Tristan Huxley

Any number of bugs above zero is far too many for me, sorry. Give me a call when nature fixes that problem. I don't care so much if they exist, just as long as we don't have to interact. And making myself sticky to avoid them is not a solution. If they invent a bug spray that doesn't make me feel just as miserable as the bites I'm trying to avoid, let me know, yeah? Until then... you're on your own, pal.

Okay, there is so much to unpack here in...literally everything you just said. First of all, what are "your kind of people?" And do I even want to ask what the bushes have to do with anything?

Alright, Bearcreek, it's that time once again. And by 'that time', I mean the time when I make this post as an open forum of sorts for you guys to shout out your current favorite tunes and jams you'd like to hear on 105 The Creek the next time you jump in your car and turn the radio on. No guarantees you'll hear your choices immediately since I do always have some jams of my own picked out already, but I'm gonna try my best to make everyone feel heard and, if you don't hear 'em, keep listening 'cause odds are I'll be putting your suggestions on a rotation and cycling through it every week or so. Alright! Fire away!

I mostly like listening to alternative music, so any of that would be awesome. I'll admit though, I don't really listen to the radio all that often anymore.

Please don't remind me that summer is coming. I'm not ready for the heat... although I am ready for some much needed hiking. It's been a while since I've taken Winston to the state park though, I might have to make some time for that real soon. Poor thing's been cooped up while I've been working, he probably needs it more than I do. Do you have a favorite trail?

I have quite a few favorites, depending on the difficulty. I tend to like the more difficult ones just because I enjoy the feeling of being totally lost in the woods, even if I'm not actually totally lost in the woods.

Despite how dangerous it could probably be, I'd much rather walk the trails alone. It's no insult to you, I just prefer immersing myself in nature while I'm alone. It's usually where my best writing inspiration comes from, so having a partner might not be the best way. But if you know any really great and beautiful spots, please feel free to share. I could probably devote like...one or two days to exploring, though, if you really wanted someone to explore with.

Oh, I'm not insulted at all. I enjoy sharing my love of nature with everyone, but I also really like being alone on the trails sometimes too. I mostly like going with others when I'm going somewhere a little more dangerous than usual or somewhere new, so if something happens I'm not alone.

I haven't had a good walking partner in years, so honestly I may consider taking you up on it. It would depend when you do your walking, though, because more than likely I'd need to find someone to watch Anya. But she loves being outside too, so if you don't mind a kid tagging along we could probably both come.

Hey, that's always fun! I don't mind kids tagging along at all; we have all kinds of easy trails too so she doesn't have to climb too steep or try to get through hard to see trails.

When do you usually walk the trails? I've been looking for a good place to walk or hike or run before or after work, so depending on when you're free I'd honestly be down to walk the trails and explore the park.

I really enjoy afternoon or morning walks, mostly. As long as I'm not supposed to be working. It usually pretty decent out, not too hot. I really like walking the nature trails, but there's hard surface trails for people who like to run without any chance of tripping over roots or sticks too. I'm not really a runner though.

What's the bug situation on the trail? I do love nature and I'm sure the park is gorgeous, but I can guarantee you right now you will not catch me out there if there's a chance I could run into anything bigger than like...a mosquito. Maybe a big fly. Otherwise, it's just not happening. What kind of animals, in general, would you come across on said trails?

It's nature. So....that means there's a chance you could run into all kinds of things other than just mosquitos. There's just no way around it, honestly.

Being a ranger sounds sad. If you ever feel like giving it up, you can always come pick oranges at the orchard. Same outdoorsy vibe, fewer bears.

It's really not sad at all, actually. Not for me anyway. I like it a lot, even with the bears. I don't think I'd enjoy working at the orchard as much. It sounds like too much of the same thing every day.

Honestly, that tracks with absolutely everything about you, and I don’t really mean that as a compliment. But I’m all about sales, so I’ll play nice and give you some advice. They sell 32 ounce cartons for takeaway ice cream, if you get one of those, fill it up with the orange flavoured ice cream, and let the old lady hold it for approximately 38 seconds, when you take it back to the ranger’s station, the stink will send all the other rangers home, and you’ll get overtime pay. 

I really don't know what that means, but I'm still taking it as a compliment.

I just went by that God-awful half-abandoned ice cream store on Hickory Street and they're finally serving the Wilde Golden Orange flavour. You're welcome for that, frankly, it's the only thing that's gonna keep this place afloat, but what else is new? I didn't have any of course, because I never trust ice cream served by someone who perpetually smells like mildew no matter how many well-meaning car fresheners you leave in their store, but if the smell of a wrinkled old lady who survives on a diet of canned beans and diabetes candy doesn't freak you out, grab a scoop. Lord knows y'all have absolutely nothing else to do.

I...this is needlessly rude but you got me intrigued to try the flavor.

What's the bug situation like on those trails? I don't mind a walk with a view, but my answer is pretty much entirely dependent on whether or not I'm going to spend the stroll swatting flies away from my face.

Depends on the time of day; they tend to be a little more active in the evening and early morning before it gets too warm. And of course, they're worse around bodies of water generally. But, you know you can use some bug spray and hope for the best?