Monday, October 04, 2010

"The Stone You Now Have In Your Hand..."




I've been reflecting on a recent email from Duncan C., where he commented on how the 'Stone he now found in his hand' was to carry some significant symbolism for him. Thank you Duncan, for prompting these musings for me.
I have before, been provided such wonderful comments regarding these little cobblestones, about while they are just rocks, they often become something elementally more - in what 'Finders' create for themselves in the experience of discovering one...
That 'Finders' simply have a smile on their faces, and to know a little karma has been passed forward, is often enough for me. But 'Finders' are very right, I often ponder too, as each and every one of the stones you may now have in your hand indeed has its own history, its own character, and truly its own story...
I have gathered these for decades, from wild places so far away, within certain elusive locations out there that seem to have very special elements present. They have typically been polished, not by me, but by the millenia, and the storms, winds, and waters that work a certain magic upon them.
In the early years, they were all placed by my hands, and now just as often are passed forward in a summit registry, to another adventurer, or in a distant established campsite, by Partners In Placing (who I write about in a link on this blog). Passing them forward as my Friends do, means these little stones have an added specialness about them, another component of character to their history...
It is not only the unique geologic compositions, nor their wonderful elementally polished feel they have - but also mixed in almost always now, are other things too... Read my post from January 25, 2010 on "Mixing In", to unveil those secrets within the stone now in your hand too...
But most importantly, as can be seen in a certain light, reflected off the coating I paint upon them, you will find something else as well... There, very subtly, you can see a reflection of yourself, the amazing spirit you brought with you, the wonderful adventure attitude you now have, as you have journeyed out among the wild places, and now can create other personal meanings for this little stone that is now yours.....
DSD
My gratitude to our Hiking Lady for the lower image above: http://hikinglady.com/

13 comments:

Hiking Lady said...

Dear DSD, your musings once again are touching and uplifting. I always enjoy reading your posts, and I am honored to be a Partner in Placing.
Happy trails!

PHG said...

The Summit Stone in my hand was uncovered very deep in the Canyonlands. It is a perfect symbol for my adventure.
Thank you for this treasure DSD.

Robert said...

My stone was found over seven years ago on a mountain summit in Banff. I think of that day each time I hold this in my hand.

Karen said...

In my hand I am able to hold two summitstones. My first one was in the register on Mt Niblock. My second was found in the cairn on Mt Yukness. I was absolutely thrilled with finding my first one and totally taken when I then found my second stone. I would like to thank you very much dsd for your gifts and your blogging.
you are an inspiration.
Karen

Elder Hikers Group said...

Our hiking group has found three Summit Stones on our hikes. Those stones are in the hand of very appreciative hikers DSD.
Thank you very much for those gifts and the inspirational posts on your blog!

US Wayfarers said...

US Wayfarers:
The La Cloche is a great distance hike isn't it DSD.
At a junction near the trail to Silver Peak we found two summitstones.
What awesome treasure they are!
Very unique way to connect and the trail lead us here.
Great blog.
We admire the stones and your efforts.
Inspirational! Thanks!

LasVegas said...

Summitted Red Cap in Red Rocks and found your stone in the can with the peanut butter register.
too cool!
Perfect gift!
LasVegas

Jeff & Gille said...

The stone we have in our hands is from a kayak trip down black canyon. A totally perfect day. When we discovered our summitstone I was amazed at the detail on it and the muse that was with it too. What an amazing gift and what a neat way to connect with people. Thank you very very much DSD.
Jeff & Gille

Rick P. said...

In 2002 we were climbing Pilot Mountain in Banff. The summit cairn there is set way back across the wide open spot up there so we almost did not see it. There were three Summit Stones you have placed there DSD. We each chose one as there were three of us too. The one I often hold in my hand is very special for me. It is a unique touch stone that tells me stories each time I hold it. Kind of like what your blog tells me every time I read it. Thank you for being the special person you are. I hope to meet you some day when we are both climbing on some big mountain. Rick P.

SRG said...

I have held four of your summitsones over as many years. Three I have then given as gifts to friends on other summits. The one in my hand at home here in Vancouver is an amazing bright painted piece of art that has a rainbow and fire and lots else on it. We each cherish these DSD and the places we were given them.
Thank you very much DSD.

AHEM said...

In my hands I hold my Summit Stone discovered near Bow Glacier Falls. I found your journal here and wanted to say thank you DSD for your magical gift.
Truly inspiring.
AHEM

Matt Taylor said...

I found my first and only summit stone on Hunter Peak in the Guadelupe National Park in Texas about 2 weeks ago. At first I was puzzled--did this belong in a geocache? Was there a geocache nearby? No, there was no geocache, this was something entirely new. I took it home with me, marveled at the artwork, the thought, the book of quotes. This is some project of love! As a longtime hiker explorer, what a treat. I hope to pass it on after I savor it a bit longer. Amused, bemused, and mused, thanks so much!

Unknown said...

Hi Matt,
I very much appreciate your thoughts!
Especially "Amused, bemused, and mused'...
This was very likely passed forward by Rick McCharles, who enjoys sharing such smiles as well.
Enjoy and my sincere thanks for being part of the smiles yourself.
D