The Happy Wanderer
I love to go a-wandering, Along the mountain track,
And as I go, I love to sing, My knapsack on my back.
Val-deri,Val-dera,Val-deri,Val-dera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha Val-deri,Val-dera.
My knapsack on my back.
I love to wander by the stream That dances in the sun
So joyously it calls to me, “Come! Join my happy song!”
Val-deri,Val-dera,Val-deri,Val-dera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha Val-deri,Val-dera.
My knapsack on my back
I wave my hat to all I meet, And they wave back to me, And blackbirds call so loud and sweet From every green wood tree.
Val-deri,Val-dera,Val-deri,Val-dera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha Val-deri,Val-dera.
My knapsack on my back
High overhead, the skylarks wing, They never rest at home But just like me, they love to sing, As o'er the world we roam.
Val-deri,Val-dera,Val-deri,Val-dera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha Val-deri,Val-dera.
My knapsack on my back
Oh, may I go a-wandering Until the day I die! Oh, may I always laugh and sing, Beneath God's clear blue sky
Val-deri,Val-dera,Val-deri,Val-dera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha Val-deri,Val-dera.
My knapsack on my back
Stone’s lovely voice fills the woods as she sings, the dwarves following behind join in on the chorus. With Pachi leading the way our merry little group makes its way down the north slope to Chrystal Lake, I bring up the rear loaded down like a pack mule but in good spirits.
The day had started at our cabin not terribly far away from the lake. Stone had picked up the dwarves from the bar and brought them in for a fine breakfast. The boys devoured stacks of golden pancakes and maple syrup and sausages cooked to perfection. Sipping my coffee I was leery of this planned excursion, a two hour hike to the lake and camping overnight. After all the dwarves eating at my table had vowed payback for the trap door incident some time back.
I felt safe, the little guys adored Stone or maybe they adored her English homemade jam scones.
We were heading to the Dwarves fishing camp on the remote side of the lake. but there was something else going on I could feel it. A few weeks before Stone had brought Pachi down to the camp for a day visit. And when she returned was acting odd, from past experience I knew she was keeping a big secret but was dying to tell me. I didn’t push the issue and after a day or two I forgot about the whole thing.
Soon glimpses of the lake come into view through the trees and we enter the dwarves camp. As always I am impressed at their resourcefulness, a well built lean to shelter complete with bunk beds a fire pit and chairs carved from tree stumps
Stone pitches our small tent as I drop my pack to give her a hand when I notice every dwarf has packed cans of spam and corned beef. Maybe they are stocking their pantry I think to myself. With the camp set up I address the boys “ok lets go catch dinner”
A few hours later we return to show Stone some nice walleye pikes we caught or I should say they caught. Other than a few nibbles and a tiny crappie I was skunked but enjoyed the afternoon, nothing like fishing to relieve the stress of the rat race.
The sun setting a nice fish dinner in my stomach I lean against a tree, looking out the quiet lake I enjoy the moment.
Hearing my name be called I turn to see Stone sitting with the dwarves.
“Jay we are going to show you something but you have to swear you wont tell a soul” Stone says with excitement in her voice.
“ok I swear , scouts honor” I smile.
They lead me to the waters edge.
“ok dopey show Jayc” Stone say quietly
Reaching into his pocket he pulls out Stone’s Pachi flute he begins to play a simple melody over and over. All eyes are on the lake.
Ripples in V formations form as something very big is swimming very close to the surface. Gripping my hand tight Stone whispers in my ear
………………”there it is”………………………..
Lover you never cease to amaze me, you are always on the case and resolve issues with ease. 
