Happy Memorial Day! Oh, you're not American, you don't see your flag represented, and/or that's not your holiday? Or you are American but you disagree with _____? Well gee then, you're free to go. In fact, I'm sure whatever freedoms you do enjoy didn't come at a cost to you or anyone else, so there's … Continue reading Memorial Day (2020): Step Into the Sunshine
Author: Camp Host Chad
Station Identification
"We interrupt your regularly scheduled post to give your Camp Host time to finish several projects. Until those are ready to launch, please stop by the Gift Shop and make yourself an Identification Medal for the low price of only $.50, enjoy the latest tree distractions, or catch up on the two series of posts … Continue reading Station Identification
Imagine Tree & You
The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity... and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself. ~ William Blake
Lassen Be Sassin’
"Thank you for visiting your national park!” Although we’re closed, please drop by and do your part (Wave from the gate). “Half the park is after dark.” Boo! Not as of late... These days, half’s a good start. Fine. "Stay safe." Stay home. Binge repeats of Bob Ross. “Happy little trees.” Please. You want happy? … Continue reading Lassen Be Sassin’
My New Hope Shorts
Reading a detailed plan in yesterday's news about the reopening California following COVID-19 closures, one quote jumped out at me that the plan would, "not be based on hope." While I understood the meaning — that it would be based on science, and not on desire — the quote disquieted me all day and into … Continue reading My New Hope Shorts
Presidential Words on the Wild: Jimmy Carter
It is good to realize that, if love and peace can prevail on earth, and if we can teach our children to honor nature's gifts, the joys and beauties of the outdoors will be here forever. ~ Jimmy Carter, from An Outdoor Journal
Letters With Jimmy
From me to The Honorable Jimmy Carter: Dear Mr. Carter, Over several months during my 8th grade year, a friend and I retreated on our lunch period to a far corner of the junior high school campus (overlooking the graveyard across the street). There I would explain – in exacting detail, like a Faulknerian narrator … Continue reading Letters With Jimmy
Bodie’s Farewell Part III: Easter Released Her
Part I Part II "To what end" would she renounce dust? Bodie cried, "For good!" Setting course by the very source she'd misunderstood. Even supporters, in private quarters, heaved a sigh. 40 days passed. "Still abstaining?" they asked. "Yes. Why?" "Easter is over," some wailed, others hissed. Her defense: "Repent, then relent? Return to what … Continue reading Bodie’s Farewell Part III: Easter Released Her
Survive-aversary Party!
Eleven years ago today I found myself undergoing emergency surgery. "Elective surgery," I might add, considering the surgeon gave me two choices: have the surgery and possibly die, OR don't have the surgery and possibly die. I chose: Surgery, and to Live. (More of that story here.) From that day on, I joyfully observed my, … Continue reading Survive-aversary Party!
Roadside Art: Recycle-ade?
If life gives you lemons and you repurpose them, you call it "lemonade." If live gives you a bunch of scrap metal and you repurpose it, what would you call that? (Oh really, so "art" is the right answer? Ex-cuuuuuuuuse me!) With some extra time on my hands these days (emphasis mine; working from home … Continue reading Roadside Art: Recycle-ade?
Campfire Tales 