“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” … John Muir
"Rite of Passage" sculpture at Farragut State Park ... Photo by Pat Bean
He’s called Mack. He’s the “Rite of Passage” sculpture that sits outside the Museum at the Brig at Farragut State Park, and he represents the 293,381 sailors trained here during World War II.
I had no idea the park was a former naval base when I accepted an opportunity to volunteer here. I quickly jumped at the offer based on the park’s Idaho Panhandle location. I spent last summer in Texas wilting from too many hot humid summer days and I had no intention of repeating the foolish action.
I chose well. Today will be my first 90-degree day, and without my native state’s humidity I’m still quite comfortable, although I’ll probably turn on my air conditioner when the sun hits my RV later in the day for a couple of hours. The rest of the time, my campground site is well shaded.
I’m rather fond of Mack. Possibly because my daughter spent 10 years in the Navy, serving in the Gulf War, and possibly because yesterday my son, a career Army man and Blackhawk helicopter pilot, was deployed to Afghanistan. It’s nice to know people care enough about our military sons and daughters to create a work of art memorializing them.
Apple blossoms
Butter and eggs' blossoms
Meanwhile, sitting here in such a tranquil setting where butter and egg, two-toned yellow blossoms color the landscape beneath the pink flowers of an apple tree and robins raise their babies, it’s hard to imagine the ugliness of a battle field. Sadly I know that most people don’t want to imagine that scene. Perhaps if more people would, an end to war would come sooner.
I’m a flower child. I want peace. When I was younger I believed I might live to see such a day. I now know I won’t. All I’m left with believing is that perhaps my grandchildren will – and hoping that my son returns safely from Afghanistan.
Pat Bean's blog 
I’m a Navy vet from the VietNam era. I had no idea there had been a base in northern Idaho, either! Will have to add it to my list of future trips. It would indeed be nice to put an end to war, but as long as there are people with different belief systems and different predjudices, we are stuck with war.
Great post. Why do all your posts sounds like you are in Heaven! I guess I am a “flower child” also, Pat. I yearn for the days of peace and tranquility..but know those days are long gone. Do You think it comes down to finding our own little haven, which is what we try to do.
I pray your son will be protected in his military service. Our grandson served two tours of duty in Iraq. The dedication of these young men, and women, is what keeps our country great.
Thanks Pat. My gift, for which I’m grateful every day of my life, is that I’m able to see beauty wherever I go. I’ve never been anywhere in my travels that I haven’t found it. But it was also visible in my own yard … the wildness of a huge rose of sharon bush that grew beside my front porch, the majesty of a huge wild elm tree (although a pruning of it cost hundreds) that shaded my home, and the house sparrows that raised their young in my cedar hedge.