Kathleen Horning- My visit to Lion’s Bridge

Kathleen Horning- My visit to Lion's Bridge
Topic: Experience of a natural setting
October 15, 2015

            Along the Noland Trail is Lion’s Bridge, a small grassy area next to a part of the James River. Family and friends often go there to view the James River, picnic, and exercise. Behind some bushes is a ‘No Trespassing’ sign to prohibit people from walking along the shore. However, I have passed this point several times to get closer to the water. There is a small stone dock-type structure that is split in half. During low tide, one can go toward the edge to get closer to the water. During high tide, much of the dock is flooded with water.

            For a few years now, I go to this place to be alone and find solace. With the pressures of school and work, I retreat to this part of Lion’s Bridge to experience nature and its calming effects. Birds calling, wind blowing, and water flowing are the only sounds that fill the air. Although there is noise, it is much quieter than most any other place in Newport News.

            Is it possible for a person to have more than one sacred place? I recently wrote about how I would consider my bedroom a sacred place for similar reasons. Although I do not go to Lion’s Bridge much anymore, I would consider it a sacred place of mine as well.