A Single Snapshot: Emerald Lake, Vermont

It was almost two years ago that I threw caution to the wind and drove four hours—alone—to southern Vermont to camp for four wonderful days and three glorious nights at Emerald Lake State Park in East Dorset. After having run a 5-mile race earlier in the day, I was pooped—and it was dark—when I arrived well after 9 p.m. I barely had time or light to erect my tent but sleep was calling. Almost immediately after positioning the last parts of the tent and drawing the rainfly over the steel frame, I crawled into my sleeping bag and dozed off.

Although I’d never been to Emerald Lake before, at first I didn’t go exploring the lake itself. When I awoke the following morning, I headed out to some local hiking trails to get a few miles in. Bad idea. As I began to move, my body seized in agony. The previous day’s race had taken its toll and hiking was out of the question. After much indecision, I elected to return to the park and relax with a book at the lake.

They don’t call it Emerald Lake for nothing. The towering rock formations that surround it are covered in varying shades of green, creating a verdant reflection in the water. In a word: gorgeous. At this time of year when I’m just starved for the green of the outdoors, this photo reminds me what’s in store for the coming months as we emerge from winter. C’mon spring!