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An outsider’s view
Posted on January 18th, 2010 5 comments Add a comment >>
Sunset on Lake Champlain. Photo from freedigitalphotos.net
I have lived in Vermont all my life and have been fortunate to call a small peak overlooking Lake Champlain my home. Not far from there, I have found, nestled among the brambles of the precarious shore, something I treasure very dearly: my happy place.
Ever since I was little, I would walk or bike the one mile to the shimmering shoreline of Lake Champlain. Sure, it wasn’t much of a beach. The sand was riddled with broken glass, sharp rocks, the occasional pile of bones and decomposing fish, and a beachgoer had to beware of poison ivy. With high water, it was really more of a lakeside parking spot than a beach, but to me, it was the most wonderful place I could imagine.
The perfect vantage point it provided me made this beach so special. Out across the choppy water, the sun would lazily dance toward the waves, painting the sky a vibrant yellow-orange, and eventually a shade of grapefruit red before tucking itself behind the Adirondacks.
As I watched the sun set one evening, it occurred to me that many people across the lake never get to witness this masterpiece. I pondered this awhile and came to the conclusion that I am stealing, in some way, shape, or form. It’s like an artist’s work is on display, but I am the only one to see it.
Of course, this observation never stopped me from returning to my beach and stealing glances at the western shore. Call me a thief, but I won’t hesitate to do it again. There is some satisfaction in gaining such delight from the distant mountains without being able to touch them. I only hope, as a matter of fairness to my neighbors across the lake, that the sunrise over the Green Mountains also holds the capacity to take one’s breath away.
4 responses to “An outsider’s view”
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Thank you for sharing your Happy Place with us. What a beautiful picture you paint for those of us on the other side of the lake.
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Matt Mc February 5th, 2010 at 11:16
Thanks for a nice article. I’m originally from VT too, live in the Adirondacks now, and have always loved the view of the Adirondacks from the green mountain state. In fact, I think the view is good enough that it adds a significant real value to the whole state of VT, and in particular Chittenden and Addison Counties. Considering the budget crisis that NY is in right now, Vermonters can expect that we will be instituting a viewshed tax on the whole state, or at least the two counties I just mentioned. I’m sure you’ll agree that this is worth it, since it’s an inarguable fact that Vermont just wouldn’t be the same without the view of New York’s beautiful mountains. It’s time that we all shared the burden for this wonderful resource, and sometimes a happy place comes with a price- tag, so pony up, Vermont!
…and don’t worry, we’re lookin’ back at ‘cha!
Cheers,
MattP.S: “Call me a thief, but I won’t hesitate to do it again.”
Careful- tax evasion is no laughing matter, no matter how romantic it might be for you at the time. -
Bill M May 18th, 2010 at 18:49
What a great description Jenna.Were from Long Island and have a second home on Willsboro Point that will actually be full time sometime soon.Anyway we had a place on a small lake in New Hampshire (Highland Lake)but out grew it and settled on Lake Champlain.We almost bought a few places in Vermont for the sunsets but found a wonderfull spot on the Willsboro bay side so we could get the sunsets over the Adirondaks.In New Hampshire we had to take the boat to the other side of the lake to get the sunsets.Now we just sit on the deck or look out a window and watch the sun fade over the mountains.We love the north country and are so sick of “downstate”.Cant wait to move up full time. Havnt seen “Champ” yet-lol. Good luck, hope to read your articles someday.
Billy -
Richard Hillman April 28th, 2011 at 00:41
Hey I was reading through this and I saw your name. It sparked something in my memory from a long time ago. I was wondering if perhaps you used to play for the alburgh soccer team as the goalie? Anyways shoot me an email if you ever get this, we used to be friends way back. This is surely a lovely piece of writing as well. I very much enjoyed it.
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Name: Jenna Burleigh
Bio: Jenna Burleigh is a magazine major, with minors in environmental studies and French. She enjoys hiking and kayaking.
Debra January 18th, 2010 at 15:19