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That adventure day, I went back yet once more, as it seemed to echo out that there were questions only a mountain could answer...
It felt then that I simply had to return. I very much chose to go back, on a long solo climb, to a summit so very challenging for me. It had become clear that there were more things to ponder over. Other inquiries lingering in my mind. Some elusive musings yet to be grasped...
Much is called into question during our time away amidst such high place quests, and always within the far off wild places themselves. These are evidently real objectives for each of us, that most times also hold hidden gifts for both our wandering bodies and minds as well. We adventurers cross over so much terrain. Not just out there, but also with regards to the many truths we all ask about. Then we gaze towards the depths of understandings we each hope to eventually know...
We insight seeking creatures are both physical and spirited beings.
That is how we are made it seems.
So, on such adventure days of searching out, amidst our enduring curiosities and wild studies, when wanting to elicit a creative solution of some kind - it is time to return.
As there are some questions only moments upon a mountain will answer.
We all share in such wonderfully powerful, perpetual, wanderings towards our distant insights don't we my Friends..... DSD
"Climb these summits and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." J. Muir
On the classic elusive routes they are often found...
Bits and pieces, lengths and sections of them, on the more remote high places where they can still be discovered...
Most of a material not seen out there now, but yet of very enduring fibers. Even while so aged and clearly not as secure as they were in their youth, they still stand ready, even if only as an encouraging sentinel to adventure experiences past.
Such rope and slings have a memory the technicians tell us, in being now unusable due to time, weathering, and many unknown stresses. We know though, that these braids have lasting memories for other elemental ephemeral things too...
They are wise, these old ropes and slings. They have seen and learned much. They are elders of their kind, both well worn and even better aged through long use and earned experience. Some, who while being weathered, are still strong enough to continue to brave the elements up so high, season upon sunrise, sunset, and then even further seasons. Something respectful to be said about that kind of endurance...
I enjoy testing their grip when they show themselves, yet never now would only trust their strength. They always remind us to do just that. Kind of like we often sense as well out there with other strands of connections, of beliefs, also perceived limitations, and in discovering routes and anchor points to more within each of us then we ever first realized...
Old, wise, and weathered ropes and slings - cords of experience that blend with past adventures, and also to those yet to come..... DSD
"To muse: To ponder, reflect upon. In Greek & Roman Mythology, Muses were the Daughters of Zeus; Inspirers of effort, music, and poetry.
The Gods sent the Elemental Muses to us as gifts. Water, wind, air, earth, and especially fire - these are the spirits that sustain our enthusiasms." Anon
Oh, to forever Muse, while out wandering among the elements. Is there anything more full of awe and wonder..... DSD
We wouldn't really be just here,
If we hadn't long journeyed way out there.
We would not have known this,
If we had not experienced all of that.
We could not share in these beautiful things,
If we hadn't adventured in such amazing ways.
We chose to walk over those testing coals,
Then to traverse these many trials and trails...
We wouldn't feel as intensely and so much,
If we did not ponder things so very far.
We would not grasp for those ephemeral heights,
If we didn't understand the contrast of those often dark depths.
The efforts and choices continue to be made right here,
Created by such wonders and gifts from way out there.
Adventures of contrasts and for seeking truths.
Adventures of paradoxes and enlightening perceptions.
Adventures of mysteries and musings await.
Adventures of wonders and cherished memories as well.
We would never have had them just here,
If we hadn't long journeyed so far way out there..... DSD
Dedicated this adventure day to those hardy wanderers with the 2013 Ascent For Alzheimers Team.
Ancient legends tell of these stories, and the Elders of many lands speak to their truth...
At way points within all our histories, some of us - maybe even in past lives so the stories say, became the holders, the Keepers of the Stones.
These were, and still are, positions of responsibility and respect. Sacred stones were often those needed for flint and fire. Many other such stones held images upon them of great value to the persons and their group, for the stories they held within. Still other stones were themselves of singular importance for memory & meaning, considering who and where and when they were discovered. Thus they became so very cherished by their holders.
We each are Keepers of such memorable stones in our adventuring lives...
As we each wander, we also become what is now reflected in and represented by, the more current meaning of these legends - as the bearers of the stories themselves that all such 'stone' experiences represents...
We are all Keepers, Holders, and Bearers, my Friends... DSD
Dedicated this adventure day to those wonderful 'Partners In Placing' who share in the smiles all along the way.
So many musings this last while reflecting upon adversity. Those winds which will all blow across, and through, each of our lives. Then, when, we listen a bit more closely, there are so many other echoes that whisper out for us...
"We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey". Miyazawa
"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere". Clark
"Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so we see ourselves as we really are". Golden
Listen for a moment my Friends. Those echoes are always calling gently out for each and every one of us..... DSD
Yes, way back then, there was that truly essential guiding, the valuable teaching, the showing and necessary skill building, and all of the wonderful leading.
Yet, there was also so much more...
There were endless hours on very personal terrain for individual training, unique navigating, and priceless encouraging. There were as many days over even longer seasons for modeling, mentoring, and motivating - things as elementally important as any other element itself.
In much later years as well there was now the sharing of memories. the humour and stories, the remindings, and reflecting on all of the experiences of so much more than ever first realized.
Then, at a farther point on our joined trails, when reminiscing about the whole journey, we talked about the inevitable. That time when our paths would diverge and then forever change direction.
I will never forget the words quietly shared right then:
"I'll be climbing with you still".
So many further years have now passed. He no longer adventures among these earthly elements. Yet his words echo out resoundly and clearly.
"I'll be climbing with you still".
And he is..... DSD
Dedicated this adventure day to all those Guides & Mentors we all have been gifted with. I am listening even more closely this last while for their words of encouragement as I find my way on this present trail...
