12 Comments
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Eddie's avatar

Can’t wait for next week. I was engrossed.

Jesse C. McEntee's avatar

Eddie- Awesome, thank you for reading.

James Freitas's avatar

Great history, storytelling, and photos. Nice to see McPhee's Survival of the Birch Bark Canoe included--excellent source, as is anything from McPhee. Your description of the yellow birch's "uncanny ability to take root on bare ground or even rock, resulting in a root system that looks like an ogre’s hand grabbing a boulder" was vivid. Thank you for writing and I look forward to Pt. II.

Jesse C. McEntee's avatar

That means a lot, James, and thank you. I love McPhee’s work, and I’m glad there are books of his I haven’t read yet (so I still get to read them for the first time).

Stacy Boone's avatar

This is not just beautiful writing but shared in a way that educates and informs.

As you show the land you walk, I place a topo map overhead to watch the contour lines as they resist spreading. There exists levity, "comically thunderous footsteps" which I hear echoing between hills. And there is Leopold, "the non-hunter does not watch."

Jesse C. McEntee's avatar

So thankful for your comments, Stacy. I think this type of writing is my favorite.

Stacy Boone's avatar

It has been rewarding to watch a gradual shift in the months I have been following you.

Jesse C. McEntee's avatar

Thanks, Stacy. I appreciate that and your willingness to comment and share your thoughts.

Stacy Boone's avatar

You have a message that is valuable and worthy of telling. You have a knowledge and skill set that others can learn from.

Jesse C. McEntee's avatar

What a great thing to hear! Thank you.

Erik Hogan's avatar

Totally gripping narrative Jesse! Excellent!

Jesse C. McEntee's avatar

I'm glad you liked it Erik!