The Value of Direct Experience

This article was written by Emily Bianco, one of our Guides in our youth programs at Through the Trees.

When did some of us stop listening to our body’s inherent and innate wisdom? When did we start feeling like strangers to nature? It usually starts early on in life when someone told us that we weren’t capable of something, that we would get in trouble if we didn’t listen to what we were told, that we would get hurt doing something, what to like, what to dislike, what to believe, that we should be scared, that life is scary and people shouldn’t be trusted.

And then what happened? Over time, perhaps you adopted more hesitation, more doubt, more fear, more reluctance and less of you. Ultimately, you learned to distrust yourself. Some of us have lost touch with our built in ability to discern what is right from wrong for ourselves because we were constantly being told outside of us what right and wrong is. 

Parenting undoubtedly involves setting limits with children, and there are times that this is justified for valid reasons such as safety, respect, kindness, or when one feels that their children’s actions are infringing too much on one’s own needs (i.e. needing a break from excessive noise or not wanting certain objects to be damaged). Most experts would agree that at least some limit setting is healthy, and as a parent it’s important to know one’s own personal boundaries. However, is it possible that one may limit their children too much? Is there a time where it becomes excessive? Does there come a time that as a parent, one may need to let go just a little, trust their children and let them discover natural consequences on their own? If one doesn’t stretch their comfort in this, will they perhaps mold their children into limited beings, human beings who are unaware of and unable to reach beyond the possibilities of their full potential?

At times, one may discredit their child’s judgment and underestimate their child’s instinctive ability to trust themselves. One may tell them, “Don’t climb that tree. If you climb that tree then you’re going to fall,” but until the child tries to climb the tree, they won’t discover the remarkable sensations of climbing or their own natural capabilities. They can’t learn their own limits until they become conscious of the consequences of falling, which is ultimately the beauty of direct experience. 

This doesn’t mean that one shouldn’t address an unsafe situation or offer suggestions such as, “It’s a good idea to always have three points on the tree” (two hands and a foot, two feet and a hand - see more tips on tree climbing here). Offering suggestions and assistance may vary depending on the child’s age. However, even a three-year-old can learn so much by endeavoring  on those first branches and reaching for the next. As the parent or guardian, one can support this experience by first letting them give it a try and offer suggestions or assistance when needed.

Direct experience gives us the opportunity to integrate and apply the lessons we learn from experiencing something directly, which expands our capacity to learn and grow. We can empower ourselves, our children, and each other to test the waters and decide for ourselves what our limits are. 

An analogy that comes to mind was stated by Douglas Harding: “the most appetizing menu won’t taste like the dinner itself.” We often miss the point and all too often we miss out. To understand something or to know something is not the same as having an experience. The value of direct experience gives us the power to consciously choose what we will do next and how far we will go, and the freedom so that others may embark on their own personalized journeys. As unique individuals, we can each honor our limitations and our unlimited qualities, while blissfully surrendering to the unknown that it won’t all look the same. There is absolutely no one-size-fits-all model that we can each apply in order to live fulfilled, happy, and daring lives. We must discover for ourselves what is true: “What do YOU think when you face the waterfall?”(Terence McKenna).

As the parent one may be a little less apprehensive toward their children, as adults we may be a little more trusting of ourselves, and as humans we may be a little more trusting of each other. Perhaps we may find the courage to, as McKenna once said, “hurl ourselves into the abyss and discover that it is truly, only a bed of feathers.” 

Breathe On and Be Free

This article was contributed by our Guide and member of our Board of Directors, Jewels Gordon.

I am Jewels. 39 years old with a backpack filled with my own issues, a heart full of love, some experiences that I wish I had not experienced and the grace and wisdom to find meaning and value in all of it. My childhood in one sense was typical and amazing - playing in the woods, laughing with friends, camping for days on end, homemade pizza every Friday night, and the freedom to explore and live adventurously. However, there were also incredibly hard times that still sit with me today. 

It took me 25 years to find meditation, and it took me another five of practicing to be able to sit in my own body, semi comfortably, part of the time. Now, almost 40, I think I kind of, maybe, get it. 

If only I had been taught as a child how to sit and breathe, to follow my breath, to feel my body on the ground, and to be where I was - to be present. If I had practiced coming back to the breath over and over, allowing thoughts to come in and go out, like their transient nature does, how would my childhood have been different? How would I have handled stress as a teen? An adult? If in school they had sent me to sit and scan my body as a means of connecting to myself, a way of calming my system to recognize my feelings, acknowledging them and letting them go again and again, instead of reprimanding me for not being able to sit still or for talking too much. Who would I be? I wish I was nurtured in a way that allowed me to grow and thrive, that prepared me for life that is filled with stressors, triggers and a myriad of emotions. 

Today I read a simple statement, “You can live for weeks without food, days without water and only minutes without air.” To me this means that being present with my body, following my breath as a way to calm myself, and being able to tolerate uncomfortable feelings, sensations and thoughts are invaluable not only to my mental health, but also to my physical health. These things seem so simple, and they are. But together, when explored, practiced, and enjoyed regularly, they are quite profound - life-changingly profound. And I wish I had been taught this when I was a child.

But they didn’t and I wasn’t. Instead I learned on my own as a young adult, and I am continuing to learn - this is a journey and a lifetime of practice. I believe it is the single best thing I have ever done for myself - learning to breathe, to sit with myself.  How amazing life is for me now that I can tolerate stress and handle my anxiety. This gives me hope: Hope that we are learning as individuals, families, communities, and as a nation to embrace our inner worlds, our Human nature and Human bodies and what it takes to live life as fully and adeptly as possible. And that breathing is the center of it all. 

When the Guides of our youth programs at Through the Trees bring the kids and teens together in a circle and ask everyone to take a few slow, deep breaths before discussing the next part of our day, we are hoping to to begin to instill just a small piece of this mindfulness. When we sit patiently with a child who is upset, and we gently suggest “try taking a deep breath with me” so they can feel more grounded, we are hoping they will remember this the next time they are feeling angry or sad. And when we do “sit spot” (a mindfulness practice, usually in nature, in which we sit or lie down quietly for several minutes to just be) with the teens, we hope they will initiate this practice on their own at home to help become more aware of emotions and thoughts in their own bodies, reduce stress, and bring about peace, perhaps when they need it most. 

Breathing brings life to all sentient Beings, centers the mind, grounds the body, feeds the soul and is the single most important thing to teach our kids, our teens and ourselves as a means to living a full and balanced life. They didn’t teach me this as a kid and maybe they did or did not for you - but it’s never too late to learn. In fact, you can begin right now by closing your eyes for a moment and taking Three - Slow - Deep - Breaths...

Local Natural Wonders - Day 65

Photo: Mainewaterfalls.com

Local Natural Wonders Day 65 - Coos Canyon in Byron, Maine

Coos Canyon is located just off of Route 17 scenic highway in Byron. This beautiful canyon has been carved out by the Swift River and is easily accessed - park in the gravel parking lot to the right side of the road (heading north) and walk down to the river below. A short way down river there is a waterfall, and you can climb down below the falls and go for a swim in the calmer pools past the falls. Climb along the rocks or walk the trails along the river. Picnic tables and charcoal grills at the parking area also make this an easy spot to stop for a picnic.

Camping is available nearby as well as the Coos Canyon Rock and Gift Shop, which rents gold panning supplies and offers demonstrations on panning. The Swift River is known to be an ideal spot for gold panning.

While this incredible spot is hard to miss from Route 17, entering “Coos Canyon” in a GPS will take you right to it.

Local Natural Wonders - Day 64

Photo: Freeport Conservation Trust

Local Natural Wonders Day 64 - Powell Point Trail in Freeport, Maine

This 0.8 mile family-friendly, wooded trail has a couple of short, steep hills but ends with a spectacular view of Cousins River and Royal River before leading to Casco Bay. A side trail passes a salt marsh, which is also worth exploring. The beginning of the trail has a large amount of tree roots, which can be a fun obstacle for children to climb over. Wet or muddy areas are covered with planks.

TRAIL MAP

Directions from FCT: The trailhead is on Lambert Road, approximately 1 mile from the intersection with South Freeport Road. Park in the paved turnout on the left side of Lambert Road, just before the unpaved
section. Be sure to leave space for a school bus to turn around. From the parking area, walk along the unpaved section of Lambert Road; the trail begins on the right before the first driveway and is marked with a small diamond-shaped FCT sign near a plank over the ditch. Parking is available from April 16- Oct 31.

Local Natural Wonders - Day 63

Local Natural Wonders - Day 63 - Arethusa Falls in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire

Arethusa Falls is New Hampshires tallest and most impressive waterfall. Estimated to be 200 feet tall, this waterfall is well worth the 1.5 mile hike to reach it. The trail gains about 900 feet in elevation and is manageable for families and unexperienced hikers.
Edward Tuckerman discovered Arethusa Falls in the late 1800s. The falls get their name from the poem, “Arethusa,” written by Percy Bysshe Shelley, about a nymph whose name means “the waterer.”

Trail Information From The Hiking Project:
The trail starts at the top of a short road off Route 302, across railroad tracks. Right from the beginning, it's very easy to follow the blue blazes that mark the trail. Expect a fairly consistent and steady uphill over plenty of rocks and roots. At 0.1 miles, you have the option to take the Bemis Brook Trail, which rejoins the Arethusa Falls Trail at 0.6 miles. At 1.3 miles, the trail intersects the Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail. Continue to the left for Arethusa Falls, climbing a steeper set of steps before descending to the falls. 

The trail is challenging no doubt, but it's also short enough that families and kids can accomplish it. It's also a good trail for hiking with dogs. Dogs are recommended to be leashed, but not required. 

Driving Directions:
Trailhead and parking area are on Arethusa Falls Road in Harts Location, NH. Arethusa Falls Road leaves the west side of Rt. 302 14.5 miles from its junction with Rt. 3. The road is well marked. There are two parking areas a short distance up this road. The lower parking area is larger. The Arethusa Falls Trail begins at the upper parking area.  Click here for a Google map.

Local Natural Wonders - Day 62

Photo: pfly / Flickr

Local Natural Wonders Day 62 - Flagstaff Lake in Carrabassett Valley, Maine

At 20,300 acres, Flagstaff Lake is the 4th largest lake in Maine and is man-made (so it is not a natural wonder, but it has an interesting story). Where this lake lies was once Flagstaff Village and Dead River Plantation, but in 1950 the towns were flooded, creating Flagstaff Lake - a product of the era of hydroelectric power in Maine. In 1950 the Long Falls Dam was completed, which became important for regulating water flow into the Kennebec River Basin.

This lake captures runoff from 520 square miles of the Upper Dead River Watershed. Flagstaff Lake is part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, a historic 740-mile water-trail that flows through New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Flagstaff Lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking or canoeing, fishing and camping on one of several campsites. Flagstaff Hut offers beautiful accommodations on the east shore of Flagstaff Lake.

According to Maine’s Northwestern Mountains website:

Tenting is available free of charge at the Round Barn campsites on the shore of Flagstaff Lake. These sites are accessible by water or by a short trail originating from the vehicle parking lot. They have fire rings and pit toilets. From the Round Barn parking area, the trail leads easterly along the shore to a half dozen secluded single-party campsites. To the west is a large group site that can accommodate up to 30 people. A nearby day-use area on the shore of Flagstaff Lake offers swimming and picnicking. A hand-carry boat or canoe may be launched from the beach.

Local Natural Wonders - Day 61

Photo: stateparks.com

Local Natural Wonders Day 61 - Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec, Maine

Quoddy Head State Park is located on the easternmost point of land in the continental United States in the town of Lubec, Maine. With 541 acres and 4.5 miles of hiking trails, forests, bogs, incredible scenic views and a red-and-white striped lighthouse tower (West Quoddy Head Light), this state park is one not to miss.

From the Maine State Parks Website:

In 1808, West Quoddy Head Light became the easternmost lighthouse in the United States. Its light and fog cannon warned mariners of Quoddy's dangerous cliffs, ledges, and Sail Rock. Among the first to use a fog bell and later a steam-powered foghorn, this lighthouse greatly reduced shipwrecks in this foggy area, even as shipping increased. In 1858, the present red-and-white tower replaced the original. Monitored and serviced by the U. S. Coast Guard, its light still shines through its original third-order Fresnel lens. After automation in 1988, the light station became part of adjacent Quoddy Head State Park. The tower is closed, but visitors are welcome to enjoy the lighthouse grounds and explore the Visitor Center and Museum run by the West Quoddy Head Light Keepers' Association.

DIRECTIONS

Local Natural Wonders - Day 60

Photo: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/325033298077640904/

Local Natural Wonders Day 60 - Newfound Lake, Bristol, NH

Newfound Lake is known as one of the cleanest lakes in the world! It’s clear, pristine water is fed by eight springs. At 2.5 miles wide, seven miles long, and 168 feet and 183 feet deep at two different points, it is also one of the deepest lakes in New Hampshire. This lake has two lighthouses - Newfound Light House at Paradise Point Lodge on Route 3A in Bridgewater and Reed Lighthouse next to the Ledges on W. Shore Rd.

Natures preserves that include this lake are Newfound Audubon Center and Paradise Point Natural Area, both on N. Shore Rd in Hebron and Paradise Point Natural Area. Enjoy picnice areas, walking trails, a nature store, and canoe rentals at these locations.

There is plenty of hiking to do around Newfound Lake. The Lakes Region website lists these trails and mountains:

• Mount Cardigan, Alexandria (3121’) – outstanding view of region. Cardigan Mountain Road out of Alexandria Center. Pond, picnic area, camping, AMC lodge, XC and backcountry skiing in winter. Part of 6000 acres of reserved land. Waterfalls on hike. 

• Big and Little Sugarloaf, Bristol (1361’) – Trailhead (Elwell Trail) just after entrance to Wellington State Park. Two peaks, one easy to moderate other more difficult. Nice view of lake from atop the Ledges cliffs. A trail splits off near trailhead to go to Goose Pond (easy hike).

• Sculptured Rocks Natural Area, Groton – State Park and natural area. River formed gorge and waterfalls. Picnic area, swimming, hiking. Entrance to snowmobile corridor 11. 

• Round Top, Bristol – outdoor chapel on top – great views of Bristol. Very peaceful and serene. South 1/4 mi on 3A out of Bristol, Right on High St (after Federated Church). Follow straight until it turns to dirt at parking area. 

• Orange Rd, Groton – class VI seasonal road off of Sculptured Rocks Rd – Can follow to Mt. Cardigan (6 mi). Road follows river. Take some side trails and find a natural water slide and waterfalls. 

• Old Hill Village, Off Rt 3A, Hill – 10 miles of old roadways and trails on flood plain where Hill used to be along the Pemigewasset River. No wheeled vehicles allowed. Great place to bike, picnic and hike with pets and family. Shares parking area with Profile Falls.

• Paradise Point Nature Center, North Shore Rd. Hebron – Nature preserve of Audubon Society. Lodge, hiking trails, canoe rentals, bird-watching on wooded shores on Newfound Lake.

• Newfound Audubon Society, N. Shore Rd. Hebron – fields, picnicking, store, views of Hebron Marsh, bird-watching.

• Wellington State Park, W. Shore Rd, Bristol – 1000 foot beach. Sheltered from weather by peninsula and two islands at its point, Cliff and Belle. Public boat launch and nature trails. 204 acres. Bathhouse, picnic tables, fishing and hiking. 

• Bridgewater Mountain , Bridgewater – Network of class IV seasonal dirt roads that go over mountain. Top of Poole Hill Rd and Bridgewater Mountain Rd is Sky Fields. Open field on mountain top with old estate. Great place to watch the weather move in. Take Dick Brown Pond rd off of 3A north in Bridgewater. Watch for signs to Poole Hill Rd.

• Stinson Mountain, Rumney (2900’) Spectacular views of the Baker River Valley, and the Franconia and Sandwich Ranges. To reach Stinson, drive west from Plymouth on Route 25 to Rumney. Turn north and drive through the village to Stinson Lake. Bear right near the outlet of the lake and drive uphill. Take a sharp left-hand turn and you’re in the parking lot. 

• Rattlesnake, Rumney -Carr Mountain (1594’) Beginning on Bufallo Rd in Rumney this is a moderate trail that offers spectacular views of the Baker River Valley and its surrounding fields and mountains. To get to the trailhead take Route 25W from the Plymouth traffic circle. At blinking light, turn right into Rumney Village. In the village take first left onto Buffalo Rd. 2.5mi west of the village is a small parking area.

Local Natural Wonders - Day 59

Local Natural Wonders - Day 59 - Hamilton Audubon Preserve in West Bath, Maine

Hamilton Audubon Sanctuary is an 86 acre preserve on a peninsula in the New Meadows River. A 2.75-mile trail system winds through the coastal forest and side trails lead to beautiful vistas overlooking the cove’s channels, salt marsh, mud flats, and open water.

Directions:
Take the New Meadows exit off US Route 1 in West Bath. Turn left onto New Meadows Road and go straight ahead at the stop sign. Here New Meadows Road turns into Foster Point Road. Follow it three miles to the sanctuary sign and parking area on the right.

Trail information from maineaudubon.org:
Red Trail: Starting across the road from the sanctuary parking lot, the Red Trail loops around an open meadow, offering great views of Back Cove’s marshes and mud flats.

Blue Trail: Take the Red Trail a short distance to reach the trail head for the Blue Trail, which traverses spruce and pine forest and crosses a brook before hugging the peninsula’s eastern shore. Reaching commanding views at Back Cove Point, the trail continues to follow the shoreline and reconnects with the Red Trail. Benches along the way offer spots to enjoy spectacular views of rocky shoreline, salt marsh, and open water.

Yellow Trail: In the heart of the sanctuary, this spur off the Blue Trail weaves between rocky outcroppings and a freshwater marsh.

Green Trail: An additional loop off the Blue Trail, the Green Trail adds an additional mile and a quarter around the peninsula to the east. It passes a freshwater pond and forested wetland while offering great views of Back Cove and nearby Williams Island.

Local Natural Wonders - Day 58

Photo: Alltrails.com

Local Natural Wonders Day 58 - Hawk Mountain in Waterford, Maine

Hawk Mountain - within Hatch Preserve - offers a short (about 20 minutes) moderate hike with some incline, gravel and rocky terrain. There are three miles and a few options for trails to the summit. The views of the Lake Region from the summit are incredible, especially for a smaller mountain. This trail is perfect for beginning hikers and families any time of year. It’s an ideal spot for snowshoeing in the winter. Parking is located on Hawk Mountain Road.

DIRECTIONS FROM ALLTRAILS

TRAIL MAP

For more information visit Western Foothills Landtrust.

Local Natural Wonders - Day 57

Photo: alltrails.com, Alison DeGraff

Local Natural Wonders Day 57 - French Mountain in Belgrade, Maine

French Mountain offers a relatively easy loop trail, about .8 miles long, with several lookouts along a short ridgeline that offer perfect views of Long Pond, Great Pond, Belgrade Lakes Village, and surrounding mountains. This hike provides gorgeous vistas for such a short hike and less than 800 feet in elevation.

The trail heads east from the parking area and soon splits at the trail information kiosk, where hikers can choose either direction. Staying left at this fork provides a more direct path to the summit. This leads to a rocky precipice with stunning views of Long Pond. As hikers approach the summit, the first views are of tiny Whittier Pond to the east, Mount Phillip to the northeast, and Long Pond to the southeast. The trail continues along open rocks above steep cliffs to an overlook of the north end of Long Pond. At this point, Great Pond, The Mountain, and Belgrade Lakes Village can all be seen.

This can be a more popular trail for hikers. Visiting on weekdays will likely offer better parking and fewer people.

Directions from Maine Trailfinder: The trailhead is off Watson Pond Road, which leaves from the west side of ME Route 27 about a mile north of the intersection of ME Routes 27 and 225 in Rome. Continue down Watson Pond road 0.7 miles from ME route 27 and look for a paved pullout for parking on the eastern (left) side of the road.

Trail Map

Local Natural Wonders - Day 56

Photo: alltrails.com

Local Natural Wonders Day 56 - Kenyon Hill Preserve in South Berwick, Maine

This preserve is 108 acres and includes a one mile, somewhat hilly trail and some pretty massive boulders! Great Works Regional Land Trust describes the preserve as containing “house-size glacial erratic boulders.” The preserve also contains blueberry bushes, wetlands, old rock walls and foundations. Great Works Land Trust offers a self-guided hike packet about the geology and history of this land and it even includes a nature scavenger hunt.

Directions: From Route One in Ogunquit heading North, take a left onto Berwick Road (later becomes Ogunquit Road). Follow Berwick Road for approximately 3.7 miles. Parking for Kenyon Hill will be on your left just before Bennet Lot Road.

Local Natural Wonders - Day 55

Local Natural Wonders - Day 55 - Bridal Veil Falls in Franconia, New Hampshire

This 5 mile, moderate, out and back hike leads to one of New Hampshire’s most iconic waterfalls. This is a great hike for children, as the trail follows the Coppermine Brook from about the one mile marker on, with numerous places to stop for a picnic or climb the rocks before reaching the cascade itself with its natural rock slide and small pool for swimming. If you want to make a longer adventure of it, you could spend the night at the Coppermine shelter, or one of the tent sites near the base of the falls.

Directions to Bridal Veil Falls:

From I-93, take Exit 32 and turn onto NH 112 toward Woodstock. Continue following NH 112 past Woodstock, Lost River Valley Gorge, the Mt. Moosilauke parking lot for the Beaver Brook Trail, etc. Turn right onto NH 116 north, and from here the Coppermine Road is 7.7 miles on the right. For anyone heading south on NH 116, the Coppermine Road is on the left, one mile after the Franconia Airport.

Coppermine Trail Description from NH Family Hikes:

The trail follows the dirt road where you parked in the beginning, but turns left into the woods at a sign after half a mile. After another half mile, the trail joins Coppermine Brook, which flows from the waterfall. Just after this, bear right to stay on the trail where a cross-country ski trail goes left. It climbs upward at an easy but steady grade. There are many herd paths which lead from the trail to small cascades or peaceful places on the brook. 0.2 miles before the waterfall, the trail crosses the brook on a bridge, and continues up the other side, passing a shelter on the way.

The trail ends on a large 'island' in the middle of the brook. From here, you can sit on the rocks and view the waterfall, or you can step across the stream and climb up the flat rocks to get closer. Unlike most waterfalls, Bridal Veil Falls is best seen from the side. The iconic shape is set back, several feet above you; a long water slide connects the brook at the end of the trail with the waterfall.

Local Natural Wonders - Day 54

Photo: newenglandwaterfalls.com

Local Natural Wonders Day 54 - Cascade Falls in Saco, Maine

Located near the Maine coast and easily accessible, Cascade Falls is a lovely 20 foot horsetail-type falls that is best viewed in the spring or after a heavy rain. In the hot summer months the falls may be close to dry, but it is still worth visiting at this time (just be sure to go again when the water level is higher!). The half-mile looped trail also includes Story Walk signs for children to follow that correspond to the children’s book Scoot by Kathryn Fallwel.

TRAIL MAP

DIRECTIONS

Local Natural Wonders - Day 53

Photo: Landsformainesfuture.org

Local Natural Wonders Day 53 - Sprague Pond Preserve in Phippsburg, ME

Sprague Pond is a deep, cold spring-fed pond that is nearly ten acres and can be found on Sprague Pond Preserve. Off Route 209, the 114 acre preserve has a trail that winds past a beaver pond and dam, over a footbridge, and through a wooded area to Sprague Pond. The trail then follows along the shore. Just beyond the beaver dam, the trail intersects with the Sprague Pond Loop Trail. The loop to the right runs along the west side of Sprague Pond, past Skull Falls, a seasonal waterfall, over a stream, and into The Nature Conservancy’s Basin Preserve. Taking the trail to the left leads to one of the largest Pitch Pine woodlands in Maine, known as Pasture Ridge. Then follow this trail to an open field called “Green Piece,” fenced area protecting a newly planted chestnut tree orchard and north parking area, or turn back south to return to Sprague Pond, for a five mile hike.

Visit the Phippsburg Land Trust below for directions to Sprague Pond Preserve.

DIRECTIONS