The Wayfarers Journal, Episode One: Journey to Katahdin, by Tommy Michel
Excerpts from pages 325 -326
(Day
144 AT) 61°F.
Day Two in New Hampshire
Moose Mountain Lean-to
Yesterday, In Robinson Hall (Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH), I read on a board a quote of Ralph Waldo Emerson where he said: In the Woods we return to reason and faith. Awaking early today and listening to the birds as they begin awaking, Emerson's words sojourn with myself, for I have come to know them well and appreciate them immensely.
I rise from the bag at six, pack up my gear and begin taking steps before seven; ups, downs, roads, along the beautiful and unspoiled Clark Pond and then climb to this open ledge where I now sit with Babe in the sun. Only a few feet in front of me the mountain drops away hundreds of feet to a valley dotted with many lakes and more mountains beyond. Too, there is a melody of life here, singing and dancing all about. Yes the birds, bees, clouds, flowers, trees and wind all perform royally for me today.
Since it is early today, after eating I will push for over 32 kilos today by climbing to the summit of Mount Cube and set up camp on top. This push will also make Mount Moosilauke attainable for me tomorrow, my last major climb before the White Mountains. I fill my water bottles and then, off we go, upward to another summit, and what a beautiful summit Mount Cube (2911') turns out to be, especially at sunset.
The sun is warm on this solid rock bald and the views here are glorious. I focus on the way wherefrom I came and see the fire tower climbed earlier this day. Then, in the distance beyond the tower I sight Moose Mountain and then ridge after ridge the entire distance back to the Green Mountains. Too, my eyes scan northward over the many lakes and soon I pick out Moosilauke and then the Whites.
After setting up camp I spend the eve of this day reading my Bible and then pause to pray to God about how much I continue yearning to be with his people. I then give the Almighty thanks and praise for this wondrous day and the blessings received atop the mountain. Finally, there is a magnificent sunset and I notice that despite Àbabe being as tired as me, she loves being here too.
I must turn in and sleep now to be able to get an early start for the many steps to Moosilauke tomorrow. (Day 144, 32.2 km)
(m6fo-nh-at-1979-0708.1600) Mount Moosilauke in New Hampshire
|