It was another one of my aunt's wacky ideas. We were sitting on the porch with our coffees and view of the lake when she walked out and announced that she made an appointment at Payne's Seaplanes and Air Services. Without waiting for our response, she told us to be ready by noon and went back inside. Saying no apparently wasn't an option so my older brother, afraid of heights, got his fishing gear and a canoe and hid out on the lake for the rest of the day. Being fourteen years old and hormonal at the time, I was in no mood to spend extended periods of time with my family in a small plane but I could see no escape. Today, I can look back on the experience and feel thankful that my aunt was as forceful as she was and that my older brother got to the only available boat before I did because the seaplane allowed me to experience the Adirondacks in a way I never had before.
I remember the pilot was extremely friendly and my parents were feeling chatty. As usual, my mom was asking every question that came to her mind and the pilot seemed to have all the answers. I can't tell you what my parents learned about the Adirondacks that day or even what lakes we flew over because I was blessed with a fine pair of headphones. I brought them to cover up the sound of the large motor and it was an extra bonus that I could shut everyone's voices out as well. For the whole ride, my eyes were glued to the window and I was seeing just how big the Adirondacks were for the first time.
All my life, I had gone to the same area and lake of the Adirondacks. While I was aware that there were plenty of other lakes and mountains in the park, it was completely different to really see it. The park looked like it went on forever and I was in absolute awe... and that's saying a lot for a hormonal teen prepared to only show disdain. Within that hour and a half long plane ride, my idea of the Adirondacks changed. It wasn't just the place I vacationed but beautiful land that looked more natural and untouched than anything I'd seen before.
This is so cool! I remember the first time I went in a little plane. I flew over to Martha's Vineyard with my aunt and almost hurled. But there is something in your piece that I actually touched on in one of my previous posts: This idea of shifting personal perspective and how those moments shape our opinions about a place. I recently wrote about my experience looking at the Adirondacks through a lens. While this experience is very very different from you flying in a plane, It produced the same end-product. My perspective on the Adirondacks was completely shifted the weekend we spent it the woods. I wonder what power these types of experiences hold over us and how many others have had similar experiences in the park.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool! I remember the first time I went in a little plane. I flew over to Martha's Vineyard with my aunt and almost hurled. But there is something in your piece that I actually touched on in one of my previous posts: This idea of shifting personal perspective and how those moments shape our opinions about a place. I recently wrote about my experience looking at the Adirondacks through a lens. While this experience is very very different from you flying in a plane, It produced the same end-product. My perspective on the Adirondacks was completely shifted the weekend we spent it the woods. I wonder what power these types of experiences hold over us and how many others have had similar experiences in the park.
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