Gone for Winter
By Nicholas Bussiere
The Northeast isn’t meant for the cold. Not physically, of course, but rather the people who inhabit it.
For many, it’s a destination, a place to travel to then abruptly leave once the summer sun fades away. But, for those who remain, it becomes a cold, deserted location, one begging for people to return.
Hammonasset State Park is one such place, that thrives during the summer and disappears entirely throughout the winter. It showcases the northeast during its coldest season and the overall feeling that emanates throughout New England.
The same beach as of November 18th, now plenty of space to settle, as long as 40º and wind chill sound comforting.
The view overlooking homes alongside Hammonasset, most now empty, owned by wealthy upper-class that move back down south at the end of the season. They stand surrounded by dead trees, and a crisp marsh that craves just a bit more warm weather.
One of the busiest days in the summer, the beach often completely full of people where it is difficult to find a spot to sit down.
The marsh has seen better days, now waiting to be revived at the end of the winter. It glistens against the sunlight in the short time the sun is up.
The parking lot stands empty, with the large open field that used to fill up with extra spots in the busy season now entirely empty. The space instead covered in geese looking to fuel up before heading south.
The waves crash hard today as the wind howls overhead. The water has quickly become cold over the past few weeks, and the wind blowing sand in your face is making it quite hard to get a tan even in the bright sunlight.
People still driving through the park this time of year, most that go on walks now though need to be bundled up to stay warm, still desperate to enjoy the outdoors before they become a tundra.
Some of the few things that grow this time of year are the unknown berries (maybe cranberry) that grow alongside the paths. They stand in stark comparison to the leafless trees surrounding them.
A clear flock of more than 100 birds heading down south, similar to those who visit in the summer. It shows just how little life wants to stick around once the seasons start to shift, with every being craving a taste of warmer weather.
In many ways, winter is the darkest point for the northeast, both for the season itself and for the people. It emphasizes how reliant we are on Mother Nature and the ways we continually be affected by it.
Not only do our days just fly straight by, but life itself barrels for an escape. It’s the reason that many people are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), everything just starts to blend until all of a sudden you are out on the other end, and spring begins.
However, even with all these different aspects crashing together, winter still stands as an amazing season, with often some of the most memorable moments of the year. While it’s harder to be outside and enjoy it fully, it makes it up through the time spent inside with family and friends.
