Friday evening we went on our very first hike here in New York (ok, Albany, to be specific). The weather worked out perfect: though rain/thunderstorms were expected, it rained in the late afternoon, clearing up the skies for the almost-solstice sunset-moonrise hike. We have never been to the Pine Bush Preserve but have heard about it so there was much to look forward to!
The Preserve is simply lovely, I can see us spending much time there! What "surprised" us were the mosquitoes. Not that we went unprepared. We have been warned of the enormous-sized mosquitoes here and we have brought along our anti-bug spray. But it really was something to see those huge mosquitoes swarming around us! It was dusk and their dinner time and I expect they must be licking their chops and thinking what a wonderful dinner we made! I have to admit even I felt a bit intimidated, though also relieved at the same time that we found a good DEET-free spray and it seemed to be working.
Still, it wasn't long before everyone started to do a "mosquito dance" of some sort, waving arms around our bodies to try to ward off the bug attacks, shaking our heads, stamping our legs and so on. I really admired how our guide reacted. She was very calm and informed us that we will encounter the mosquitoes and that we should also wonder why there are so many of them, what is out of balance? That was a very good question to ask- because we may well have a role in what was attacking us. Instead of doing the mosquito dance she kept on with what she was supposed to be doing that evening. I saw she got a couple of bites on her face but she was unfazed. She obviously was having a good time enjoying the surrounds and having the opportunity to show us the marvel of it all, and pointing out interesting things to us. I learned a lot from her calm reaction, her thoughtful words and her dedication.
Another thing that impressed me was when I called the preserve to make our reservation for the hike, I asked if they will cancel in case of inclement weather? I was told they do not normally cancel unless the weather was absolutely very bad, and then they will call. I was told we could choose not to show up, but they will continue with their program even if it rains. I recall too that the farmers market would be on, rain or shine. I guess with the weather here, people just do not let external factors stop them. Rain or shine, life goes on. If there is sun, enjoy it. If there is rain, enjoy it too, or carry an umbrella. If there is snow, go out and enjoy it too, just dress accordingly! This was another great thing I took away- we just have to make the best of it all.
We have so much adjustments to make. I think making the decision to go with the flow will be a wise one.
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