By Oliver Erickson, Land Stewards Intern serving on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Chelan, WA
ENTRY 1: “Beauty does not evade our gaze. Rather, she seeks to be met in all she is and wherever she resides. Not difficult to be found yet often passed by.”
ENTRY 2: “I have learned a great deal of lessons on these trips and gained a vest amount of knowledge. NO ONE is too old to learn, and NO ONE is infallible”
ENTRY 3: “Today is Mother’s Day. I spent it taking care of Mother Nature’s gifts to us – trails and forests.”
ENTRY 4: “It’s incredible what a warm broth will do after an intense, but rewarding hike whilst in a battle against nature herself. Ramen, add peanut butter to the broth, you won’t regret it.”
ENTRY 5: “In the moments home and family pull at my heart being away, I am so grateful for my memories, to which fill my soul with warmth until I return.”
ENTRY 6: “Don’t lose your hard hat… It’s a long walk back to find it… I did find it though right where I figured I had lost it.”
ENTRY 7: “I want to know myself even more deeply. Out here, in nature, there is so much time to think. To ponder. That is something I’ve noticed out here. Time seems to move more slowly and becomes tranquil. I love the contrast of both nature and the city.”
ENTRY 8: “As I await my mac and cheese to absorb the boiling water and rehydrate, I find myself feeling more joy. And myself, in my new knowledge in a familiar wilderness, and in my spirit.”
ENTRY 9: “Artifacts dug up on the job provoke fascinating conversation and stories! I dug up an old bucket most likely used by minors, while I was digging a new tent pad at Bird camp.”
ENTRY 10: “Life can be complicated and filled with challenges. Deep conversations, meditation, and card games can lead to living in the moment and feeling more connected to nature, yourself, and those around you”
ENTRY 11: “I came up with a full-fledged plan to remove a log we bucked today. A pivot turn, roll over a log situation. AND IT WORKED! The satisfaction and confidence I gained today will be one to remember.”
ENTRY 12: “Wellness: mental, physical, emotional. These all play a huge part in one’s state of being, none no more important than the other. None are to being neglected, lest you be unwell.”
ENTRY 13: “A big portion of being a wilderness trail member is thinking on your feet. Plans change, the weather interferes, situations aren’t always as we expect. I find it fun living in a changing environment.”
ENTRY 14: “Saying one is truly alone is to deny one’s own company. Let yourself find comfort in your own company. Even the soul takes up space.”
ENTRY 15: “I believe humans need contrast. Today I cut in some new tread at the Fish Creek trail and got covered in dust. Same day, a refreshing cleanse in a glorious lake to which, without contrast, I could not have appreciated as greatly.”
ENTRY 16: “It looks like a truly astonishing painting. Yet, there she is. Mother nature right in front of me in all her mountainous glory. Wind galing and a warmth so perfect allowing my crew and I to refresh and cleanse ourselves bringing wellness post work day that was so brutal I can’t deny the pride I take in our accomplishments that day.”
