Pally's Murkland Memories: Days 4&5

I woke that 4th day full of hope and determination.

As I sat eating breakfast, I noticed a strangely dressed Pookey walking down the side walk. 'Where has he been and why is he dressed that way?' I wondered. I didn't have time to ask him because the bus arrived to take me to Granite Falls.

The trip was long and dusty, followed by some hair raising curves up into the mountains. I was happy to feel the ground under my feet again. The bad part was it took nearly all the money I had saved.

It was Wednesday so that meant the showers were running. I was thankful to get clean, even if it was in a grungy camp bathroom.

After my shower I studied closely the map to the deep woods. Now what was it that Precipice had said, "Look beyond the scratch...", or was it "..itch?" I hoped I'd figure it out when I got there.

After a sweat inducing climb through the woods, I found a clearing that was swarming with mosquitoes. Just past them was an overgrown path way. 'Ahh, this must be what she meant..' I thought.

Next thing I knew I was introducing myself to a woman named, Kaci. I told her about her cousin and why I had come to seek her help. She was extremely kind and was willing to teach me a little about herbs.

She must have known I was hungry because she gave me a package of hot dogs to cook. While I grilled them up she told me a little about herself and the plants she loved so much. She said I was always welcome here as long as I never went into her cabin. I guess she doesn't like people touching her stuff.

The hot dogs were amazing, not as good as the Murkland fruitcake, but still really good. "Where did you get these?" I asked, cramming one into my mouth. "Oh I make them myself," she chuckled, "You won't find that kind of meat back in Murkland."

We talked for the rest of the day, and when I was ready to head back to the camp she gave me a hug. "I'm happy you are so interested in herbs. Not many want to learn of it's benefits and how great it can be for us and the earth." She smiled at me and said to visit again soon.

On the way back to the campground I got a little distracted by all the neat bugs I found. I almost forgot to eat my nightly trash fruit.

I was so sleepy after all that, I couldn't make it all the way back to the main campground. I found a visitor's cabin but it was locked for the day so I slept on the bench outside.

I was up early the next day and fishing in the river. It was so beautiful here in the mountains. I wouldn't mind living up here, but people weren't allowed to yet. Only a few chosen ones, like Kaci.

I decided to visit her one last time before my time was up here. On the way back to her cabin I found a few more little creatures to add to my collection.

When I arrived at Kaci's cabin she was no where to be seen. The hotdogs from the day before were still on the table and still looked and smelled great. I was still curious about the meat she used. I hadn't seen too many animals. Maybe chipmunk...or squirrel... eeehhhww. I decided not to think about it too much.

While I was waiting for her to return, I began tasting some of the herbs I had found, trying to build my skill. It tasted like grass...dirt...and hotdog... Maybe I needed to clean my palate before trying anymore.

I was getting sleepy and saw some benches over by the little stream near her cabin so I took a little nap....well that was the plan anyway....

When I woke it was dark and I was feeling like I needed to go to 'bushes'. Somehow, even though I was in the middle of the forest and surrounded by bushes, none of them were good enough to tinkle in. So I had to do something embarrassing.

To top it all off I had no more trash fruit and I barely caught the bus back to Murkland. When I arrived home, I headed straight for the only bottle of deodorant cream I was given and slathered it on. After all, I needed to go to a neighbor's and ask for more fruit. I didn't want to show up smelling like pee.

I noticed a couple of Freegans still up next door so headed there. It was Sunshine and Veegan. They were standing by their plants chatting. "Hey there neighbors!" I greeted them warmly, "I am happy you are still awake. I was wondering if I could have a couple of your trash fruit?

Sunshine grinned and said,"Totally, we just got like a whole bumper crop to grow in and it's like way more than we all need." "Thanks so much," I smiled back. We both seem to be the kind of people who gesture widely when we talk and our arms almost got tangled. We laughed nervously while Veegan just shook his head and smiled,"Sandman is calling me, good night you two."

After he left, Sunshine looked at me kind of strangely and smiled, "You know this plant here is my very own trash plant. I like, grew it from trash piles I made with my own personal trash. You can have as much of it's fruit as you want. And when you eat it you can think of me." I wasn't really sure how to respond to that, "Thanks," I managed.

After a slightly awkward goodbye, I was back at my camp eating my trashy 'Sunshine' fruit. Even though I tried not to, I thought of him and his goofy grin. The fruit was actually really refreshing. I hardly noticed the garbage smell. Then it was off to dream land once again.