ol, and way too late at night. But my first books, real books that I read were things like “My Side of the Mountain,” the Little House books, Nancy Drew books, “Dove,” “Banner in the Sky”, and “Witch of Blackbird Pond.” Most of these books had nature as a main theme, either the wide open prairies filled with various birds and wild creatures, or mountains to summit, or mountains to survive on. “My Side of the Mountain” is written in such a way I believed I could hollow out a giant tree and live inside if I needed to. Snuggled inside the tree home while the heavy snow fell outside, eating my acorn bread pancakes and tending to my wild hawk, these became my dreams as well. In the Little House Books Laura spends lots of time writing about the wide prairie, the empty woods, the sky filled with stars. I always wanted to live like her, out alone with my family, in the wilderness in the cozy home built by Pa, listening to the wolves howl and slapping bears during snowstorms. Children’s books tend to romanticize the life, and I’m certain if I had to live like Laura it would be best to do it as a child, and not as the hard working parent trying to provide a stable life. My husband told me I was born in the wrong time, and I think he is right. I am thankful for antibiotics, safer childbirth and vaccines, but I sure miss a dark night sky. I miss working in the garden with no sounds except the noisy sounds of nature, and the simple life, slow enough to walk to town or to school instead of driving everywhere. I enjoy simple things, good food, good fellowship with friends or family, cool breezes and warm sunshine. My favorite foods are home grown, and my favorite hobby is walking. Sometimes I have to remind myself I can live a slower life, I do have a garden and I walk almost every day. My starry night sky is poor, but I have a car and I can drive to wilder places. When my parents lived in Montana I loved to sit out on their back porch and just stare at stars. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to have such a star filled sky every night.
I have walked 19.2 miles for a total of 300.82. On the AT some of the earlier hikers of each season use rocks to write out the miles in increments of 100. If I were really on the trail I would have seen the 300 written out in stones. I would be back in NC, because the trail follows the mountains, and the mountains skirt along the TN and NC border. The closest shelter is called Jerry Cabin Shelter. I found a video of a hiker staying there, and for him it was day 35 of hiking from Springer Mountain. Trail hikers usually cover 15 or more miles a day. I am averaging 2.3 or so. These last couple of evening walks I dreamed about Laura Ingalls and her life. I started rereading her books yesterday. At least I can enjoy her life vicariously, which is why we enjoy reading. I may reread all of my childhood favorites, just inviting some little joy into my life. Reading, walking, garden, it is a good life.
