Rain-drops falling on Ktaadn

In the night we were entertained by the sound of the rain-drops ... and awakened with a drop or two in our eyes. HDT The Maine Woods.

I have a re-newed appreciation for Thoreau and The Maine Woods. It had been a while since I read The Maine Woods, and have found many parallels with Thoreau and his experience there. Quite interesting to reflect on.

Thoreau continues that they decided to wait for fair weather. Being I was already there I decided to strike my tent and try another time. Baxter State Park closes in mid October, so perhaps when it reopens in the spring or summer.

MRE anyone??

When I was in Wyoming, Steve, my daughter's significant other, or as he says my future son-in-law, gave me an MRE to take camping. This was his birthday present to me a BBQ Veggie Patty MRE. Very sweet. I have been toting this around since July, so decided to try it out. The package is huge. The instructions say to eat 2 - 3 of these a day!! Now this was an interesting experience. I am used to Backpacker Pantry open and pour. For a while I was baffled by the instructions. Heaters? Ummm ... The MRE is a complete meal, including heat, one which I could not begin to consume at once, not to mention there were some foods I would not consume unless I was truly in dire circumstances. Grape drink? Iced tea? Very interesting stuff I must say. Comes with this very nifty heater that is activated with water. After eating my veggie patty I used the heater to warm my hands. Quite amusing really.  

Rocks and Leaves in the Abol Stream

the colors of nature awaken the spirit.


"To be awake is to be alive. I have never yet met a man who was quite awake. How could I have looked him in the face?" HDT

Abol Stream

I camped in Ktaadn for two nights. Rained out of the third night. During my sojourn I filtered water from the Abol Stream just steps from my site.

Drinking straight from a water source is an incredible experience. Water symbolizing growth, change, and transformation, yet also an element we cannot live without. I contemplated this when I sat there filtering water for nourishment. Nourishment in more ways than one. It has been a very transformative year for me. So many changes, experiences, emotional tides. Demons to conquer and let be. I wanted to stay in the Maine Woods longer it was quite a spiritual place.  The forest is so silent, it's loud, my ears ring. I could hear my sister's laughter in the wind and feel her silent demeanor sitting by this stream.