Farewell to A Friend: Goodbye Woods

28 June 2011Dan H

"I believe in God, only I spell it Nature." Frank Lloyd Wright

There will always be a part of me in the wilderness. There will always be a part of the wilderness in me. For me, nature represents an important part of my personality and soul and, as I sit and reflect on my time here, it becomes more and more apparent: the woods have made me who I am.

For three years, on foot, by bike, alone and with friends, the woods have been an essential part of my Brentwood experience. Unlike any other school in the world, the natural beauty surrounding Brentwood is unparalleled, unmatched. With a backdrop of incomparable beauty, it is an incredible place to explore, to learn and to experience: a joy and a resource available to all.

In my journeys, in my adventures, in my exploration, I have heard the cry of woodland peacock, seen the fleeting flutter of a hummingbird, witnessed the silent majesty of a venerable heron, experienced the mighty rush of a diving eagle, felt the jolted heart of a startled deer. I have fought through gorse, broom, and raspberries, struggled through rose bushes and blackberry briars and felt the incessant burn of stinging nettle. I have forded streams and climbed mountains. Sun burnt and wind-numbed, I have followed mysterious paths and sometimes, even made my own. Alone with the wilderness, a person can learn so much about themselves. That is the power of the woods.

That has been my journey of exploration, but yours awaits as well. Anywhere from Mount Baldy to the Watertower, Field of Dreams to Cobble Hill, Whiskey Point to the Millstream, Arbutus Ridge to the ferry, adventure is out there, ready to be seized and enjoyed by any willing Brentonian. For you, you may find the woods to be a place best explored with friends, a time that will bring you all closer together and unite you in common experience. These are the best of friends. If not with others, the woods may be a solitary place, an alone place, a place of space away from campus to feel at one with the world, to escape school and see more. This is expanding and growing too, but different than with friends. Balance is key. Another and entirely different purpose exists to the woods as well. Classier than the Millennium Trail, less travelled than the Fish Hatchery, the woods provide endless intimacy for the endearing trysts of generations of Brentwood couples. Go explore.

For me, now the time has come to say goodbye. There are other woods to see, there are other mountains to be climbed, other paths to be explored, but, as I begin to pack, begin to leave, start folding my maps and putting away my hiking boots, visiting favorite haunts for the last time, I feel d-minor of sadness in my heart: time to say goodbye, friend.

Someday, for those returning to Brentwood, maybe try your own adventure, be the Lewis and Clark of your own dreams in Brentwood’s backyard. Stray beyond the beaten path and explore what the woods have to offer. Take a friend, make a friend and learn. If ever our paths someday meet in the backwoods or hidden valleys, I will know by your smile that you too have found a friend in the woods.

"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the wind longs to play with your hair." Kahil Gibran

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