"Calling....."

"If you are willing, and if you listen very gently and carefully, you will sense that this mysterious wisdom is ready to lead you, guide you to where you need to be. It is your wilderness calling." G. May

One of my very favorite spring quotes, composed by a cherished Author... 'Your wilderness calling' - what an ephemeral, thoughtful musing. There is most certainly a hidden mystery, a secrecy beyond simple perception out there within initially concealed exciting unknowns that beckon us on. Then we begin to ask ourselves: What revelations will we each discover; what possibilities will we each uncover; what wonders will be revealed... Our wise wilderness has always been calling, a mien, a trail, towards ourselves... But when called will we listen, when gestured for will we see, when motioned to will we feel... Will we allow ourselves to sense those many elusive wonderments, among such hints of enigmatic elements, all waiting so patiently, to assemble as we return to our natures... Then eventually, so intuitively, we will develop such insight and knowings, as we wander among our chosen wild places, from the wisdom shared with us on our adventures. Having returned, we will finally begin to devine this magic, through understanding that it is we who are now calling out in gratitude as well..... DSD

My gratitude also, for the inspiration for this musing, from 'B', and for the inspiring images from my Friends.

"Happy Losses..."

"It will be equally easy to lose ourselves in their happiness... the cliffs, sky, and clouds. We desire to find what we know we will keep hidden from ourselves." P. Ament
Such happy losses they all are..... DSD

"The Ground Shook Beneath Us..."

It occurred in those very early, long ago seasons, as we followed along with every measured step that was taking us forwards, as we were being lead by our Outward Bound Instructors. Then in later years too, with every determined step of theirs, as our Mountain Guides took us upwards - the ground seemed to also be shaking beneath us... What had happened was truly an earthquake of sorts, of our emotions, tremors around our assumptions, and a shaking apart of beliefs and misconceptions. The ground of what had seemed to have been solid perceptions clearly shook beneath us so... What they were doing through their actions, showing us by their example, saying in their quiet yet potent ways, and in modelling who they were choosing to be as mentors' and as adventurers' out there - had shaken up our vistas of the world, and more importantly the sometimes limited views we each had of our very selves... Then what we began sensing, seeing, then realizing deeply, and finally believing in, was that the terrain we had previously created of our perceptions from before was not as solid as we had once felt. 'This was possible', 'we can do this', were now all our new compelling mantras. The concept that there was indeed more within us than we ever first knew became our new inviting geography... Our preconceived limitations were now shaken, our previously limiting beliefs were now shattered, our understanding of possibilities had shifted, and the epicenter of what we now truly knew had moved distinctly farther and higher. The ground had shaken greatly beneath us, and we were so very happy that this had happened..... DSD

My appreciation to Colin for his wonderful efforts and these thought provoking images.

"Becoming Acquainted..."

"Adversity is the state in which man most easily becomes acquainted with himself...". S. Johnson
So here's to embracing adversity through our welcoming adventures... DSD

"Funny Where..."

Funny where... We each might discover, inspirations not seen before... Interesting how, we each may find, new anticipations just not recognized yet. We never know for sure, what such first light may mean for us. Of the warmth within desires, wants, and dreams, we have yet to fully understand... We can never say for sure, that the mists do not hold things yet to be revealed, from passions yet to be uncovered from within their depths... Funny how... The beginnings of an adventure day reflects the dawnings within our minds, and the shifting of perceptions too. Such new vistas can hold out for each of us, previously hidden enthusiasms and motivations. Wonderfully funny it is... How we each will surely discover, mysterious inspirations not known before..... DSD

Thank you my Friends for sharing your inspirational images with all of us.

"Where To..."

"Not 'where from' but 'where to' carries me to the next mountain and beyond myself..." R. Messner
Meanings within a metaphor, waiting for us to do just this... DSD

"Meditations Upon A Dragons' Back..."

The very name of this part of that climb so intrigued me the first time I heard it. To finally be moving across that rock was thrilling. It was on our way, those long years ago, to our ascent of Castle Tower, also called Eisenhower Tower of Castle Mountain in Banff. While climbing the Tower itself was an amazing adventure experience, there was just something about the Dragons' Back that whispered certain quiet secrets. I have returned there many times now... You can scramble to this point but from there on it is a technical climb. That has invited me to enjoy going solo up to and then for long hours just upon the Dragons' Back itself. Solo because that seems the best way to slowly blend with the many elements up there. The winds themselves cross the crest of this part of the mountain often. The stone is unique in ways both felt and seen. The vistas from this point are special looking out and across to so many other mountains and valleys. When gazing one way in particular, you can imagine what it would be like traversing the sky itself up here, flying this way and that, upon such a Dragons' Back. I listen for the waters as well, amidst the occasional rains, or snow melt too, when I have meditated up there. Each contemplative experience when allowing this to unfold, I have lost any sense of time or place, and as surreal as that feels, it is very fitting and so reflective of the name: Dragons' Back. In my minds' eye today, I can envision once again, the next time I will share the sky, up so high upon this elusive wild place..... DSD

"Touching The Winds..."

"You are touched by something invisible, something that bends trees and makes strange sounds. It throws the ocean into confusion, whips up fantastic froths of cloud, and carries the desert off in its arms. And yet it communicates directly and intimately with you. You can feel its effects deep inside...". L. Watson

To be touched so by the wind is to be held in the embrace of an elemental... DSD

"To Ask And Answer One's Own Questions..."

Today I was reminded about the subtle sharing of some powerful ponderings that seem to echo for us all... They are from Outward Bound Leaders offered before solo, from countless quiet discussions around glowing campfires, and an old Mountain Guide friend, very grey of hair, but so youthful of energy and perceptions. With that sure confidence that grows from having asked and then having sought the answers to one's own questions - they invite us to ask ourselves as well: What do you want from this adventure experience? How is that important for you? And, on the best of all days out there, what would that be like? We ask ourselves too: What kind of adventurers do you want to be when out there? Who do you want to be like when wandering? More pointedly: How much do you really want this? And, if you get what you want from these experiences, what would that mean to you? We quietly ask ourselves as well: What do you hope, dream, and wish for about your adventures? What is in your mind's eye about them? And, why is that meaningful for you? Then when doing so, we discover that to ask and answer one's own such questions, especially while out wandering, is so potent an adventure journey in itself..... DSD

My appreciation Dear Friends for including your images from when out musing over you own questions.

"Of Meanings..."

"Mountain climbing for me is creation of meaning... To establish meaning is half the effort in life...". R. Messner
Have a wonderful meaningful adventure today my Friends... DSD

"Two Taps....."

There have been many times we have joined in on adventure courses to learn and share so that our wild place skills then become even just a little sharper. This was the case with quite a few days of technical ice climbing some many winters back. The lessons gleaned from time and instruction upon frozen vertical terrain and waterfalls, can be very usefully included with other mountaineering skills. Being among those who enjoy this popular way to adventure was such great fun too. We trained in larger groups and then with a more seasoned climber in teams of two. While there to practice, I could not help but ponder much when resting and observing what was unfolding during those intriguing cold days out - the energy, the excitement, and the enhancement of skills. There always seems to be one person or climbing pair in particular, who quietly stand out among their peers, whose experience and skills demonstrate a real confidence and potent sureness of intention, motivation, and motion. I took a longer time to watch this team, and the one who was leading most of the increasingly difficult routes, as there was much to take in. That ice climber, more of an ice dancer, moved so gracefully all across those frozen faces of water. What struck me most though was so subtle, yet so powerful, not just of the accomplished ease of this persons' climbing - but his ability to focus, that settling in of attention & concentration, for only what was right in front of him, for only what was to come next... Because just before, and each time this ice dancer began, you could see, and on occasion slightly hear, this climber gently make two taps together of those so sharp ice axes... Two taps with something leashed to muscles of the hands, arms, shoulders, and heart; two taps then to focus upon that small world of frozen crystals; two taps to quiet the rest of the world out for a time; with a kind of sound like you might hear just before meditating... Yes, there was something significantly, elegantly, simple about that ice climbers' tapping two times. I so enjoyed the sound, and then so appreciated what was then to come next... At a later time, on a different adventure climb of ice, for the experience of it, and maybe to draw upon what I had observed that time before, I tried this approach myself. In the moments before I began, and as I looked longingly up at that frozen waterfall, I took my ice axes and gently tapped them twice together. Two taps for reflecting upon what that ice dancer taught me that day; two taps towards practicing my own intentions, focus, and concentration. Two taps..... DSD

My gratitude for being able to share your images my Friends.

"A Story For Tomorrow..."

When Kraig at 'The Adventure Blog' posted about: Video: A Story For Tomorrow , I was intrigued, then so very inspired... Here was a very powerful video story of two young adventurers and their journey through Chile, from the Atacama Desert in the north, to the mountains of Patagonia in the south. The images are amazing, the music so very engaging, the voice of the narrator so inviting. These few quotes resonated and echoed out each time I played this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71HzYChzTbA "A long, long time ago, there where two people who looked very much like yourselves, and as with you, they were on a journey, a quest if you will, to find what we all seem to be searching for. For reasons they may never know... They entered... A place where time and direction don't exist. Yet they still pressed on... Each day a new door, a new direction, a new way to be... Until time simply faded away. As with all those who have come before you... They only found me - their future, quietly waiting, and I asked them the same two questions I will some day ask you: Is it possible to be happy with this life? And then I will ask as I do to everyone else: Did you enjoy your story?" My thanks to Kraig for this special post, the timing of it just what was needed, and our gratitude for this gift from these two young adventurers at Gnarly Bay, who shared about their wonderful wanderings... Please visit and enjoy: http://vimeo.com/36519586 ..... DSD

"Of Journeys..."

Rick invites us to ponder as we wander, muse as we adventure, then discover what we find to be hidden, within both our questions and our own answers... DSD

"Writing It Down, Saying It Out Loud..."

There are a great many skills we endeavour to learn for wandering and safely enjoying ourselves out in the wild places. Developing such knowledge, skills, and adventure abilities also makes navigating through life easier instead of simply being full of obstacles. A little while back I had the opportunity to share about two subtle approaches learned many years ago on Outward Bound. Here was a young person so full of energy and dreams to get out to hike and climb, to begin kayaking, so keen to know about canyoneering. This enthusiasm & energy is the genesis, and desire the fuel, for our adventure motivations. Yet learning ways to enhance and focus the skill of commitment, is what makes such momentum endure, season after year after decade out there... I simply shared what was told to me such a long ways back - "Write it down... Say it out loud". Two strategies that make our commitments so very real, two skillsets that then instill distinct conviction. Any time we take what begins as a vision, what moves through our hearts, and then projects out from our hands and in our voices - becomes an elemental force in itself. So, here I find myself, once again this early season, writing it down and saying it out loud. Let's all do just that my Friends, and then enjoy the adventure that will surely follow..... DSD

"Of Preparations....."

"Don't waste your life in doubts and fears, spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it...". R.W. Emerson
Preparations and planning; such amazing fun within themselves... DSD

"Words May Not Portray..."

Hardly any words to describe it all at times, few ways to say out loud what it may mean for us... Yet we hold our breath so among those moments, knowing such elements of beauty, mystery, and wonder... Such surprising personal and emotional transcendence, among wind & rain, rock & snow, when so very far and high... Feelings and happy gentle tears, as elemental as air, fire, and water, that words themselves simply may not portray... So we then rest for those moments, out upon that summit, or beached on a very distant island, and then the wild places, and our adventure experiences, begin to speak to us beyond words, in other quietly powerful ways..... DSD

Dedicated to our Fellow Wanderers, who are now in focused planning to 'Adventure For Another Reason', as their wonders begin to unfold.

My gratitude to you Friends, for your special images gathered up, when you found yourselves lost for words too.

"Our Daring Adventures..."

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing..." H. Keller

A quietly resounding quote from a favorite Author, one that suggests we each have a choice to make... DSD

"Waiting For The Storm..."

We usually wait for the weather to get better out there. We often want the conditions to be just right, the temperatures warm and calm, the winds only to caress. But this deep winter valley journey was not planned that way. If there was anyone out there at all, they would likely be coming back in as such questionable weather was approaching. Contrary to this, I had planned to head out instead at just that time. After considering what I needed for gear and preparation, for what safety perspectives to put in place and to keep in mind, I then focused more on what I now wanted and hoped for... I had waited for very unsettled weather, when a strong low pressure system was starting to really pick up. Now the winds were predicted to be very full of themselves, and it all seemed to be coming together paradoxically nicely, as a great elemental expression of the energy of storms. A distinct dropping of temperature, even stronger increasing winds, a very high chance of more precipitation; all were mixing in to provide just what I was patiently waiting for. Here was the possibility not just to test out some new cold weather gear, but also a real opportunity to blend with the energy of a storm - to experience the synergy of being out there when the elements really mix it all up. I so very much enjoy such seasonal storms. Everyone of them is unique in its' expression & experience, and each is truly unforgettable. Waiting for them to reveal themselves is an adventure in itself..... DSD

My thanks Fellow Wanderers for your sharing these wonderful winter storm images.

"Of Dreams And Visions..."

"Your vision will become clear also when you look into your heart. Who looks outside dreams. Who looks inside, awakens...". C. Jung

There is a distinct energy within our adventure dreams and visions. We only need to gently reach for it... DSD

"He Hadn't Noticed..."

I remember being that young, being so focused, so full of energy, with such motivation, determination, and not easily distracted at all. We met just after my descent from Sentinel Pass. He was on his way towards a solo scramble of Mt. Temple - one of my very favorite high places to wander upon. My day had started hours before first light as I wanted time alone up at the pass and the summit. The mountain wouldn't see too many this day anyway as the forecast was questionable and the light rain mists came and went. But the clouds kept drifting higher so I went anyway to spend time with the ancient rocks up there, the many old memories of mine that reflect upon Larch Valley, and with the Grand Sentinel, a climb I haven't made yet but still dream about. It was staying very cool, and the mist had blanketed everything with dew, while the gentle rain came and went as I noticed his approach. He was moving fast and steady, which this scramble asks of you, as it can be a long day out. I was perched up on a big rock and think I may have surprised him as he hadn't seemed to have noticed me, just as he didn't seem to notice the rain. He was so excited to be there, and just as eager to be on his way, but paused after learning I had been up there more than a few times myself. So young, so full of energy, dedication, and focus... I very much enjoy time with my fellow adventurers like this, even if brief moments they are. Its' almost as if we share a synergy in those seconds, of interests, dreams, intentions, and commitments. You all know exactly what I mean, I'm sure Dear Friends. There is something mysterious, yet so very powerful, in these sharings we all have experienced out there... Just as he was heading off after our short encounter, I told him to check out one of the large cairns, above the Pass, that mark the ascent to Mt. Temple's rock bands. He would discover something there, just a small gift... Something I hoped he would enjoy, as he then made his way up that wonderfully elusive mountain to the highest summit around here. He hadn't noticed all of this at first, but that is the way of things, when one's young focus is so intense. But I also know what he would then notice, as he attained his solo summit dream up there, and then would remember those moments forever..... DSD

My sincere appreciation Friends for sharing your images of your own moments of Mt. Temple.

"Adventure Intentions..."

"Standing in the inspiring vision of my future, I boldly take every step - large and small - with courage and intent." J.L. Huie

Our intentions, first steps, such important steps, here within the beginnings of our new adventure year... DSD

Thank you Neil for your contemplative image that reflects those moments when intentions become real.

"Wild Place Thaumatourgos..."

Languages and stories are like stones for me; the older and the more unique, the better... The Greeks for example, knew how to blend both the mysteries and the realities of life in many of their ancient stories. Their culture was one built upon and also set many times within stone as well. They revered people who would journey into the wilds and return to share their tales. These were the Thaumatourgos... the ones who were changed, who underwent powerful transformations as they met with and endured the elements. This ability to do this within such experiences belonged to the realm of these 'wonder workers'... Adventurers are indeed Thaumatourgos and are certainly a part of that group that embraces all of the wonders out there. As adventurers, we marvel at that which we wander through, we seek out the elements and the beautiful mysteries of nature, as we know of the these potential transformations that will surely become real for us. The wilds are the places and the elements are the means... We adventurers see this every time we journey among the mountain giants, as we wander the hidden valleys and forests, as we travel among the distant coastal islands, and over the mysterious northern lakes too. Philosophers have also mused over the Thaumatourgos, but in their own unique way. Their view of such transformations and reflections are of personal beliefs, especially those about responsibilities, and also in the understanding of the concept of 'gifts'... Most adventurers I know are philosophers in their own right - poets too; as they create their own magic or 'Theurgy' out there through spirit and effort, energy, and altered perceptions. Any personal transformation is about change, in appearance, in form, and through expression. The wonder of such workings is that we see this all the time out there, like when climbing upon the face of a mountain through the various seasons. We ourselves experience this intensely when we return changed in so many ways from what we were before our adventure experience's had unfolded... As with the frozen rivers which will transform to flowing waters, as with the so stormy ocean which returns to its' own calmness, we too become an inherent part of the whole wild place Thaumatourgos. Sometimes... when wandering the wilds, I can even transform back so many years into that younger version of myself as I climb or kayak or canyoneer. Now that is a magical gift. Such transformations, our personal adventure Theurgy, is truly a transmutation of the elements. What a powerful, wonderful, blend of expression, spirit, and magic this is..... DSD

My gratitude to our Fellow Adventurers who shared their images here of their time among the Greek Islands.

"Your Journey....."

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with.....". Such an old musing, attributed to an even older way of thinking and seeing. But the real comment here, the essence of the pondering itself, is what comes now. 'Begin with', what we each ask ourselves this early season; with what kind of action; in which direction, and then we each must just take that next step... Don't you just love such beginnings my Friends... DSD
The image above is of two fellow adventurers who themselves enjoy such reflections. Thank you.

"Waiting Inside....."

There is a person I hope to see out there often, hiking on a trail of dreams to a very distant valley... There is someone I feel we know quite well, out upon those ocean waters, among those so secluded islands... There is a wanderer we each sense out beyond too, wondering at the beauty & mystery of both sunrise and sunset... There is also a familiar individual rappelling, deep into those canyons, just out there a little ahead of us... There is a climbing partner of ours, who waves once again at us, from those heights of rock and spirt and thought... That person, that paddler, this climber, and hiker, is the real adventurer within each of us my Dear Friends. There is an Adventurer inside each of us here, waiting to journey out there, so we can meet with each other again, and share so much more with ourselves in all of these wild ways..... DSD

My appreciations to our Friends who share their images of dreams and visions with us in this early year.

"Contemplations..."

"Crimson light through pine shadows. Setting sun settling in the ocean. Night follows the setting sun. Day follows the fleeing moon...". D. Ming-Dao
A winter hike on a coastal beach, an old book in my hand. Meditations about a calming storm, now sleeping under a wild full moon..... DSD

"Wild Place Veils..."

For we adventurers, our wild places are so very much more than a location on the map. There are secrets out there, unique unknowns, further, farther, higher, and within as well... Wild places may become our special sanctuary too, if only we allow ourselves a glimpse beyond certain kinds of veils... I remember, what was disguised within those cold winter days out with our dog teams, and beyond that veil of continually falling snows... We remember, that unseen mountain, invisible to us through that white out, yet that presence we found beyond will never be lost nor forgotten... We recall, the rain that seemed to forever screen away those distant coastal islands, until we journeyed through that misty curtain and then beyond even that veil too... The shades of nightfall, the disguising fog on a long beach trek, the apparently concealing mist that covers a deeply forested river valley - all are veils that secret so much beyond them and then within as well... Then as we seek to pierce those veils of understanding and perceiving within all of this, and as we see that which was first invisible, now through the rising, wafting smoke of our camp fires - our wild place veils slowly, wonderfully, begin to drift and fall away... Perfect timing for our unfolding new year and the adventure dreams and plans we are each creating..... DSD

My appreciation Dearhearts for your wonderful misty mindful images.

"Unfoldings....."

Here we are once more Dear Friends, at the trailhead of our unfolding year... What adventure shall we embrace next..... DSD

"Put Some Boots On Your Dreams..."

To ponder is one thing. to muse another. Reflection is wonderful, and dreaming is a gift. We have such abilities to envision all that we so want to wander among and through. Our minds create the possibilities, and then it is time to climb further... "Put some boots on your dreams", our Outward Bound Instructor said. Then we were to learn of the wild places beyond contemplation; of the terrain of taking actions. These were steps on trails of another kind, towards horizons of dreams now made very real. 'Boots on our dreams' - a so potent shared metaphor, said so long ago to us, long pondered over many more seasons, and now passed forward once more to all of you Dear Friends for our New Year's..... DSD

My thanks for the sharing of your images and you wild companionship Friends.

"Happy Holidays My Friends!"

"My beloved is the mountains, and lonely wooded valleys, strange islands, and resounding rivers, the whistling of love stirred breezes, the tranquil night, at the time of rising dawn, silent music, sounding solitude..." St. John
A very happy holidays to you all my Friends! I am in from some quiet wandering and wanting to express my appreciation to all of you Fellow Placers who shared Summit Stones this year, to Blogger for supporting such a wonderful way for all of us to connect, and especially to the amazing adventurers who 'Adventured For Another Reason' these seasons... We have all shared in such a special year of wandering the wild places... Now choose your present Dear Friends, as it is waiting for you out there someplace, as you dream and envision the horizons yet to be... The very best to you all! DSD

"An Expression Of Emotion..."

"The real goal. It wasn't, oddly enough, the summit of a mountain or the top of a cliff at all. That's because the goal wasn't really a place, but a feeling. It was an emotion deep inside him, and inside all of us; a sentiment we all search for, but which always seems so elusive." A. Hobson

This quote, these words, so strongly resonated with me the very first time I read them. These intonations, have also echoed out so many times as well over the long years within our wild places... I mused a little this past fall how we adventurers are 'Artists of Life'. Through our journeys and actions out there, we paint our lives full of wonderous experiences. This is our hard won expressionism... Over the long seasons we all wander, it seems that it is not a full enough account to imply that we adventure in the ways we do only to attain some objective. When we put our words and dreams into action, we are doing so for other purposes as well. This new mien, this symbolic representation, this special affirmation of motion out among the wild places - voices so much more... What was inexpressible begins to reveal itself, what is impressible from those very deep inner sensations becomes known. On that climb, where these words were composed and shared with the winds, we recognized again when up so high, the real depths of such valuable emotion... Inner experience becomes a barometer of our outer efforts. What was initially emotive, now manifests and blends with true meanings and the reality of it all. We do what we do out there because that is purposefully symbolic for what is meaningful for each of us... Thus we create our own expressions, of affections, among connections, with each other and the wild places.....DSD

My sincere gratitude to Kraig for him keeping me pondering about us all as 'Artists of Life', and also to you David for your inspiring images...

Happy Holidays my Friends...

"A Fire Gazing December Dedication..."

Endless long moments within those last fleeting hours, lingering of our selves and those so alive coals as well. The warmth of an adventure day quietly shared about with smiles, high place wanderings and reflections of such wonderful challenges... Gazing into the fire now understanding more than what is seen, the flames continuous flickering telling of many inspiring stories. Everything now of lasting memory comes once more to our minds, from past journeys and many seasons of friendships from out there... All things seem distinctly possible when embracing the fires of our lives, the ones that we now rest beside, and the others from so deep inside..... DSD
A dedication for you, my Fellow Wanderers, and also for your 'Adventures For Another Reason', all during this year...

"Who Would Have Thought..."

Who would have thought, I mused once again, that such trials within our adventure trails, would create so many other potent experiences... Who would have thought, that on a mountain side like that, among those severe edges, testing of skills and confidence, that we would begin to realise things only known when we each take that step further. Who would think, that with those doubts out there during a snow storm, that almost never seemed to let up, we would begin to let go and then sense the wonder of the unknowns... No one could have known that our anxieties upon that cliff face, would prompt us to go beyond, and discover more of what we each can then turn into powerful personal motivations. There were those chills too, in the midst of that mist and endless coastal rain, during our longest hike yet - no one had pondered how our best days would develop within such trying inclement weather. Who would have thought, that being so off course due to paddling through those relentless winds and waves, that we would again sense more within us than we ever first knew... None of us had expected that the wearing of the cold in our coldest winter camping trip, would be a catalyst for developing even deeper abilities for endurance. Who would have thought, that a whiteout above 10,000 feet, would help us now to see more clearly, how and why prior preparation and practice was so very important. Who could have predicted, that upon a northern lake and island, where we experienced so much of what was not expected, we would begin to embrace how wonderful the hidden surprises of the wild places can be. Who would have thought, that down within our darkest and deepest canyon, we would find even other depths within us, reflecting those out there among those ancient grounds. Who would have thought... I muse time and time again..... DSD

My gratitude once more Dear Fellow Wanderers, for these wonderful images that prompt such thinking.

"New Dimensions..."

"One's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions...". O.W. Holmes
Gazing out there many days, we often see the truth of this in the distance... DSD

"We Found Our Mountains..."

After long seasons for the skills and preparation, even longer years in the seeking, eventually, it seemed, we had finally discovered our own special mountains... Now that we had done so, then came another kind of understanding: That they were out there all along, simply patiently waiting for us to make the efforts... It was almost as if they knew, we would eventually make the journey... So upon one of their highest summits, with challenges before and after, now each of us and the mountains too were smiling... Yet, now today, we ponder and wonder over, how we thought we had finally found our mountains. Then slowly, we began to realize - that now our mountains had found us as well..... DSD
My gratitude for these images from some Fellow Adventurers who have also had the same discoveries.

"Breathing In..."

"To breath in that which animates us - is magic..." Anon
Well then my Friends, let's breath in very, very deeply this day... DSD