Long hike on a short day. These days sneak up and the darkness creeps down. It is the most difficult transition to make in the calendar year. So the moon, at each full cycle, plays a big role in illuminating the way forward.
Each day he attempts to begin earlier, and he does, but still the cool air and trails void of bugs and people tend to cause the walk in to be much further than in past months. The forest gives up her secrets this time of year, allowing sight into the comings and goings of critters, and the great contours of the land itself.
Often he stops, squats, and sits on the trail, listening. This becomes much more stimulating in the dark, as often just that twinge of fear of the unknown will write a better tale of the moment. When the coyotes start the evening hunt and howl, he anticipates their arrival, but knows that by no choice of his, he is at the top of the order, and his brain and awareness keep him from ever becoming prey.
As the sun sparks out, the moon rises on the same east to west path, yet 10 hours behind. This lunar light becomes his only guide. It casts a streaky path through the oak branches and provides a beacon of ever changing images as he moves in and out of the woodlands and into the open prairie and wetlands. This is a dance. His view appears as though the front cover of his favorite Led Zeppelin album.
Temperature drops and his hands seek a pocket. Collar up and his pace quicken. After all, hot soup and a good book are waiting. Ahhh….winter is arriving on time once more.
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