Magic Mountain

A fall campout is always a special time. With the changing foliage, cool air and relief from summers oppression it is a sure bet to revive the spirit. Recently I had the chance to share just an occasion with my children.
It all began innocently enough. A long walk through a bright fall afternoon, the kind that seems like it is evening at noon. A constant wind was our companion for the day. Fresh air and solitude lifted our spirits as the mountains tested our legs. Soon enough it was time to retire to camp for the evening. The pines towered over our little camp as we prepared the evening meal. Sunlight played among the branches and chased shadows around the forest. Robins, jays and woodpeckers provided the entertainment as dusk captured the sun and sheparded it out of sight. A campfire to warm our hands and conversation for our hearts lessened the deepening gloom of nightfall. Sleep beckoned my little ones and could no longer be ignored. Soft goodnights and sleepy I love you's accompanied blinking eyes and stifled yawns as they drifted off. I was left to the tender mercies of the mountains and the night. The quiet even breathing of my life's light filled the tent with sweet music. Outside, our companion from the day's hike roared through the treetops. Branches creaked and groaned as the trees swayed to the winds persistence. All, for one brief moment in time, was good. There was magic on the mountain.