Growing up in Shanghai, there wasn’t really nature to engage with, so I was fascinated by my first fall here at Amherst. ❤️
After conducting field research on a Monday in September, my friend and I decided (rather arbitrarily) to take a break from work––we hiked Mount Norwuttock. ⛰️ It was not the best choice we have made… It was challenging––there were several places where we had to grab onto branches and (literally) climb up the hill! However, after an hour of the idea of giving up crossing my mind for a million times, it was actually awesome to stand on the peak, overlook the town, and shout. Since then, I’ve been to some more hikes near Amherst. (Check out the Valley Guide designed by our lovely Office of Sustainability if you haven’t for fun stuff to explore around Amherst!)
Another fascinating encounter with nature was the rafting experience on Deerfield River with the Outing Club. (If you ever come study at Amherst College, SIGN UP FOR THE OUTING CLUB!!! Free outdoor trips are hosted nearly every week during fall time!) I had never tried rafting before, so I was a bit nervous before embarking on the journey. It was such a fun experience after all! Although I had an “unintentional swim”, it was worth seeing trees changing colors along the river and their reflections glittering on the water under the sun. 🍁 Time flew by so quickly when you had fun––none of us could believe it had been six hours since we started the trip!
In late October, I went on another trip with the Outing Club to the Ramblewild Adventure Park. Everyone on the trip got tired from the trails… If you enjoy upper body workouts, this might be a great fit! Not for me though… (But still kinda proud that I got to Single Black. 😉) Nevertheless, we were all intrigued by the natural scenery, especially when we went down the zip line.
Also, as a member of the Choral Society, I went on a retreat to the Red Gate Farm. It was such a beautiful place. As you walk into the woods, you can feel the soil sinking a little when your feet step onto it and you will hear all kinds of birds chirping. And the best part was having s’mores and singing around the bonfire. It was a cozy bonding event with members of the Choir. 🎶
I guess I’m falling in love with nature. 🥰