The warmest days of summer just past seem to draw many to “the beach”. As much as this seems to resonate at large as the ideal getaway, I suspect I am not alone in not being particularly drawn to wide-open sunny expanses, often crowded with humanity.

Give me the cool, rocky stream with dappled shade and the company of inch-worms, squirrels and Maidenhair ferns, accompanied by the Wood Thrush’s atavistic song.

A type of peace and comfort descends when every surrounding square inch exudes beauty and wildness.