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Purpose & Perspective at Wheeler Pond

February 2, 2021 by Guest Author 1 Comment

Fog rises out of the mountains, forests reflections on Wheeler Pond.
Camping at Wheeler Pond. Photo courtesy: Terry Lovelette

GMC members Terry Lovelette and Sherry King are avid hikers and have thru-hiked the Long Trail. Last fall, the two visited the Hadsel-Mares Camp to celebrate Terry’s 62nd birthday. Inspired by the quiet and the lily pads dotting Wheeler Pond, Terry reflected on purpose, perspective, and interconnectedness. Please enjoy his poem about the experience.

Wheeler Pond

Be still and rest in the silence
Reflections form in quiet waters
A depth of meaning is seen when we look into the moments
The lily pads on the surface form an entryway

With a slightly different perspective
One can embrace the beauty inside of Wheeler Pond
With a bit of courage
We can carry that grace forward upon our departure

Walking with a sense of reverence in our daily journey
Is sure to enable a gait fed by a heart of compassion
And a soul bathed in kindness
Maybe, with a mixture of hope, an essence of empathy comes with us

When we step away from the busyness of life
It is easier to appreciate that there is a oneness to our existence
And, that it is too often forgotten
Each of us comes from the same place

And, won the race of millions at the moment of our creation
Surely, we can recognize our purpose
And see that an interconnectedness exists in us all
Where the marrow meets the bone

In every walk of life
Lead the way with
Compassion, patience, understanding, tolerance, kindness, respect, and love
Be the good that the world so desperately needs

Have a Long Trail story or reflection to share? Please submit your prose and pictures to [email protected]. We may include your stories in our social media or publications, including the Long Trail News.

Filed Under: Hiking, News

Comments

  1. ADAM LOVELETTE says

    February 2, 2021 at 9:21 am

    Well written from a great man!!

    Reply

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Camel’s Hump: Hiker Reflections on Their Backyard Mountain

June 26, 2025

Rising from the spine of the Green Mountains, Camel's Hump is home to scenic views, a wilderness feel with its undeveloped summit, and choose-you-own-adventure hiking options. The mountain's proximity to more populated areas like Burlington and Waterbury make it a popular and well-hiked destination, … Read more

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Mission

The Green Mountain Club is the founder and maintainer of the Long Trail - the oldest long distance hiking trail in America. Established in 1910 to build this trail stretching the length of Vermont, the club now also maintains the Appalachian Trail in Vermont and trails in the Northeast Kingdom in its mission to "make the Vermont mountains play a larger part in the life of the people." Read more...

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Join a guided hike on the Short Trail this summer!

Join the Green Mountain Club’s Visitor Services Manager, Emily Mosher, for a hike on the Short Trail! Learn more about hiking in Vermont, the Long Trail and the Green Mountain Club, and tips to have a successful hike as we explore the 0.5 mile loop at GMC’s headquarters building in Waterbury Center. These hikes are open to hikers of all ages, from beginner day hiker to seasoned backpacker. Hikes take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 10am, and on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 2pm. Allow about an hour with plenty of stops to explore.

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No RSVP necessary; for questions, email [email protected] or call 802-244-7037.