Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Toss Me A Blanket



It's time to stop and smell the roses, or the Columbine in our case. Summer is finally here and the mountains are showing off their stuff as they always do in their own, sweet time. "I thought summer would never get here!" I must confess, the weather has been absolutely beautiful the last two weeks (Blame that on El Nino). The wildflowers are blooming, the pelicans are back on Shadow Mountain Lake and once again " the world is spinning in greased grooves" (thanks, Mr. Steinbeck)!

There are many songs that have been written about this time of year in the mountains. Some of my favorites are 'Ripplin' Waters' by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Michael Murphey's 'Carolina in the Pines' and Jon Cook's 'Grandma's Cabin'. It's aways a 'catch 22' kind of thing where you're busy with work that only comes around this time of year and you also want to get up to the hills and enjoy the things the tourists only seem have time to do.(That's why they're here!)

I believe I'll take an afternoon off before the Forth of July craziness hits and hike up to Bert's Bench, soak up the sights and quiet sounds of the waters making their way down stream to Phantom Valley and enjoy the lazy wind in the trees carrying the smell of pine and a peace that is found only in the few precious places we get the chance to cuddle up to. Toss me a blanket.

1 comment:

MJ said...

Hey dude!!!

Just wondering if you made it to the bench before the holiday craziness. How is dad's tree doing? That place will always be very special to me as well as all of you who made it happen. Rest in peace dad!!! I hope you are enjoying your view!!!