AUGUST 11, 2021 – We arrived in Falmouth Monday afternoon to visit Jeff—my wedding best man, Bowdoin friend and roommate—and Val, his lovely wife. None of us could remember how long it’d been since our previous time on Cape Cod, but in the tradition of old friends, we picked right up where we’d left off.
Shortly thereafter Jeff and Val’s close friends, Mike and JoAnne, joined us. By words and warmth, I understood immediately the strength of their friendship. We enjoyed a delectable meal of grilled halibut and supporting greens and grains, all presented with grace and artistry. But as is always the case with people like Jeff, Val, Mike, and JoAnne, conversation was the centerpiece.
When meeting new people, I’m eager to learn whence they sprang, what led them to where they are, and how they view the world. A sense of humor ices the cake. In interests and experience, personality and character, laughter and thoughtfulness, Mike and JoAnne revealed themselves to be as delightful as Jeff and Val, exuding those same traits, are so wonderful. Our wide-ranging discussion extended long after we’d devoured Val’s homemade, blue-ribbon, cherry pie (bearing a center candle in recognition of my birthday). Because Mike had to rise before the sun did, we wound down the conversation. We’re well primed, however, for its resumption.
Yesterday, Jeff and Val showed us their Shangri-La on Coonamessett Pond, six miles from their house in town. The place showcases their imagination and embrace of nature. Jeff is a project meister. Val is an artist. Beth and I were honored to be their gallery guests.
Then came the walk along the pond’s edge, along its woodland trails, and over the nearby reclaimed cranberry bog. We met “Mark,” the local, “hands-on,” conservation commissioner, with whom we enjoyed a lively talk; and we likewise chatted with Jeff and Val’s good friends Sam and Lynn, who were kayaking along the shore of Coonamessett. Much of the area is within a conservancy, and from the impressive work of a large band of conservationists, we’ll take from this visit ideas and inspiration for similar efforts back home. The earth is far more integrated than our senses can apprehend and much smaller than our minds can comprehend.
We closed out the day with a seafood dinner at Landfall by the Martha’s Vineyard ferry wharf and within an easy stroll to the research facilities of Woods Hole. During our post-meal walk, Jeff called my attention as I slowed to take a picture of Alucia, a high-seas search vessel moored next to a wide-ocean research ship.
“First I want you to meet a friend of mine,” he said, leading me to a statue of Rachel Carlson, author of A Silent Spring. “I’d just read the book before my admissions interview at Bowdoin. It’d made quite an impression on me, and I incorporated it into my ‘pitch.’”
Rachel Carlson died much too young but picking up the slack are the likes of Jeff, Val, Mike, JoAnne, Sam, Lynn, and Mark.
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© 2021 by Eric Nilsson
