Walden Pond

I've been doing a little exploring while I've had the time and the inclination. Two days ago I went to Walden Pond which is relatively close to where I live. I haven't been to Walden Pond since I was a kid. I remember swimming but not much else so I didn't know what to expect.

Henry David Thoreau lived in a one room house/hut in Walden Woods for two years living as simply and as naturally as he could. His experiences from these two years became the basis for the book Walden and (in my opinion) was one of the first sparks of the environmental movement in the United States.

The original hut is no longer standing but they have a replica near the parking lot. Thoreau purchased supplies for about $30 from nearby Concord.

The site of his original house is marked and there's a huge pile of stones that people can add to to continue support of the Thoreau Society.

I must have visited this site a million times as a kind but sadly I don't remember it - I was probably more interested in splashing around than seeing a big pile of rocks honoring some dead guy.

As an adult I was quite moved by the site. The quote (see first picture above) really struck me. I worry a lot about existing rather than living and giving up and accepting the life I live or just settling. I probably spend more time worrying about how I am living than just living. Thoreau's two years of solitude is incredibly appealing. I hate letting myself caught up in the "I need/I want" mentality. I frequently fantasize about leaving everything behind, living off the grid and just be-ing. Reality sets in once I realize that I am unable to sit still and being alone with my thoughts is not always a good thing. I would love to free myself from myself but I'd need to find a better way than being alone with myself for two years. For the moment I will stick to long bike rides and walks in the woods.