I met my first bristlecone pine tree several years ago when I was on a road trip between my home in Wyoming and Yosemite National Park, where I would be meeting two friends for a few days of camping and hiking. I had always wanted to visit Great Basin National Park, so I planned myContinue reading “More about Old Things”
Author Archives: Colleen Drake
I Spread
This is a story about an old person visiting an old tree . .a really old tree. It is comforting at my age to be reminded that there are many such “old things” in the world, and I am barely a blip on the radar screen when it comes to embracing what it means toContinue reading “I Spread”
If You See Me. . .
The world is always ending somewhere. It just depends on whether it falls in your line of vision or not. Akwaeka Emezi It looked as though we might make it through the summer without any fires burning nearby. This scenario was unlikely, as heavy rains fell in May and June, causing the grass to growContinue reading “If You See Me. . .”
Rules for Living
In the photo above I am happy and smiling. It had rained hard the previous day, and my Camelback had leaked and completely soaked my sleeping bag at the bottom of my pack. The rain had continued into the night, and I had slept wet and cold. Still I found something to smile about theContinue reading “Rules for Living”
Pause and Rest
For all the desert’s dreamlike beauty, to travel here…was not just to pitch yourself into oblivion; it was to grind away at yourself until nothing was left. It was to aspire to the condition of sand. William Atkins in The Immeasurable World When I planned a trip to Nevada earlier this month I never imaginedContinue reading “Pause and Rest”
Hiking with Rubies
It is good to walk. Even if you have somewhere to go. Richard Paul Evans in The Walk I began my road trip early this month, hoping to find some degree of peace and relaxation after a difficult spring and summer due to a major transition in my life. I always seem to seek thisContinue reading “Hiking with Rubies”
Something Worth Writing
Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. Benjamin Franklin When I started this blog about a year-and-a-half ago I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would be posting weekly. I thought if I managed once a month I would be doing well. I was certain that I would run outContinue reading “Something Worth Writing”
The Evening’s Entertainment
Learn the alchemy human beings know the moment you accept what troubles you’ve been given, the door will open. Welcome the difficulty as a familiar comrade. Rumi Before there were Ur Sacks and canisters there were still hungry bears in the woods, and the only option available to hikers who wanted to keep their foodContinue reading “The Evening’s Entertainment”
The Grouse and I
But ask now the beasts, And they shall teach thee, And the fouls of the air, And they shall teach thee; Or speak to the earth And it shall teach thee And the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Job 12:7-8, KJV Most hikers who have spent any time at all on theContinue reading “The Grouse and I”
Party Time
The door to the woods is the door to the temple. Mary Oliver Rumi The fourth of July weekend is here, and my usual quiet home is a little more lively than usual. I live on a hill above Curlew Lake, where Black Beach Resort welcomes guests at RV sites and cabins. It is notContinue reading “Party Time”
The Solitude Trail 