Newton Creek Backpack Camp

Newton Creek Backpack Camp

In the morning of
September nineteenth, a dear friend of mine,
and I hiked out of Coalmont town, our packs
loaded down, with tents, bedrolls, and
enough food for ourselves, and the dog,
for two nights and three days.
Newton Creek bound!
Our day is exquisite,
filled to overflowing, with our creator's
intimate love.
The day is joyous, truly fine.
To God, Jan and I, give praise.
A high endurance hike, to say the least.
After a grueling six kilometre climb,
Jan and I arrive in Blakeburn.
We carry on along the trail,
after a two kilometre decent, we arrive
at Blakeburn Creek where Jan and I halt.
Working our way along the embankment
We remove our heavy laden packs, sit down
and enjoy a well earned, nourishing luncheon
feast.
The wilderness is truly alive.
We listen to the babbling brook, and watch
insects scramble over the vegetation, ever
so frail.
After lunch, and meditating for awhile,
I ask Jan, if she's ready to resume our trek?
Shouldering our packs, Jan gives me a smile.
Lookout Newton Creek! We're on our way.
Arriving at Newton Creek, a campsite is selected
beneath the trees, just back of the embankment.
Our fire pit is created out in the open.
The tents are erected, bedrolls go in.
Jan prepares her gourmet kitchen.
The walking instructor's kitchen is hillbilly style.
Newton Creek Camp, awesome!
Better than expected.
Truly worth hiking! Yes! every mile.
After supper, while waiting for tea water
to boil.
Jan's delightful voice,
fills the air, with Happy Birthday Dear Jim.
Turning around, Jan passes me a miniature
homemade apple pie. Rejoice!
Time is spent sharing stories, around
the campfire, for a short spell.
Then Jan and I crawl into our tents
for a well deserved rest.
In the morning, Newton Creek's gourmet kitchen
comes alive!
Fried eggs, and waffles, with syrup,
and coffee, what an aromatic smell.
Hillbillies on Newton Creek, how they thrive!
After a royal morning feast,
Jan and I go for a wee stroll, eight kilometres.
We meet a couple of prospectors along
Granite Creek, searching for gold.
After a short visit, Jan and I amble away
Whistling a country song.
After hiking for a while, we spot a cabin,
nestled beneath the evergreen trees.
The quaint log cabin is well cared for.
Here we would stay for tea, if it wasn't
for the lock upon the door.
Back on the trail, Jan and I strike out
for Newton Creek gourmet camp.
While hiking right along,
listening to the birds singing,
our spirits are lifted, by the love
which is felt in our feathered friends' song.
Back at camp our stoves are lit.
Pots are set on each single burner with food
to cook.
Stories unfold while waiting.
Ah! At last we eat.
With our stomachs saphonsaphied
Jan and I sit at the campfire,
listening to the babbling brook.
What a true spiritual treat.
When inky darkness does descend
Jan and I head back under the trees
to our silhouetted tents.
We sneak into our tents, not wanting to awaken
Mother Nature.
A most magnificent setting.
Camped beneath a canopy of trees
absorbing all that God has to offer,
with a true friend.
Early next morning, our wilderness camp is
dismantled. Our packs are reloaded, and we're
homeward bound.
Jan and I stop on the outskirts of
Blakeburn, to enjoy a light lunch.
Before descending to the valley bottom below.
Truly an exhilarating outing.
Living in the great outdoors, and experiencing
God's divine love.
Jan is a professional, all-weather, walkahaulic.
A truer friend could not be found.

© Jim Smart

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