Walk slowly and look closely

Dave could read coyote scat like tea leaves. “See this hair? That’s nutria.” Others contained grain, a mouse, grass. “That’s a thigh bone,” he pointed down to the ground to what looked like a mess inside of a mess. We saw no possums but were told that no one enjoys eating them, not even vultures.… Continue reading Walk slowly and look closely

A walk through backwater sloughs in a riparian forest

It’s like the place where Winnie the Pooh lives. It’s not the grounds to prove physical accomplishments, victories, or achievements. About 11 miles south of Corvallis, off Peoria road, Snag Boat Bend is a simple walk in a quiet place. It offers grass, blackberries, willows, water, leaves and trees. There is a bog. Beavers live… Continue reading A walk through backwater sloughs in a riparian forest

Notes from Canada

They sit, walk laps, read Ferry carries passengers Standing in the wind I traveled to Canada last week with my girlfriend. Haven’t been there since, oh, about 1983. Smoke and fire give way Three hours up the freeway Gray clouds bursting rain I meant to get back there sooner. Someday much sooner. “When is someday… Continue reading Notes from Canada

The finish of the PCT, back from the wilderness

Remember when I interviewed Chance Fitzpatrick about halfway through his walk from Mexico to Canada? Here is that:  http://www.maryannpetersen.com/?p=120 Chance kept going as a thru hiker and made it to Canada in good time. We decided to chat again at the end of his journey. I wanted to ask a few more questions. 1. Why… Continue reading The finish of the PCT, back from the wilderness

A voice from the Pacific Crest Trail

Chance Fitzpatrick is over halfway through hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, from Mexico to Canada. I asked him some questions about his journey so far. MP: What would you tell your past self, prior to getting on the trail? CF: Just relax and trust the process. The trail always provides and everything will be given… Continue reading A voice from the Pacific Crest Trail