Sharing one’s regular haunts with a visiting friend is, for me, on par with cooking them your favorite meal. A peek at the ordinary in a friend’s life can be even more meaningful than hitting all the tourist high points because not only time is shared… the details of daily life are being shared as well.
My cousin Laura took me around her Horn Pond walking loop when I visited her last spring in Winchester, Massachusetts. The cool spring rain dampened everything (including us) and enhanced the stark beauty of the naked woods. We walked and talked as cousins and friends do, winding around the shoreline, not really minding the occasional drips. She held my umbrella when I needed both hands for a camera shot. We caught up at the more important levels that finitely timed conversations never fully permit.
I have talked to her by phone, both before and since, as she walked this same loop. I absorbed the details as we walked that morning, finally having a picture to go with our cell phone chats, and a running route that worked well during my stay with her and her husband Mark.
View Horn Pond; Winchester, MA in a larger map
Look for posts from Puerto Rico and Vieques here in the upcoming weeks! Lots of stories, photos and (unexpected) adventures! 
Enjoyed the post and photos. Looking forward to Puerto Rico.. Living in Central Ohio I’ve heard your beautiful voice many times. Now I know the person behind the voice..
A lovely photo of you and your sister, I can see a resemblance, but more importantly I can see theaffection between you both which I think is even nicer.
I agree. It’s very exciting to share one’s favorite haunts with a great friend. There’s such a feeling of warmth and intimacy, like sharing one’s deepest thoughts.
A very fine walk. I like the picture of you and your sister.
A very heartfelt post. I enjoyed it a lot.
Winchester is a beautiful community, and a beautiful place to talk a walk.
And have a great conversation!
Joe Todd: Thanks so much for commenting. I visited your website and see you live close to our lovely Hocking Hills. Lucky you! The first Puerto Rico post went up today.
Donald: Thank you. Laura is actually my cousin but I consider her a sister and friend. I’m lucky to have her in my life.
NothingProfound: I had a feeling that would strike a chord with you. Our deepest thoughts seem to flow best in our favorite places. When you can share both with a friend, all the better.
Thanks Graham! Laura is a pretty cool lady.
One of The Guys: Agreed! I enjoyed living in the community for a few days. I have two more cousins and an aunt on the Cape and got to spend a little time with them as well.
Sorry Heather, my mistake I was writting too fast without thinking that day. ha ha
i just wanna thank you for sharing your this info on your site
Sent via Blackberry
Donald, my fingers fly faster than my brain too! Need to check back and see if you’ve added another chapter of your adventures…
R6 Lady: Thank YOU for commenting!