And the boat and the dock and the gravel on the shore, the trees sky-pointed or crouching, leaning out over the water, the complicated profile of surrounding islands and dim yet distinct mountains, seemed to exist in a natural confusion, more extravagant and yet more ordinary than anything I could dream or invent. Like a place that will go on existing whether you are there or not, and that in fact is still there.
The scene described evokes a serene and natural setting where every element—the boat, dock, shore gravel, and surrounding nature—exists in a harmonious yet chaotic arrangement. The imagery conjures a sense of beauty that is both extravagant and ordinary, suggesting that the landscape holds intrinsic value independent of human presence. It captures a moment where nature's splendor does not rely on observers to validate its existence.
This reflection highlights the idea that certain places possess a timeless quality, existing in a state of perpetual presence. The author implies that the essence of such locations is untouched by individual perception or imagination, emphasizing a connection to nature that transcends personal experiences. It suggests that the environment continues to flourish and exist in its own right, embodying a profound sense of permanence.
