Nature

Once More to the Narrows

62 Comments

Time was when I walked to the Narrows every day with my trusty Sheltie Liam beside me and my wee camera tucked in my pocket.

But Liam died two years ago, and without a dog to walk, my creaky knees grew even creakier. Walking down the hill to the Narrows and back up again proved too painful.

But this year, facing Covid-19, Clif and I resolved to do what we could to become more healthy. I have chronicled Clif’s successful low-carb diet. For me, becoming more healthy meant losing weight and exercising regularly.

I am happy to report that after losing twenty-five pounds and riding my exercise bike at least five days a week, my knees are no longer as creaky. I can walk to the Narrows and back again without any great discomfort.

A wonderful feeling, and I plan to walk at least weekly to these two beautiful bodies of water—the Upper and Lower Narrows—that are called ponds but are really deep and big enough to be considered lakes. I’ll chronicle the seasons, because the Narrows are beautiful any time of year, even in March, when Maine is in peak ugliness.

Here is what they looked like in mid-September, with the leaves just starting to change.

First, the Lower Narrows.

Then the Upper Narrows.

Sometimes, you even find surprising creatures like, say, a dragon or an orca.

Like our hummingbirds, the dragon and the orca will soon be going away to someplace safe, albeit much nearer than where those tiny winged creatures fly.

I imagine the dragon and the orca tucked away in a snug, dry shed or garage. As the snow falls and the Upper Narrows freezes, they wait, wait, wait until soft spring comes and then summer, when they can return to the water.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Technically, fall isn’t here at all, and there might be a week or two left of swimming. But the nights have been getting colder, and in northern Maine, there have been frosts.

Winter is coming, and we all know it, but until then Clif and I will revel in autumn, surely one of the best and glorious times in Maine.

62 thoughts on “Once More to the Narrows”

  1. Hearty congratulations in improving your health to the extent that you can now walk to such a beautiful location with comparative ease. You must be so pleased!

  3. Wonderful all around. Pictures are great, and good for you on all you’ve accomplished. Everything you say comes with a mood of optimism, even excitement. Super!

  4. Loosing 25 pounds is quite an achievement. Congratulations, Laurie and I love the iamges of both the ponds (or lakes). I ma sure you must be enjoying your walks.

  5. The Narrows look so peaceful Laurie and how wonderful to be able to walk here again. Congratulations to both you and Clif on your healthy journey together! 🤗💚

  10. Losing 25 pounds is an amazing achievement Laurie, congratulations! Surprisingly, some good things have come out of COVID! I enjoy autumn in our part of the world….. summer is often too hot. Lovely pics.😁👏👏

  12. Oh, congratulations to both of you on your healthier lifestyles and all the successes that go with it! So exciting to hear the “bounce in your step.” And bravo to your biking commitment – that’s a habit you can keep up no matter what the weather.

    I know you miss your walks with sweet Liam – but you are worth the effort too!
    Hugs to you both.

    1. Many thanks, Jodie! Yes, the good thing about the exercise bike is that it can be ridden year round. Also, gives me a little extra reading time. My tablet works beautifully with the exercise bike. Makes the time speed right by.

  13. Congratulations, Laurie and Clif! Twenty-five pounds! Wow! Just think how many bags of sugar that is; you’d need a wheelbarrow to carry that around – no wonder there is a spring in your step these days. Sadly, I have put weight on during this summer. I must take a leaf out of your book and begin to exercise and diet again. The Narrows are glorious! What havens of delight!

  14. Did you hear me? I was shouting – way to go, Laurie! Impressive weight loss. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Maybe I shouldn’t have made those pumpkin muffins or that key lime pie over the weekend, and I should use my treadmill once in a while. Take care and keep up the good work while you enjoy a few more weeks on your patio.

  16. Congrats on the weight loss and the resulting improvement of your knees. Kudos! Our health is everything, so keeping in good shape is essential.
    Lovely photos – it is surprising to see color starting, though we’re half way through Sept. already – where did the summer get to? 😉
    I like fall, but winter not so much. I am NOT looking forward to the endless feeding of wood to the stove. That gets old quickly, but I do love that warmth on a cold day.

  18. I really, really need to take you for my exemplar. Congratulations on your accomplishments health-wise, and thanks for these wonderful photos. You live in such an appealing place, and I’m so glad you share it with us.

  19. Huge congratulations for all you and Cliff have achieved to become healthier and fitter! Those narrows / ponds / lakes are glorious and must lift your spirits as well as the joy of being able to actually walk there. Keep going!

  20. A lovely walk but are you not tempted to get another dog to enjoy it with? I think I’ve asked this before and it’s the travelling to sell your books that causes the difficulties if I remember rightly. Still, you seem to be enjoying yourself well enough without one.

    1. Although I miss have a dog, I am not tempted to get another one. We are so busy with the books, even when we are not on the road, that there just doesn’t seem to be any time to spare for a dog. Unfortunately.

  22. What a delightful post-and yay!! for you getting healthy!! I bet that first walk was tough-You have made me miss Liam too, with your memories. The narrows are so lovely. Wish you all sorts of happy! love Michele

  23. I love this passage: “I imagine the dragon and the orca tucked away in a snug, dry shed or garage. As the snow falls and the Upper Narrows freezes, they wait, wait, wait until soft spring comes and then summer, when they can return to the water.”

    Congratulations on your significant weight loss. I’m so impressed, as I know first hand it isn’t easy. More importantly, no creaky knees. That’s terrific news.

    You live in such a beautiful place. I’m glad you are taking advantage of it. You must miss your dear, sweet dog. xo

  25. Well done for shedding those pounds – it is flipping hard work! I look forward to seeing those lakeside scenes through the seasons. Calm expanses of water are so good for the soul.

  26. That’s an impressive weight loss, but it does mean I have no excuse for not losing some weight. Ho hum, starvation and exercise beckon…

    Please accept my grudging congratulations and admiration.

  28. Congratulations on getting so much fitter and healthier, both of you, Laurie! Klausbernd and I gained some weight during lockdown and used Dr. Mosley’s 5:2 fast diet to swiftly loose it again.

  30. Liam was a beautiful dog. I wonder if he enjoyed the views on your walk as much as we do? He probably had a whole different experience with interesting smells and doggie thoughts. I am sure he enjoyed your company most of all.

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