One day in 2007, the author asked his wife, Bette, if she'd like to learn more about the hermit, Noah John Rondeau, by backpacking into the Adirondacks with him. She agreed, and the trip itself provided a delightful Cold River memory— repeated with even greater enthusiasm each spring and fall as they backpack in to their adopted lean-tos at Calkins Brook. Following the trails we learn more and more about the Cold River country, the Adirondack Park, the “forever wild” Forest Preserve and those who have called them home.