“None of Nature’s landscapes are ugly so long as they are wild.” – John Muir
I’m a huge Ken Burns fan, hooked after having placed eye and ear on his Civil War documentary series in the early ’90’s. He’s done forays into Americana including features on Baseball, Jazz, Vietnam, and one of my favorites, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea. I got the Parks series prior to our epic family tour of the US in 2012 and used it to select sites we’d visit along the way. John Muir (quoted above) was prominent in several episodes, heralded as “Father of the National Parks”. I appreciate how the quote puts word to how the rugged, boreal landscape around Smelt Lake speaks to me.
Can’t say as though I recall a December as mild as that of 2020. Without frost in the ground, and little in the way of snowfall or ice, it really felt like “spring weather”. I’m fairly sure Muir is writing hastily from the grave, knowing how much man’s influence is changing the very “nature” of where we live! Meanwhile, I took full advantage of the ice free lake spending 1/2 dozen overnights at the camp. Included was the first winter solstice we’ve ever done at Smelt Lake. In full, 2020 has been a year like no other for camp stays, and my final tally of overnight stays clocked in at 120 nights!!! Unbelievable!
During my last trip of the year I reflected on what 2020 was at Smelt Lake. I perched myself outside on the rock wall and viewed the premises… I sensed a true measure of accomplishment when I pondered all the work that had been completed. Also a bit in awe of all the help I received from family and friends. If there was ever a silver lining in regard to Covid-19, the camp has to be totally encircled by it! In many ways, I may never see another year like this one but surely it has to be considered “one of the best”!