Gatherers

Moccasin Flower (aka, Pink Ladyslipper),
Kings Point, Basswood Lake

"We are all harvesters and hunters, always looking and hoping for something that will give pleasure to the senses or might be worth keeping for some reason, and just possibly be good to eat. Many—and perhaps countless—generations will pass before this urge disappears. It is my wish we will never lose it, that every trip away from home will be one of adventure and excitement, for no matter what we gather, deep within us is the same primitive satisfaction our ancestors knew." — Sigurd F. Olson

Black cherries

Ripe black cherries cover the ground beneath the trees.
Tiny bites, mostly filled with seed,
fill my mouth with a wonderful, rich, earthy flavor.

Some delights are best savored
in small, rare, serendipitous moments.

Return to writing

I am very hopeful that I will soon be able to resume writing and posting here on a more regular basis. I see that there was a nearly two month gap between my last two posts. I kept telling myself that I was too busy. That was partly true, but it is a poor excuse. Writing is good for me. It demands deeper, more focused reflection, which brings greater feeling and understanding.

My Scoutmaster duties were the main thing that made me very busy. We had new Scouts crossing over from Cub Scouts packs. We had the details of summer camp to sort through. But the all-consuming worry was our preparation for a journey of over 100 miles through the northwoods canoe country of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park through the Boy Scout High Adventure program known as Northern Tier.

Our Northern Tier adventure was completely amazing. I have wanted to visit the northwoods my whole life, and our trek did not disappoint. The region surpassed my expectations in every way. It was wilder, more beautiful, more remote, more challenging and difficult, more fulfilling and mysterious than I had ever imagined.

Our Northern Tier crews should be proud of their accomplishments, and I think our Scouts experienced a connection with the natural world unlike any they have experienced before. I am sure that in some way our Scouts will carry this with them through the rest of their life. As canoeing author Sam Cook has written, "We have been up north, and part of us always will be."

I think the canoe trip has affected my perspective here in our own little Tennessee hollow. My walks in our woods now seem more serene, more peaceful, more comfortable than before the trip north. I feel so lucky to have experienced this incredible journey. I am indeed a lucky man.

Hiking with the family

What a great day! Got up this morning to find my family had planned a surprise alternate Father's Day (since Joshua and I were in Canada on the regular day). The day has included my favorite breakfast (cheesy eggs, thick-sliced bacon, biscuits, gravy, tomatoes, and coffee), an old-fashioned ice cream maker, a hike through the woods to the river, and then a very late lunch of BLTs. Can't wait to use the ice cream maker. My family is the best!

I am a very lucky man!