Kirk and I at Pokagon 1/7/08

Thanks to Kirk and the many hikes we've taken together, this has been the most enjoyable winter I've had since childhood. I've spent more time outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the season than I ever have before. Each year winter has become more and more of a season that I just had to endure, yet still wanting that drastic change in order to appreciate the other seasons more fully.

It was unseasonably warm with fog rising from the melting snow which made the drive to Pokagon very eerie. Kirk and I set out on one of the longest hikes we've taken yet and it promised to be a unique experience. The snow that remained in the woods kept us from trudging through the mud and even though it was warm, he and I were the only ones on the trails and once we were away from the lodge we could share conversation privately. There was enough breeze that the fog rolled through like a cloud that had gone to ground. Kirk shared so many wonderful things with me. These are the triggers that will help me to remember this day always;

-imposter or turkey tracks?
-civic duty to clear ice- too tired video!

-cloud pictures in the ice formations

-sacred cedar

-mullein (hag-torches) - soft basal leaves that the Native Americans used to cushion soles

-evening primrose w wasp gall- No! don't cut it open!

-queen anne's lace aka wild carrot - gone to seed transforms to bird's nest.

-Milkweed nest

Probably the most interesting plant that Kirk taught me to recognize on this hike was the mullein. The dried flowers can be picked still attached to their tall stalks and bundled together then dipped into oil and used as torches. Mullein is a biennial plant that grows only leaves the first year and then sprouts a 5 ft. stalk the second year. The basal leaves are so soft that the Native Americans used them as the original gel insoles.

For the last half mile my boots were so wet it felt as though I was lifting 20 lbs. with each step. Altogether we hiked about 7-8 mi, but because of the heavy wet snow it seemed farther. It was quite a workout. I probably would have lost a few pounds except that Kirk treated me to a romantic dinner, complete with candlelight at the Lake of the Woods (1170 E 650 S - Hudson, IN - 260-351-2967) There we were entertained by a most unique gentleman. He did some sleight of hand, but more magical was his incredible positive outlook on life.