Welcome, noble adventurer.

It’s your first day at North Star.

You and your carpool buddies drove from Portland, following the surging Columbia. On your way, river-side, you see like, 20 eagles and seals (this is what happened to us, anyway, when we first made this drive).

You arrive at Elkenmist.

You come to registration. HAIL TRAVELLER.

“your campsite is in the pine forest. past the mother maple, thru those trees, on the other side of the fire circle”

you wind your way across the footbridge, and are met with this charming scene. You spend an afternoon setting up camp, meeting your neighbors.

after you get settled, you hear of an expedition to visit the horses. There are a few of you going. On the way, you stop by the divination station, to see if anyone wants to join. They do! You also stop by the Sphere + Sundry Materia bar.

Maybe the horses would like some venus in libra materia.

Over the creek you go.

You and your new and old friends take the long way back. You return in perfect time for Sarah’s first dinner creation. It’s fragrant rice with chicken, and fresh vegetables grown right over there. Dang that’s good.

You stay thru dinner, talking to a friend. The conversation was juicy, but there are sounds from the distant fire, and they finally tempt you through the trees. Past the barn, the maple and the yurt… the fire awaits.

You arrive just in time. An opening ritual is underway, the nature of which will not be described here.

After, dira tells a story, and invites others to do the same. Josh is tuning up his tambura. it’s time for a song.

playful diversion and soulful connection fills the air. you start thinking about going to bed early. colly is making espresso tomorrow at the north star coffee bar. don’t want to miss that.

you lean back, just far enough from the fire that you can see the big dipper, against the blackened sky. Past its handle is the north star. voices slide out of focus, and you know: i am right where i need to be. thank god i got those early bird tickets.

the distant sound of laughter comes to you on the wind, and closer in, the rustling of trees. you fall asleep easily, and dream venusian dreams.

See you: August 20 thru 23rd, at Elkenmist, in Skamokawa, WA.

Early bird tickets are on sale now. If this email wasn’t enough to whet your whistle, enjoy perusing our website.

In flame & starlight,

Hawk, & the North Star Campout Crew (Josh & Dira)