"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
It was an Outward Bound instructor who was first to introduce me to this special quote by Muir. It is one I have pondered, mused, and planned from over these many years.
A quote that set directions for me from all points of the compass...
Did you know that the actual writing of this quote is found to contain either the word 'mountains' or the word 'summits'. While being told the first version, the latter now resonates with me as the image of 'summits' has come to mean a great deal more too than the very top of a single mountain.
Some state Muir wrote it both ways as he did with many other notes and journal entries, when he composed and then revised his musings, at different levels, after different experiences, and over long years of ponderings.
That Outward Bound instructor was so right, and Muir's words have indeed rung so true, over these past decades of wild place journeys and within so many adventure seasons.
I often re-read this 'first quote' while looking towards the horizon.
For many more of such summits, sunshine, winds and storms, are waiting, patiently waiting. Just like these quotes do.
To simply be discovered and enjoyed out there..... DSD
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