Rooting around Lake Estes

My favorite place to walk when I don’t have the time to go into the park is Lake Estes. I savor the changing skies, water, and wildlife. Every day is different. I am open to serendipitous moments on my lakeside walks.

No matter the weather and dependent on my schedule and inclination, I go to the lake most days. Early in the morning is peaceful. Moonlight walks open up a new world of diminished light and reflections on the water. I cherish the quietness when snow is lightly falling. The environment is everchanging but it’s a perfect scene.

When I was working full time, I often did not notice the world around me. I was outside most days running, since one could do that in North Carolina, but I usually did not discern the changes in my environment on a day-to-day basis.

Living in Colorado and having a lake within walking distance of my house are giving me insights on bioregionalism. Bioregionalism is being consciously aware of the ecology, economy, and culture of the place where one lives. I like living a rooted life, living in place. My almost daily visits to Lake Estes anchor me.

The culture of people I meet at Lake Estes is a combination of regulars as well as visitors. I frequently see one woman walking her young labradoodle who is full of energy. A volunteer from the animal shelter often is there with one or more dogs for me to meet. Runners abound along the pathways. My favorite people are those who comment about the beauty of the lake area. One day I passed a woman who turned around as a flock of geese flew over and enthusiastically pronounced, “I never get tired of this.”

My hope each day is to see the wildlife. Elk and deer are common since part of the path borders the manicured green golf course. More than once I have had to make a detour because of elk on the trail.

The trail goes through a protected bird sanctuary, and I can always count on waterfowl on the lake. The geese live on the lake year around. Other birds are sometimes in migration. I see a pair of bald eagles frequently that call Lake Estes home.

This winter a rare event occurred at Lake Estes. In early January, three trumpeter swans flew in. They were blown off their migration path. People were excited to see them and hurried to the lake to take photos. Several weeks later they are still at the lake.

I don’t blame those swans for staying. Although I have been living around Lake Estes for almost eight years, I have no desire to leave. The swans and I both appreciate bioregionalism. Every day roots me more deeply in this place.