Summer Solstice, Tougas Style

June 22, 2008

We greeted the first day of summer early so we could get into the White mountains mid-morning to avoid late afternoon thunderstorms. Maybe it was the early morning or the huge meal (Damien's birthday supper) the night before but I was cranky and sluggish all the way up. We had a little shower up and on the way down but the summit, although gray and foreboding, was dry and we ended the hike in tree-dappled sunshine.

After our hike up the 3,100 foot East Royce Mountain we headed back towards home and out to The JED Collective, "a group of organizers, parents, cultural workers, farmers and healers", for a potluck party to celebrate the summer solstice. In addition to the great locally grown veggies, meats & breads we enjoyed the company of friends, the privilege of meeting new folks, a soccer game in the summer evening light, and lots of romping around in a field of wildflowers.

 

It was the perfect Tougas family summer solstice. A hike up a gorgeous Maine mountain with a breath-taking view and then supper, consisting of many Maine grown foods, with friends and community folk.