Waking up early I decided to start my day with a hike. I had not made plans much past that, because I intended on returning to Boston and watch the Patriots game. After stopping by a locally owned coffee shop, where I enjoyed a brief conversation with an employee, I continued onward to my destination.
One of the most pleasurable things about living in the Northeastern United States, is the opportunity to enjoy a wide array of activities due to the change in seasons. Skiing, running, cycling, sailing, hiking are all at one's disposal more or less. Today my hike would be the first time I started the new year this way. The pine trees are just one reminder of what makes nature so spectacular- healthy and green all year round.
The day before I called the park rangers office to ensure the area was open and that it was not hunting season, not wanting to be a human target nor wanting to wear special clothing to indicate I am not the desired target for a hunter. Thankfully hunting season had ended just a couple of weeks earlier. I was anxious to begin the year this way- my first accomplishment of 2012. It wasn't about me, it was about doing something for me.I picked up a trail map outside the office since the offices were closed due to the new year. I packed away my compass determined not to use it, and began doing some light bushwhacking after starting off on a trail.
What made the hike invigorating is the prospect of getting lost. Perhaps it was because there was no real threat; I had my compass if I needed it, it was early in the day, and I was relatively familiar with the landscape. The hike itself was only rated as a level 6. I remember feeling slightly frustrated because I had to cross a road during my hike; I paused and realized that was not why I was out here- issue resolved and back to enjoying myself.
The landscape reminded me of Colorado at times. Because of the vastness of Colorado and the diverse animal and tree life, it provides an overwhelming sense of aloneness. Aloneness is different than solitude; there is an absence of company. At times it can be discomforting, not knowing where help might come from if an accident occurred. There are also times I wonder, what if something in me actually failed-- what would I do, more importantly, what would happen; how long would it take for anyone to discover I was even gone. I don't think I told anyone where I was going specifically. All that didn't matter too much, the sense of throwing caution to the wind was of greater importance.I was lost in a controlled way, for about two hours before I regained my bearings, I headed back to the car. I usually move at a pretty good clip, today was not exception.
After arriving at the car, I already decided towards the end of my hike that I would then drive to the end of Massachusetts (where I have never been), and continue to indulge myself in starting the new year off differently than every before. I arrived at Provincetown or P-Town to the locals. It was exactly what I expected. Exuberance best describes the inner sense of emotions.
High tide was coming in and the sun was on its way down. Several things ensued that postponed my planned departure. As I began walking down the beach my first encounter was with a mother and two daughters. They were writing something in the sand and I asked if they would like me to take a photo of them. Gleefully they responded "absolutely". Their happiness turned into communion, and they invited me to join them as we substituted photographers- I was not a subject. This event immediately raised my enthusiasm about being there. It that had been my Ted Koppel sign off and I had to head back home, that would have made my day, but it did not end there.
A man who presumably lived in the area, came riding down the beach on a beautiful stallion. If you don't have a love for horses, this might not seem significant but for me it contributed to a perfect day. I have always had a passion for horses and committed to owning one some day. While this may not have been a highlight, it reminded me of when I went horseback riding on the beach in Costa Rica. This experience had me feeling like the Universe was placing everything in order, that I was hoping for this day. Though the day was coming to an end, it felt more like it was just beginning. What what really happening was my year was just beginning- figuratively and literally.
Another 100 meters from my horse encounter and a group of ten or so women were performing their annual ritual. Though only four of the women decided to take the bold initiative of stripping charging the Atlantic Ocean as well as seemingly defying the obstacles of the new year. You could almost hear their karma saying "no obstacle before me will stop me from my....", something. Honestly there is no way of telling what they might be thinking, yet it was evident that there was a sense of defiance.
Their act was inspirational as the men and women abound cheered them on. In fact so inspired was I that I followed suit. OK too much information, but I could not resist the sense of liberation and defiance. Over the centuries mankind has always challenged his greatest foe, the planet. Defiance of gravity, defiance of immobility, defiance of penetrating the atmosphere... of the ocean depths, and mountain tops. This was one of those occasions, perhaps not quite so grandiose- though for me, it was every bit as fulfilling. I stayed in the ocean for about five minutes, absorbing the moment; enjoying the unmistakable sensation of the near freezing water. I recall not wanting to get out. There was more to this day and I did not want to miss any of what else might be in store. I feel the Universe has a way of ordering things, this was my moment. As a deep sea diver I embrace the water, I like to think we share a certain kinship.
Afterwards we all gathered around the ritualistic bonfire. Having changed into fresh dry clothing and drying off, I simply reflected on the events of the day- pleasant. I was indifferent to the ride home; neither ready to go nor stay. I said goodbye to my new friends and promised I would return next year.
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