It was a fine first day of the year, cold and snowy, with a bitter but refreshing breeze freezing our faces as we crunched over frozen swamp at Elv’s woods job. I took off my mittens holding them between my knees to rewrap my scarf to cover my face better. Grandkids scattered on ahead crashing through the broken cattails joyfully with their sticks swinging. I heard the clash of their “swords” in play, as well. Clark followed us laden with his camera equipment. Charlotte was cold immediately,I could see that.
Then the trail petered out, “So much for that exploration.” Elv was disappointed. But then he had an idea. “Let’s go, there’s another trail right close here that I saw on the map.”
We bundled back into our vehicles and drove over to what turned out to be an ungroomed snowmobile trail. The trail led us south down into a grove of white cedar, hemlock, and yellow birch. The seven grandkids led forth running ahead on the irresistible trail and disappeared. Kristine and her little Dawson (3) set the pace for the rest of us which was perfect on this particular hike. I love a hike through the timber when the narrow trail holds even through the bramble. We soon came to the large, old cedars. I thought it would be the perfect place to document our little foray with some phone pictures.
But where were those kids way off yonder? How were we to corral them? But, of course, I had my old call method that my mom used for us when it was time to come home from the pasture play. Which I used for our children to come, which they have taught their children to understand. Elv is always greatly startled when I use this call. But it worked perfectly. In a few minutes the whole line up of children could be seen walking towards us from far up the trail. Furthermore, they didn’t just wander back; they came to us expectantly, “What’s up?” So, I was reminded to not use that call randomly just for anyhow.
Anyway, we got our pictures, Clark and I, for the day.
Stone House Scribblings 