Kim Robinson - Noland Trail (natural setting 2)

The other day every person from the class went down to the Lion's Gate Bridge off the Noland Trail so that we could listen to nature and walk along the trail. Although, before class started me and 2 others went and walked the trail with our packs on since we are all doing the AT hike after finals. Even though I walked the same trail in the same area twice with a matter or a couple hours, each of the times was different. When we walked the trail with the class we were suppose to go on solo adventures but because we all started from the same place around the same time it was hard to be alone in nature. Earlier though when I was just walking with two others I feel like I noticed more about the trail. Maybe it was because I was thinking about how the hike would be on the AT but I looked at what was around me and took more in. Not to mention when I was on the trail earlier in the day a lot more of the wildlife came out. The infamous snapping turtle came out both times I walked it. The second time on the trail I definitely saw it better and it was more active (due to the goldfish). But when I saw it the first time it was among other turtles just swimming in the water,it seemed peaceful. Also, along with that big turtle there was another huge turtle and lots of smaller ones earlier. I feel like when it wasn't so crowded I saw more of what was actually on the trail, and maybe there is something to be said about that. Possibly, you do need some sort of seclusion from others to experience nature.