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Often we pause and linger, as the sun slowly wanders,
On its' own trails across the wide open sky...
It welcomes us and greets us, always just where we are at.
Then embraces us with both warmth and direction.
It seems to awake very often, much like we do.
Then much later goes off to rest as we need as well.
Each first arising moment, always feels like new energetic beginnings.
The other quiet time of setting invites such emotions of completion...
After so many years out on adventures,
At times I assume that the best ones have already been shared.
But these last seasons have reminded me once more,
Of the forever possible moments truly yet to be enjoyed.
Amidst the beauty and the wonder,
Of unfolding further sunrises.
Within the gentle smiles and awe,
Along with a farther inspiring sunset.
Sunrises are such eternally natural gifts provided for us.
Sunsets then reflect the inherent gratitude we then always feel..... DSD
Dedicated to those who create such amazing images, from within their own grand adventures, and who then share them with us all. My sincere appreciation my Friends.
That small stones' beginning was an historical one.
Countless years and endless elements all so very slowly polishing it over the millenia. It was the smoothness, shape, and in particular its location within a tiny sheltered cove among those distant coastal islands, that had held my attention. Discovering it way back then was a gift, as I find myself almost letting out a small gasp of appreciation when such beautiful ancient stones are first seen...
This little stones' story then became the painted scenes that unfolded upon its' rocky face. I slowly 'mixed in' each and every element also gathered up on that secluded island. Particles of sand, of ash from my beach fire, a crumbled tiny piece of a leaf, and even a few drops of that special salt water. The mixed in and painted scenes hopefully express the spirit of that wild place, and then too the journey this little Summit Stone would now be taking...
It awaited a few more seasons, then was placed within a summit cairn. High upon an elusively challenging and wonderfully engaging mountain, which I had waited years to climb.
Now, this is where the story of this stone began to unfold even further...
The Finder, R.T., sent me a message, telling of the smiles of that discovery. Then shared more as his Summit Stone had now been passed forward even farther.
It always humbles me beyond words to learn of the stories of Finder's Summit Stones...
For this small painted rock, some longer years later, within the twists & turns of serendipity and previously unknown trails, actually was returned to me once more.
R.T. had passed it forward to another adventurer. Then that person who was known to me, wanted to give it back. So within a full circle journey, this Summit Stone was returning to my hands yet once more...
I so cherish such experiences, learning of the trails a little Summit Stone has travelled, finding out about the smiles and awareness, inspired even a bit all along the way. Such good homes they do find with each of you my Friends...
But this story does not end. Not here. Certainly not now.
For while this stone was a touch weathered, its' coating somewhat scraped, and that initial date on the back a touch faded, I decided to mix in and paint yet other perspectives upon it. Ones that blended with the stories already present. Then I initialed it a second time, with that silver ink as well.
We adventurers often muse about such journeys, where connections and experiences bring us full circle, as we return to where we began, and then sense even more out there and within, than ever first realized...
So, when then reflecting on the whole of this small Summit Stone's journey, and the smiles all around, I gently placed it yet once more out upon the island where it was firstly found.
Forever moments within a full circle, never ending journeys it would seem, for I hope you yourself might now be the Finder, of this gift passed forward so many times..... DSD
Dedicated this adventure day to those wonderful Partners In Placing who journey so far and so very high, sharing in the smiles all along their paths & trails.
Within our climbing, among our forever adventure seasons, we all will eventually encounter our own mountain among mountains...
Such a definition reflects what that elusive summit means for us, and presents to us - be it the altitude, the route, the objective hazards, the subjective challenges, for companions, certain skills, long days out among even longer hours...
These are all then accepted as the price we each will individually choose to pay for our desired adventure experience.
This particular mountain for me, is about all these things, and more...
At my age, I have pondered much ahead of time that if these elements come together at a height that I have done all I possibly can, whatever the altitude may be, summit or no, then I want to still be very content with my efforts and quite happy with that outcome.
This is an elusive equation we all have to establish for ourselves...
Then, when upon this mountain of my mountains, in the very midst of such efforts, I have mused how I will not know what height I may be at - yet I will know I've given my all. I will be sure of fulfilling my intentions & commitment. I will feel I have done everything I can. Having reached deeper inside as Outward Bound taught me to, knowing that there is always more within than we ever first realize...
I truly believe that such perspectives very much fuel our motivations to then keep going. Returning again, and again, and again.
So, at whatever high point, summit or no, I've said to myself, if I am not able to carry on, nearing where I need to determine the turn back time for a safe descent - when I look back from that juncture, to all the planning, preparation, training, and practice, over the whole journey - I will still be a very happy adventurer.
An elusive, but very important equation we all eventually have to determine for ourselves..... DSD
At first glance, he seemed rather out of breath and not in the best shape too, which translated into also being much slower of pace. Our first encounter on that mountain was brief in some ways but lasting for both our memories.
It was later mid-day.
I was descending that challenging scramble route, now having climbed this favourite peak for a third time. I could see him on his ascent, likely long before he noticed me, as his head was mostly down and his pace quite laboured.
We were both on a solo adventure day out, so each of us smiled when we met, glad for a chance meeting on a distant ridgeline. While out of breath, he was very enthusiastic, asking about the route, and then telling me how this mountain had become a distinct goal for him...
He asked me to take a picture with his camera too, and broke into a huge smile as I did so. We chatted longer than I had expected and shared a few snacks. It greatly intrigued me how he was able to put his objectives, wants, and adventure desires into words of such detail, even though being a person of novice experience.
Just as we were about to depart on our own ways, I passed a Summit Stone forward to him. I thought it might serve as a bit of encouragement, which may go a long ways for all of us at times, and also as we both knew, he wouldn't be gaining the summit that day out...
But it was my sense that he just might return to that mountain - it is hard to keep an inspired, enthusiastic adventurer from their dreams.
Our second meeting was on the trail to his chosen mountain, with me returning from another nearby peak. He was coming back also after not attaining his summit, but having made it somewhat farther up the mountain and further along in his journey.
We shared some laughs once again and our tales of what adventures we each had enjoyed since our last time together. I took another picture of him with his camera and could see as I framed it, that he was looking very different at this point... There was still that grand engaging smile, yet there was also now there a person of more confidence, and in better shape too. When he showed me the Summit Stone I had given him some seasons back, I was quite surprised and humbled that he was actually carrying it.
It seems that little cobblestone in his hand had become something of a touchstone of encouragement for him, towards his goal of finally being up on that elusive chosen summit.
On our third get together, it was not by chance this time, as we had been corresponding some now. We knew each would both be in that area around a certain time. I was only going up to the pass there, which is the beginning of the scramble route upon his mountain. It was a day for gazing & musing, and pondering while writing. I wasn't sure we would meet, but later in the day recognized a familiar form on the descent.
He had made it!
The smile was even wider, the enthusiasms even more expansive. We shared a hug and some tears of joy, on his face reflecting the completion of his journey, and on mine as I so get caught up in another's emotions on such adventures. After a bit of rest and some water, even more excited conversation and snacks, he said he wanted to show me something. Out came those pictures I had taken during our last encounters. Then out came that little Summit Stone too. The pictures told the story of the seasons of himself on that journey. They also showed images of the adventurer he was clearly becoming within his quest...
He is in much better shape by far than me now, his pace assured, steadfast, and sustained. The mountains he is choosing now too have challenges second to none.
I was told back then that a small stone and a bit of encouragement had gone a long ways.
Thank you, my Friend, for allowing me to be a stepping stone within your journey, and I am so very grateful to have met you..... DSD
My appreciation for sharing your own images here my Friends, which tell their stories too of elusive mountains and our dreams for climbing them.
"Two voices are there; one is of the sea, one is of the mountains". Wordsworth
"We climb to hear - whispered in the wind, echoed in the stars - strains of that mysterious music". E. Bernbaum
"I heard nothing except the music that had seemed to accompany me throughout my climb". R. Messner
"On this sun-consumed rock pile, eternity is trying to speak - no, sing to me". R. Schultheis
"Listen... Listen to the songs of the mountains; the songs of the forests and the river... Then listen more closely, for you may see that it is you that has been singing". Grandfather, Mountain Elder
It always seems to be, when now adventuring and wandering, intentionally slowing my steps, I am listening more quietly and closely, for both the meanings of the words within these wonderful quotes, then too for the songs and echoes from so far out in the wild places..... DSD
"If we approach wild country with an open frame of mind... It can bestow not only the gift of understanding, but also some sort of expansion of the spirit. A lifting up, a strengthening, an enthusiasm. And later, perhaps, it can teach us to sing...". D. Pitt-Brooke
Time to listen quietly for some distant music..... DSD
It is a small meditation bell, not really a traditional gong, given to me a very long time ago as a special gesture. I have always appreciated the unique note it makes when gently struck, and then the long lingering resonations of the harmonious sound...
I have been meditating since my early teenage years. It is a practice that has taken on many varied forms, different modulations in how it is expressed in my life. At times it is simply for the enduring practice itself, other moments to settle down the vertigo I experience, or the restless legs I always have.
My intention that adventure day though, up on that isolated secluded summit, was to hike and climb, then to muse and meditate, but also to strike another tone, a different pitch of music - one that just seemed to fit, to be in accord with and very suited for up there...
When we climb we join with a mountain.
We become part of those heights, the elements, the forces that created those places, even the vistas and also the very sounds. These combine with our internal tones too, with our efforts, and then all blend into the harmony of those high mountain energies.
We deeply experience the coherent hues of our surroundings, the accents of our climbing movements, among all the colors, light, and luminosity. The tint and shades of shadows are reflected then within our own emotions, sentiments, and then memories...
It was all of this I felt when I gently struck that little bell, up in that uninhabited, infrequently visited, solitary high place.
A lone summit, where this one sound fit in so well, its' unique music resonating, reverberating out as a meditative tone would.
A poetic time of sound, adventure, and feelings, creating a composition for a forever moment of mind and body.
A simple tone atop a lone summit..... DSD
My gratitude for sharing your images once again with us all my Friends.
We who adventure...
We seek and we quest, we wander and we journey.
So very far, up so high, for long enduring awe filled days.
Then we each seem to discover, the forever moments far beyond the elements, within our adventures way, way out there.
These, then, also become wonderous treasures within...
To be truly among the elements, is to become elemental ourselves.
To be as...
Resilient as stone and rock.
Enduring as the endless ocean waves.
Forever committed as the sun.
Persistent as all the winds.
To be as...
Wise and knowing as desert canyons.
Eternally strong as the glacial ice.
Quietly reflective as our campfires.
Lively energetic as the wild ones.
To be as...
Flexible as any winding river.
As far seeing as our chosen mountain summit.
Open and welcoming as a coastal island.
Sustaining as our northern lakes.
To be as...
Beautifully enlightened as the flickering stars.
Forever sharing as the revealing moonlight.
And as giving as the essence discovered within each and every wild place..... DSD
Dedicated to you all my Dear wandering Friends, and to my so appreciated Partners In Placing who pass forward many smiles along the way.
Here again, then and there, sitting quietly during last light... Watching gentle waves reach out for my kayak, that was pulled further up the beach and nestled by my tent...
It was not about anything that I was doing in those minutes, nor even so much what I may have been thinking.
Rather, it was of those forever moments in between, where those realizations, that sense of farther awareness, began drifting in and then took me away...
At times out with the wind, among the high places too, or as within this adventure out upon the waters, our minds seem to wander even further than our bodies do.
Such wonderful, often surprising gifts, of what our far reaching adventurous perceptions provide for us out there. Especially when we keep ourselves open to developing new awareness. Those wild moments when the light goes on in our tents, when another piece on our wandering paths falls into place...
'I get it now', I said quietly to myself, as I was referring to a complexity out there that also reflected something puzzling from back here.
'I get it...'.
Or, upon pondering, was I realizing something similar but at a higher altitude if you will, of comprehending it. Maybe even, what was within this realization was not something new, but more so - something very old, very ancient, that we only grasp again such moments amidst wild place realizations...
So much more of the mystery to enjoy..... DSD
My sincere appreciation for passing forward your images to share Dear Ones...
"Whoever knows an island, or river, or mountain intimately - knows at some point, this feeling... It is among the gifts that flow from returning, again and again...". J. Turner
Time to return yet once more is it not Dear Friends..... DSD
I am just back in from some distant wanderings, catching up with you all Dear Friends, and as well as about the overwhelming flood impacts upon our Alberta mountain community, Calgary, and others. It is hard to grasp, to understand all of what has been unfolding without a tear or two, and yet, still yet, seeing the beginnings of such spirit and inspiration among all those affected.
This had me musing this day, while reflecting upon my recent journeys, and these present challenges, over echoes of those Phoenix's that always arise from all such adversities...
We all have mountains to climb in our lives it seems. If you ever have the opportunity and the honour to look into the eyes for example, of an organ transplant recipient, as I have many times, then you will have met a mountaineer of another kind. For out of tragedy here arises something very unique, from a personal catastrophe, something truly exceptional can be found.
This is the Phoenix arising, the 'Rara Avis' that is discovered in both the lives of an Organ Donor's and the Transplant Recipients who are then gifted with a renewed life.
I have known adventurers who have undergone these trials. I have also had the exceptional experience of further time with those who have had to walk these same trails due to extremely serious health conditions.
'Rara Avis' is Latin for a very rare person or thing. A very unusual and uncommon event. When something is able to be saved, to be transformed, from such suffering and such tragedy that can occur in any of our lives - that is a true 'Rara Avis'. This is a real life Phoenix that arises from the ashes of these calamities, these many times fatally unhappy events.
I am reminded these days of how Anon wrote, "Each of us is on a climb of a different sort, facing our own mountains, struggling to cross our own rough seas"...
While recently meeting again out upon a shared trail with an Organ Transplant Recipient, and then also with an adventurer who is undertaking their own challenging experiences in support of this person, what I saw were the amazingly restorative connections they have, where through this adversity each has now become revived and renewed...
We all certainly have so very many mountains in our lives.
Those who climb through such adversity, illness, and pain, and then far beyond these severe challenges, can truly say they have summited many of the greatest mountains a human being can experience. As N. Shulman mused, "Everyday all of us have to attempt a mountain of sorts... Those that refuse to give up and are always willing to struggle uphill, can truly call themselves mountaineers...".
Those that then choose to commit themselves to 'Adventuring For Another Reason' in support, know deeply the close connections we can create between enduring within an adventure experience, and the dedication of such efforts towards another even more encompassing cause.
Let's all do what we can to support anyone who is of need right now.
To have done so amidst such distinct adversity is a true 'Rara avis', a real Phoenix arising..... DSD
Dedicated to those enduring service workers & volunteers in Alberta.
Dedicated this day as well to the Canadian Transplant Society , Canadian Transplant Association , Donate Life America , and the US Organ Donor Site .
Oh, to be encompassed so. To have such memories and reminders all around. Present on all sides of us...
We often have such intense adventure life experiences when we wander. Like when we hike a very favorite trail, passing through both the familiar terrain, and then long years of experiences upon it as well.
We sense how being encircled in such a way, when out among the wild places, is being endlessly gifted with so much.
To be so surrounded by memories and and reminders.
What wonderful forever moments they are...
That day, when upon a summit, as I mused and scribbled these few words, I looked out upon many mountain memories, and even more river and valley reminders.
It also made me think about our den back at home too, seemingly a bit messy at times, with many old guide books, stacks of faded pictures, a lot of little journals & composings, and stones too many to count.
To be so specially surrounded by memories and reminders...
Then, when, we set out again as we always do my Dear Friends, after putting on our worn boots & pack, or readying to launch our scraped up elder kayak, the smiles just come. For the sum total of all of what we have shared in is right there once again, all around embracing us.
Yet, what I think is a key part of this wonderous mystery too, is that in being surrounded by such amazing memories and reminders, after clearly, intensely feeling again what was known before - than we are further inspired as well to envision what is yet to be..... DSD
Dedicated this adventure day to those who are Adventuring For Another Reason in support of the many who have lost such cherished memories:
Ascent For Alzheimers
Memories Are Everything
"Over all the mountaintops is peace...
In all treetops you perceive,
scarcely a breath.
The little birds in the forest are silent.
Wait then, soon you, too,
Will have peace...".
J. Von Goethe
So very many poets and philosophers, were first climbers and adventurers.
We sense why, don't we my Friends.
Dedicated this adventure day to all those who are enduringly Adventuring For Another Reason ..... DSD
"The grandeur of the scene was but softened by the haze that hung over the valley - light as gossamer wonder - and by the clouds that partially dimmed the highest cliffs and mountains. This obscurity of a vision but increased the awe with which I beheld it, and as I looked, a peculiar sensation seemed to fill my whole being, and I found my eyes in tears with emotions...". L. Bunnell
Dedicated this adventure day to all the Partners In Placing sharing in the grandeur and of smiles all along the way out there. Thank you so very much... DSD
A seasoned teacher yes, an experienced leader for certain, and an instructor for the many adventuring skills we so hoped to learn of course. Yet, also standing before us, within each and every day out there during our Outward Bound experiences - standing before us was a mentor...
The adventure mentorship that was to be shared with us, moment after moment, was gentle yet engaging, subtle yet profound, distinct but allowing as well.
Standing before us as well was an enduring enthusiasm, real energy, focused excitement, and a clear example of who we each wanted to be in so many different ways. Having such a wild place mentor, standing before you as well, waving you forward, gesturing you onward, encouraging you upward, is an amazing gift that is never, ever, forgotten...
This is dedicated this adventure season to all our new Outward Bound Leaders, and to each and every one of my own Outward Bound Mentors, who have passed forward so much to us all..... DSD
Inquiries within ponderings, dreamings among visions, questions asked yet often not needing answers - what wonderful musings wander through our mind out in the wild places...
Many times, certain questions, particular wordings, take on deep depths of meanings over the seasons for each of us.
"Where do we go from here", was the seemingly simple inquiry made by a fellow student on my first Outward Bound course.
It became one of those very fun, intriguing, and memorable things that we often discover, recall, then repeat a thousand times when adventuring. We asked it of ourselves, our Instructors, of the mountains, rivers & valleys, and even of the elements themselves when the winds picked up their pace and a storm began to brew.
We asked it of each other at the end of our course, with smiles, tears, and hugs of encouragement.
I even sensed that our Outward Bound Leaders, when asking this, often also meant it to reflect 'who we wanted to be as adventurers' as we each began upon that life course as well...
In later years, I would find myself asking it aloud, in the very same moment the Mountain Guide I was with, was also saying it on a very challenging climb.
It has been said with frustration when bushwacking and during navigational complications that pushed us so far off course.
Within the maze of some distant coastal islands, during a totally fogged in day, we asked it many times.
Deep in that cave and within those canyons too, we have whispered it to one another as well.
This question has been excitedly posed for me many times, when I am leading some novice adventurers out on their first scrambles.
It is a rhetorical comment I find myself saying quietly too, at the end of the day, upon returning to our trailhead, after a particularly rewarding adventure experience.
Many moments, just in the asking of this question itself - we found all the answers we needed, all the encouragement and inspiration, and that sense of direction as adventurers' we all seem to seek.
So Dear Friends, today I wonder once more, where do we go from here..... DSD
Thank you for sharing your images that have inspired these directions my Friends.
Words within a poem from the trail,
A mantra for certain fulfilling motivation,
All about such enduring momentum,
Yet also reflecting our deep emotion...
'Further' became the invocation,
A chanting over very long distance,
Looking past perceived limitations,
And further it was we went...
'Forward' was the clear saying,
Regardless of the many external challenges,
Or of our internal hurdles too,
For forward it now was...
'Upward' was the powerful inspiration,
Shared in such potent moments,
To go beyond assumed limitations,
Then upward was our direction...
'Inward' is now our shared song,
In midst of these special times to sing,
About our unique adventure paths,
And the real journey we discover out there...
Our quests within wonderful adventures,
Poetic words found upon a trail,
Further, forward, onward, upwards, and inwards,
Now it forever is..... DSD
Dedicated for International Trails Day tomorrow, for Outward Bound who guides so many of us on our first trails, to those who continue on their chosen trails while Adventuring For Another Reason , and to my Partners In Passing Forward smiles all along the way.
Being that is was our third day up so high, and that the elements of weather were now agreeable to our presence, we rested on that summit for very long moments. After the excitement and celebration of just getting up this pinnacle, and then the important steps for getting some sustenance and putting on a warmer top, we each settled back to just enjoy some time among the rock ringed by still white clouds.
A few made notes in their journals, others gazed across the sea of summits in all directions. Another built up the small cairn with a few more rocks, and one of our Outward Bound Instructors seemed to be laying out stones in a fashion I did not recognize...
A larger rock was laid flat, with its' smoothest surface facing up. Smaller shards were laid out on top of this, while certain pebbles became some kind of points of reference.
Intrigued we all were, as these Outward Bound Mentors were always doing and saying unique things in their quiet manner. We soon learned to sense that something meaningful was now unfolding...
What was being created in front of us was a simple sundial, yet the conversation that it sparked was profound...
The ponderings among our young musings then shared involved aspects of time. Like the mystery of passing time, that timing is everything, how we were having the time of our lives, and that only time will tell.
This too shall pass, was said, as was that time heals and helps, and perspectives that all we really have is time.
We talked of seasons, aging, our time out there, about time with others, time for ourselves, even that time seems to stand still sometimes. and the poignancy of the passage of such time...
I hope those small arranged rocks are there still.
This was so many years ago.
Maybe they will be reminding other wanderers who adventure to that summit, that because of some mysterious reason, someone took the time to create that special sundial up there.
In those moments it could be timely for them to then enjoy pondering the wonder of it all..... DSD
Thank you for these unique reminders and timely images my Friends.
The quest not yet begun,
One more journey simply unstarted,
A high & wild place still to be discovered,
Discoveries just waiting to be made...
Every one of our potential adventures,
So many close companions,
The very wild places themselves,
Are always quietly, so very patiently, awaiting,
Those cherished memories yet to be created...
So many adventure moments out there,
And within each one of us as well,
Just not yet encountered,
But soon to be divined..... DSD
Dedicated to those new wonderful Adventurers of the 2013 Ascent For Alzheimer's Team.
Constellations are much more than a grouping of stars...
These subtle outlines within celestial images are full of the most ancient history and mystery too. For ages, such constellations and the stories told of them, were associated with journeys, and especially meaning. It was a wise wanderer and a knowing person, who made the constellations a part of their lives.
We often particularly associate them with navigation. Who has not gazed up at the North Star, and then discovered a new course to set out upon at times when far out in the wild places.
Stars inspire us. They gift us with a special light set against the darkest sky. They are potently full of adventure metaphors. Thus they subtly also encourage us...
When we take this a step even further though, then we create a whole new direction for ourselves. Outward Bound first invited me to do this. For years I have passed forward this engaging gift as well.
Constellations can be very personal. Selecting and giving meaning to a grouping of stars can be exceptionally inspirational. By doing so we each then navigate by such an individual constellation in truly unique ways.
To choose a constellation as a reflection of ourselves is to always be assured of journeys for beauty, enjoyment, and meanings often only told of in tales. The brightest of these stars are the ones that will always hold true for us again and again, season upon season, adventure by adventure...
Stars can represent our motives, our dreams, and desires.
Stars can mirror what we want, within our adventure goals and objectives for out there.
Stars echo too about the person we want to become, and for the close companions who share in our experiences.
When we are challenged by life's adversities, which we each surely will, our personal constellation is always there for us. Gently assisting and forever pointing the way, through the inevitable trials of life's terrain and then beyond. When we are in the midst of those times when we feel lost, we know they are there. Waiting to shine out and quietly give direction and support. There is something very comforting about having such constellations in our lives...
Creating our own personal constellation is to live among awe, like the inspired ancient mariners.
So when the sun next begins those travels towards its resting place this very evening Dear Friends, turn and look at the far distant horizon, and begin to gaze up in the approaching night sky, upon your very own personal constellation..... DSD
My appreciation for sharing your wonderful images my friends.
"A word or an image is symbolic when it implies something more than its obvious and immediate meaning. It has a wider 'unconscious' aspect that is never precisely defined or fully explained. Nor can one hope to define or explain it. As the mind explores the symbol, it is led to ideas that lie beyond the grasp of reason...". Carl Jung
An amazing noun.
An enduring verb.
A wonderous metaphor indeed..... DSD
Endless days of rain that time out, but interestingly on the far side of this, such smiles and laughter was to be found.
Many nights of cold, still - another discovery for such warmth of companionship and accomplishment.
Then came that lasting echo...
Rain, cold, whatever.
Go anyway...
Those storms we face may seem to stall our efforts. Yet they can also though, become part of our strengths and energy.
Thunder and lightning will happen too. As will the moments for embracing rainbows that occur after, just as often out there.
Those strong winds are usually first felt as barriers. But can also later many times blend in with our momentum and motivations.
We've done what we must.
We've prepared all we can.
We've trained hard for long months.
We plan and take many options for any gear we might need.
So, regardless now of whatever may placed in our path, let's go anyway...
For hidden out among the wild places, as a gift for those who persist in venturing far in these ways, are profound experiences, eternal memories, and unforgettable forever moments.
If we choose to endure, to stay the course, and go anyway..... DSD
My appreciation for sharing your enduring images with us Dear Friends.
Subtle sounds within what we all sense.
Sense within many of nature's tones.
Tones within movement and long meditations.
Such meditations among our wonderous mountains.
Mountains of contemplation, connection, and spirit.
All within just the next step..... DSD
Dedicated this season to all those amazing adventurers who are out there 'Adventuring For Another Reason...'.
An intriguing old Outward Bound saying, this musing, about there being just 'something very cleansing about sweat'...
A high level of effort, focus, and concentration are almost always required when we adventure so. This process though, is not just about attaining goals out there, yet also more mysteriously about the transmutation of energy too.
When we are working it out high on a mountain, or far away upon an open ocean, we are more than simply moving. We are tempering our very selves, and essentially distilling our dreams as well.
In those deep dry desert canyons, we discover ways and means for purifying while canyoneering. For letting go, and moving past, any other kind of fevered distractions.
On a fifty degree slope, then getting ourselves through the crux of a climb, we are curing ourselves. pushing our bodies, mind, and spirit beyond what we had ever before thought possible.
After endless days out on our longest hike, we labour, toil, and then revel in the moisture emitting from our honed bodies and brow.
Anyone who has peeled off their neoprene after hours out riding extreme winds and waves, knows exactly what I mean too.
What amazing paradox's these adventure experiences at first seem...
One of the byproducts of our adventure rituals is sweat.
And there is something very cleansing, even extremely healing, about this product of perseverance.
We move so and remove unneeded issues. We push so and eliminate that which is not necessary. Then we discover freedom among all these elements of effort...
Such cleansing endurance is a potent passage, a means of discovering so much more within than we ever first realized.
We may not be as clean by any means as in the beginnings of our journeys, but that simply doesn't matter. We've distilled ourselves down to the important things - the truly necessary basics, of vision and dreams, fulfilled by muscle, bone, and tendon.
We have also exercised our intentions which induces real meaning, resulting in motivation and musings of significance.
There is just something pure, very cleansing, even gently healing, within such reflections upon our earned adventurous sweat..... DSD
My sincere appreciation for the inspiring images above from Paradox Sports which share more than my musings ever could.
"Everything in the world has a hidden meaning... Men, animals, trees, stars, are all a kind of hieroglyph. When you see them you may not understand them. You think they are really men, animals, trees, stars. It is only years later that you truly understand...". N. Kazantzakis
That we begin to understand at all is amazing and so wonderful... DSD
My appreciation to David Terrell for the above inspiring image called "Song Of Running White Wolf".
So still...
So very still I am.
Many tracks around right here.
And over there as well.
Listening to running water, there is a creek among these trees.
So still...
So very still I breathe.
Hoping...
To see that wild grey beauty.
A glimpse of such furred wonder.
So still...
So very still she is.
Approaching the cold waters.
Slowly, so slowly, so naturally cautiously.
I think I am not seen.
So quietly sitting here.
No movement at all, now holding my breath.
Then she slowly turns and looks.
Purposefully right towards me.
So still these movements become.
Watching each other...
I am pondering in awe and timelessness.
We seem to know one another.
To understand our calm intentions.
Such grace and beauty.
Such wild wonder...
I feel time now stand still.
In all of what we then share.
Now I remember to breathe once more.
As so gently and quietly she moves away.
Then looks back upon me.
With those brightly colored eyes.
So still, so still I am.
So forever grateful..... DSD
Dedicated to our shared Earth Day this unfolding season...
"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin...". William Shakespeare
"What do you see when you look at an animal? A kindred spirit, a creature much like you...". J. Kazez
There are very few of us adventurers who have not had desires and dreams about, and then actual experiences in sharing the wild places with, our family of wild ones out there. Our experiences become so very special when this happens, when we see them, especially when we share a moment among them, and so we hope though while elusive that this will happen again and again for us... Most of us cherish these moments almost as none other, they are so unique, so touching... DSD
Just when we don't think we can, we find our means to further go.
Just about that time when our breath seems gone, we then experience that which truly takes it away.
Around that time when the adversities appear overwhelming, we uncover moments of encouragement to keep on.
In those minutes when the storm almost overtakes us, we now turn into it and discover new strengths before unknown.
Many times when our adventure objectives feel to be beyond us, we then learn it is we ourselves who are the elusive ones.
Then we begin to understand that there is always, always, more within us then we ever before first realized...
So, just when we might have given up, we sense what depths we really, truly, have deep inside.
Then, just when the trials seem to have drained away our commitment, we learn to appreciate what real endurance is all about.
Also, among those endless winds and waves, just when we think we can't, we start to uncover the ways we can.
And, just when we need it most, our partners always show us what real support and companionship truly is.
Then, once again too, just when we think we've experienced all we can out there, our wild place adventures gently remind us yet again, of awe and wonder, and we begin anew..... DSD
Dedicated this unfolding spring, too all those who keep going, as they 'Adventure For Another Reason'.
From the very moment I saw it, in those minutes right when I gathered it up, that stone had a wonderful story to tell...
It is truly a beautiful rock, one whose form gives you a sense of its' ancient history. No way would it have been right there in that wild place; no way would it have been as shaped and as polished so finely - unless its motions over the millenia, among all those boulders, from within a nearby glacier, had taken it on its' own timeless journey.
From the very moment I turned it over and over in my hand, I was beginning to envision what this stone's essence would express. You could sense from its' shape, from the lines upon and within it, from the small chips, even the tinier cracks, and especially from the smoothness over most of its' surface- what its' temperament, strength, and vigour was sharing.
Here, in my hand, was truly a spirit stone...
One whose character had endured all the elements had placed upon it.
A stone's spirit is an essential thing, one I try to look so closely for and understand. Some have travelled so very far. Many have such unique virtue in the way they have survived the forces over so long that have attempted to break them. We adventurer's can identify dearly with these meanings.
Right from the moment I gathered it up I felt I knew what this stone wanted to reveal. I sensed I knew where it wanted to be later placed. So right from where I found it as well, I gathered up small particles of every other element, to be 'mixed in' within the bright paints to be layered upon it...
Now, in your hand, you may have this very stone.
When I gathered it up I hoped you would find it. I hope too you sense the essence there, those wonderful intrinsic components that made it, the virtue reflecting where it has been, the meanings of the elements in the paints, and the symbolism hopefully it also represents from within your own adventures...
Like Ceremony Stones and Scholar Rocks , your Summit Stone has a spirit all of its' own, always calling to your longings..... DSD
My appreciation for sharing your spirited images here as well my Friends.
"The world belongs to the enthusiastic...". R. Emerson
"None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm...". H. Thoreau
Amazing energy, spirit, motivation, and commitment, all drawn from that well of deep enthusiasm..... DSD
Trails can be trials, altitude inherently holds adversity, paddling comes with winds and waves, climbing always has its challenges...
We train, we prepare, and we carry all we think that we need in our backpacks: The essentials, the rough weather clothes, that extra piece of gear that just may be required.
Then a much bigger storm hits, then our internal resources are tested further too, and just when we often least may expect to see and feel it within ourselves, out of our pack then comes - character...
You with the adventure personality know what I mean. You wanderers have felt that collective quality of latent tenacity. That distinctive something that is both seemingly insubstantial, and yet very truly substantial at the same time.
Like those extra layers of fleece, or that additional piece of gear, your character, your nature, is always there waiting to be utilized, practiced with, and applied.
When those real storms hit, then out of your pack it comes forth. More than only a tendency to carry on. Rather it is your own intrinsic unique style of going even that much further. Because we each individually choose to go farther.
Then we will enjoy it even more as we embrace our adventure challenges in this distinctive way.
Character is a deeper element of endurance and commitment. Not often recognized, but do we ever know it when we see and feel it.
Like a polished piece of old worn reliable gear, it is always, always, there waiting for us, and the more use it has, the better it becomes..... DSD
For Barbara...
It doesn't seem to matter how many mountains have now been climbed.
There are still countless wonderful mysteries to ponder up on such a peak as this.
How is it...
How is it, that a place where there is little living up so high, can be so full of these potent moments for our lives.
How is it, that a barren place like this, can provide these peaks of feelings & emotions for us all.
How is it, I wonder still, that in the midst of those brief moments, so many lasting eternities of experience & memories may be found.
How is it...
How is it, that such intense companionship and fellowship, may be attained among places known for silence and solitude.
How is it, I ask too, that this mysterious mixing in of the elements out there, then brings out those elusive elements we all have within us - and then blends them into such personal transformations.
As I lay up here writing this by headlamp, gazing up from bivi sack & sleeping bag, upon countless constellations above, I continue with such musings, knowing that now falling asleep with these wonderful ponderings on my mind - is simply enough..... DSD
Dedicated this day to those who are 'Adventuring For Another Reason' this wonderful season.
Thank you my Friends for sharing your amazing images above.
