Day 121: Sara's Garden

My friend Sara has created a remarkable garden on the bank of Canadaway Creek.  Filled with native plants, it's a natural setting with boulders, logs and stumps accented by original sculptures.

Day 120: Clock Tower

After sleeping in late, I went to Penelope for a productive meeting and we agreed to meet for dinner.  As part of our gift to our departing member, Steve and I roamed the college grounds taking pictures.  I had never walked through the woods on Ring Road so we meandered along the well-traveled paths and mused about what illicit activities had taken place there.  Clumps of Jack-in-the-pulpit and mayapples are growing tall in patches of sunlight.

We gathered at the White Village for supper and our friends treated me to another round of "Happy Birthday".  It's been a wonderful weekend celebration.

Day 119: Quest 1 day hike

What better way to celebrate my 63rd birthday than by backpacking with 75 hiking buddies!  Steve got a cake that we shared with all the hikers early this morning.  Then we set off to check equipment, hike five miles,  sing Grey Squirrel and Boom Chicka Boom, set up tents, play games and enjoy being outside together.  It's a small, but delightful group of eighth graders, and nearly as many adults and student leaders.  They are all precious to me.

I am profoundly grateful for the many blessings I enjoy; good health, happiness, the strength to backpack as far as I wish, students who have become good friends, important work that provides purpose and direction for my life, loving, happy children and a beloved husband who is a true partner.  

Day 118: Ready to go!

Unfurling gently, the hostas are ready to pop open when the weather warms again.  We're ready too.  After ten weeks of classes, the kids need to get on the trail.  We have had several funny phone calls in the past 24 hours as parents panic to get their kids ready in time.  The backpackers, notably, are not panicking.  Three will arrive tomorrow without backpacks because they didn't rent them in time.  That's a first.  Our car is loaded with lunch supplies, extra packs, hip belts, repair kits, and all of our gear.  The best news today was that all the kids completed their academic obligations so everyone can hike.

Day 117: Last minute

Parents and hikers are panicking today because the first hike is on Saturday and they are scrambling to get ready.  Last minute rentals, questions and shopping are underway.  They've only had since February.

Day 116: Here and there

We drove along the route for the four day hike from Boutwell Hill to Dibble Hill.  There was lots of snow south of Straight Rd. and nothing north to the lake.  Many of our trails are under a foot of snow today, yet at home we are wrapped in green and pink.

Day 115: The Lost Hillbilly

The hillbilly has been Fredonia's mascot for many years despite much debate.  A Hillbilly sculpture created by a student long stood guard at the front entrance.  Gradually it was stripped of its gun and liquor jug.  Now the statue stands behind a tall arborvitae near the Middle School entry.

Tonight when we were going into school for the Quest leaders' meeting, I found it rusting away, hidden from view.  As a piece of art, it's a treasure, but as a symbol of our school and community, it's offensive.   Hilltoppers is much more suitable as the nickname.

It was so wonderful to have everyone together for the start of the backpacking season.

Day 114: April Surprise

A nor'easter blew through western New York today and brought rain, sleet, high winds and lots of accidents.  We were lucky that the lake moderated its effects on us, but the higher elevations got clobbered.

Day 113: Hosta time

I photographed the emerging hostas, lilies, columbine and other plants in our yard in case they are all damaged by the coming snow storm.  Hopefully, the forecasts will be overstated and we won't experience a major weather event like the October Surprise in 2006.  We spent the day preparing, cleaning up and resting before the last push to the first hike.

Day 112: Dogwoods and rain gear

A huge storm is coming tomorrow and threatens to drop 12-16 inches of snow on Western NY.  It could destroy many trees and bring down power lines, so I wanted to capture our dogwoods before they are harmed.

We took a trip into Buffalo to visit our friend in Children's Hospital.  Being with her is humbling and inspirational because she is so courageous.

I bought a new red rain jacket for next week's hike.  That way everyone will be able to find me easily.  Last year I had to wear two rain jackets at the same time because it rained for six hours straight and my rain gear failed completely.  Hopefully, we won't also need snow shoes.

Day 111: Rachel's Garden

Before we started our yard work, we walked to Rachel's house so I could capture her glorious garden.  Although some plants had been damaged by frost, the white lilacs, some azaleas, primrose and bleeding heart were thriving.   In spring the vibrant colors are thrilling, but all summer the lush hostas create a serene environment.  I'll go back soon because the rhododendron and iris have not started to bloom.

We weeded, mowed and raked for many hours today, so the yard looks spectacular, especially for mid-April.

Day 110: Red Emperors

In Russell Joy Park this morning, the red emperor butterflies were flitting among the dandelions.  The unusually warm weather has prompted their early emergence and swarming.   We spent the afternoon with eighth graders finishing up the last cook class and completing the packing.  Now, we are nearly ready for hike #1!

Day 109: Spaghetti Day

Spaghetti class is done and we packed the M&Ms, pineapple, raisins and banana chips.  The kids were so efficient that they finished ten minutes early!

Day 108: Mac and Cheese

Half of the cook classes are complete and most of the bulk foods are packed.  The kids are terrific and I find it very gratifying to observe the interactions and growth of both 8th graders and student leaders.

This morning we met one of the Democratic candidates for the new 23rd Congressional District, Nate Shimagawa.  He's an impressive young man and enthusiastic candidate.

Day 107: First cook class

Another 80 degree day!  Steve mowed the lawn and I puttered around the flower beds before we walked through the village.  Flowing willow branches drape into the sparkling creek.  Tulips are bursting with vibrant colors.  Swarms of butterflies are fluttering about much earlier than usual.

Mac and cheese were on the menu today at our first cook class.  Steve demonstrated stove operation and then the kids cooked, ate and cleaned up after their first backpacking meal.  Working in teams, they broke down and packaged some of the bulk foods.  It's close now.  In fact, in five weeks, Quest 24 will be all over.

Day 106: Return to Routine

Vacation is over!  We packed the day with tasks to get back to our normal routine, but still got out for a wonderful walk through the village.

My writer's group, Penelope, is preparing for another transition.  One of the founding members will be moving away soon to be closer to family.  We've been together for nearly 25 years and each loss is jarring.

Day 105: West Virginia Beauties

Purple iris are incomparable flowers, velvety, lush and tantalizing.  Stopping at the West Virginia Welcome Center this morning, we strolled through gardens filled with spring blossoms. Lavendar, purple and yellow iris were at their peak.  It was a bright spot of the long journey home through five states.

Day 104: Blue Ridge Mountains

On our way home we traveled along the scenic Skyline Drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Last year it was a dismal trip because none of the trees had leafed out, but this year it was spectacular!

Day 103: Jockey's Ridge

Sand dunes, ospreys, beach walking, Buffalo shrimp, bacon jam, ice cream.  Another fantastic day in the Outer Banks!

Day 102: Pea Island

On the way to Pea Island, I saw a pod of dolphins leaping through the shallow water of the inlet.  The wind was bitterly cold as we hiked along the trails at the reserve looking for birds to photograph.  They were hiding either because it was low tide or the wind.  A dozen hungry turtles swam under a small bridge eagerly awaiting a treat.  We climbed the dunes where we saw a wind surfer being blown We found a little restaurant on the beach called Lisa's Pizza where we feasted on a Hawaiian pizza and salad.