Bivouac in the Woods

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Pine Tree Bend – Midsummer week

I carried a “lazy man’s bivouac” up to Pine Tree Bend the other day, returning the next afternoon.  It was a refreshing experience to be alone out in the woods overnight.  So rejuvenating.

By “lazy man’s bivouac” I mean hauling only the extremely lightweight bare essentials:  sleeping bag, mat, water filter, etc.  No tent, cooker, etc.  (Ok, I admit it, my sleeping mat is one that converts into a lounge chair at ground level, a Therma-Rest “Therma-Lounger”, a decadent luxury at only one pound of extra weight in the pack.  I will not apologize.)

I was entertained by chipmunk Olympics in the afternoon as four or five of the little critters chased each other and tumbled together.  Then birdsong at dusk, the song of the Thrush (Wood Thrush?).  After complete darkness the fireflies provided an astonishing display.

I was in ecstasy as I simply sat in the woods, watching and listening.

Blessed coolness.  Zen delight.

-Zenwind.
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