Hawaii
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Grandma
This past Friday my maternal grandmother passed away, and I made the trip home for the funeral. I know my blog is typically about my experiences with nature, and I will return to that soon, but I felt I should express a bit about my grandmother, and about her funeral.
Sitting here now in this library, thinking upon my grandmother, there is one clear image that comes to mind. It is a smile she gave which said simultaneously "I love you" and "I know you're a devilish little one, and you're going to cause trouble", or more typically "I love you" and "I'm a devilish little one, and I'm going to cause trouble". Grandma had that look down pat, and I was on the receiving end of it numerous times.
Even as her sight weakened, those blue eyes pierced through my heart every time, and looking in to them I could see her feelings. The excitement and joy when I arrived at her front door for a visit. The impish quality the crinkled corners gave her, just before she said something hilarious. The feigned shock, which was really pride, when she was retold humorous stories of our days. My favorite was the mock innocence with a smile when she tried to pretend she was not up to any mischief. Although toward the end her eyes told a sadder story, I only really remember the times Grandma's eyes sparkled. She had the ability to make you feel completely loved, with just a look.
Grandma would give me the "you'd better not" smile right now, but I think it is important that you see the humor she had. When Grandma was living in a condo she had a first alert button, and it usually remained hung on her walker. One day she was out in the garden working, and must have accidently pushed the button. The call center tried talking to her on the speaker in her house, but as she was outside, she didn't hear them. So the call center sent over a police officer to check on her. When the police officer explained why he was there, she said "Well if I knew they'd send over cute police officers like you, I'd push it more often!"
I've been blessed to have some amazing grandparents, and be thoroughly loved by them. I loved being reminded that she was thinking about me, and knowing I loved her. Grandma liked to reuse cards, or create her own from old cards, and it always warmed my heart to see her handwriting on a letter in my mailbox. Even if it was just a few words, she always managed to make me feel loved and warm, hundreds of miles away.
On my drive home for the funeral it rained heavily, and at times I couldn't tell if my vision was blurry from the downpour, or from my own tears. Although Grandma's passing was blessing for her as her health had declined in the last few years, it was still hard to imagine, and hard to accept. When I was told the news I was sitting in a library like this, and although I had been waiting for the phone call I still had not prepared myself for the overwhelming sense of loss that overcame me.
With the core of me I know my grandmother still lives in my heart, just as she always will in the hearts of those who loved her. She touched so many of us, extending her gift of love beyond her family, to her friends, and anyone who knew her. The greatest honor I hope to have one day is to know I've loved someone, and made someone feel as loved, as my Grandma did for me.
This blog post is much harder to write than any of the others. Right after the funeral I had to hit the road to get back up here. I've missed two days of work, and had a great deal to catch up on. Taking this time to think about my grandma has caused my throat to ache, and tears to well just before tumbling down my face.
Thank you Grandma; for loving me and for always encouraging me to be an imp. I miss you, and I love you a great deal.
Sitting here now in this library, thinking upon my grandmother, there is one clear image that comes to mind. It is a smile she gave which said simultaneously "I love you" and "I know you're a devilish little one, and you're going to cause trouble", or more typically "I love you" and "I'm a devilish little one, and I'm going to cause trouble". Grandma had that look down pat, and I was on the receiving end of it numerous times.
Even as her sight weakened, those blue eyes pierced through my heart every time, and looking in to them I could see her feelings. The excitement and joy when I arrived at her front door for a visit. The impish quality the crinkled corners gave her, just before she said something hilarious. The feigned shock, which was really pride, when she was retold humorous stories of our days. My favorite was the mock innocence with a smile when she tried to pretend she was not up to any mischief. Although toward the end her eyes told a sadder story, I only really remember the times Grandma's eyes sparkled. She had the ability to make you feel completely loved, with just a look.
Grandma would give me the "you'd better not" smile right now, but I think it is important that you see the humor she had. When Grandma was living in a condo she had a first alert button, and it usually remained hung on her walker. One day she was out in the garden working, and must have accidently pushed the button. The call center tried talking to her on the speaker in her house, but as she was outside, she didn't hear them. So the call center sent over a police officer to check on her. When the police officer explained why he was there, she said "Well if I knew they'd send over cute police officers like you, I'd push it more often!"
I've been blessed to have some amazing grandparents, and be thoroughly loved by them. I loved being reminded that she was thinking about me, and knowing I loved her. Grandma liked to reuse cards, or create her own from old cards, and it always warmed my heart to see her handwriting on a letter in my mailbox. Even if it was just a few words, she always managed to make me feel loved and warm, hundreds of miles away.
On my drive home for the funeral it rained heavily, and at times I couldn't tell if my vision was blurry from the downpour, or from my own tears. Although Grandma's passing was blessing for her as her health had declined in the last few years, it was still hard to imagine, and hard to accept. When I was told the news I was sitting in a library like this, and although I had been waiting for the phone call I still had not prepared myself for the overwhelming sense of loss that overcame me.
With the core of me I know my grandmother still lives in my heart, just as she always will in the hearts of those who loved her. She touched so many of us, extending her gift of love beyond her family, to her friends, and anyone who knew her. The greatest honor I hope to have one day is to know I've loved someone, and made someone feel as loved, as my Grandma did for me.
This blog post is much harder to write than any of the others. Right after the funeral I had to hit the road to get back up here. I've missed two days of work, and had a great deal to catch up on. Taking this time to think about my grandma has caused my throat to ache, and tears to well just before tumbling down my face.
Thank you Grandma; for loving me and for always encouraging me to be an imp. I miss you, and I love you a great deal.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Kayaking trip through the lakes
Dad had his GPS on the boats with us, so this is the read-out from the GPS of our kayaking trip through the 5 different lakes. Enjoy!!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Thoughts
Walking to work this morning I found myself shrinking away from the fine mist-like rain falling upon my windbreaker. With every drop I pulled closer to my core, trying to remove myself from the cold shower. No matter how hard I tried, I could not prevent the rain from landing upon me. It seemed ridiculous to keep trying. So instead, I walked as I would in the sun, face tilted upwards slightly, the hint of a smile pulling at the corners of my mouth, each step filled with purpose and direction. With each inch forward I found my demeanor changing, until I went from being cold and withdrawn, to embracing and enjoying an unexpected bath. It is amazing how one's attitude effects one's experience.
I just thought I'd share this experience with you all.
I just thought I'd share this experience with you all.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Dinner
This evening I joined some friends from church for a dinner at a church members home. The home is on a lake, and I spent the entire time in the grasp of a three year old. As we traveled around the home she asked me to take pictures of flowers. Those are in the above post.
Waterfalls
In order to continue my exploration of the Adirondacks it the surrounding North Country, I'm going to try and go see all the waterfalls in St. Lawrence County, the first of which I revisited last Monday. A friend from school and I went to go explore Allen Falls. The "parking lot" is a gravel pull-off just off a side country road. The pathway down to the falls starts as just a break in the knee-high wildflowers. We traveled through the woods, following the hints of the river next to us, and the sounds towards its apex (the zenith holdy-uppy thing, Hannah). We climbed all the way down to the bottom, and back around. It's a gorgeous area. This is just the first of many waterfalls I'll be exploring, so please enjoy!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
A weekend in the Adirondacks Days 2 and 3
Good morning all! Again, my apologies for the delay in the story. It has been a very hectic week. I have a half hour break at the moment, so I thought I'd attempt to post more about this past weekend.
On the evening on Day 1, Mom and Dad dropped me off at the Boat Livery, where they rented me a single kayak. I paddled the kayak through the lake back to our campsite. It was a much longer trip than I expected, but it was a lot of fun to explore. The last time I was at this lake my siblings and I with Dad swam to a few islands within it. When I reached the bay our campsite was on I just kept looking for my parents' kayaks, and instead saw them bundled in sweaters and warm blankets in seats by the water with binoculars. I made some funny faces for my father, knowing he could see me through his pair.
On the morning of Day 2, after some absolutely delicious blueberry pancakes, we headed out for a long kayaking trip. The trip would take us through 5 lakes, with 2 river/creek passages, 1 connection path through water lilies, 1 very long portage/hike, and 1 short hike. We would end up in the lake we started in.
The first lake was Rollins Pond, home to the Rollins Pond campsites. The lake is very open, and you can see (what I think is) Mt. Azure in the background. There are quite a few islands and rocks in the lake. At one tip of the lake there is a hidden path, connecting Rollins to Floodwood Pond. This little stream/creek has to be portaged in low water levels, but we were able to stay in our kayaks.
While approaching this cut-through mom and dad spotted a group of immature mergansers through their binocs. There were over a dozen of them! We've never seen that many mergansers before, and certainly not young ones. These little guys played leap frog with us through the creek, at times skirting past us so quickly it was almost as if they were running on the water.
To maneuver a kayak down the stream, at times you have to place your paddle parallel to your boat, grab on to a nearby boulder and turn the kayak by hand. The creek is not much wider than the length of one of the shorter kayaks, so there's no turning around, plus the current moves you along away from Rollins. At the middle point of this path there's a fallen pine tree, with a branch free underpass only about the kayak's width wide. I leaned back to lay flat on my kayak, and the tree just barely missed the bill of my ball cap.
There are campsites on the shores of all of the lakes we went to which are boat access only. The lakes are nearly untouched by man, and extremely peaceful. In Floodwood we took our time, slowly making our way across its length, listening to blue jays and a kingfisher; watching the sun dance off our wake.
At one point mom came up on my right side, and dad joined us on my left. I pulled my feet out of my kayak, laid on my back, and held on to both their kayaks and they paddled forward. The tendon in my right elbow kept rubbing over the bone as I paddled, making it painful. The bond as we moved forward as one unit was more than just my arms holding them close. There's something about the friendship that develops between a grown child and their parents. I'm blessed to share this warm friendship with both of my parents.
After making our way through Floodwood, we found the long stream that connects it to Little Square Pond. If you didn't know where it was, you probably wouldn't find it. It is in a hidden corner, its mouth blending in with the rest of the shore. The water is rather shallow opening to the creek, and every long, yellow-green weed bends pointing out the direction you're to go, persuaded by the current.
The creek connecting Floodwood and Little Square passes underneath a wooden bridge at one point. Dad climbed out of his kayak and stood on the bridge taking pictures as mom and I paddled underneath it. In Little Square we wanted to stop to eat our lunch, but were unable to find an open campsite. You're not supposed to traipse through the surrounding woods, unless you're on a designated campsite or trail.
Little Square empties into Fish Creek to the south, which we took to find a small passageway through the reeds to Copperas Pond. Mom and Dad were ahead of me by a good distance, so as I paddled through the lily pads I saw Dad follow Mom into what appeared to be grass, and slowly disappeared. As I approached I realized it was just a small path, through what appeared to be a small break in the land. The path makes its way through high grasses, and is barely two kayaks width wide. It opens up to Copperas Pond, a hideaway surrounded by tall coniferous trees.
As Mom and I rested near to the mouth of the path, Dad explored the opposite shore and found an unoccupied campsite. Unpacking our lunches (DELICIOUS!), as well as a blanket and our books, the three of us lay on the blanket, Mom's head on Dad's stomach, mine on Mom's stomach, reading. It was a beautiful sunny day, and in the shade it felt comfortable. After a few chapters, we packed everything up again, took some pictures, and jumped back in the kayaks.
At the end of Copperas Pond, where we pulled the boats out, we saw a few loons, only later realizing it was a mother loon, and at least 3 of her baby loons. It was amazing to see her dive down, the little ones look down into the water looking for her, come back up, while she stayed down.
To get from Copperas Pond to Whey Pond (the next on our trip), you have to portage through about a 10 - 15 minute hike through the woods. Portage, from the French verb meaning "to carry", though more appropriately "to strain your arm muscles carrying a heavy kayak through the woods, until you're pretty sure your one arm is a good 6 inches longer than the other one".
Dad and Mom have wheels they attach to their kayaks, so as Dad took the first kayak through the path, Mom and I grabbed the paddles of the other two, threw a dry-bag in the seat of mine, and together carried the kayak through the woods. We stopped quite a few times to switch arms. It took us about 15 minutes to get to Whey Pond, at which point Mom and Dad went back to get the last kayak, while I sat with the other two. Whey Pond was cool, clear, with a sandy bottom. While I waited I took pictures of anything I found interesting.
As a reward for our long haul, we had crackers, raisins and craisins when Mom and Dad arrived back, and then jumped into the lake for a quick swim. Crossing Whey Pond was the most difficult, at least for me. We were fighting the wind, and by this point my elbow was killing me with every stroke. Arriving at the far end of Whey we again had to portage the kayaks, though this time the walk is only about 2 minutes, across a road, and into Rollins Pond again, by the Boat Livery.
My kayak was due back to the Boat Livery, so while I sat on the beach with a blanket and my camera, Mom and Dad kayaked back to the campsite, Dad picked up the car, and came to get me. We had to go into Tupper to get some more blueberries for pancakes the next morning.
When we arrived back at the campsite Mom had the hot water waiting for us, which we used to pour over our heads to wash our hair. Let me tell you, there is no better feeling in the world!
After a few bowls of delicious chili around the campfire, Mom, Dad, and I made our way down to the lakeshore, stood together our with arms wrapped around each other's waists, and looked up at the evening sky. It was filled to overflowing with stars, and they gleamed so brightly that their reflection could be seen on the placid surface of Rollins. It was awe-inspiring, and humbling to stand there, enveloped in the beauty of nature, seeing that in the dark of night there were still pinpoints of light shining unabashedly.
The next morning, after another delicious blueberry pancake breakfast, with maple cream from Hannah's farm, and a decent shower at the shower house, I took off to head back to school.
I miss it... the evening sky, the smell of the campfire, the taste of food after a long day, the burn of muscles working after kayaking, the cool blanket of diving into the water, the warmth of the sun on my face. I miss being that close to my parents, knowing they are there, being able to just sit and talk with them.
In order to keep this feeling, to keep exploring nature, I'm going to try and make my way visiting the waterfalls in a few of the counties up here with my friends, for which I'll have more stories and pictures!
On the evening on Day 1, Mom and Dad dropped me off at the Boat Livery, where they rented me a single kayak. I paddled the kayak through the lake back to our campsite. It was a much longer trip than I expected, but it was a lot of fun to explore. The last time I was at this lake my siblings and I with Dad swam to a few islands within it. When I reached the bay our campsite was on I just kept looking for my parents' kayaks, and instead saw them bundled in sweaters and warm blankets in seats by the water with binoculars. I made some funny faces for my father, knowing he could see me through his pair.
On the morning of Day 2, after some absolutely delicious blueberry pancakes, we headed out for a long kayaking trip. The trip would take us through 5 lakes, with 2 river/creek passages, 1 connection path through water lilies, 1 very long portage/hike, and 1 short hike. We would end up in the lake we started in.
The first lake was Rollins Pond, home to the Rollins Pond campsites. The lake is very open, and you can see (what I think is) Mt. Azure in the background. There are quite a few islands and rocks in the lake. At one tip of the lake there is a hidden path, connecting Rollins to Floodwood Pond. This little stream/creek has to be portaged in low water levels, but we were able to stay in our kayaks.
While approaching this cut-through mom and dad spotted a group of immature mergansers through their binocs. There were over a dozen of them! We've never seen that many mergansers before, and certainly not young ones. These little guys played leap frog with us through the creek, at times skirting past us so quickly it was almost as if they were running on the water.
To maneuver a kayak down the stream, at times you have to place your paddle parallel to your boat, grab on to a nearby boulder and turn the kayak by hand. The creek is not much wider than the length of one of the shorter kayaks, so there's no turning around, plus the current moves you along away from Rollins. At the middle point of this path there's a fallen pine tree, with a branch free underpass only about the kayak's width wide. I leaned back to lay flat on my kayak, and the tree just barely missed the bill of my ball cap.
There are campsites on the shores of all of the lakes we went to which are boat access only. The lakes are nearly untouched by man, and extremely peaceful. In Floodwood we took our time, slowly making our way across its length, listening to blue jays and a kingfisher; watching the sun dance off our wake.
At one point mom came up on my right side, and dad joined us on my left. I pulled my feet out of my kayak, laid on my back, and held on to both their kayaks and they paddled forward. The tendon in my right elbow kept rubbing over the bone as I paddled, making it painful. The bond as we moved forward as one unit was more than just my arms holding them close. There's something about the friendship that develops between a grown child and their parents. I'm blessed to share this warm friendship with both of my parents.
After making our way through Floodwood, we found the long stream that connects it to Little Square Pond. If you didn't know where it was, you probably wouldn't find it. It is in a hidden corner, its mouth blending in with the rest of the shore. The water is rather shallow opening to the creek, and every long, yellow-green weed bends pointing out the direction you're to go, persuaded by the current.
The creek connecting Floodwood and Little Square passes underneath a wooden bridge at one point. Dad climbed out of his kayak and stood on the bridge taking pictures as mom and I paddled underneath it. In Little Square we wanted to stop to eat our lunch, but were unable to find an open campsite. You're not supposed to traipse through the surrounding woods, unless you're on a designated campsite or trail.
Little Square empties into Fish Creek to the south, which we took to find a small passageway through the reeds to Copperas Pond. Mom and Dad were ahead of me by a good distance, so as I paddled through the lily pads I saw Dad follow Mom into what appeared to be grass, and slowly disappeared. As I approached I realized it was just a small path, through what appeared to be a small break in the land. The path makes its way through high grasses, and is barely two kayaks width wide. It opens up to Copperas Pond, a hideaway surrounded by tall coniferous trees.
As Mom and I rested near to the mouth of the path, Dad explored the opposite shore and found an unoccupied campsite. Unpacking our lunches (DELICIOUS!), as well as a blanket and our books, the three of us lay on the blanket, Mom's head on Dad's stomach, mine on Mom's stomach, reading. It was a beautiful sunny day, and in the shade it felt comfortable. After a few chapters, we packed everything up again, took some pictures, and jumped back in the kayaks.
At the end of Copperas Pond, where we pulled the boats out, we saw a few loons, only later realizing it was a mother loon, and at least 3 of her baby loons. It was amazing to see her dive down, the little ones look down into the water looking for her, come back up, while she stayed down.
To get from Copperas Pond to Whey Pond (the next on our trip), you have to portage through about a 10 - 15 minute hike through the woods. Portage, from the French verb meaning "to carry", though more appropriately "to strain your arm muscles carrying a heavy kayak through the woods, until you're pretty sure your one arm is a good 6 inches longer than the other one".
Dad and Mom have wheels they attach to their kayaks, so as Dad took the first kayak through the path, Mom and I grabbed the paddles of the other two, threw a dry-bag in the seat of mine, and together carried the kayak through the woods. We stopped quite a few times to switch arms. It took us about 15 minutes to get to Whey Pond, at which point Mom and Dad went back to get the last kayak, while I sat with the other two. Whey Pond was cool, clear, with a sandy bottom. While I waited I took pictures of anything I found interesting.
As a reward for our long haul, we had crackers, raisins and craisins when Mom and Dad arrived back, and then jumped into the lake for a quick swim. Crossing Whey Pond was the most difficult, at least for me. We were fighting the wind, and by this point my elbow was killing me with every stroke. Arriving at the far end of Whey we again had to portage the kayaks, though this time the walk is only about 2 minutes, across a road, and into Rollins Pond again, by the Boat Livery.
My kayak was due back to the Boat Livery, so while I sat on the beach with a blanket and my camera, Mom and Dad kayaked back to the campsite, Dad picked up the car, and came to get me. We had to go into Tupper to get some more blueberries for pancakes the next morning.
When we arrived back at the campsite Mom had the hot water waiting for us, which we used to pour over our heads to wash our hair. Let me tell you, there is no better feeling in the world!
After a few bowls of delicious chili around the campfire, Mom, Dad, and I made our way down to the lakeshore, stood together our with arms wrapped around each other's waists, and looked up at the evening sky. It was filled to overflowing with stars, and they gleamed so brightly that their reflection could be seen on the placid surface of Rollins. It was awe-inspiring, and humbling to stand there, enveloped in the beauty of nature, seeing that in the dark of night there were still pinpoints of light shining unabashedly.
The next morning, after another delicious blueberry pancake breakfast, with maple cream from Hannah's farm, and a decent shower at the shower house, I took off to head back to school.
I miss it... the evening sky, the smell of the campfire, the taste of food after a long day, the burn of muscles working after kayaking, the cool blanket of diving into the water, the warmth of the sun on my face. I miss being that close to my parents, knowing they are there, being able to just sit and talk with them.
In order to keep this feeling, to keep exploring nature, I'm going to try and make my way visiting the waterfalls in a few of the counties up here with my friends, for which I'll have more stories and pictures!
Monday, September 1, 2008
A weekend in the Adirondacks Day 1
Good morning everyone! I have so many stories, I better start at the beginning. When we parted ways last time (and by we I mean my computer and I), I was headed to start my Labor Day weekend camping with my parents.
Day 1:
After classes and work on Friday I drove to see Hannah, in order to deliver the ice cream pie and to say goodbye. She left to go back to school this weekend, so I won't be seeing her for quite some time. In true fashion, she and I hung out in the registration booth for an hour, at the campsite I was at for those two weeks. We always have fun, no matter what ruckus we're causing, and this time was no different. I hadn't seen her since we checked out, and it was wonderful to reconnect. I had to hit the road though, as my parents were expecting me, so we hugged warmly and parted ways.
Calling my parents to let them know I was on the road they asked me if I would mind meeting them in Paul Smiths, NY. I'm including a map so those of you not from this area have some idea where I mean. It's all small towns so, I wouldn't be surprised...
View Larger Map
The drive to Paul Smiths was very interesting. My father texted me directions (don't be too surprised, I'm sure he had mom do the actual texting), but there was a small hiccup in the path, causing quite a few phone calls between the caravans. We met at the Adirondack Visitor Interpretive Center, a gorgeous location for hiking in the woods. I'm including the map for there as well. We took the Heron Marsh Trail, to the Shingle Mill Falls Trail, up to the Forest Ecology Trail.
All three of us had cameras, so we moseyed along stopping to take pictures frequently. The trails pass in and out of the woods, at times crossing over the marshy ponds with long dock-like bridges and boardwalks. It was beautiful. I'm guessing here, but I'm pretty sure the mountain you can see in the photos is Mt. Azure, with the fire tower atop it. While on our hike we managed to find dozens of mushroom/fungi species growing throughout. I took pictures of quite a few, but it was just amazing, the different plant life.
Along the trail we stopped to read from the pamphlets and Mom found the word "Mugwump" which is the Native American name for Bitterns, a kind of wading bird. Mom says that will be the name of one of her grandchildren "Mugwump, get over here!" Later during the weekend we came across the town of Wawbeek, which made mom declare one of the grandkids should be named that. For those of you following along at home Mom and Dad have no grandchildren, nor are there any currently on the way so...
After finishing our hikes we popped the hatch on the car, and sat in the back feasting on grapes, fresh veggies, crackers and cheese. A delicious snack. Driving in tandem we made are way back to camp to start dinner. Unfortunately our gorgeous bonfire did not agree with our eating schedule and it took a good three hours just to get the food to cook, but let me tell you... at 9:30pm sweet corn, steak, fresh veggies, and potatoes taste absolutely delicious!
While drifting off that evening, snuggled up in my sleeping bag, Mom and Dad called my attention to the loon calling in the lake. Amazing sound. A little less than amazing when it continued at 4am...
I'll continue with the other days in a few hours...
Day 1:
After classes and work on Friday I drove to see Hannah, in order to deliver the ice cream pie and to say goodbye. She left to go back to school this weekend, so I won't be seeing her for quite some time. In true fashion, she and I hung out in the registration booth for an hour, at the campsite I was at for those two weeks. We always have fun, no matter what ruckus we're causing, and this time was no different. I hadn't seen her since we checked out, and it was wonderful to reconnect. I had to hit the road though, as my parents were expecting me, so we hugged warmly and parted ways.
Calling my parents to let them know I was on the road they asked me if I would mind meeting them in Paul Smiths, NY. I'm including a map so those of you not from this area have some idea where I mean. It's all small towns so, I wouldn't be surprised...
View Larger Map
The drive to Paul Smiths was very interesting. My father texted me directions (don't be too surprised, I'm sure he had mom do the actual texting), but there was a small hiccup in the path, causing quite a few phone calls between the caravans. We met at the Adirondack Visitor Interpretive Center, a gorgeous location for hiking in the woods. I'm including the map for there as well. We took the Heron Marsh Trail, to the Shingle Mill Falls Trail, up to the Forest Ecology Trail.
All three of us had cameras, so we moseyed along stopping to take pictures frequently. The trails pass in and out of the woods, at times crossing over the marshy ponds with long dock-like bridges and boardwalks. It was beautiful. I'm guessing here, but I'm pretty sure the mountain you can see in the photos is Mt. Azure, with the fire tower atop it. While on our hike we managed to find dozens of mushroom/fungi species growing throughout. I took pictures of quite a few, but it was just amazing, the different plant life.
Along the trail we stopped to read from the pamphlets and Mom found the word "Mugwump" which is the Native American name for Bitterns, a kind of wading bird. Mom says that will be the name of one of her grandchildren "Mugwump, get over here!" Later during the weekend we came across the town of Wawbeek, which made mom declare one of the grandkids should be named that. For those of you following along at home Mom and Dad have no grandchildren, nor are there any currently on the way so...
After finishing our hikes we popped the hatch on the car, and sat in the back feasting on grapes, fresh veggies, crackers and cheese. A delicious snack. Driving in tandem we made are way back to camp to start dinner. Unfortunately our gorgeous bonfire did not agree with our eating schedule and it took a good three hours just to get the food to cook, but let me tell you... at 9:30pm sweet corn, steak, fresh veggies, and potatoes taste absolutely delicious!
While drifting off that evening, snuggled up in my sleeping bag, Mom and Dad called my attention to the loon calling in the lake. Amazing sound. A little less than amazing when it continued at 4am...
I'll continue with the other days in a few hours...
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