It’s been a while since I’ve been home. Hell, it’s been a while since I had a day off. In the thick of winter deer trapping, my life is consumed. By day we prepare and by night we capture deer, every day — repeat. Continue reading “In the Thick of Winter Deer Trapping”
Tag: home
Seasons Change
Snow was on the ground when I arrived in Yellowstone. Before I left, snow fell and winter began her embrace on the landscape. The summer concluded abruptly and although I was forewarned, my tenure at Yellowstone had done the same. Now I have the pleasure of looking back upon my time. I was here long enough to see the seasons change. Continue reading “Seasons Change”
As Summer Ends
Less than a month remains of my summer in Yellowstone, about three weeks. I’ve been thinking about this summer quite often. Surely more so, I’ve been thinking ahead. I’m pondering what I will do next. Continue reading “As Summer Ends”
A Letter
Once a week, sometimes twice, I stop by the post office to check my P.O. box. The sun is usually shining and the elk lay on the green grass. I walk past the bustle of tourists and bound up the post office steps. My heart beats a little more and adds to the excitement. I make a quick left in the vestibule and make a not so sharp right in the lobby. I approach the wall of postal boxes in excitement. There has to be something for me! Mine is on the top left. I reach up high with the key in hand. I unlock and open the little door, stand on my toes, and peer inside. Continue reading “A Letter”
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Escape to the Mountains
Congaree was wonderful; however, after five months of flat, homogeneous land, I yearned for the mountains. The mountains are home. I missed the northern hardwoods, spring ephemerals, and trout streams. Hell, I even missed the rocks and Ericaceous species that I so often complained about. Springtime of the coastal lowland simply isn’t the striking rebirth that we see at more northern latitudes or higher elevations.
April may be considered the “off-season” for visiting our national parks. Only the hardy folks come out to enjoy nature in its rawest form – early spring. Among those ranks, I enjoy the appeal of having the place almost all to myself. What may look like a lifeless, cold, and wet landscape is actually the beginnings of a rebirth. The Great Smoky Mountains was not only going to renew my spirit but would also open my eyes to the great divide in our country. Continue reading “Great Smoky Mountains National Park”
Post-Holiday Update
The holidays were great! I was happy to be back home in Pennsylvania for the week and it was nice to spend time with friends and family. I was hoping to get outdoors and experience some elevation for a change but I was content with spending time in my own house in the company of Jill and Eli, outside of the occasional trip for food and drink with a friend. Jill and I invited our parents over on Christmas day and continued the festivities the following Friday with the addition of my sister-in-law, niece, and nephew. Sadly, we canceled our anticipated New Year’s celebration plans because Jill and I experienced a terrible allergic reaction to our Christmas tree. Nonetheless, we still had a good evening together, even if we were in bed before the ball drop. Continue reading “Post-Holiday Update”