Chester and I went walking on Saturday's still morning. The earth seemed to be holding its breath awaiting the coming storm: a dead gray sky, the creek with a black sheen, the monotonous damp penetrating one's bones. Thus, the dry leaves were made all the more brilliant in their contrast--bronzes, russets, crimsons, yellows---as they collapsed onto fading … [Read more...] about A particularly long walk
One ruffed grouse follower
On our vacation this bird started following us. We were bushwhacking from the campground down a ridge to where we knew there was a creek. We were hoping for some good photos. On the way, my husband suddenly stopped: “Look at this bird!” And there walking in the leaves was a game bird, which we later identified as a ruffed grouse. It paced back and forth, … [Read more...] about One ruffed grouse follower
What I didn’t notice
This past week I drove the three hundred miles to visit my parents. They still live in the house I grew up in, so going back home always brings back memories of a half century ago. When I enter the town, I have long since ceased to sigh about the old structures and roads that have disappeared or to be surprised by the new that has replaced them. But what does … [Read more...] about What I didn’t notice
On a day off
What do pastors do on a day off? Laundry? Often. Errands? Frequently. Lawn mowing? Sometimes. Checking in with family? Of course. Hikes? Not enough.So Friday I headed up to a portion of the AT west, or "south" in the trail's larger scheme, of the Susquehanna River . I climbed up a mountain and walked along a ridge, … [Read more...] about On a day off
Flabby
It doesn't take long for hiking muscles to get flabby.I've walked the dogs most mornings, but have had only two longer hikes all season...and those were only lengths of six and eight miles. That is definitely not something to brag about if one is a committed walker. In fact, it smacks strongly of lack of commitment.So tonight I'm packing, and tomorrow I'm heading … [Read more...] about Flabby