Tuesday, July 20, 2004
No Rain All Day
07/20/04
It didn't rain at all today.
Last night I finally resorted to earplugs because of the thunder and large drops of rain drumming on the taut tent. I pulled my cap over my eyes and slept through most of the night. Breaking camp in the wet, burned forest was particularly messy, I mean fun, no, messy.
We had a good portion of our day's uphill early in the day. I was sluggish all morning, but revived at lunch. I need to rethink my breakfasts. As my breakfasts have evolved, I lost the fat, and fat is a great fuel for me.
We walked through a lot of burned forest today. What I've noticed is how long it takes for new trees to sprout. The fire today seemed several years old, but I saw only a few new trees, and none over 4" tall.
The Divide looks different on different parts of the trail. Yesterday, it was jagged, bare rocks. Today it was wide forest sloping off in two directions.
Some of it was burned, some alive.
The wildlife count started recovering from its moribund state today. Saw two ground birds, a deer, and moose tracks. Also saw a new flower. To me it looked like a cream-colored monk's hood. I got a photo, but the mosquitoes were distracting so it may not turn out.
Met north-bounder, Fred, today who wore his pack in a way that would cripple me in a day or so.
We took a wrong turn today, and I'm partially responsible. The choice of trail looked so clear. Now, instead of 5 miles to Chief Joseph Pass, we have 9 miles.
Oh well. We'll still be in Sula tomorrow.
We'd been hiking along what we thought was a purple (alternate) route. After miles and even after dinner, Spur decided to check our location. Oh, we are off the map. So we looked at our options, using the DeLorme maps and the maps on our GPSs, and found a way for a road walk that will allow our hike to be continuous. Icky road walks are good motivation to pay more attention to the trail resources, but I don't sweat mistakes like this too much. They are going to happen, and it's part of what makes the CDT such a nice trail to hike: It's not a walk in the park. Way-finding requires many different skills and a lot of attention, especially when one's guard is down.
Also met Becky and Dave, two light hikers heading south fast. I was sorting out the next puzzle about where the trail is around Shultz Saddle. I was expecting to see Apple Pie and/or Spur when I looked at the motion in the corner of my eye. I hiked with them a bit until they got just out of site at yet another confusing junction.
I enjoy hiking with Spur and Apple Pie. We laugh a lot, find a lot to talk about, and our paces, modified so we can hike together, work well.
There's a little moon crescent out tonight, and not a cloud to be seen. It's a good night. Good night.
I Don't Know How We Ended Up in the Backyard
I don't know how we ended up in the backyard. The cards had been on the table for more than an hour. I was ready. I came here to do what has happened. My emotions are here, but yours are pouring off your face. How can you cry so much? It's making me angry. The smoke drifting up from the ashtray poisons my compassion.
I want to name your faults. I want to blame your halts. You tried to end it so many times, sabotaging my devotion. Now I'm the monster for choosing to move on.
And then, a sign. A hummingbird floats in front of your face and sips a tear. I know I can leave this love, you who I loved, and find a sustaining love.
I leave like the coolness in the morning. In my head to your shouted words: You were adrift when I met you. I hopped on your tenuous raft just long enough to know I wasn't safe. I can't hear what you are saying as I close the gate, but the whole neighborhood can.
I used to enjoy driving up your street. I take a deep breath of satisfaction and compassion as I drive down it, probably for the last time.
