I bought Hummel’s book because there is a picture of a man solo-paddling an old wood-and-canvas canoe on the front cover. For me, that image is even more powerful than the words “Don’t Panic” written in big letters. I’m a sucker for marketing.

In the first chapter, after describing what it’s like opening up a vacant cabin in the winter, Hummel describes the process from the perspective of a squirrel:

Outside, a young red squirrel in an old red oak philosophically takes in the entire production, including all the shuffling and bumping inside. The squirrel’s observation? “Humans can’t seem to do much without making noise.”

Perhaps this is how we will be collectively remembered. (Wintergreen: Reflections from Loon Lake)

Too true.