An outsider’s view

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.