Many years ago, I crawled out of my tent to the sounds of chirping birds, glanced around the campsite, and discovered a raccoon had visited in the night. Among much evidence of the culprit's identity, the most telling piece proved to be the adorable paw print left on top of a soft cooler. I remembered … Continue reading Campsite Bandit
False Starts, Sad End
I started a poem about Alcatraz And then... "What rhymes with Alcatraz? Sassafras? Razzmatazz? All that jazz?" I started a poem about pineapple And, while that's easier to rhyme, I grapple Instead with meaning, and another surprise: Too many eyes. "Write us a poem! Please?" I hear your pleas. So we're back to our old … Continue reading False Starts, Sad End
The Holiday Tree: Happy Easter!
There would be no Easter if there was no Christmas. ~ Gordon B. Hinkley When the time came this year to take down my Christmas trees (yes, "Christmas" is the correct term for why I had them up, and yes, there were two of them, small ones that don't overwhelm my living space, and yes, … Continue reading The Holiday Tree: Happy Easter!
A Bird the Size of the Moon
If there's an unofficial mascot of Campfire Tales, it's probably the moon. (Oh, such a troublemaker!) I found this juxtaposition after I reviewed these two photos: the bird is the same size as the moon. I wanted to write a post about perspective, and how our problems can seem so big (like the water tower) … Continue reading A Bird the Size of the Moon
Gut It Out!
Do you trust your instincts? Should you? If you start something big (a job, a relationship, a project, a trip) and you immediately feel it's not right, what's your pattern? Do you see it through no matter what, or do you start looking for the exit? I'm sure that the answers for you (like me) … Continue reading Gut It Out!
Book Review: Lassoing the Sun
This is just my national parks story. There are, of course, millions like it. Stories about people lost, places that remain, and how the two are intertwined. ~ Mark Woods, Lassoing the Sun: A Year in America's National Parks The intent behind Lassoing the Sun — telling our stories in, of and through National Parks … Continue reading Book Review: Lassoing the Sun
Year O: Launch!
As I climbed out of the crater, the calendar said it was the end of the year. But there are other calendars. Nan told me that her people live by three of them. "The stars tell us what to do," she said. "The moon tells us when to do these things, and the sun gives … Continue reading Year O: Launch!
Hit the Road Jack & Jill!
A Campfire Tales tradition is to provide an interesting link to start the new year. Whoopsie! Since it's the third month of 2021, here are three links to websites we like: Outdoorsy — Website to help find the right RV, van, whatever, for your next camping and/or National Park road trip. Kibbo — Website that … Continue reading Hit the Road Jack & Jill!
Camping Cuisine: Apple Rings
At my current job, all the snacks come wrapped in plastic. Here's my favorite: I haven't tried preparing or eating these while camping yet, but they seem like an obvious choice. Healthy, filling, portable, shelf-stable, and delicious. Please sign me up! There are actually two rings in the one ring pictured, and the peanut butter … Continue reading Camping Cuisine: Apple Rings
Morning Warning
In Jurrassic Park, tremors in a cup of water signal the approach of a T-Rex. When I stepped from the shower this morning, the water in my toilet bowl sloshed gently side to side. Uh-oh, I thought. That's either an earthquake, or the wind is shaking my entire building. I didn't feel an earthquake in … Continue reading Morning Warning
