Written on Monday - 7/14/08
"The most dangerous part of your trip is getting there and getting back." Mom, you were SO right. not dangerous , but nonetheless difficult and strenuous. Five minutes before boarding, my flight was canceled. After a tussle with a rude customer service person, I got a non-direct flight to Madison, connecting in Minneapolis, which is where I am now. I stay here for three hours and get home by midnight. everything was far easier when I depended on my feet to get me places. Now they can barely get me 100 feet to the DQ for my dinner and back. The abrasions on my great toes are raw, my ankles are scabbed over, and along with the cuts on my heels, I found a new and fairly large blister on the side of my right foot. I fervently hope that I can find something to work for me tomorrow, because I would be quite inefficient on my own. Hopefully, my boss Johnny will come through for me. Well, there's nothing I can do right now, as it is late, I don't have any numbers on this phone, and I had no way of foreseeing this sort of impediment to my job performance. However, he freaks out at the smallest things, so it's up in the air for right now.
--
I'm currently sitting on the place with nothing to report. See you in an hour, and thanks for reading. In the words of my dear friend Levar, don't take my word for it. Go and see it all yourself.
-Caleb-
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Rockies - Day Five
Written on Sunday 7/13/08
This last day has been really strange. The hike down to Ypsilon was really easy, but I've been in a bad mood all day. I think it's combined frustration with not knowing whether I could make the bus tomorrow; and being so close to leaving and yet having another day to pass just outside of town. I'm just going to say it: I want to go home. That can be a good thing. I'm sure Mom thinks so. Also, my feet are killing me. Really, once you see them, you'll agree.
So, I hiked all the way to the trailhead this afternoon, just to see how long it would take. I should have no problem getting to the bus tomorrow. It has been an amazing voyage here, and I don't regret a minute.
This last day has been really strange. The hike down to Ypsilon was really easy, but I've been in a bad mood all day. I think it's combined frustration with not knowing whether I could make the bus tomorrow; and being so close to leaving and yet having another day to pass just outside of town. I'm just going to say it: I want to go home. That can be a good thing. I'm sure Mom thinks so. Also, my feet are killing me. Really, once you see them, you'll agree.
So, I hiked all the way to the trailhead this afternoon, just to see how long it would take. I should have no problem getting to the bus tomorrow. It has been an amazing voyage here, and I don't regret a minute.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Rockies - Day Four
Written on 7/12/08 - Saturday
I'm hiking up to the Saddle today. A beautiful clear sky awaits me.
--
I sit atop the mountains in splendor, and I cannot write, for the tears do blur my eyes.
--
The walk down was the hardest part. How could anyone ever want to leave such a place? Even now, sitting on my rock by the lake, it seems so near, yet it took me most of the morning to get there. If only I could have stayed longer, but the clouds were forming overhead and it was past midday.
Now, before I forget, here is a list of all the people I have connected with down here:
1 - Guy who sold me propane at the grocery store had a friend who went to PAPA fest.
2 - Guys who gave me chapstick went to Wheaton.
3 - Couple that gave me chapstick the second time had cousins that went to Wheaton.
4 - Girl I met on the way to the Saddle grew up in Wheaton and has a cottage in Stoughton on the lake. She even knew where my house was! How crazy is that?
So yeah, a lot. I think I'll go swimming now.
--
Just had dinner, and I'm entertaining myself by listening to the old men talk over to my right. God has taught me tonight mot to worry about things I have no control over. I was wasting time worrying over whether it would rain, and I wanted so badly for it NOT to rain, but after a while, God told me it wasn't worth worrying over, because He clothes the animals and flowers everyday, and how much greater is His love for me! So if it rains, I'll be prepared, and it can't last forever.
The middle guy has a laugh like Doug, and the older man, who is 61, snowboards.
So, I've found out that the best way to observe wildlife naturally is while going to the bathroom. I had a deer come right up to me this morning, after the bear two days ago. Very interesting.
What is the first thing a snowboarder says to a skier when they meet on the slopes? "Whoa, dude, sorry!"
What's the second thing? "Dude, hold my snowboard while I kiss your girlfriend."
--Told eloquently by a 61-year-old man.
These two days on Lawn Lake have been amazing. I could come here again and again. Goodnight.
I'm hiking up to the Saddle today. A beautiful clear sky awaits me.
--
I sit atop the mountains in splendor, and I cannot write, for the tears do blur my eyes.
--
The walk down was the hardest part. How could anyone ever want to leave such a place? Even now, sitting on my rock by the lake, it seems so near, yet it took me most of the morning to get there. If only I could have stayed longer, but the clouds were forming overhead and it was past midday.
Now, before I forget, here is a list of all the people I have connected with down here:
1 - Guy who sold me propane at the grocery store had a friend who went to PAPA fest.
2 - Guys who gave me chapstick went to Wheaton.
3 - Couple that gave me chapstick the second time had cousins that went to Wheaton.
4 - Girl I met on the way to the Saddle grew up in Wheaton and has a cottage in Stoughton on the lake. She even knew where my house was! How crazy is that?
So yeah, a lot. I think I'll go swimming now.
--
Just had dinner, and I'm entertaining myself by listening to the old men talk over to my right. God has taught me tonight mot to worry about things I have no control over. I was wasting time worrying over whether it would rain, and I wanted so badly for it NOT to rain, but after a while, God told me it wasn't worth worrying over, because He clothes the animals and flowers everyday, and how much greater is His love for me! So if it rains, I'll be prepared, and it can't last forever.
The middle guy has a laugh like Doug, and the older man, who is 61, snowboards.
So, I've found out that the best way to observe wildlife naturally is while going to the bathroom. I had a deer come right up to me this morning, after the bear two days ago. Very interesting.
What is the first thing a snowboarder says to a skier when they meet on the slopes? "Whoa, dude, sorry!"
What's the second thing? "Dude, hold my snowboard while I kiss your girlfriend."
--Told eloquently by a 61-year-old man.
These two days on Lawn Lake have been amazing. I could come here again and again. Goodnight.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Rockies - Day Three
Written on 7/11/08 - Friday
Well, I made it. It was a long, hard hike, but I made it to Lawn Lake. The one thing I crave most right now is chapstick. I'm kicking myself now for not putting it in my pocket before I left. The air is so dry here, and my lips are suffering for it.
Besides that, it is magnificent here. I am a short walk away from the Lake, which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It's calm, clear, and a little cooler because of the elevation, but downright splendid. I think I'll stay up tonight and watch the stars come out.
--
Lawn Lake is perfect. It's like Maine...with mountains! I got some chapstick from the guys in the site next to me, and then spent the day think, reading, and hiking around the Lake. I don't need to worry about water, because the Lake's right there, and I don't need to gather wood for a fire. I can go to bed with the sun, and rise with him as well. I have so much time to let this whole trip sink in, instead of having the week fly by. Plus, there are tons of people around, which is actually nice. Even though it's not all Thoreau and solitude at Walden Pond, there is a certain bread of comfort to gain by having people around. We all keep our distance, but if I am in need, as with the chapstick, there is someone close at hand to turn to.
The lake is shining with the slowly setting sun, and there is a steady breeze, cooled by the snowy mountains: mammoth guardians over a sea of diamonds.
Well, I made it. It was a long, hard hike, but I made it to Lawn Lake. The one thing I crave most right now is chapstick. I'm kicking myself now for not putting it in my pocket before I left. The air is so dry here, and my lips are suffering for it.
Besides that, it is magnificent here. I am a short walk away from the Lake, which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It's calm, clear, and a little cooler because of the elevation, but downright splendid. I think I'll stay up tonight and watch the stars come out.
--
Lawn Lake is perfect. It's like Maine...with mountains! I got some chapstick from the guys in the site next to me, and then spent the day think, reading, and hiking around the Lake. I don't need to worry about water, because the Lake's right there, and I don't need to gather wood for a fire. I can go to bed with the sun, and rise with him as well. I have so much time to let this whole trip sink in, instead of having the week fly by. Plus, there are tons of people around, which is actually nice. Even though it's not all Thoreau and solitude at Walden Pond, there is a certain bread of comfort to gain by having people around. We all keep our distance, but if I am in need, as with the chapstick, there is someone close at hand to turn to.
The lake is shining with the slowly setting sun, and there is a steady breeze, cooled by the snowy mountains: mammoth guardians over a sea of diamonds.
Rockies - Day Two
Written on 7/10/98 - Thursday
I am currently sitting on on the slopes of Dark Mountain, underneath the Bridal Veil Falls, eating, and observing one predatory chipmunk approach my bag with caution. It is as if he knows that I am watching, and is counting on me to slip up so that he can crawl inside and raid my supply of granola bars. I have attempted to scare him off by taking a photo of him, but alas, to no avail! He is my only worry in the world now, excepting my decreasing water supply. I misjudged how thirsty I would become over the hike, and only brought one container. What remains will hopefully be enough for the return journey.
I have concluded thus far that I worry far too much about what tomorrow will bring, things and duties that are required of me back home, the rest of the summer, the school semesters, and so forth from there. I must begin with all earnestness to concentrate my thoughts on the current moment, in order to not worry about tomorrow.
There is far more time to be made out of the day than we give it credit for. I'll stop here for now, for the mist is wetting my pages.
--
I have just had my first full pipe of tobacco, sitting here by the fire. I can see how it could be pleasing if one can get the hang of it. Nonetheless, it was quite entertaining to smoke a pipe on the slope of a mountain.
I am rather frightened of hiking up to Lawn Lake tomorrow. It will be a long 4 1/2 mile hike, uphill most of the way. I do hope I can get out of here on time to get on the trail before the sun starts to get hot.
I saw my first--and hopefully last--bear today. It came upon me while I was going to the bathroom in the woods. It was one of the most terrifying moments of my life: defenseless and pants-less! However, the bear, as soon as I moved in surprise, turned tail and ran away. I spent the better part of the hour talking to myself and reading Thoreau out loud to alert any other creatures to my presence.
I am currently sitting on on the slopes of Dark Mountain, underneath the Bridal Veil Falls, eating, and observing one predatory chipmunk approach my bag with caution. It is as if he knows that I am watching, and is counting on me to slip up so that he can crawl inside and raid my supply of granola bars. I have attempted to scare him off by taking a photo of him, but alas, to no avail! He is my only worry in the world now, excepting my decreasing water supply. I misjudged how thirsty I would become over the hike, and only brought one container. What remains will hopefully be enough for the return journey.
I have concluded thus far that I worry far too much about what tomorrow will bring, things and duties that are required of me back home, the rest of the summer, the school semesters, and so forth from there. I must begin with all earnestness to concentrate my thoughts on the current moment, in order to not worry about tomorrow.
There is far more time to be made out of the day than we give it credit for. I'll stop here for now, for the mist is wetting my pages.
--
I have just had my first full pipe of tobacco, sitting here by the fire. I can see how it could be pleasing if one can get the hang of it. Nonetheless, it was quite entertaining to smoke a pipe on the slope of a mountain.
I am rather frightened of hiking up to Lawn Lake tomorrow. It will be a long 4 1/2 mile hike, uphill most of the way. I do hope I can get out of here on time to get on the trail before the sun starts to get hot.
I saw my first--and hopefully last--bear today. It came upon me while I was going to the bathroom in the woods. It was one of the most terrifying moments of my life: defenseless and pants-less! However, the bear, as soon as I moved in surprise, turned tail and ran away. I spent the better part of the hour talking to myself and reading Thoreau out loud to alert any other creatures to my presence.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Rockies - Day One
Written on 7/9/08 - Wednesday
Today was really hard. Natalie dropped me off at the trail around 10, and I just started walking. It was quite a long hike today, but what made it hard was the fact that I thought I was on the wrong trail for about 3 miles. I stopped for lunch and called home, hoping for some reassurance. I got plenty from Leah, but I totally broke down after I hung up. This is the loneliest place I have ever been. I can hear other people's voices all the time, but I know that they're far away from me. I have to work really hard to not get depressed again like I did today. It was awful coming over each rise and hoping to see the sign I was looking for, but never seeing it show up. Finally I set my pack down so I could move faster, and walked ahead till I came across the split I was looking for. After that, it was an easy hike to my campsite, where I sit now, about to eat my supper.
There have been several problems already with things. There were no lockers at the airport, so I had to pack the duffel, which is far to bulky for a small pack like mine. And I forgot to bring ziploc bags to hold the food I am trying to split up over two day. But I improvised and figured it out. I've gotten my tent set up, water, wood for a fire, and I hung up my food sacks already. The only things that scare me here are getting hurt, getting lost, rain, and animals. I've taken the best precautions I can against all that, and all I can do now is rely on God to get me through this week. I've called home again now, and got to talk to Mom. I have found so much comfort in other people. Any type of connection I get, with the family or with the random people that walked through my site, I am already beginning to crave human interaction.
Besides all my fears and needs, it is absolutely beautiful here. It's really quiet, except for the birds, and the sound of water nearby. I think I'm going to start the fire and drink hot cocoa.
Today was really hard. Natalie dropped me off at the trail around 10, and I just started walking. It was quite a long hike today, but what made it hard was the fact that I thought I was on the wrong trail for about 3 miles. I stopped for lunch and called home, hoping for some reassurance. I got plenty from Leah, but I totally broke down after I hung up. This is the loneliest place I have ever been. I can hear other people's voices all the time, but I know that they're far away from me. I have to work really hard to not get depressed again like I did today. It was awful coming over each rise and hoping to see the sign I was looking for, but never seeing it show up. Finally I set my pack down so I could move faster, and walked ahead till I came across the split I was looking for. After that, it was an easy hike to my campsite, where I sit now, about to eat my supper.
There have been several problems already with things. There were no lockers at the airport, so I had to pack the duffel, which is far to bulky for a small pack like mine. And I forgot to bring ziploc bags to hold the food I am trying to split up over two day. But I improvised and figured it out. I've gotten my tent set up, water, wood for a fire, and I hung up my food sacks already. The only things that scare me here are getting hurt, getting lost, rain, and animals. I've taken the best precautions I can against all that, and all I can do now is rely on God to get me through this week. I've called home again now, and got to talk to Mom. I have found so much comfort in other people. Any type of connection I get, with the family or with the random people that walked through my site, I am already beginning to crave human interaction.
Besides all my fears and needs, it is absolutely beautiful here. It's really quiet, except for the birds, and the sound of water nearby. I think I'm going to start the fire and drink hot cocoa.
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