Reflecting on the Lake: Weather, Mood & Memories
The author revisits the large lake once again, yet there are significant differences in both weather and mood compared to their previous visit. Last time, it was autumn deep, with damp air and rain, and the mountains were surrounded by a hazy atmosphere. The deep red leaves of the osmanthus trees seemed to express a sense of fate, evoking an aesthetic of melancholy. This time, however, it is spring early, clear blue sky and bright light fill the landscape, making one feel a bit bored with the obviousness of this place. Originally, I thought it was a small area with simple spatial structure, but my memory has greatly magnified its beauty. Why do I remember so much about walking through labyrinthine lights in the dark? It seems that I have excessively vivid memories of staying at the edge of the port under the moonlit night and sleeping on the side.
As familiar as one might think to walk along the lakefront, heavy waves crash against the shore, yet ones thoughts are easily diverted. Looking out over the lake, the harbor and lighthouse remain unchanged from before. After a while, however, the author feels extremely tired and decides to give up the rest of the journey after taking some time to relax with smoked fish and a beer.
The cool and piercing breeze blows through the night, but as the sky is completely clear, the rising pink hues of the setting sun on the opposite shore seem almost magical. The lighthouse stands in this serene yet mysterious light, making it seem like one has seen such a scene in a dream. Undeterred, the author continues to walk along the barrier line, gazing at the horizon until the colors fade away as darkness rises from the sea.
The State Park on that day had a high along the shore, with dead trees dotted about and clear sky above. From the edge of the lake, one could see endlessly distant shorelines. Walking in such an environment is filled with the sound of wind blowing through tall grass and idle talk, making it both lonely and peaceful.
The next day saw the author still going on-foot, enjoying the unlimited sunshine and water colors stretching endlessly before them. The endless blue light reflected off the water made ones eyes water, while the horizon seemed to go on forever in that same shade of blue. If one were to live there for a few days, perhaps they would forget their origins.
One trail led to an elevated platform built over the lake, standing at its top felt like being hit by waves and wind all at once. The force of the sun and sea air against ones body was intense enough that it was hard to stay upright. Against the cliffs below, the sound of water crashing and the blues of the sea seemed endless in a way that made one feel overwhelmed. Everywhere looked the same as this place was dominated by a single landscape, governed by nature itself.
