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Tricia Hinely's avatar

I like how you share your feelings honestly.

Both good and hard.

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Rebecca J. Gomez's avatar

Thank you, Tricia!

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Rafael Concepcion's avatar

This account evokes many pleasing memories, for my wife and I live right between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. We can no longer visit our favorite places along the water because of our failing health, but for years we spent many a summer’s day riding our bikes along the Niagara River, hiking in the Lower Niagara River Gorge, visiting quaint towns like Lewiston and Niagara-On-The-Lake, exploring New York’s “badlands” in Chimney Bluffs State Park, and many other beautiful spots within a few hour’s drive from our home. We remember how exciting and invigorating it felt to ride our bikes along the Riverwalk in winter, when it was deserted and the river was beautifully, menacingly icy-gray without a car or a boat in sight. We’d often go when the wind chill was twenty or thirty below, so long as the pavement was dry and free of ice. Thank you for jostling these beautiful memories loose for us to enjoy once more.

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Rebecca J. Gomez's avatar

Those sound like wonderful memories, Rafael. Thank you for sharing!

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Lindsay Moretti's avatar

Your writing took me back to my favorite place. I’m originally from Duluth and used to live in a tiny cottage on Park Point (tiny as in smaller than most of the surrounding garages). I loved walking to the beach on those foggy days. The haze seemed to quiet everything around me, and in moments of overwhelm, it felt like it was just me, the sand, and the water. The North Shore has such a healing presence. I’m so glad you shared this.

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Rebecca J. Gomez's avatar

Thank you, Lindsay. Your tiny cottage sounds wonderful. I sometimes think that I wouldn't care how small my house was if I could live within walking distance of the north shore. I would spend my summers there if I could.

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