Natalie, and Spaces Between

I spent the last week laughing. Adam picked me up at a bar in Amherst and we headed out to the Northland Ballroom to catch the last set of Wednesday bluegrass for the night. From there, we went to Stevens Point, expecting the streets to be lively with bustling college students. Not the case. It was dead, unlike the years we attended the University. Had it been like this, we probably would have finished in four years! Adam and I spent the next few days carousing about the town, running into old friends, and fishing on a little stream by Rosholt. The experience begot a slight nostalgia. I've been gone for three years now, but am content with it. Each time I return, I start to think I could move back and slip right back into my comfortable routine. But there's a new scene for me out in Colorado and I love it there.
Natalie flew into Milwaukee and took a bus up to Point for the week. She's considering transferring to UWSP to finish her undergraduate studies. I'm considering doing graduate work just north of Point. It was a perfect time for us to check out the town and see how we felt there. By the end of it, we had a better feel for whether or not we'd be comfortable there for a few years. Neither of us has made a decision, but we're better equipped to make one. We camped out in Schmeeckle Reserve for a few nights, then stayed with my friend Andy Felt and his family for a night of drying out from the rain. It was great to see him. We led a trip together for incoming freshmen to the University. It was a five-day journey down the Namekagon/ St. Croix Riverway and was a huge success. In fact, it bonded Andy and me as well as it did the students.
The next day, Nat and I were walking to a new sculpture park in the northwest corner of town when I got a call, saying the Scmeeckle Rangers found my tent and the director of the reserve had confiscated it along with both of our packs. What's life without a monkey wrench? We walked back to the reserve, had a meeting with both directors and ended up on good terms. They understood our motives and were happy to return our gear, ticket-free. Typically, it would be a $200 fine for those who can't charm their way out of it!
The rest of the week, we stayed at another friend's house. Andrew let us crash on his couch for a few days. He was great for putting us up and it was awesome to see him again. He's the last of the tight group of friends from Point. Throughout the days, Nat and I talked the entire time, but mostly laughed. Having time apart was good for us and we have both developed some prominent understandings of how to have a healthy relationship. I won't get into it on the blog but we are healthier and stronger together than ever before.
Toward the end of the sojourn, Nat and I met with Dan Dieterich, one of my favorite professors. He had a way of engaging his students and letting their creativity bloom. It was great to see him again, if only for the extent of a meal.
The weather in Point was pretty bad. Mostly, it drizzled or poured. Now, back on the Trail, the skies have cleared and the sun shines all day. At last, the fall colors are in full bloom. Trees mound up behind barns, layering back for miles at some places, all full of autumn yellows, browns, bright reds, and deep oranges. People's yards are sprinkled with leaves like a cake celebrating the turn to October. The last skeins of geese bark above me in a "V," stretching their necks south and sometimes west. I haven't heard a crane in several days now. I miss the company of their ancient call. Everything seems different in autumn. Rain is less frequent but is a colder threat than in summer. It's hard for me to separate the senses. The chill in the air becomes visual and the spaces between leaves seem crisp. When the sun beats heavy on my body, there is always an equilibrating zephyr. The ground is covered with pine needles and maple leaves, offering a soft resting ground for the nights. The cows' breath in the morning rises above their faces and the blank stare becomes intimidating. And steam rises when I take a leak under the stars. I like this all quite a bit.
For the first few days after Point, I felt my body regaining its shape, unable to hike 20 miles in a day. But, I'm back in the groove after three days and will soon be able to crank out big miles without a problem. Adam gave me a book to travel with. It's Phil Jackson's Sacred Hoops. It was coincidental or fateful that he gave it to me right then because the content struck me and transferred well into my life and lifestyle. Phil Jackson writes about his introduction to spiritualism, meditation, and leadership. I'd been experimenting with meditation for the past few years with some success and I've been curious about spiritualism for years before that. My role in groups has typically been one of leadership. So, this book gave me the push I needed to incorporate meditation into my life. Being without a schedule, I take about 15 to 20 minutes in the mornings and evenings to meditate. And throughout the days, while hiking, I focus on my breathing, always passing through my thoughts and getting back to the cadence of my breath. For now, it's nothing spiritual and plays a simple role in my day. Ultimately, I'm sure it will play a more directional role in my life. And, as Phil Jackson allowed it to, I would like it play a more profound role in every moment. Perhaps it will intertwine itself into my leadership roles and spirituality.
Tomorrow, I'll head to Wausau and catch a bus to Madison, where I'll stay with Chris Johnson for a night, then head over to our good friend's wedding. Devin will marry Jenny on Friday. Five years ago, I wouldn't have placed my money on Devin being the next groom, but that was a long time ago. He'll be a good husband and family-man. I'm excited and happy for him. He and Jenny are great for each other.
After the wedding, I hope to stay on the Trail for a while, walking through the Chequamegon National Forest and enjoying the changing season and surroundings. I'm eager to maintain rhythm.
More pictures will be up. The link is on the right. I couldn't get them all up, but these are from the very beginning, including the trip from CO to WI.