Heather Lake — Monday, Aug. 18, 2025

In our nation's history, only the deeds of the 101st Airborne Division on June 6th, 1944, eclipse those of the heroes who cleansed the outhouse at the Heather Lake trailhead of the catastrophic nightmare of urine and feces that had overwhelmed it over the weekend.

When I began my hike at 9:52am, the outhouse was still a place that made Mordor look like The Shire, but by 11:56am when I returned, I stood in awe of the pain and horror that must have been endured by those who cleaned it, and deeply humbled by their bravery, courage, and heroism. I entered cautiously, and, seeing one faint brown line still present at the rear end of the toilet seat, I took some of the newly replenished toilet paper, and wiped the spot. It came off. Though my deed pales in comparison to those who faced the depths of hell, perhaps history will find a small place for my name alongside the heroes, for the finishing touch I added to their glorious work.

The trail and the lake were beautiful as always.