The Magic of Fall Season
I recently had the honor to attend my Forest Therapy certification immersion. The one week event was held at New Hampshire, and I was able to experience the magic of fall season. The color range of golden leaves and ocres is something that mesmerize me.
The immersion consisted in putting in to practice all of what we had learn this year, and the place was just perfect for it. I made friends, I connected with likeminded people, and I fell in love with the land of the Abenaki natives. The smell of evergreens, the colors of the trees, the sound of the river and lakes, the textures of the moss, the sound of the birds, everything made this experience unique and special.
I believe in the many benefits on been in nature, specially when you have and intention. It is a relationship, we get a lot from nature, so we need to give back as well. Tend to the land, volunteering, cleaning garbage, donating, be a volunteer, etc etc. Juts a simple thank you when you are in the space is well received.
If you are aver in Ridge new Hampshire, I highly recommend visiting:
1-Converse Meadow Trail Loop - Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 35 min to an hour to complete, depending on your speed. This trail is great for cross-country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
2-Cathedral of the Pines-Situated on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the Grand Monadnock, the Cathedral of the Pines is a breathtaking open-air cathedral and meeting space on 236 acres. They welcome visitors from all over the world to explore the extraordinary sanctuary grounds, meditate in outdoor chapels and gardens, and learn the history. I loved the view, the trees, and the rocks in the altar.
3-Woodbound Inn - I stayed at this Inn, and it was lovely. Set on the shores of Contoocook Lake, this elegant, family-run inn in a clapboard property dating from 1820 is 7 miles from Monadnock State Park. It has a beautiful trail next to it, perfect for connecting with yourself and nature.
After New Hampshire, I reunited with my husband and we drove to Vermont. We visited Brattleboro, and the fall colors were amazing. We enjoyed visiting:
1-Creamery Covered Bridge-The Creamery Covered Bridge is a historic covered bridge in West Brattleboro, Vermont. Now closed to traffic, the Town lattice truss bridge formerly carried Guilford Road across Whetstone Brook, just south of Vermont Route 9
2-Foliage viewpoint - This viewpoint is next to Hogback Mountain Country Store. If you plan your visit for the pick of foliage season, the view point will be amazing. Also, driving the route 9 is a bonus.
Finally, visited Hudson NY, and it was the perfect ending for the road trip. I recommend Visiting:
1- Art Omi - Art Omi presents contemporary art over its 120-acre Sculpture & Architecture Park in Columbia County, NY. Art Omi offers residency programs for international artists, writers, dancers, musicians and architects. Is the perfect match of art and nature.
2-Thomas Cole National Historic Site - National Historic Landmark that includes the home and the studio of painter Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School of American painting. Here you will understand why he was in love with the Catskill.
3- High Falls Conservation Area - High Falls Conservation Area includes one mile of trails that wind through hemlock ravines, alongside the Agawamuck Creek (“Creek of Many Fish” to the Mohicans), and to an overlook of Columbia County’s highest waterfall.
Overall the week was perfect, the fall season is magical and I feel so privilege to have experience all its wander and to complete my final step for the certification in Forest Therapy.
Let the adventure begin!!