my own drum

I saw a hunter today, dressed in bright orange and toting a rifle over his shoulder. I'm certain he saw me, he caught my motion through the trees and then he disappeared. Shortly thereafter I built a small, smoky fire at the Medicine Wheel. There was no doubt that a human was in the woods, hunters be aware. Time passed and I walked through the woods, back to the house to retrieve my drum, El-Dento. Then back into the woods I went. It was time for a little ceremonial drumming. I played a couple of different rhythms over the next half-hour or so. I never saw the hunter again. Darkness was descending upon the forest. Tomorrow I will use the ashes from that small fire to neutralize any remaining acid on a batch of crystals that I have recently cleaned.

Prior to that I was brave in taking a longer walk through the woods. It was mid-afternoon and I had time to kill. I've been curious as to where the old mine road comes out. The road has a bend, and I've followed the south direction but not the east direction. At this point the mine road is running parallel to the main road through the valley. It must come out somewhere. I still don't know where. There is an old iron gate, padlocked closed. The sign on it reads "Road Closed". Actually, from the gate back toward the mountain the road is passable. Back to the east the road resembles a wilderness area. I went a few hundred feet past the gate, not much farther. I could hear the folks across the street, but I couldn't see them through the forest. I was killing time, looking out for hunters. I'd prefer to be wearing my boots the next time I feel brave.

In between all of this fun in the forest, I sat at the Medicine Wheel and meditated. What a Blessing this place is for me. I had my camera with me today, I don't know why I didn't take any photos to share. These woods have taken on a new identity with the changing of the season. Here are a couple of snapshots from the summer season.