Cascade trail
A short walk to a very loud river.
Ninety minutes out, ninety minutes back.
Sturdy shoes; the last stretch is wet rock.
Best light lands on the falls before noon.
Alpine lake
Cold water, warmer light after five.
Swimmable in August, bracing in June.
Two huts on the far shore take walk-ins.
The road closes with the first real snow.
Cabin week
One room, one stove, no signal.
Wood stove, kerosene lamps, one kettle.
Water comes from the spring behind the shed.
Nearest shop is a forty minute drive.
Old growth
Ferns, moss and a great deal of quiet.
Boardwalk loop, flat the whole way round.
Oldest trees on the ridge pass eight hundred years.
Rain most days, which is rather the point.