Trinity Lake - Day 2 - Evening

 

Curried Lentils - (big meal for 1)

1 tbls. olive oil
1 small onion, sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbls. tomato sauce
1 tbls. hot curry powder
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1 cup dry green lentils
s&p
water
1 whole pita

Heat oil, saute onion, add garlic, add tomato sauce
Mix spices into this with 3 tbls. water, wait 1 min. then add lentils, s+p, 2 cups water
Bring to boil, simmer 30 mins.
Stuff in pita halves.

                                                            *

I consume this simple meal, with which I treat myself to a cup of wine. Later, the clean-up done and all food back in the tree-top kitchen, I have a look at my canvas. It is still a bit damp but quite flat. I will leave it where it is for the night, there being little wind.

I scout along the shoreline at the foot of the rock-face in the last of the sun. All is peaceful and still very warm. As the sloping shoreline flattens out, I lay back to take it all in, then removing my clothes, slip into the silky water.
An evening bath.
It is warm enough to lie naked on the rocks, drying off, for ten minutes or so, until the sun begins to slide behind the far western shore.

Not yet dark, but a darkening wooded walk back to my site.

I'm not really much of a one for flashlights although I do have two with me, 

(as they are a necessity if something is needed in a hurry in the pitch dark). 

But you are just so visible when using a flashlight. 

Like a sitting duck.

This dislike, I know, stems from my camp days, remembering the times when Willie would venture out late at night to make sure that no one was still up and about.

Up to no good - as in smoking or drinking or in the throes of a romantic tryst, (all of which I had participated in at one time or another).

His flashlight, like an oncoming train, could be spotted from 100 yards away, giving anyone ample time to flee. 

Fleeing, without aid of a light.

I can still remember every rocky outcrop or sudden dip on the Camp Trident trails,

after so many summers of night-time navigation.

Now, once again, the darkness is a comfort. 

I know that I would see a light if there were other humans in the vicinity.

Yes, strangely comforting.

I feel a turn in my attitude; in the darkness, I am protected.

                                                       *

I return to my site, 

letting the low fire slowly go out.

I take out my journal and in the dim light scrawl out a few thoughts, the surrounding area barely visible.

When nearly dark, I douse the fire.

In the last of the light, I read from the book of Earth Meditations:

'I arise today
Through the strength of heaven,
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendour of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.

I arise today,
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness
Of the Creator of Creation.'
                                      -Saint Patrick