Wading through a field of ferns almost the same height as me, I couldn’t help but giggle. My shoes were squeaking with every step, as I felt the water still in them, and I was soaking wet. We were on our final stretch of an eventful monitoring visit. It’s freeing to be engulfed in the ferns. Almost comforting. A big fern hug is all I could ask for. Fields of ferns are my favorite part of property visits. They make me feel like a Brachiosaurus conquering the Jurassic era. On this day, the field of ferns gave me a little extra comfort.
Before coming to New Hampshire, I had lived in a city for four years. All I knew were concrete sidewalks. The most change in terrain I had was when I would go to a park, which made my adjustment to bushwhacking intimidating. Every step I take, I’m extra cautious. Every stream I cross, my heart is beating out of my chest. I’m scared to make one wrong step and hurt myself, or make a fool of myself. I knew I would be doing something out of my comfort zone, and that’s what I wanted. I had the desire to shake the comfort I was living in. The mundane of the life I had built. What better switch there is than to go from living in a city to spending your days bushwhacking through properties that have conservation easements on them. I had missed the outdoors. The sounds of leaves moving in the wind, frogs croaking, birds chirping, butterflies on milkweed. It’s what I had been longing for, but my inexperience intimidated me.
While wading through the ferns with my clothes and boots completely drenched, I realized I didn’t have to be so cautious and intimidated. My days of taking caution where I stepped had left me, leading to a bridge giving out from under me. An about 3’ fall into a rocky creek snapped my worries out of me. I came out unscathed, with just a few bruises. It was a jolting experience, but made me laugh the rest of the day. It was like someone came and hit me on the side of my head, telling me to wake up. It was the best wake-up call I could ask for. Left me with a funny story and a sense of relief moving forward. Since that day, I’m not as worried when crossing a creek. I’m not as scared going up and down steep slopes of property. If I fall and get my clothes completely soaked or covered in dirt or mud, it’s alright. Even if I do end up getting hurt, it will be dealt with as it comes. Every outcome that could come from the wrong step doesn't hold me back anymore. Since starting my time in New Hampshire, I now can truly take everything one step at a time (literally). Slowing down and not worrying about the next step is the best outcome I could ask for from falling through a bridge.
Sarah is a half-term member serving with Squam Lakes Conservation Society. She loves to bake in her free time, either trying something new or making her fan favorite banana bread. Learn more about Sarah here!