I worked on the Long Trail this morning, with saw and clippers, under a dark sky. I was in a bad mood, mad at the trail, mad at the news, mad at everything. Why was I up in the mountains? I resolved to stop doing community service altogether. My contribution was small compared to others, such as the tireless Ellen Cronan, trail supervisor of the Green Mountain Club, Breadloaf section.

I trudged into the Battell wilderness listening to wood warblers and hermit thrushes. There were painted trilliums, which grow at elevation, spring beauties, stumps covered with moss and wood sorrel. There were fresh tracks of a moose that was taking advantage of my trail clearing, and moose scat. Who knew we still had moose, but we do.

I stopped for water and crackers, with mood improved, in spite of rain and mosquitos. Seeing moose tracks, seeing the appreciation when serving a meal at the Graham Shelter or giving someone a ride to a doctor’s appointment; these things all make the day better. Maybe I won’t quit after all.

Many thanks to everyone that does community service in our county. From me and the moose.

Morris Earle

Middlebury