24 Comments
User's avatar
Holly's avatar

Sometimes in the mist, you can see most clearly. Beautiful photography and writing as usual.

Erik Hogan's avatar

Such an unconventional truth, isn’t it? Thank you Holly!

Lou Tamposi's avatar

Beautiful melding of past and present and memory and magic. Awesome stuff!

Erik Hogan's avatar

Thanks Lou, I appreciate it!!

Heather Hogan's avatar

My two favorite men. So glad you both had this time together. When I asked Ethan how it went, he lit up and said it was great. Good job, Daddy! Love you.

Erik Hogan's avatar

Love you too! Next time it’s your turn to come with us!

Jess Mujica's avatar

Caught me and pulled me in the magic you so articulate and capture in pictures. Almost didn't need pictures but maybe its because I have taken my son to graveyard fields picking blueberries, hiking to the falls and playing in that freezing water.

Erik Hogan's avatar

I had a feeling you’d understand the magic of that place! It’s wonderful to hear about the next generation tuning into it as well. Thanks Jess!

Jess Mujica's avatar

One year, I took my son on a homeschool field trip to black balsam knob to search for the monarch and hawk migration. We had a blast. Didn't see the butterflies or Hawks. But it was beautiful up there as always.

Later that day at home, I watched streams of monarchs flutter down my road stopping at my butterfly bush to get a fun drink on their route. I sat and counted them.

And then up in the sky above my yard the Hawks came circling and catching thermal vents. I laughed at the irony of the hunt without luck and then reward by being in my own place.

There is a parable there, somewhere, I'm sure.

Erik Hogan's avatar

Hilarious, but now I can’t stop picturing flocks of butterflies on Balsam! That would be amazing!!!

KP Parentin's avatar

A beautiful area I’ve traveled repeatedly, and your words and photos do it justice.

James Hider's avatar

What a great adventure with your son Erik. The thing about fog is that it makes you look at the things right beside you so much more carefully. Beautiful images of the vegetation and intimate landscapes.

Erik Hogan's avatar

I do enjoy these atmospheric conditions. I had trouble isolating features or trees in the fog, though. The shrubbery off trail was so dense it limited where I could go. Still turned out well, I think, and I got a few more views the next day. Thanks James!

Shannon's avatar

So fun to hear this adventure and see the photos that verify your words! I can hear the love you have for your son in your words and your excitement to share your passions with him. May these memories be ones that hold you two together as he steps out to build his own life.

Erik Hogan's avatar

Thanks Shannon! This trip meant so much to me. I do hope Ethan keeps up the interest and we can do more. I’m sure he felt at least some of the magic!

Kristi Keller 🇨🇦's avatar

How wonderful you were able to spend this time with your son 😊

Favorite photo this go-round...the spider web. Dewey webs always remind me of that old storybook, Charlotte's Web. Remember that one?

Erik Hogan's avatar

Oh I definitely remember Charlotte’s Web! There were plenty of dewy webs to choose from, but this one turned out pretty good!

Hanz's avatar

That was really lovely.

Erik Hogan's avatar

Thank you Hanz!

MollyWhitebear's avatar

Beautiful! Reading this made me feel as if I were right there! I could almost smell the rain and feel the mist on my face!

Erik Hogan's avatar

Hey, sorry for the delayed reply. I’m on another backpacking trip and just got to cell service. Thank you Molly, that’s much appreciated! Looking forward to writing about this current trip soon!

Buddy Buchner's avatar

Great read! Thanks for sharing so many pictures too.

Erik Hogan's avatar

I’m glad to hear that you liked it! Thank you!