During my last visit I spent some time thinking about how this place has changed over time. From my first visit in September to cold visits in December and January, to now in may. As the laves begin to grow back, the sounds from cars and the busses and people becomes more muted again, as it was in September. After weeks of rain, the water is much higher, and I can see the return of animals; fish jumping out of the water, and flocks of gulls and ducks clustering around sandy beaches.
During my time here I have become familiar with several features in this place, mainly the large rock slab that pointings towards Winooski, as well as the dam, and a small island patch just downstream of the rock.
I think Salmon Hole is a great example of how culture and nature can be intertwined. As I sat at my spot, I saw people sitting on benches and rocks, simply enjoying the nature, as well as families walking along the river. I think little things like this show how nature can play a role in culture when it’s integrated into our cities in an accessible way. I also think this connection between nature and culture is especially clear in Vermont, as the state puts a lot of emphasis on conserving nature—not just for aesthetics, but for healthy, sustainable human use of natural lands.
I think that when I had just moved to Vermont, I definitely wouldn’t have considered myself a part of this place—and even after living here for seven months, I’m still not sure. I do feel a sense of connection to the Winooski River because of the ample time I’ve spent at both this location and others along the river, but I feel somewhat distant from Salmon Hole. Although I think it’s a very special place, it’s not really somewhere I go for recreation, and I don’t visit it very often. I would say that I’ve definitely fostered a connection with Salmon Hole, but I don’t feel like I’m necessarily a part of it.