbit prints, gray squirrel prints, a bunch of junco tracks and assorted other bird prints. Chipmunks are holed up for the cold winter months, which is why I didn’t see any of those. They hibernate inside their burrows but will awaken periodically to munch on stored nuts and seeds. I don’t think I saw any skunk tracks (at least I hope not) though I know there are several in the neighborhood. I read that they go into a semi-sleepy state (called torpor) during the winter months so they probably aren’t dashing around in the snow.

Some of the houses around here are in or near wooded properties where deer tend to hang out; no deer have come into my territory though I do see them at the edges of fields as I drive around. I have also seen a red fox dashing across a local busy road. I am sure they are making their own tracks somewhere other than around my house.

 

It is hard to look at the tracks and ignore their imprint. It is a reminder that we share this earth with many others and we all leave our impressions, whether in the snow for all to see or in the energy for all to feel. Our actions and speech, the way we interrelate with those around us whether human or otherwise, all has an impact. Which brings to mind the questions of what symbolic footprint we want to display and whether we can change our impression as our understanding of our interconnectedness on Earth grows. I believe we can. I believe we are getting to the point where we need to - for the earth and the natural world, for ourselves, and for future generations.

Have fun with the kids the next time it snows. See what tracks you can identify:

http://www.maine.gov/sos/kids/about/tracks.htm