“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?
Poetry
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
Bodie’s Farewell Part I: Ashes on Her Lashes
Ophelia Bodelia ("Bodie" to all her friends) Knelt in the dusty church pew, thinking about amends. Greatly burdened, she bowed her head and started to pray, Please forgive me Lord for... those things I'd rather not say. That Ash Wednesday, her forehead marked with a cross of soot, Fighting a sneeze, with tingling knees and … Continue reading Bodie’s Farewell Part I: Ashes on Her Lashes
Bodie Referee
“Morning fire! Morning fire! Build it higher! Higher! HIGHER!” “Chill, spaz.” “Be nice to your brother.” “Please chill, spaz. How was that, mother?” “What do you vote we do today?” “Swimming! Rafting! Biking! Hiking! To Barney Lake! The waterfall!” (Yawn) “Boring. How far is the mall?” “I KNOW! We could explore a cave!” “You’re too … Continue reading Bodie Referee
The Pink Lady’s Toast
Over the holidays, I traveled to Eureka California, which is known for their restored Victorian-style buildings, one of which has been named, "The Pink Lady." (The Pink Lady in cocktail lore is a drink that... oh, here, look it up yourself; you're just browsing the internet right now anyway, right?). While taking photos, I spotted … Continue reading The Pink Lady’s Toast
Turkeys Give Thanks
Turkeys gobble, "Thanks!" (mainly to vegans), While vegans say, "Thanks for all the seeds, man." Seeds sprout their thanks for water, soil and light. Lights blink thanks for an evening rest to Night. Night winks, "Thanks for the tickles!" to owls and bats. Owls hoot their thanks for plump and juicy rats. Rats squeak thanks … Continue reading Turkeys Give Thanks
Happy Pumpkin Poem
Humpty Pumpkin perched on a cabinet Reminding everyone that it's now Fall. You can guess how this story ends, I'd bet. Everyone enjoyed the season -- That's all! ~ Camp Host Chad The End More Halloween Decoration
