Authors Note: Back in April of last year I started what I called a ‘Wilderness Therapy’ journal, meant to document and inspire fun outside adventures with my child. The idea sort of got lost in the shuffle of summer; we did have a few adventures but they didn’t get written about. But now with creating this blog this winter, I’ve reignited the intention to write about adventures with my family. So with yet another snow day here in Maine , I’m going to take a trip down memory lane to spring of last year and blog an original entry in the journal… and think happy warm, spring thoughts.
Ferry Beach State Park, April 21
It’s only 3 miles away and a 5-minute drive, but Ferry Beach kind of has it all: a paved mile-long road free of traffic, a mile of trails winding through the forest, a pond, and a long stretch of beach continuing in either direction. Spring is an ideal time to go because there’s hardly anyone there, minus the elderly people power walking and the lone Park Ranger.
With Josie in the Ergo and Beasley on a long leash, we set off walking the park road. Of course, B chooses to do her business as a crowd of four people are there to witness. Classy. Josie doesn’t sleep because she wants to watch Beasley prance. [Chances are, I was taking a walk trying to get the baby to nap. Very typical in those days.]
The beach is deserted. We walk north (I’m guessing but it seems right) towards Bay View beach on the low tide sand. Waves crash (as much as they can at low tide), gulls squawk…it’s lovely. But then we turn around to walk back and the wind barrels in to my face. Josie buries her face in my chest and somehow (finally) falls asleep. I’m thankful to see the park fence again!
We head to the trail system. For being pretty close to the road, the Park actually feels enveloping. The trail is completely flat but its a mix of gravel, boardwalk, and bridges, and it passes through clusters of differing species of trees. We the pass the Ranger on her bike, and she wears glasses, which I think is cool. [I also am be-spectacled.]
We run into a couple of dogs on the trail and I have to yank on B’s leash, which wakes the babe up. I then feel a whole lot of warmth on my abdomen and realize Josie has peed on me, through her own clothes and onto my sweater. Luckily we’re not far from the car. A good hike had by all!
Wonder Drive 