Making plans to meet a friend in Medfield, I immediately thought of a local cemetery with a beautiful lake, and paved roads wide enough to allow for space between any other walkers we might encounter. While we are officially into winter, the day was mild, and recent rain had washed all our local snow away, leaving roadways and paths ice free for the moment.
We both arrived separately and parked near the entrance to Vince Lake Cemetery on Dale Street in Medfield. A single walker strolled past as we got out. The multiple pathways offer lots of places to walk in the quiet, being respectful of the main purpose of a cemetery, which is as a place of remembrance. Flags set next to graves of veterans fluttered in the gentle breeze.
Most graves look a little scruffy this time of year. Flowers that were planted earlier in the year have died. Oaks and other trees have lost their leaves. My friend and I have known each other for years, and so we talked easily, nothing of great consequence, just a time to enjoy one another’s company. I felt grateful.
The “lake” (more a pond in my book) looked dark, reflecting the threatening clouds. We stood near the inlet to the lake, listening to the sound of water pouring into the dammed stream. At the other end, we spied the stream tumbling down rocks and flowing past the neighbor’/s back yard.
We headed on to my friend’s parent’s graves, and and stopped while she bent down and carefully righted the small stone creatures resting on top of the memorial. A small bunny, and a stone kitty made me smile. Her mother’s name was Kitty. Memories of time with my friend and her mom flooded in. After a few more minutes, we moved on.
My friend is working on a book, and we talked of what steps she needed to take to help move her project along. She reminded me of how long she has been urging me to share more of my own story, the “Why” that is behind my journey. Why I seek out Easy Walks and the depths of joy being outdoors and being able to move brings to me.
Yes, walking and talking with friends, in the quiet and sacred space a cemetery provides is a joy. It was the perfect choice for #avoidingcrowds, for time with old friends, and for remembering the gifts of family.
As we approach a new year, I wish the best to all. Happy trails!
Marjorie
Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors, and is the author of Easy Walks in Massachusetts, 2nd edition, More Easy Walks in Massachusetts, 2nd edition, Easy Walks and Paddles in the Ten Mile River Watershed, and Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are. Her memoir, the backstory of Easy Walks, is My Liturgy of Easy Walks: Reclaiming hope in a world turned upside down.
Marjorie Turner Hollman 
Like this idea, as roads are usually paved and wide. A younger walker friend told me she was questioned by police here in Blackstone when she was walking in St Charles Cemetery. I don’t know the back story, but it did surprise me, unless is small-town cops looking for something to do. Thanks!
HOw sad that walking in a cemetery would be such suspect behavior! I think it is more common than we might think. Best to normalize it, while respecting any posted rules at any particular location. Thanks for commenting.
WHEN I AM IN WORCESTER AND THE SIDEWALKS ARE DANGEROUS OR IMPASSABLE I GO TO THE CEMETERIES THAT ARE PLOWED NOTRE DAME IS THE FURTHEST FROM 290 AND HAS A PARKING SPOT HIGH UP WHERE YOU CAN SOAK UP SUN I RECOMMEND
A really helpful recommendation, Philip, and great report to know where clear places are in snowy weather. Thank you!