since it was around zero. How about a snort”? Mike then reached over and removed one of the two large mouthed mason jars that contained a clear liquid that had been sitting on the table. Mike then opened the jar and handed it to me. I could smell the strong odor of alcohol and knew it had to be moonshine. Not wanting to offend Mike, I took a very small sip, which felt like I was drinking liquid fire as I tried to swallow it.
Mike started to laugh as he noticed the funny look on my face and acknowledged that “It had a bit of a kick to it” as he took a big drink. Mike then told me that he does not get many visitors and that I was always welcome to stop by if we were ever found ourselves this far out in the mountains again. He then reached over and shook my hand as I thanked him for his courtesy. I exited the cabin and walked back to my truck, where my friends were anxiously awaiting my return.
As I left and relayed the story to my friends, I could not help but think about Mike. While he was living a life that had to be hard at times, he seemed so at peace and so happy, which he displayed with his big smile, even though he was missing most of his teeth. Mike seemed so content just living in the mountains, living off the land, living by his own rules. Mike had all he needed, and it did not include television, a cell phone, Internet or even a bathroom. As I got further away from the cabin, it seemed clear that Mike had found something in these mountains that many of us never find.
Daniel F. Nash
Satori Adventures
and Expeditions
882 Crestwood
Nixa, Mo.USA 65714
417-844-5834
MOONSGINE MIKE continued from page 34