Oh hey, it's been a while! Since the last time we talked I have helped pull over 4 acres of invasive species, maintained 30 miles of trails (and counting), led a full moon hike, learned 4 bird calls, saw 1 bobcat, probably like 15 bears, and drank quite a few gallons of iced coffee. Phew!
Time is fleeting and some weeks when I am filling out my timesheet, I struggle to remember exactly what we accomplished and on what day. Each and every day is chock-full of adventure and new experiences and sometimes I don’t allow myself to soak in these memories before they pass. I am flying down the hills of New Hampshire at 120mph and all I can see out the windows are blurs that I can kinda sorta make out, it takes a rest stop for me to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me. This summer, those rest stops have been visiting home.
“I wish there was a way to know you were in the good old days before you actually left them.”
-Andy Bernard
Whenever I go home to Massachusetts, I get to catch up with friends, cafe co-workers, and my old regulars. Each person I speak with hears a different story, and I realize after a few months of serving in the Lakes Region Conservation Corps (LRCC) I actually have quite a few! Having these conversations with people who I had been making coffee with and making coffee for over the past three years truly gave me a new perspective on my time here. Moments that may seem small or like brief interactions are actually extremely formative when looking back. AmeriCorps has forced me to look deeper into myself and appreciate the seemingly mundane things in this life of serving.
My fellow LRCC members, the staff of the Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT), and all of the volunteers who show up to work days have made a lasting impression and I am beyond grateful to realize these people are a pivotal part of my good old days.
For years to come I will be telling people my memories of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, like living in the National Forest, riding up ridge lines of mountains via ATV, leading hikes, having a jet ski tow the LRCT pontoon back to a mooring, seeing bear cubs drop crab apples on their mamma, and many, many more.
Cruise control is now activated at a safe 25mph and I am soaking in the beauty of the mountains and valleys.
Catch me at the coffee shop to share memories and talk story. ‘Til next time! Xx
Fallon is still desperately trying to see a moose! Learn more about Fallon here!