Monarch Walk with Maga11

Maga11 and I made a day of hiking near Woolrich, PA. We started the foggy morning seeking a very spooky letterbox that she has been looking forward to. The misty morning made for some ghostly scenes in an old cemetery. She kept saying to me, "What was that!?" I got a little freaked out before we made it back to her van.

We drove on for some breakfast and then to a sweet local park. The letterbox there had perfectly written clues but I was reminded that a large metal backstop curving around me affects my compass even when I am ten feet from it. The back bearing from the next point was perfect but it took me longer to find with my mistake. We stamped in after avoiding quite a lot of poison ivy leaves and vines.

The drive across the river and to the access point along the Mid State Trail afforded some bright foliage in the sunny morning. For the next couple of hours we strolled through the woods on the rocky MST enjoying the solitude.

The first thing that struck us were the colors of the ferns. Many had been frost bitten and we changing to amazing golden shades from their vivid greens. The mix of them all together was like a water color artists palette with all of natures colors blending into the forest floor.

We made it as far as where we were to seek the first letterbox of four in this series of Monarch stamps. I was looking forward to where I projected the final box might have a view of Pine Creek. Much before that, the clue mentioned that the fifth blaze would be on a large pine tree. We were in an area where there were NO pine trees (ok - there was a tiny 1' one near by). The clue mentioned stumps, yes there were stumps but no pine. How could the placer have mistaken this large deciduous tree for a pine!? I read back over the clue and I had made my second mistake of the day, I had started us out walking the wrong direction from the access on the trail. The placer was very clear to take the trail to the west, we had hiked through the beautiful ferns to the east. I had assumed the hike was to the view and didn't even read which way to go first.

It was no hardship to enjoy the ferns again on our walk back past the car and onto the section of trail the placer intended us to hike. Maga11 said her ankle, which she had broken early in the summer, would probably benefit from the workout on the uneven terrain. We took it slow and she used her cane for added balance. There was no reason to rush our pace, re-injure her ankle, or neglect the beauty around us. We were out to enjoy every part of the trail we hiked and any letterboxes we managed to find along the way.

Each box we uncovered was a special treat; a visual representation of the stages of a Monarch butterfly's life. The carvings were done with care and we were happy to take the time to use the colors the placer recommended. The impressions all came out really well and we were glad to take time for that.

This section of the MST had a few little boggy stream crossings that were a small challenge. Maga and I did our best and helped each other across, trying not to laugh and fall in. Thanks goodness none of the mossy stones were very slippery but the thick branches we used to reinforce the one section still sunk us very close to the smelly muck.

When I hike with RGBisMe or Tracdc or Maga11 it is always different from when I hike alone. Our paces are all different and the focus or dynamics on the trail changes. I wouldn't ever say any of us was more oriented in covering distance just because because we can. I also couldn't say any one of us is more interested in making sure we find as many letterboxes as we possibly can.

I don't think it's fair to try to assume that I am "a hiker" or not. With letterboxes or hikes, I rarely give a thought to "how many" or "how far" as much as "how much I have enjoyed." I frequently think back to the writings of Haim Ginott and agree that to label any one of us, just because we have a different style or approach, is to disable us. I enjoy all variations of many activities. When it comes to hiking, I like all hikes: long, short, fast, slow, rugged or easy. When it comes to letterboxing I think it's safe to say I like letterboxing: a single box, tricky clues where I never find one at all, an easy series in a park. I'll pass on your labels, thank you very much, because I am an ever changing person who can be quite adaptable depending on the circumstance.

Maga11 and I wrapped up our day in the area with a trip to the Woolrich outlet and a nice sit down meal. I thought back on our day as we shared salads and nachos and I sincerely hope to be just as vibrant and active as she is in 23 years. We both agreed we had met our goal for the day; we enjoyed our time together very much.

Not everything that can be counted counts,
and not everything that counts can be counted.
-- Albert Einstein