Thank you for visiting your national park, Particularly in times when things look stark. Fires, pandemics, presidents, droughts; all will fade. Do you know what won't? The memories we've made. Imagine a campfire. Picture yourself there. Feel the heat. Smell the smoke. Watch the embers flare. Let go of thoughts that detain you. Consume grief. … Continue reading Yosemite Waits for You
Poetry
Down in D. Valley
"Thank you for visiting your national park..." (sigh) I'd give you the sales pitch, but honestly, why try? Either, One. My name's embossed on your bucket list, Or, Two. "Over my dead body!" Thus, I'm dismissed. Make no mistake, I love my survivalist crowd. They arrive flushed and nervous; depart tanned and proud. Still, I … Continue reading Down in D. Valley
J. Tree Makes a Plea
"Thank you for visiting your national park," I'll say, If only (sooner than later) you head out our way. You'd rather go to Disneyland? Word. That might be best. Smooth paths. Soothing (artificial) views. Shade. Benches. Rest. What? You're NOT a Make-a-Wish recipient? You hike?! Wanna give my trails a chance and see if you … Continue reading J. Tree Makes a Plea
Camping R.S.V.P. (Really Scared, Visiting Promptly)
A quick note: Thank you for the camping invite. I can't come. Wish I could. (Although, I still might.) I'm not only scared of the COVID bathrooms, Here's my list: Lyme Disease, poisonous mushrooms, Drowning, getting lost, falling over a cliff Or in a campfire while breathing a whiff. Also, bears. Snakes. Bigfoot. Hillbillies. Skunk … Continue reading Camping R.S.V.P. (Really Scared, Visiting Promptly)
Rusty’s Treasure
Sittin' on this bucket And panning in the stream, My mind is on the work, Leaving my heart to dream. ~ Camp Host Chad For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~ Matthew 6:21
Crater, Crater, Now or Later?
“Thank you for visiting your national park.” We’re open! (Except for boat tours on the lake. No Visitor Centers. Plus, we hid the shark.) Oops, did it sound like “full access?” My mistake… “Phased Reopening,” means: No Pinnacles Road Or East Rim Drive. Only guests eat at the Lodge. No Ranger Programs. Some hiking trails … Continue reading Crater, Crater, Now or Later?
Bodie’s Farewell Part IV: Dusty Trails
Part I Part II Part III Unemployed; in dread of the poorhouse; Bodie applied Far and wide. Umpteen appeals, the sole reply—denied. Schoolhouse, Cain House, Hotels (near the Shell), and dozens more. One sample: “Cleanliness and Godliness aren’t at war.” Seeking absolution, Bodie held fast long past Lent Yet in the end, moths and rust … Continue reading Bodie’s Farewell Part IV: Dusty Trails
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’
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
Bodie’s Farewell Part II: Heart Before the Course
Ophelia Bodelia listened how most people do — In spurts. Thoughts wandered; although, words and phrases did too. So charming, in a young child, this "hearing" in reverse. "Hearing" turned to "thinking"? Less a blessing, more a curse. Bodie's Pa urged her, "Always mean everything you say." She confused the order: said things first, meant … Continue reading Bodie’s Farewell Part II: Heart Before the Course
