One More Chapter
A twenty two year-old's view on life, death,
and Taylor Swift conspiracy theories
and Taylor Swift conspiracy theories
I would like to preface this by explaining that I started to write this a week after having left the Lakes of the Clouds hut for the last time this year. But, as it often does, life got in the way and I never published it. So, here it is: It's been one week since I last slipped out of my grimy, blue sleeping bag and felt the sobering smack of my feet upon the cold floor of our eleven-person croo room. It's been six mornings since I woke up to the smell of pancakes flipping on the griddle and the sound of the ceaseless wind hitting the window near my bunk. And, my god, do I miss it. When I accepted the offer to be a part of the Lakes of the Clouds croo back in March of this year, I was unprepared for what was to come. I had no idea what kind of community I was about to join. And little did I know, I was headed straight towards a summer that would change my life forever.
But, I was unprepared for the amount of body positivity and moral support that came from the entire hut community when it came to packing. And before I knew it, I fell in love with packing. I would walk into the hut, sweaty (or freezing, depending on the mood Mt Washington was in that day) and proud of my body. I had never felt that before. Proud of my body. I would tell people about all these things with a huge smile on my face, believing I was describing what could only be the best job in the world. But, eventually I realized many people thought hut kids must either be miserable or just insane. There was a common question amongst the hut guests this year: Why would you want to work this job? It would always stump me. I thought what I had just described would make anyone jealous. Who wouldn't want to live on a mountain for four months? I got to watch some of the best sunsets of my life while eating dinner each night. My afternoon runs were on one of the most infamous mountains in America. I ran across the White Mountains in the middle of the night with my croo to play games with our friends. I got to spend four months far away from news of Donald Trump! Turns out, most people didn't like the idea of having to run down Mt Washington just to do their laundry or of living in a place where nothing you own ever quite dries or is clean. The teenagers that visited would cringe when they realized that we went without wifi for weeks at a time. So, I thought hard about it. Why did I want to live this life? Well, because I genuinely feel like a better person after it. I feel healthy and happy and I've found friends for life. Solvitur crumpus. Thank you for reading, Amanda Lucille
2 Comments
Mom
11/3/2017 06:22:18 pm
I often remember those days (like when we were in Acadia) when you absolutely hated hiking. I am so glad you have come to love it even more than I do. I am so proud (and jealous) of your time up in the huts. I wish I had known about these possibilities back when I was your age!!
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James Lagomarsino
2/13/2023 07:17:20 am
Glad you love hiking, even with heavy loads. Have you done any winter mountaineering? Always a heavy load, but an incredible experience to have the wilderness and mountains to yourself, well mostly depending where and when you hike. You are 100 % focused each decision you need to make to be warm and safe while the scenery is incredible. The key is learn from the well trained and experienced as one learns the risks and how to manage them. NOLS has some great offerings. If you love hiking more than you mom, that is a LOT. She loved hiking deeply! The key is to get out there as often as possible. It doesn't have to be a great challenge to enjoy and discover a new piece of the planet. The 4000 footers are beautifel and a nice challenge, but honestly 2000 and 3000 footers can be equally wonderful. Even a couple miles locally can lead to special discoveries. We have more than a couple miles of trails on our property that are mapped and have orienteering markers. I can't tell you how many times we have skied, snowshoed and hike them, but it is always fun and uplifting. Our dogs Bella never seems to mind another trip on these trails. Hiking with a dog just always seems to enhance the expereince for all. Lago
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About This Blog:I started this blog as a way to challenge myself to write more over the 2014 year, but it has blossomed into so much more than that. I use it to let people in on what's happening in my life, talk about things I find important and to spread the news about amazing people, places and art. Archives
November 2017
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