I am celebrating Walt Whitman’s bicentennial year at my hiker oasis for all of 2019; however, I decided to do something special for the actual birthday date on May 31.

I put a sign that read “Birthday Party today. Come join us” at the junction of the side trail heading to my hiker oasis

and provided birthday cake, champagne, and lots of fresh fruit to the hikers staying at my place that evening.

We sang “Happy Birthday” to Walt’s cut-out and took turns reading his poem “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry.” A good time was had by all, including Walt, who often speaks of his being present to his readers.

HAPPY 200TH BIRTHDAY, WALT!