Go take a walk

Dear Editor:

I would like to encourage more people to "go take a walk!" No, I don't mean that in anger, rather I wish more people would take a walk on the towpath from Weissport to Jim Thorpe. What started out for me was rehabilitation for a total knee replacement back in February, and has moved into what I would like to call, "A spiritual journey."

It starts just past the new pavilion as you slowly leave the sounds of the day behind you. The forest seems to envelope you as you begin your journey. A few beautiful mallard ducks sit along the towpath and utter a few sounds as you pass, not startled by your presence anymore. As you set your pace the sounds in the trees catch your attention. Many different birds calling in their own sweet sounds echo in the trees. Passing an area of lily pads a bullfrog croaks a message, "Check out my pad ... topped with a golden blossom."

Stepping lively now, you notice a sunfish guarding her nest close to the shore in a sandy pan in the shallow water of the canal. "Good morning" and a smile from another walker passing in the opposite direction. I wonder if that person would bid you the time of day in the marketplace. Now you come to a small footbridge over a spillway, and listen to the trickle of water as it leaves the canal. Standing on the bridge you look to your left and the water is now a crescendo of music rushing over the large rocks toward the river. Back in pace you are now deep in the forest and all the sounds of the day are fading from your ears. You are alone with God and His creation.

Ah, you find a bench and sit down to just listen and communicate with your creator. From a distance the bell in the clock tower at Zion U.C.C. in Lehighton seems to call you back to reality and you rise and get your feet moving, heading back into civilization once again. As you arrive at the parking lot you need to step carefully to avoid the droppings of the many Canada Geese, but that is a whole different story!

Yours truly,

Dick Gross

Lehighton