"The Last Time......."

"Be present at this moment in time, as it may be you last time..." Grandfather Mountain Elder

There is a very interesting, simple, and yet extremely powerful metaphorical exercise that I and many fellow adventurers I know have applied in our outdoor experiences...

It is all about being more aware... and then musing a bit deeper... into the smallest moments within a specific adventure...

Over the last thirty years I have had many wild lands experiences where I didn't recognize nor realize the significance of it being the 'last time' I would participate in that activity or enjoy a certain special place...

There is indeed a 'last time' for everything we do in our lives.......

We may be faintly aware of this; yet it is also natural for us to live our lives of adventure as if this wasn't so. But even so, during your next adventure day, allow your self to experience it as 'your last' climb, hike, canoe, kayak, or other cherished adventure activity...

Make a conscious decision to appreciate the whole of the experience as if you would not return...

Be decidedly mindful of the nature of being there, however your plans turn out, whatever the weather and circumstances might be...

Focus closely upon the sights, sounds, sensations, the feelings, the movement...

When I muse back over these memories and years out in our wild places, I can now more clearly see those days and experiences that turned out to be the last of their kind...

Part of me likely didn't want to see this, but another part of me would like to have recognized this to then make those moments even more memorable...

This might just be a perspective of age I guess, or maybe just a very valuable perception gained from certain lessons. Having tried this exercise as an adventure in itself with intensely satisfying results, believe me, your time will and efforts will be well worth it...

Time as a construct will fall away, you will know a whole new kind of exhilaration, become an integral part of the whole adventure experience, and ultimately value it in an unforgettable way...

When I've chosen to enhance an adventure by perceiving it as what might be a 'last time', there is an intensity of emotion that develops, a truer sense of what is taking place, more meaningful musings about what has been done in the past, and upon what we then may hope to do in the future...

There have been such beautiful moments where I then 'know' we are a part of those who have gone before out there and now share in their strength... and a real desire then to become a part of those who pass forward these same opportunities so others can enjoy their 'first time' out...

DSD

"Solo In The Broken Group Islands..."

I am just musing here at this moment, and gazing up, at the Broken Group chart mounted with another map up on my wall... and daydreaming about past times and future plans to again sea kayak solo out in the BGI...

This is another of those precious wild places I am grateful to have often visited and also thankful for those persons gone before us who made the time and spent the energy to advocate for and protect such vistas for future generations...

After many trips out in groups, and with my partner, over the last dozen years, I also wanted to experience another dimension of this cherished grid upon the map... but to journey on one's own is a very different way to experience a place... As Colin Fletcher wrote: "By wandering out alone into the wilderness... I can after a while begin to see and to hear and to think and in the end to feel with a new and exciting accuracy...".

Going solo meant more detailed planning & preparation, and carrying all that extra gear one needs when out alone. It meant too thorough rehearsal and practice of self rescue; of navigation skills also as the potential fog can be a fun yet exhilarating challenge...

I am especially cautious of the the fetch of wind and waves, and tend to stay closer to these small islands for solo safety as well as for their meandering aesthetic shorelines...

It is indeed a different kind of mindset to be out with only your Self as company; one I've enjoyed yet also found to be somewhat overwhelming at times...

It is the beaches and wild marine life within these island gems that seem to attract me most...

I remember... the Tiny Group; Dempster beaches; hidden beaches around Nettle & Clarke with their mix of sand and crushed shells...

I remember... the carved face on the old cedar jutting out from Island 21 just south of Willis; the old Totem at the Dodd campsite which holds special memory too...

I think I have placed Summit Stones on most every island, time and again, within the BGI... and when I return... days, weeks, or even months later... none of these remain. I am glad of this as that is my intent that they are 'found', then carried away... so that only the sand, rock, and driftwood remain...

There are certain islands... I am sure they are not visited very often at all... they have only the smallest point to step out upon; a very tiny sand or rocky area; where the timing for landing is only possible at the lowest spring tides... I remember these too... And have been tempted to spend days, rather than hours at these rather than the busier locations... The nature of seeking out solitude within solo experiences I sense...

As R. Schultheis wrote: "There is a potency in solitude that surpasseth understanding...".

There may only be a hundred tiny islands out in the Broken Group... but there are hundreds more hidden, secret places, and a thousand vivid adventure memories to be found out there...

DSD

"A One Year Waypoint......."

"The sun and moon... the animals, the waters and the wind... all help you mark your steps on the path". Grandfather, Mountain Elder

Twelve months... four seasons... three versions of this blog... have come and gone...

Blogging has become another adventure, a further journey of its own, in navigating new lands both real and digital... And as with anything else; this journal is an adventure because we make it so...

As Grandfather said, it is important to acknowledge where we are on our path; the distance travelled; the navigation of its unique terrain and challenges; and where we wish to go from this waypoint...

Some themes that have become more clear and even more important to me through this last year of placings and musings include:

.....That even after 30 years out there, I can still be a beginner and try new adventures; and that if I can, anyone can...

.....The real experience of knowing gratitude for these adventure opportunities...

.....That any efforts in giving back and the resulting impacts is never lost time nor energy...

.....What we care about in our wild places, we need to preserve and pass forward for others to enjoy... The power of these perspectives can be immense... (As when I think back upon the linked post and comments here of "Just One Thing")

When gazing upon this last years path, I am amazed as always, like when attaining an elusive summit and then looking back... to see how far we have come; and in realizing what ground has been covered in what seems so short a time...

In the midst today in a summer of climbing, hiking, canoeing, canyoneering, kayaking, mountain biking, and the passing of the seasons... I am enjoying simply finding my ordinary way on this journey of adventure, while continuously re-creating my own adventure motivation time and again...

A significant highpoint, both exhilarating and humbling, is the involvement of 'Finders' and their shared stories which they have chosen to post here... Their comments and smiles will out last any of my simple words...

Where are you today on your own path.......

DSD

"The MountainWorld....."

I am always seeking adventurous things inspirational and motivational and recently I've found "The MountainWorld Blog"...

Presented here are, "Words About Mount Everest, Mountains, And Motivation from Professional Speaker, Climber, and Photographer Jake Norton"...

His enthusiasms as an adventurer are boundless... I have so enjoyed his posts of insights and quotes. Jake collects quotes from the adventure & wisdom literature as I have, cherishing their relevance and significance, while pondering over their hidden gems of meaning...

This so reminds me of my own journey in discovering and choosing all the quotes within the 'Adventure Muse' which I place with each Summit Stone...

A key theme within Jake's blog and within the essence of his presentations would seem to be creating motivation in one's life... something we could all muse more closely over...

Jake also has spectacular images of vivid photography on his site of Everest, adventure sports, landscapes, and nature. These have been featured in publications such as "Outside Magazine", "National Geographic Adventure", and books including "Ghosts Of Everest", and his own book entitled "What Is Your Everest"...

I greatly admire his accomplishments like studying Buddhism, being a Mountain Guide, the photographic achievements, the many expeditions to the Himalayas, Peru, Africa, the Alps, and on the Mallory & Irvine quest...

Jake believes in giving back & passing forward through his blog, with the peoples of Nepal & Tibet and 'Porters Progress', in his musings about 'Why We Climb' and Teamwork, as a motivational speaker, especially in encouraging us all to keep our dreams alive, and in his insightful summit perspectives...

Jake is an amazing fellow adventurer... I will often visit and enjoy 'The MountainWorld', as the ordinary wanderer that I am, for real inspiration...

DSD

"Guides....."

I find myself reflecting today upon adventure experiences with 'Guides...'

I have had such good mentors, who shared their hard won wisdom and so freely passed on their experience... Guides have often been described as the 'Older Brother or Sister' of our wild lands...

In the midst of this summer of mountaineering, I respect that there have been many high places, among other wildernesses, that we would not have enjoyed if not for time with seasoned guides... Those who slowly mentor us through gaining the necessary skills, the grooming of confidences, and the development of our essential motivations out there...

In ancient Greek mythology, 'Mentor' was a guide & teacher, whose key function was supporting and fostering relationships. What is often not also known from the Greeks, is that 'Mentor' was actually 'Athena', the Goddess of Wisdom... and imparting adventure wisdom is what wilderness guides are all about...

I remember... climbing Mt. Louis, peaks of the Columbia Icefields, and a very challenging summit of the Colorado... with seasoned souls...

I also remember... dog sledding, river rafting, and canyoneering first experiences with guides...

I love to recall guides' words that resonate with me like, "Hello altitude, my old friend; back to temper me, yet again", and "When it seems too hard, ask yourself, 'compared to what'...".

Time with these special kind of Stewards is never lost... Until as Grey Wolf says, "Let the mountains and the waters themselves be your guide"... and we become 'guided' by the elements...

DSD