Experiences of the First Sit Spot
As soon as I first learned about the Sit-Spot assignment, I instantly knew I wanted to be somewhere near the water. For a few days I had gone around campus, looking for the perfect spot that was by Carvin’s Creek, yet not overly interrupted by human activities. Eventually, I thought I had found my spot by the small bridge connecting Hollins to the outside world, but as I was walking there, I suddenly noticed a hidden cove south of the pond that I hadn’t seen before in my previous searches. Curious, I walked down to the grassy spot concealed by trees and decided this would become my final destination.
Sketch of my Sit-Spot
As I walked along the grassy cove, I decided to sit facing southwest at exactly 1:09 pm, where I had a pleasant view of the stream. Not only this, there was a rather large tree trunk fallen overtop of the stream, connecting my bank to the opposing side. It looked as if it was decayed and had been taken over by termites, or perhaps had severe water damage. I also noticed the stream was extremely shallow and had rock bars all around it. I assume they are typically submerged when there is rainfall. Along the other bank, I realized there were banks of varying elevations, and I wondered if at one point the creek had risen to those levels and as its water levels fell, it left those banks. Perhaps the most exciting moment of my sit-spot was seeing a doe briefly pass by on one of the higher banks.
A single strawberry vibrantly stood out among the greenery
Ash tree with sprouts near the base
All around me, there was abundant greenery from a variety of plants, and I did my best to observe all that I could. First, I noticed how the grass was soft to sit on, and seemed to be manicured occasionally as it was not overly tall yet. Also, I noticed many three-leaved plants that I knew I had seen before, but could not remember what it was called. That was until I spotted a single wild strawberry and realized that it belonged to the three-leaved plants! I determined that there were so few strawberries possibly due to the grass being mowed from time to time, which the blades would catch any berries that stood in the way. I also noticed most of the leaves were still intact on the branches, with the exception of the dead ash trees. However, as the wind blew, leaves circled around me onto the ground and into the stream.
As for my other senses, I was embraced by the warm sun’s glow on my skin, with the occasional breeze that would keep me cool. I also felt bugs briefly landing on me, such as flies, sweat bees, and dragonflies. I could faintly smell cut grass, but mainly smelt the crisp scent of fresh air as the wind went by me. Second to my sense of sight, my sense of hearing was overwhelmed by the multiple layers of sounds. I first focused on the cicadas with their chorus repeating off and on. Next, I heard the constant chirping of what I believed were either crickets or tree frogs, or even both! I also heard the tweeting of birds and them flitting their wings among the canopy. My favorite sound was the slight bubbling of Carvin’s Creek as the water flowed atop the rocks.
Roots covered in moss and mushrooms
Decayed log
While observing, I decided upon three things I would intentionally search for every time I would return to my sit-spot. First, I would focus on the decayed log to see how it reacted as the seasons changed. Would it stay intact? Decay further? Grow more moss? Next, I decided to concentrate on the roots of a tree that were not fully in the ground, but exposed over the water, with bits of moss and multiple mushrooms covering part of the roots and bottom of the trunk. Lastly, I decided to examine a large dead ash tree that had a warped trunk but had many sprouts growing at its base, with many green leaves trying to capture the sun’s rays.
In all, I believe I had a good first sit-spot observation. I felt very absorbed by my surroundings, and did not realize how much there was to write down! I hadn’t even registered almost an hour and a half had flown by and was impressed that I was able to not be distracted once. I left promptly at 2:23 pm very content with my observations. I am very excited to return soon to my private cove, and once again take notes on what has changed!
Until then,
Rebekah
My sit spot also had similar variations in elevations along the sit spot, it’s really interesting to compare the trend of this elevation at different spots along the creek. Also, it’s amazing that you got to see a doe, I was hoping to see one too, but without much luck, maybe you’ll be able to keep track of the doe if you see it again.
It looks like there will be a lot of activity in your sit spot which will be exciting to hear about once things start changing! I really liked your visuals and I hope you see the doe again, that’s really cool!
I really appreciate your attention to detail as it really helps the reader to visualize your experiences. I think you chose a great sit spot by the sounds of it and I hope that your future sessions will be as exciting as your first one. I was wondering if you have seen any crayfish at all? My spot is also by a stream on campus and I have seen several so far.
Hi! I have not seen any crayfish yet, but I hope to soon! I did happen to spot a damsel fly which was one of the highlights in my recent blog post!
I love your sit spot location, it is so beautiful! And the way that you describe it makes it very easy for the reader to picture what you describe and share your experience. What kind of wild strawberry is that? I used to have a lot that grew by my house but I had no idea that they were strawberries, that’s so cool!
Hey! Thank you so much! Your feed back means a lot. Upon further research, I discovered it was a mock strawberry! I had to write about it in my FYS, and although it looks like a wild strawberry it is sadly unflavored. Still edible though!