Category: The Moosilauke Letters

WikieupArizonaMay  2018 I read a report about Wikieup, Arizona.  I quote the author.  “Wikieup is famous for being the rattlesnake capitol of Arizona, but this fact is not advertised much …”  To which I say, “If it’s not advertised much, then it’s not famous for being the rattlesnake capitol of Arizona.” Wikieup however, may not… Continue reading Lots of Snakes

Myakka River State ParkFloridaFebruary  2002 Here we are on the Myakka River State Park on the Gulf coast of Florida.  We’re on a five-day backpack trip. To get here we drive across the broad peninsula of the Sunshine State on a highway ribbon called Alligator Alley.  We are treated to sightings of crane, egret, pelican,… Continue reading What to Do With an Alligator

Theodore Roosevelt National ParkNorth DakotaMay  2015 There are four trails I wish to do today, each under three miles in length.  My first two hikes go swimmingly.  It is during the third hike, on the Jones Creek Trail in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, that I run into an impediment. I hadn’t intended to end my… Continue reading Trail Hog

Rachel Carson TrailMay   2019 Here is Lisa, breaking it down on a bridge on the Rachel Carson Trail. There was the time we were on the North Country Trail and she almost stepped on a snake.  Her reaction was totally unplanned, and entertaining.  She danced, oh yes, but this was no ordinary dance.  Rather… Continue reading She Can Dance If She Wants To

Cerbat Foothills Recreation AreaArizonaMarch  2019 We have bunny rabbits back home, cute, furry little hoppers.  Today’s hike is on the Monolith Garden Trail, some distance up the road from Wikieup, Arizona and Nothing, Arizona.  Here we find black-tailed jackrabbits, giants compared to our hometown bunnies. I’m told they grow up to 13 pounds but I… Continue reading Rabbits

MissouriJune  2008 C’mon.  Really?!

GeorgiaNovember  2012 I have been to Georgia many times, Lisa never.  So together, we have never been to Georgia.  Until now.  As we drive north from Atlanta to Brasstown Bald, the high point of the Peach State, it is clear and sunny and we can’t help but sing… Georgia, GeorgiaThe whole day throughJust an old… Continue reading Georgia Peaches

December  2015 Giving the gift of weapons to your niece’s young daughter and son may be a bit dicey. First, not knowing how my niece, the Squirt (her nickname that only I may use) feels about toy weapons, I ask her, “Can we bring two lightsabers into your home, y’know, as gifts for the kids?… Continue reading Lightsabers

October 2024

PittsburghMarch  2013 Pittsburgh airport.  Flight to Denver to take us to the high point of Kansas, among others. At the gate awaiting our flight.  Lisa goes to get a magazine.  A woman sits down on the adjacent chair, or whatever those plastic things you sit upon at the airport are called.  We sit for a… Continue reading Who Do You Trust?