After first trying it out, Macrea decided to use my old, trusty, L.L. Bean tent for next week's hike.

June 10, 2021 - Thursday morning

63 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

Supposedly, today's to be the last of the record setting days in this current heat wave. Tomorrow's temperature is to drop to a mere 80 degrees with lower, more normal days ahead. I hope so. Just the mere act of living has been a real slog this week.

I'm a northerner, from northern Maine and northern Alaska, a real northerner, and don't take heat easily. I don't like to sweat, hate the feeling of closeness that heat causes, don't want to be touched or touch anyone, and most of all, detest the constant sweat that runs into my eyes. 

These high temperatures have a way of wearing on one's personality. On day one of this heat wave, Sargie and I, both, made reference to the coldest days of last winter when temperatures were hovering between -30 and -40. We laughed and commented how nice it would have been to have slipped in a good old-fashioned summer day during that record setting cold.

Day two saw almost normal activity. We retired to the house by early afternoon only to emerge later to water the flowers and garden and enjoy the cooler evening temperatures.

Day three brought more than a few groans from my bride and me. 

"How long's this heat going to last? Will it ever rain again?" 

Those questions and more were asked throughout the day.

We enjoyed a long drive and soaked up the air conditioning in the car, knowing that once the ride ended, we'd be confined to the house. We don't have air conditioning, but by keeping the house closed produces a basement-like effect of cooler temperatures. 

The fourth day of heat began to wear on our personalities. Confined inside, I told her I couldn't hear her when she spoke and to please, speak up. She told me to listen. We were both edgy. When hugging, something we normally do quite often, we found our skin had turned to velcro. Separating produced an unpleasant tearing sound and a feeling that we'd left part of our skin on the other person.

Giving each other the stink eye began on day five. If looks could talk... well, let's not go there.  

Thankfully, temperatures are to return to normal beginning tomorrow and there's little doubt the world on Pentoga Road will become a better place. We can once again go outside during the daylight hours, my hearing will improve and Sargie will speak louder. Laughing, dancing, acting crazy, and snuggling, will once again become the rule, not the exception.

C'mon, Carl the Weatherman. For just one lousy time in your life, be right, would you? Bring on the cooler weather.

After all, a man's work, even that of a weatherman, is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

PS - I spent much of yesterday sorting out my old hiking equipment for Macrea to go through in preparation of next week's 57 mile trek in Minnesota.

He arrived mid afternoon and we had a good visit while sorting through backpacking goodies.

In other news, there's a new batch of frog tadpoles in the pond. Where's Hambone when we need him? 

And last but not least, despite the heat and lack of rain, the daisies are beginning to bloom in mass along Pentoga Road making my early morning walks not only pleasant, but beautiful. They truly are a gift from God.

Okay, let's see. Sargie and I snuggled earlier this morning while the temperature was still cool.

Check.

I've had my coffee and written my emails and texts.

Check.

Some semblance of a blog has been written and about to be uploaded.

Check.

I guess the only thing left is to strap on the hikers and get to walking.

NOW I'll say it.

After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...