nopin

Friday, September 18, 2020

Fall falls on Wickersham Dome

The White Mountains are comprised of a million acres, 250 miles of trails, and 12 public use cabins. Many of the trails are muddy and swampy and thus accessible in winter only. Also, in the summertime, no drinking water is guaranteed, so you have to pack in your own. For these reasons, I've never penetrated very far into the Whites. As a self-powered person carrying my own stuff, even two days of water is a lot for me to carry! Nevertheless, the one trailhead that I visit and dayhike from over and over and over has given me endless joy, and I never tire of it.
The low spots had frost when we first started out (around 9:30 a.m.).
The fall colors were gorgeous.
Happy, happy! Joy, joy!
Long shadows of the morning
Sun-drenched dogs!
They posed nicely for me.
Termination dust in the distant mountains!
I think Thistle is starting to love me.
Thistle selfie!
Cricket selfie!
DL selfie!
DL took a photo of us.
The side of Wickersham Dome is quite steep.
Happy dogs!
The cranberries were perfect.
And so pretty.
Thistle peers over the North side of the Dome.
Thistle looking wolfie!
So pretty.
Homeward.
I have nice fuzzy things.
It seems that we've been living in a blessed place while all the world burns Outside, but sadness comes to Alaska, too. People have passed away, dogs have passed away, and crimes are still committed. A friend of mine just had a bad stomach flu, even though it was accompanied by a negative covid test. We have gotten very lucky with the weather and with food security, but just as it is the world over, every day is a prayer, every breath a thanks.

11 comments:

bt said...

Every day a prayer, every breath a thanks. That's gorgeous. I think I'm going to adopt it as a daily affirmation. Thanks!

Arvay said...

@bt, now you've made a nice couplet. Thank you. :)

e.davis said...

Many thanks for the reminder to be grateful for what we have and not speak ill of our life (it might be listening). Enjoy the lovely fall weather and have a blessed weekend:)

Arvay said...

@e.davis: My friend that I pick berries with says the same thing of the weather and the berries we pick. Do not speak ill of them. They are listening!

Anonymous said...

Paul's BEST friend Ed Roman lived in Boston. He had a cough for two weeks without other signs. He got worse so he took a Covid test, it was negative. He started having stomach problem and felt even worse, so took another Covid test, negative again...Then he started having a fever plus cough, he then was hospitalized. He died two weeks later, Covid test negative THREE times but was said died of Covid.. It happened in July.

Anonymous said...

DL should wear sunglasses. Thank you for wearing it.

mdr said...

Bad air again yesterday and today so far... "Over 30 days of bad air day", said the local TV. Happy to see your air is so clean, and hope your winter warmer because of the global warming.

Arvay said...

@mdr, I'm sorry to hear Paul lost his friend. This is a terrible time, and yes tests are not 100% reliable. I hope your air clears up soon!

Oh, and DL does wear sunglasses. He probably removed them for the photo so as not to hide his devastatingly handsome face.

mdr said...

DL without old white beard will show "more devastatingly handsome face".

Arvay said...

mdr without old mean-spirited comments will show more kind heart. Alas...

mdr said...

I never thought a bit until this Covid time. The more exposed to the outside environment without being covered (clothing, mask, hat, glasses etc.), the more potential risk, that is, if contaminated particles unfortunately drift/stick to that part (as CDC warning on airborne particles). No ill meaning but concerning heart.