The Good Ol' Nolan Trail

The other evening we had the pleasure of taking a class field trip to a very special spot on the James River in Newport News, Virginia. This space has held many moments of joy in my years as a student at Christopher Newport University, and it was especially wonderful to walk parts of the Nolan and watch the sunset with old and new friends. As our class got to the Lion’s Gate Bridge there was a lot to take in. Dr. Redick was reminding us to use all our senses to take in the moments, each one second by second. At first we walked to where the water meets the dry ground. To our right was a large bush shedding its seeds by way of wind pollination. We took joy in the beautiful white seeds flying around us, christening the scene before we continued in exploration. Next we looked down into the water where many carp swam furiously in the fresh water. Each student curiously peered over the edge of our human outlook and gave a little gasp as we saw the unexpected flip of a fin. The James River has held many wonderful memories for me. This river is grander than I could recollect on my own. This river holds memories, history that is precious to our nation. Just the other week I had the pleasure of walking around the Mariner’s Museum where I was taught about the history of the Civil War and the various skirmishes that happened right in the waters that I gaze over weekly. As our class continued to walk we approached a large statue with the name Collis Potter Huntington. This man was the founder of the Shipyard just about a mile from where we were. He lived 1821-1900. This was part of his legacy. However, it is fascinating that I had yet to stop and pensively appreciate this statue until this afternoon. In contrast with the bridge and the statue as well as the man made paths and parking spaces, we cast our eyes to the Tulip Poplars and the dogwood close by. Kip pointed out a Black Walnut Tree as and a Live Oak. None of the students seemed to know the names of these trees. I overheard one of the students, a junior this semester, murmur to himself, “each tree stem is a promise shooting up for us.” I felt encouraged. I felt renewed. As we walked onto the Noland Trail I began to open my eyes a little further. I saw a group of freshmen ladies and started to make conversation with them. They told me they were going to be political science and psychology majors. I told them how fortunate they were to be placed in this class and I wished them the best as they continued their academic exploration. Then I asked if they had ever come to this place before. They had not. It amazed me. It showed me that time flies. I was once in their shoes and this space did not mean much to me. However, memories were made. History was discovered and now this space is more than a space. It has become a place that holds so much love.