I didn't write yesterday. I really needed time to collect my thoughts. I talked to Scooter for a long while, trying to sort out the mass of information I had collected, or invented, over the previous twenty four hours. Really, I was just trying to clear my mind. After what must have been an hour and a half of carrying on, Scooter got up and flew off. I took that as a sign to go out and make something of my day.
I ventured off, down towards the brook, without much purpose. When I got to the brook, I decided to look around. I followed it south for a while. About a quarter mile downstream, it branched off in two directions - one to the southeast, one to the west. I decided to continue to the southeast. It just seemed and easier trail. There was no path, though, just less thick brush. Eventually, the trees began to thin out, and to my great surprise, the brook started to flow a little stronger. Soon, I could see a clearing. There was literally nothing ahead. It was getting much louder, too, like running water. I almost reached the clearing as I saw what was causing the extraordinarily loud noise. The brook, which had reconvened into a river, had reached a fifty foot cliff, and was pouring over into a large lake below. Even from the top, I could tell that it created quite a sight. I found a spot that I was able to climb down, and did so rather swiftly. The view from the lake was even more breathtaking.
Needless to say, I stripped down, and jumped in again. I swam as far out as I could, just to turn around and take in my location. As I assumed, there was a mountain. And, it was majestic. The woods went on, and on, and on. I'm pretty sure that if I managed to walk all the way through these woods, I'd end up in more before I'd ever reach a clearing. The river, even at its broadest point, was barely distinguishable. Quite impressive, the woods. I spotted a family of otter, and a few beavers swimming around, collecting supplies.
It was beginning to get dark as I emerged from the water. I knew I'd have to make good pace to make it easily back to camp tonight. I quickly got my pants and shoes on, and started climbing. Oddly, I haven't encountered and mosquitoes here. That's nice. As I approach the top of the cliff, I've planned to use the setting sun as my guide. I know I need to get northwest for a while, then continue to follow the water to where the brook is. If I can do that, I can make it safely home. I keep the sun to my left, while walking in the general direction. Eventually, keeping the water to my right, and trying to follow my own path of destruction, I make it back to the brook. Another hour, and I should be home. I took a short break for water and berries. Something smells strongly of garlic. Perhaps it's growing wild?
I made tremendous time getting back from the brook. I decided to forego building a fire, as it was already late. Besides, Scooter was already in the hut waiting for me. As I laid there in my bed, I pondered the previous twenty four hours. What I saw today proves that I may not be alone out here. However, I saw no evidence of anyone else. But, this place is vast, and there is plenty of room for many people. Did I dream up my guests? Are they he ones that I thought I'd heard around camp before? So many questions, and I don't even know where to start looking. I wish Scooter could speak.
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