The Writings of John Burroughs — Volume 05: Pepacton

The author opens with a reverent portrait of Pepacton, the little stream that shaped his childhood in the Catskill highlands. He weaves together the raw grandeur of a mountain gorge—steep walls, overhanging cliffs, and swift tributaries—with the quiet, placid waters that once cradled his youth. This intimate setting becomes a conduit for reflections on the land’s dairy farms, the rhythm of the seasons, and the lingering pull of home.

From this foundation springs a summer voyage down the Pepacton’s east branch, sparked by the simple act of building a modest boat. The narrative follows his preparations, the thrill of setting out alone, and the keen eye he brings to every hidden cove, willow screen, and eddy. As he paddles, he muses on the companions nature offers—a dog‑like curiosity, the steadfastness of a boy, the quiet wisdom of the woods—inviting listeners to feel the river’s pulse and the solitary joy of a true outdoor pilgrimage.