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The Mount in the Fall Last week, I was walking back from the ARCC after Karate class and looked across Route 15 at the Mount. The mountain was covered in red, orange, and yellow hues of the changing leaves. It was gorgeous. And later that week, I noticed many leaves were falling slowly around me in the breeze. It was as if there were always a number of leaves perpetually suspended in the air. The weekend before last, I got to do something I’ve waited to do since my arrival at the Mount: hike the trail from the grotto. A group got together at 1:00 in the afternoon and, with Father Jack, set out through the grotto and found the entrance to the trail. Christine, Janice, and I all moved quickly, waiting only for the children that came with their parents. About 45 minutes later, we’d arrived at Indian Lookout, a protruding boulder near the top of the mountain, which sits in front of a clearing in the trees. There we sat and took in the breathtaking view of northern Maryland in all its glory of autumn. After a few moments of relaxing, we prayed a decade of Hail Maries and shared a moment of silent reflection. After that almost perfect moment, we began our descent down to the grotto. Christine, Janice and I moved down at our own quick pace. Fifteen minutes later, we reached the grotto and spent a few more minutes in reflection. On our way out of the trail, I noticed my friend Kate beginning a hike of her own. She said she needed a break from studies and later would tell me that it was quite perfect for relaxation and a retreat from homework. I must say it’s quite beautiful here. I dare say I can’t wait to see the Mount in the spring… |
