Over the weekend, I looked out my window and saw the Three Indian Princesses in the back yard. I grabbed my camera and snuck out to see what they were up too.
As I followed them, I realized they were on the move-leaving their summer camp by the creek for their fall camp-high above the house in the tall pines and thick mountain laurel.
As I walked along the steep trail up the ridge-
I came across the first sign of their camp.
A large circle used for meetings.
As I crept ever closer-through the understory,
I could see the Princesses working on their camp.
While I was busy spying on the girls, I was caught by Princess 1 who let me know-I was trespassing. I assured her I came in peace and only wanted to document their fall camp.
After a short talk with the other Princesses,
it was decided I could stay and look around.
Princess 2 showed me her home-
and her two friends Ruby and Bill.
Princess 3’s home was deeper in the woods. The flat shelf like area (she’s sitting in) is where an old growth tree stood before it fell and rotted away.
Princess 1 would only let me photograph what was
above her home-I think she was still mad
about my spying
After spending some time at their fall camp, I realized I liked it as well as the summer camp, even though there was no water nearby. The views from the high ridge are truly spectacular.
View from the front of camp.
View from the back of camp-
Not a bad place to hang out uh?
When I was young, I had a play house at the bottom of a huge old pine tree above Granny and Pap’s house. Now the tree is gone along with the bank it stood on-all in the name of progress. Things will change for the Three Indian Princesses, just like they did for me. But I’m glad they’re making memories like I did. Memories they’ll be able to pull out and remember anytime they want too.
Tipper
I wanted to comment last night, but my computer shut me down.
I used to sit under a big pine whose branches bent to the ground at the end of the next road down from us in Glen Burnie. I could see out, but it would have been hard for anyone to see me.
I would go there to read The Hobbit … that tree made the book more real for me. It was also a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of a large family.
While sitting on the bed of pine needles my clothes would pick up the smell. Our Mom always asked me where I had been, but I couldn’t tell her because then I’d have to share my “secret” spot. One of my sisters followed me once, but she didn’t tell either. I can still see it in my mind. xxoo
Though I was never as fortunate as you and the Indian Princesses to live surrounded by such natural beauty, I did spend a great part of my youth in the tops of trees. If my mom couldn’t find me on the ground, she’d start scanning the treetops until she spotted me. There is something so very awesome about sitting high up in a tree.
Oh yes! it brings back memories. When I was young ( a long time ago) I spent lots of time alone in the woods. We lived in a lot of southeastern states as I grew up but I always found the woods and creeks. Lots of treasures in the less traveled paths of the woods!!
I just loved reading this! Makes me miss the times when my friends and I were young! blessings, Kathleen
Love this! Reminds me so much of being young. We didn’t live far enough out to have to really go far to the “camps,” but we had our spots. No pines, but giant oaks and walnuts.
I love it that yours kids are doing this. Some kids their age wouldn’t dream of doing such things.
Evening Tipper! The memories this post brings back. Do you remember the book “The Secret Garden.” I think all children love their own special place to
allow their imaginations to roam. It’s a liberating feeling! Your daughters have that gleam of joy in their eyes! Lovely post, Tipper! :))
looks like tons of fun for three pretty princesses! Glad you were able to document it 🙂
Tipper: What a great way to share the move to the high country. I enjoyed all the poses to go along with the story. That first photo with lack of color and the mean look on the little ones face reminded me of something from “Deliverance” and the mountain folks (sorry). They were just too good at acting for the photo.
I enjoyed my time in the hard wood forests of PA. We spent many days exploring the woods. A hatchet and trees can get you in trouble and I’ll tell that story some day. I believe all but winter time we were in the woods. You have weather that allows you to be there most of the year.
Boy, do those pics bring back memories of my childhood. In youth, the imagination of a child conjures up dragons, unicorns and heavenly creatures. It’s too bad we all grow up. However, I’ve told in my quilting experiences with my quilting sisters and blogging friends….my imagination has come back…thank goodness. Take care.
When I was a kid and visited my Grandma’s house, my cousin Davie and I would travel deep into the woods and build forts. There was a special place far back among a pine grove that was dark, quiet and still. Except when a deer would sneak through. Thanks for reminding me of this today.
These kids will grow up fine. I am thrilled to see young folks playing outside and using their imaginations. I’ll bet one will end up being a great writer. Pappy
Your girls are so cool!
I wish I had had someone to do this kind of thing with. My brothers has each other and I got left out most times.
Tipper,
At the back of my grandfather’s farm, there was a growth of pine that were 40 feet tall. My brother and I used to hang out in the area and look for Indian arrowheads and pottery. Years later, McMaster University sent archeaology students to do a dig there. They found the remains of an Indian village. A small brook ran through that area and it turns out that it used to be a good-sized creek. My brother and I loved hanging out in the pines. Thanks for the memories. The Indian Princesses have a lovely camp. I’m envious.
Blessings,
Mary
Love the Princesses and the beauty of their surroundings. In my next life I want to grow-up in YOUR backyard of Appalachia! 🙂
These girls crack me up with their adventures, they are such beautiful young ladies.
I think I spent half my childhood in the woods~mostly hardwood. We had camps and bike trails. Now, I live in a mostly pine forest.
The girls are so pretty! Looks like they were having a great time. The dogs looked happy, too!
Mary
I spent most of my time alone as a child. My favorite place to be was in the woods, exploring.
My favorite cousin and I made quite a nice play are in the bottom of a rather large old fur tree. It was wonderful until our older and taller cousins discovered it and decided to cut branches so the could fit in it. All our privacy (where we could spy on the yard) was gone. We never played in it again.
🙁
Loved the pictures! And, as always, I adore your posts!
Blessings!
Lacy
Yes oh yes! I grew up surrounded by pines and mountains where we roamed, made forts and spent days exploring. I love this memory lane post.
My daughter and I have a fort in the pines here! Wonderful fun, all of it always.
I used to love to play in the woods behind my house… I was the bionic woman, anyway. I used to watch that show FAITHFULLY every week! (I was such a dork.)
Yes, I remember all those long summer days when us kids would hole up in our “fort”. We had them all over, and some of them were quite nice, even by my standards now! An uprooted tree, or a large rock, made for the perfect location for a new fort. And we took building, and protecting, these forts very serious. Oh, to have back those carefree summer days, when that was all we had to worry about.
Those three Indian princesses sure are “makin’ memories” as my granny used to say.
Matthew
Great post! LOL
When I lived up north, we were always in the wood and up in the trees or on top of the barn jumping off. Here in Florida, there aren’t many trees to climb in. I feel sorry for my kids. 🙁
I don’t remember what type of tree it was, but when I was young my dad had a very big tarp that he wrapped around a large tree behind our house. I had my very own tepee. My friends would gather there with me or I would go there to be alone. It was a neat playhouse, I wish I had a picture of it.
Very nice! Thank you fro sharing…I enjoyed it! 🙂
Oh, yes, there is NOTHING more wonderful than a secret place in the woods to play, reflect and be away from the world! It is heaven!