Appreciation of the natural soundscape/Resting at the Lake -- Noise in the National Parks Message Board

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Subject: Appreciation of the natural soundscape/Resting at the Lake

Author:
Doug Grinbergs

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Date Posted: 20:24:55 04/14/03 Mon

From a September 2002 Rocky Mountain National Park hike:

I sandwich myself between a warm, flat, angled rock and the warm rays of the afternoon sun. The sounds of running water from the waterfall on the opposite shore of the lake, and the gentle lapping of the water against the nearby rocks are soothing. In short order, I am almost dry. The water is cold, yet I see no reason to not go in again. Other times, I race approaching afternoon thunderclouds; today, there are no clouds. There are two shades of blue sky: with and without sunglasses; both suit me fine. I remember to apply more lip balm.

Presently, the natural world is disturbed by the approach of an airplane. Some three miles above, in an eastbound jet at cruising altitude, the co-pilot announces to the passengers: "on the left side of the plane, there's a nice view of Longs Peak and Rocky Mountain National Park." A few passengers peek briefly through the window at the sights below, then return their attention to the ads in the airline magazine, and to their complimentary salty pretzels and soda.

The unwelcome jet noise and dual contrails litter the sky for several minutes. As natural quiet returns, I am, once again, delighted to be on this rock at this wonderful lake. For a short time, a couple of tiny traces of white cotton candy clouds appear in the blue sky, but, in a few minutes it is perfectly blue once again - perfectly blue.

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