This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

IMAGES OF HOPE

     At just about 1/4 of a mile in length and a few hundred yards in width, Hope Lake appears as a shimmering sliver of silver along Nell's Rock Road.  Also known as "Nell's Rock reservoir" from the days when it supplied water to the town, this tiny lake has been reborn as the jewel of Shelton's open spaces.    
     An enchanted trail paved with pine straw passes through the predominantly conifer forest that surrounds the lake and connects with other trails in the system.  Nature has decorated the trail and the forest floor with a generous variety of rocks and boulders, and a complex root system extends its fingers everywhere.  One can imagine the roots as surreal snakes or worms undulating above and below the terrain.  Footsteps have a hollow sound on this type of forest floor.    
     When it rains and most places seem dreary, the forest at Hope Lake magically comes to life.  The moisture turns the terracotta pine straw to a rich umber hue and brings depth and color to the rocks, while water droplets collect on leaves and create spectacular prismatic effects.  These are the times when the beauty of the woods can be almost overwhelming, with so much to see and experience it is impossible to mentally digest it all!    
     As a child, I wanted to explore this lake but, it was not open to the public at the time.  I sincerely thank the town of Shelton and all of the volunteers who have made my dream come true.  Your efforts here and with other acquisitions are greatly appreciated!  I hope that in some small way these photographs help to validate and solidify your accomplishments.

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