Back Off, Barbie-Boy

Have you run into the Mt. Peak hiker with the "Barbie" backpack (well, you know what I mean). Apparently, he owns the trail, as he will sometimes stand in the way of someone struggling to the top, breaking the rhythm of their workout. And if you are going downhill and he is coming uphill, and you step out of his way so as not to break the rhythm of his workout, he passes you without thanks.

Being a somewhat older hiker, tall and muscular-fit, you'd think he'd be happy to be fitter than many much younger people, rather than carry a mysterious resentment up and down Mt. Peak.

He's one of our characters; I wish he'd be courteous on the paths.

Elk Yesterday; Blue Heron Today

There was a herd of 20-30 elk in the Mt. Peak fields yesterday. I saw many of them were staring at something, and noticed a resident of the property hanging over a fence, looking at them, maybe talking to and coaxing them.

After climbing Mt. Peak, I saw the elk were still there, relaxing in the sunshine.

Today the blue heron was back, standing statue-like in a little marsh area by Mt. Peak.

Some shrubs are budding, and there are seeds and bulbs sprouting. They think an early spring is coming, but it will be a rude awakening as usual.

The Chanting Monk of Mt. Peak

He's almost famous amongst Mt. Peak regulars. On the downhill portion of his hike, you'll hear him singing, his voice booming through the trees. It sounds something like Gregorian chant, with no discernible words in English (but is he singing in Latin, or gibberish?).

I'm sure the regular hillwalking gives the Chanting Monk of Mt. Peak extra lung capacity and diaphragm power to project his voice.

Most of us use an iPod or other device for music on our hikes. He uses his own voice. He's one of our characters, our individualists.

A Mt. Peak Affair

Today while getting ready for my hike just inside the treeline by the parking area at Mt. Peak, I saw a heart-shaped rock. It was large-palm-sized, and caught my eye because it had writing on it in black lettering. I picked it up and read it:

"Kari, you have my heart. James."

I wondered about the status of the affair, since the stone seemed to be discarded in amongst weeds and other rocks. Had Kari chucked it there, rejecting James? Or had James thrown it away, after being rejected by Kari? Or was the rock only accidentally lost?

James' message seemed more poignant for the lonely state and position of the stone.