"Eleven Times....."

All of us who adventure know real persistence when we see it. Every one of us respects the distinct potency of endurance when we feel this.
Some of us though, take these experiences just a little bit farther, and by doing so, invite every one of us on trails of perception that lead all so very much further.
He is a close companion who has wandered as much as I. A friend who has shared in it all out there, even more back here, and in this little Summit Stone endeavour too. His many varied adventure aspirations have a dedication and sincerity to them I so admire. Yet this story is about just one mountain. An elusive summit it is...
Four times he was turned away by lessons needing to be learned, three times by storms striking almost out of nowhere. Three more times the intricate route and the stubborn rock would not agree to go at all. Then this last time, the eleventh time, fittingly in those hours, it all finally unfolded so beautifully for him...
Sometimes it is asked, more times also wondered - who does that; who goes back for such challenges time and time again, after all that has not worked. Who keeps returning after those many previous experiences that were not at all what had been hoped for...
For all of us who adventure as we do, the answers are in the questions themselves...
The responses are reflections of who we each are out there, and also who we envision ourselves to be. His particular persistence, and sustained endurance, over those long eleven times - echoes out as inspiration for all of us who continue to wander the wild places..... DSD
My appreciation for sharing your images as well fellow wanderers.