Puffers

The Sand Box   

My friend Doug planned a hike up Copple Crown Mountain during my visit to New Hampshire this weekend. He invited the family of his close friends Jeff and Kimberly to join us.  With their five children we made our way up the switchbacks to the peak where we were greeted with magnificent views from the summit and the East Peak shown below.  I enjoyed getting to know them and observing how the bonds of relationship have developed in their family. 

During our four hours together, the kids brought me back to a simple pleasure of my childhood: puff balls, or puffers as they call them in Wolfeboro.  The youngest was amazingly adapt at discovering them where they hid amongst the fallen leaves.  When I finally found a puffer of my own, I relished stomping on it with all my might.  

What other simple joys have we forgotten from our youth?