Leo's Pick

Friends –

I am not content with this painting, so I will not offer it for sale. But I do really want to share the story with you because it is such a fun memory.

Recently, Xochitl, Benjamin, Leonardo, and I went backpacking (BP) out in Point Reyes. It was the first BP experience for Benjamin and Leo and they took on the whole experience of wearing a pack with tent, sleeping bag, mat, food, change of clothes. They also learned some of the basics of backpack cooking, cleaning up and certain safety tips. I had never packed into a place that had picnic tables, bear boxes and running water nearby. So, I was a bit disappointed that I did not get a chance to demonstrate techniques to purify water or making dining accommodations out of boulders and such. But to be honest, these two geniuses are naturals in the woods and respectful of nature. Benjamin had recently had wilderness survival training, so I have no doubt that they will do more.

Early on in our stay at Sky Camp #6, Leonardo did a bit of solo exploration and returned to tell us that he had found a Great campsite which was better 'in so many ways'. For example, it had TWO bear boxes and TWO picnic tables. Clearly big score points!

I had to check it out and was a bit underwhelmed because it was clear that the site had been in the path of a wildfire fairly recently. This was made obvious by the absence of redwoods and the presence of burned branches on the few trees still standing, as well as the abundance of beautiful (and edible) fireweed. There were no living redwoods right there and scarcely any shade, but it was Leo's discovery and he was proud of it, by golly.

After doing other worthwhile backpacking things, like hiking up and down steep hills, identifying animals, splashing in the ocean, waiting for stars at night, playing cards, painting with watercolors, and telling stories, the day came to leave. So, on that last day we all busily packed our things in the morning and got ready to go. Leo finished early and said he was just going to the water fountain at the bottom of the hill and he would wait for us there. So, after loading up, Xochitl, Benjamin and I headed down the hill also. And there, before we reached the water, about four hundred feet before we reached the water, at the bottom of the hill to the right of the water, was Leonardo. There he was, sitting on the bench in Campground #2, sun at his back, reading a book – all content and competent and proud of his discovery site.

That is what this painting is all about.

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