Perfection.

Wow. Could I have asked for a better day? Today it is absolutely gorgeous outside- warm with a cool breeze, maximum sunshine, and not a cloud in the sky! I am in an amazing mood. After finishing an exam this morning, I walked down to the waterfront to check out my place for the final time before writing this prompt. It was even more beautiful and alive than I had anticipated.

The lake was the highest level I have ever seen. The waves were the most active I have ever seen also...

Lake Champlain lapping against the boulders by the boardwalk!

Overflowing onto the concrete by the Echo Center!

Everything was full of life around me- birds chirping, people laughing and loving life, and the trees, flowers and bushes in full bloom! It made me so incredibly happy to see that all of the flower buds on the bushes had bloomed and they were now covered in fuschia flowers. It made the whole waterfront come alive with color. Even the Serviceberry trees had flower buds on them now that will soon be beginning to bloom. These tiny white buds gave the trees an innocent, fresh look, which I loved examining closely. 

These bright bushes line the boardwalk, giving a punch of color to the already beautiful landscape.

Precious, tiny white buds! I can't help but love them.

These Serviceberry trees scream "SPRING" to me!
I can't wait until Spring progresses further and the white flowers come out in full force.

After walking up and down the boardwalk, appreciating all the life present here, including my own, I took some time to take my shoes off and walk on the soft grassy park area that is part of the waterfront. The grass felt amazing- cool to the touch and pleasant for my feet. I laid on the grass just listening to the sounds of the day. Laughing, chirping, music, waves and wind are just some of the sounds I got to enjoy. Lounging on the grass, soaking up the sunshine today was one of the most enjoyable times I have spent at my spot this semester. It was magical to simply get to enjoy my place for all that nature has to offer. While lounging, I was able to spend some time reflecting on my place as a system, which it is indeed. 

The boardwalk, although a mad-made structure, is an integral part of our human understanding of and connection to Lake Champlain. It is a reminder of the dynamic balance between humans and nature, and how that balance needs to be maintained. The flooding of the waterfront is a prime example of this. As the planet is experiencing warming, ice is melting and weather patterns are changing- the weather has been unusual and wacky this year to the least. All the excess rainfall and snowmelt of this past year have led to the immense flooding taking place all over the world and even in our own backyard of Lake Champlain this Spring season. Seeing these rising water levels and the effects they are having on the human population serve as another reminder that all of nature is a part of a delicate balance, that humans are seriously toying with as a result of their practices. This goes further to illustrate the interdependence and connectedness of all living things. 

The boardwalk is also a system in that it is subject to change as the seasons pass. Cycles of weather and temperature affect when, how and why plants grow, as well as the behavior of Lake Champlain itself. The waterfront changes physically as the seasons pass. Obviously in the summertime, plants are in full bloom and are vivid with life and color, including other animal species. In the winter, the area is more desolate and quite, as much of life is in hibernation. All parts of this environment are dependent on the cycles of nature to bring life. Moreover, because this land and space are owned by the city of Burlington, it is most likely maintained to some degree by city workers who care for the plants and structures within it. In these ways, the boardwalk is part of a natural system as well as a man-made system. 

I would absolutely, 100% consider myself to be a part of this system. My place is a location that I inhabit, not only as a Burlington resident and UVM student, but as a human being. I have a stake and play a role in the maintenance of this space. My actions have an impact on the environment and how well it is being cared for. For example, my personal choices have ecological impacts that may affect the overall health of Lake Champlain and the animal and plant species that live in the Burlington area. I feel that I am also a part of this system because of my sheer love for this place. In my immense appreciation and respect for the waterfront, I feel connected to my environment and place. In a way, I feel I am able to appreciate all that nature provides by recognizing the wonder that is Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains in my place. 

While lounging in the sunshine, I noticed that there wasn't a cloud in the sky. This added to my already fabulous and happy mood, and prompted a song to immediately start playing in my head- Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra. This song perfectly personifies my feelings toward my place today, and how ecstatic I am that Spring is finally here! Give it a listen- I'm positive it will brighten your day as well...

I really enjoyed this phenology blog assignment; it opened my eyes to the world around me and made me look deeper into myself to discover my sense of place and belonging. For the rest of my time here at UVM, and for the rest of my life, the waterfront will always be MY PLACE.