June 25th, 2007
I should write more. Truth is I don’t know where to even start these days. I’m hoping this weekend maybe will help. It’s been a long time since I tried to write, and even longer since I’ve spent time in the woods. It all looks unfamiliar to me now.
At one time I would’ve liked to say I knew these woods like the back of my hand, but… I don’t think I can say that now. I can’t pick out the birds from their songs anymore. Everything is so different. They even replaced the sign on the highway for the access road here. The old sign had to have been at least as old as me. Mom still has a picture of me on her fridge standing in front of the old sign with Dad. Little kid me *insisted* on standing right next to the fire watch tower graphic, I thought it was *so cool*. The new sign doesn’t have a picture. Just a plain brown Forest Service access road sign where my 3G instantly drops off.
The maps in here are the same though… it’s probably the only thing that feels the same. When did my old stomping grounds become so foreign to me? The tower is shorter than I remembered. I guess that’s just what getting old feels like.
June 26th, 2007
It’s so peaceful out here.
I can’t remember the last time I’d heard a barred owl in town. Last night one hung out by the deck window all night. Big ol’ glowing eyes. I’ve missed how cool wildlife is up close!
I have to constantly remind myself that the rustling on the ground below is a good thing– city living has ruined me for the sounds of nature. Tonight I’m going to crack out the night vision goggles and see what kind of visitors the trail gets around here.
June 27th, 2007
When did deer get so freaky? An entire herd of doe followed me from the trailhead to the hot springs and back. I guess humans really have impacted how wild animals interact with us. I just wish they hadn’t blinked at me so much. Damn creepy.
June 28th, 2007
Can always trust the Corps to skimp on the essentials. The relay for the 2-way is busted, somewhere a couple ridges over. I’m not the best with radio stuff but if it’s my only way to keep in touch with human beings, the manual from the 70’s I found is going to be my lifeline.
The herd of doe followed me again today. Usually I’m the one looking at deer thinking they look tasty, but somehow I felt like the tables were turned. Damn nature, u scary.
June 29th, 2007
FUCK. Medivac can’t get here fast enough.
The animals are rabid. All of them. Owls. Deer. Coyotes. Jumped me on the trail, roughed me up. I’m bleeding from everywhere. Should’ve never come here. They all have the same eyes.
They look hungry.