"In The Clip Of A Carabiner..."

There are certain sounds out there that so clearly resonate with each of us. Certain things we so enjoy to hear, some we especially listen for, others we then sense as well. Like as with the sound of a friends voice and the encouragement that is always subtly there. Many others are both unique and also very special - as with the wind itself, powerful thunder, the welcoming crackle of a campfire, the crunch of a snowshoe upon a new crust, the swish of a paddle, endless movement of waves, the creak of our pack, among countless other soundings among our wild adventures.
Many seem simple, yet can carry such profound meanings of challenges, close familiarity, and symbolism of potential and promise.
In the clip of a carabiner for example, I have heard, learned, been inspired, and remember now so much...
There has been the excitement and assurance of trust & expectations. The intense feelings of anticipation within such sensations just before a climb. Within the clip of a carabiner are both beginnings and endings, among smiles and loud voices calling out to each other in excitement and then completion.
Long after an Outward Bound Instructor first clipped me in before top roping on a first rock face, to now clipping myself and others into such wonderfully joined adventures, the memories continue to unfold... Journeys meaning so much, all reflected in a seemingly simple sound. A noise like no other for those of us who climb, kayak, or cave.
Even after these long decades, I do so love that very unique sound, of the clip of a carabiner. It inspires me still. It reminds me of what is waiting out there for all of us. That simply powerfully resonating sound within the clip of a carabiner..... DSD

"Hmmm......."

Recently, Jeff Clark of the wonderful hiking adventure site Meanderthals commented on my post "The Metaphor Within 'Mixing In'..." , and said musingly, "D, "mixing in" is one of my favorite things about the summit stones. The mystery enables the mind to wander just as our feet do. With each little rub on a stone, there is wonder; wonder about that little tiny bump, wonder about its derivation, wonder about its history. I have found myself more than once sitting on a craggy summit, rolling a summit stone in my hand, and simply saying, "hmmm."
I am very grateful for Jeff's insights and intuition about this endeavour and the meanings within it. His comment about the 'mystery' in particular echo with the 'why' behind it all... For that is exactly what I always hope for, that 'Hmmm...' moment. Where it just might spark someone to ponder why someone does this kind of thing, why they might be inspired to pass a little rock forward so. Then maybe, just maybe, another fellow wanderer might then give back something in their own way, on a journey of their own making.
As I first learned on Outward Bound so many years ago, there is always 'more within' than we ever first realize.
Maybe, within such a 'Hmmm...' moment, a fellow adventurer will discover this...
DSD

My gratitude to Jeff for passing forward some smiles, and for both his image of his Summit Stones and the comment above.

"There Is Truly More Within....."

Each and every step will surely have its meanings.
All of our adventures, trails, and routes, eventually themselves become clear paths.
Such wild place experiences are as much about moments, as they are about objectives.
These long journeys, our forever navigation's, and distant wanderings, are more really about memories.
For then, as we will always discover too, there is truly more within than we ever, ever, first realize..... DSD

Dedicated to all our fellow Alumni who so enjoyed their Outward Bound courses these past seasons.

"Ours & Kolby's Adventurous Mapping Endeavours..."

Today I am thinking of Kolby who shared this wonderful quote with us all:
“Give me a map to look at, and I am content. Give me a map of country I know, and I am comforted: I live my travels over again, step by step, I recall the journeys I have made; half-forgotten incidents spring vividly to mind, and again I can suffer and rejoice at experiences which are once more made very real. Old maps are old friends, understood only by the man with whom they have travelled the miles. Nobody could read my maps as I do. Lend a book to a friend and he can enjoy it and miss nothing of its story: lend him a map, and he cannot even begin to read the tale it has to tell. For maps are personal things which books are not. The appeal of an old map is to the memory; an old map spread across my knees closes my eyes. The older, the more tattered it is, the greater my affection for it. I recall our adventures together in storm and sunshine; an occasion, perhaps, when it slipped from my pocket and I searched my tracks anxiously, as for a lost companion, until it was found; an occasion, perhaps, when the mist was thick and instinct and the map urged different ways, and I followed the map and came to a safe ground again. Ah yes, maps are grand companions.”
AW Wainwright
Now Kolby has before him an opportunity for a grand adventure and the really fun part of this is that we can support him on his way.
Please have a look my Friends, as we all do so love our maps. Understanding topography develops as integral for our skills out there, while cartography then becomes a part of our person while wandering. We journey so very far to survey and experience as much as we can. Kolby takes us with him when he goes too...
We travel on such varied terrain, initially unknown, then it becomes as well understood & familiar as the other elements themselves.The further we go, the longer we adventure among the wild places, the more we realize - the many, many, kinds of maps we both use and also compose and draw ourselves upon... Just like Kolby does in his artistry.
We realize that what is represented by these individual impressions are as important to our navigations as any other part of a map might be. These are the images of us exploring, the symbols of our new perceptions, the outlines from our actions, then the representations of our memories. Even when we find limitations, we know what to do; for as with that point on the edge of any map, we know to push further, as other territory is always a possibility...
These then become all our our very personal maps, that we ourselves have created.
As adventurers, we do so love our maps, the ancient ones, the new crisp ones, and especially the descriptive very important personal ones.
This is what is unfolding for our friend Kolby, so let's all support him in pointing the way..... DSD

"The Metaphor Within 'Mixing In'....."

Thank you all very much my Friends, for this seasons comments and many email, about how you have enjoyed the Mystery & Magic of what has been subtly Mixed In upon each and every one of your Summit Stones. They truly then are touchstones, for as many of you have said, it has added a little character, a bit of mystery, even sparked a few musings, for all of what & why we each do what we do out among the wild places...
Such mystery becomes personal magic then as this has always been about passing forward smiles. Then if this endeavour, and the placing of these touchstones, invites a bit of awareness too, then it's all good.
I need to say as well, that it was my adventure experiences on Outward Bound courses where we first learned the subtle, yet potent metaphor reflecting, "There is more within than we ever first realize"... My naive style of art and especially the mixing in of so many elements, is a reflection of this powerful symbolic Outward Bound metaphor.
Such 'mixing in' is also an ancient style of artistry, much older than even Scholars Rocks .
Another kind of legacy that we each pass forward to one another, as well all make our way on the paths out there..... DSD

"Passing Forward Echoes....."

Having mused these many years here, there are times when I've included phrases a number of occasions over. One in particular many of you have commented about echoes with the words, and the metaphors reflecting: "Further, farther, onward, upward, and inward as well".
I describe such phrases as echoes, as they are not really mine, but potent words, within powerful memories from out on Outward Bound courses. Every time, each moment, one of our Leaders shared such an encouragement, it resonated and resounded greatly with all of us. They often only used a few simple words, then began inviting and allowing for us to find our own meanings for them amidst our experiences out there.
"A little longer", they would say, "A bit further", they said, and then too, "A touch farther", "Onwards", and "Upwards".
Then so quietly, "Inwards" too, they would gently invite us to gaze...
The passing forward of such echoes, are gifts given many, many, times over..... DSD

"What The Mountains See In You..."

On Outward Bound the exercises were always gentle challenges, far journeys within moments of experiences, with many levels of metaphors and meanings to be found.
One exercise experience we were invited to long ponder, and then write about in our journals as well, began as it often did, as a seemingly simple question...
We had finally descended after a challenging day up high, over such bare rock, among strong winds, darkening clouds, and the many unknowns novices perceive from out there.
Maybe it was our later discussion about those very unknowns that sparked this exercise. For all our Outward Bound Instructor then said, when later we were all resting, sorting gear, and recovering was, "I wonder, if you all see in one another, and if you each see in yourselves, what the mountain saw in every single one of you today...".
I have always very much loved, and been so drawn to, such engaging metaphors and mystery. To think that the mountain itself was paying as close attention to us, as we were to it, intrigued us greatly. To ponder that this very high wild place, that peak of stone, could be a sentient kind of thing, which was watching us very closely that adventure day was a wonderously inviting concept.
Yet, maybe, just maybe, that Outward Bound Leader knew more than what was only being said. Because I have come to believe and accept, that there is a subtle truth, more reality than we just see, to this engaging musing. The mountains do indeed often sense, they also seem to know, that we truly do have so very much more within us than we may ever have first expected.
So, my Dear Friends, in those moments, what might you think your next elusive summit will observe, and then surely draw forth from you as well, that you may initially not known by yourself..... DSD

"Of Remembrance And Freedom......."

"A mountaineer is one who seeks the freedom of the hills, full wilderness citizenship, with all its privileges and rewards, its responsibilities and demands." 
The Mountaineers
The freedom of the hills we all love and know,
Echoes with many brave voices now long gone,
So let us pause wherever we are on our shared trails,
To listen quietly in remembrance.......

"Our Adventuring Vision..."

"We climb upon our vision of ourselves...".   O. Marden
To dream, to envision, then to wander.
Has there ever been as many opportunities for adventure..... DSD

"Timelessness......."

During countless adventure experiences have I mused about the nature of timelessness out within our wanderings...
Under many millions of stars have I then gazed up, dreamed about such journeys that we share in, and envisioned how we each then discover more within than ever first realized, thanks to Outward Bound.
Then this last season I reflected too upon...
Those hundreds of thousands of storms which have surely polished these kinds of stones which I seek for you my Friends, with that weather's powerful energy, and all those winds, snow, and rain.
About the tens of thousands of individual steps we take out there, where each and every one is a joy, while moving ourselves further among the wild places.
Also in how easily a thousand thoughts have been formed and focused up high, like the plans & preparation I make for an adventure such as on that day. Those ponderings within the excited enthusiasm and anticipations we all have, that take each of us so much further.
I reflect too over a hundred days and nights on other trips gone by, bringing me finally to be at this very high place on the map. About the many valleys and trails, hikes and climbs over the years, which can now be seen as actual directions eventually leading right there.
I muse as well on a dozen mountains here, embraced by such beautiful vistas, all where many climbs have taken place - such wonderous times upon those so special peaks.
Then to this, a single summit, upon this unique high point, now composing a few simple words, while having gathered up some small touchstones for you Dear Finders. Then as I descend with the sunset, a million stars will begin to shyly shine far away on the horizon once more. All enlightening this journey to here and now. These are the forever moments that unfold within our adventures Dear Friends.
Those truly endless memories that we so enjoy, smiling about them time & time again, and always then sharing them in our stories with one another..... DSD
Dedicated this adventure season to those who Adventure For Another Reason whom I think about every time out there.
My appreciation for sharing your timeless images as well my Friends.

"To Sleep, To Dream..."

"As you sit on the hillside,
Or lie prone under the trees of the forest,
Or sprawl wet-legged by a mountain stream,
The great door,
That does not look like a door,
Opens...".  
S. Graham
To sleep, to dream, to wander, then to muse...
What wonderful perspectives are gifted to us then... DSD

"A Raven, A Ram, And A Bear..."

It has been many years since I completed that challenging mountain scramble. It's name is reflective of its long history, both as a mountain to be climbed, and for how it has been a beacon for travelers down those long valley systems. Nowadays though, what I remember most after all this time, is not only about the route, the rock, or even the summit itself, but rather just as fondly - a raven, a ram, and a bear...
Three wild ones who made their presence known, who shared some brief moments with me, and whose inspiration kept me going that whole unfolding full adventure day.
The route finding there, the rock, and the ridgelines were very daunting at points for me in my younger years. I was out solo as well, having very much planned and prepared to do just that. But there were still lingering doubts present too, which we often learn to use as messages and for energy, to really focus upon what we each need for being safe and to keep going.
That beautiful raven appeared when I was off route a bit, and stayed up above for the next few hours. So whenever I looked up and around, there that raven was, almost beckoning me seemingly exactly right along the way I needed to go...
Then, just before the summit block, when I was puzzled by the seemingly endless possible variations up those difficult rock steps, I could no longer see the raven. But right up above was now a mountain ram. Just gazing down at me, almost with a little smile on his face, as they often look to so have. Quietly, calmly, patiently, just watching. Him observing this other two-legged creature who was soon to share his rock, sun, and air up there. The ram moved off in the distance as I moved up, and the summit then became everything I had hoped it to be...
Much, much, later when moving along the trail out, after an even longer decent, I heard what we are often listening for in such situations. That movement, a kind of shuffling, through the ground cover and the trees. So I moved far back and away, and then watched from a distinct distance. An old black bear then slowly approached the trail from within the darkening trees, glanced directly at me, then ambled across and towards another valley. I waited for quite some time before moving on, pausing to look in the direction this Elder went. There on the ground, just off the trail, was quite a lot of broken rock that made me smile greatly. Such perfectly formed shapes and flatness were these stones, making them a wonderful medium to splash a bit of paint on...
A raven, a ram, and a bear. Gifting me with moments, memories, and so much more to mark and muse about that mountain adventure day... DSD
My gratitude my Friends, for sharing your images with us all here.

"Truly, So Truly....."

"Truly it may be said that the outside of a mountain is good for the inside of a man..." George Mallory
The higher we climb,
The further & farther we go,
The more inner we often find ourselves..... DSD

"Headlamp Wonders..."

So many experiences within our adventures are illuminated for us when out there, then later too in our minds eye of memories, by what seems simply at first to only be a headlamp...
Such a distinctly useful piece of equipment is this source of light. It waits patiently for us in the darker hours. Then in the midst of our awakening anticipations we bring it out and shine it upon all the gear laid out in our tent, or the back of our vehicle. Then its' beam blends in so well with the excitement of those first few steps upon the trail, sharing warmth of another kind as we set out within that circle of light.
Our headlamps truly bring focus to both our attention and our efforts, because we know what is to come, and what will shine forth from those adventure experiences...
I remember in particular, the wonders of my little headlamp so well, on one very cold winter trek. Way back then, that beam of muted light shone upon millions of crystals of snow falling slowly, quietly, endlessly, before me...
We smile when we recall how sometimes each step, each hand placement, is all that we are able to see, especially in those earliest alpine starts. This slowly brightening process makes elusive summits feel even more so...
It makes for such a moment of laughter too, when looking up quickly, and inadvertently shining that unexpectedly full light into the smiling, but startled faces of our companions.
Then there is the launching by such light, out into ocean surf long before first light, because we needed to make time before the storm. Or the fun & accomplishment of starting our campfires by headlamp, as we shiver in the dark, time and time again.
We can recall rappelling into that ancient cave, where no light at all ever resides, except but for what we each bring with us.
What amazing moments these all are. What beautiful shining memories they then become...
Each headlamp I have had over the years has always held its own. Even if the light begins to dim a bit at times maybe due to cold batteries. We simply warm them up and carry on.
We all share in such elemental enlightened headlamp wonders don't we my Friends, from out in our wild place adventures..... DSD

My appreciation for sharing your own enlightened images and memories above my Friends.

"Discovering Fire....."

The philosopher and wanderer, Teilhard de Chardin, described the human spirit, our natural passions, and the personal meanings we create within our lives as "The second discovery of fire...".
There are many, many, kinds and types of fires out there that we adventurers learn to embrace and be familiar with... DSD

"Each Time Climbed, A Different Note Heard..."

Each adventure day, every single time, that I have climbed this mountain, there has been a unique and different arrangement of the mixture of the elements up there.
The forever changing winds, the shadows, rains, mists, alpenglow, late evening light, evolving sunrises and sunsets, sometimes snow conditions, distinct changes of temperature as well - all unfolding into so many kinds of wild combinations.
Almost notes if you will. Kinds of an assembled music and varied harmonies, all within those wonderful adventure experiences...
This is a front range mountain. One that is in shape very early in the year. Rock that lingers long too as an option even as the usual season sets. It may be ascended mid winter as well if the weather and the winds become agreeable.
Over the years I have come to believe this composition of stone & elements, especially when this all blends in with the melody of our movement up there - transforms the whole experience. Then this becomes a remarkable, artful, mixture for all of our senses and the way we each wish to express ourselves out there...
There is indeed an art and beauty within such personal expressions when climbing. Each moment, every single time up high, has been an opportunity for the making of such adventure music. Every step a note of harmony. Every bit of altitude gained another piece. Joining ourselves eventually, finally, with those ever present melodies upon that distinct summit.
Adventurers are music lovers of another kind.
Our musicianship is the creation of journeys of experience.
The stages we play upon are the wild places themselves.
Then each and every note we then hear elevates us higher, farther, further, and more within as well..... DSD
My appreciation to Kraig at the Adventure Blog for always inspiring us, especially recently with his adventure videos and the music they are set to.

"Welcome To The Broken Group..."

There is much to be savoured about sea kayaking in a later season. Crisper ocean air, mostly calmer seas, and fewer folks about if you are seeking solitude. A while back I passed forward a greeting to another solo paddler that reminded me of the first time I was welcomed so out there. Way back then, it was not my initial outing to the Broken Group Islands, but it was my first solo trip. A very full long anticipated route, with many islands to visit, and hidden coves and small coastal beaches to discover.
I was actually surprised after a few days of quiet paddling, out among the very early morning mist and fog, when I began to hear the swish of anothers' paddle moving through the waters...
We met shortly after, had clearly been heading along the same low tide course, towards a tiny beach near the center of our marine chart. He was an elder paddler, who very much was acquainted with these amazing islands. After our mutual greetings, landing, and settling in for a break, we began to share both snacks and stories. Me with my many questions, him with even more interesting and intriguing musings...
The guide books say there are a hundred islands there, but from the stories he told, there are likely many more, depending upon the tides and how you tally them up.
To spend time with an experienced elder, who has journeyed such waters more days and nights than can be counted, is a truly wonderful gift...
I learned so much in those few hours. About middens, coves, navigation, elusive sand and shell beaches, the oldest trees, even older rocks, campsites for the best sunsets, starting fires in the rain, hidden faces carved into wood, reading the tides and the channels, understanding the fog, and even more about the wild history of these ancient islands.
Later, when paddling away on our own courses, he waved, smiled, and said quite loudly, "Welcome to the Broken group!". And very especially welcome did I feel right then, and even more so now each and every adventure day I return back there these many years.
That is the greeting I recently passed forward as well, just as he did back then for me. A simple welcoming gift from one wanderer to another, and of course, with a big smile too..... DSD 

"We All Know Those Looks..."

I've often mused here about the faces, the expressions, the smiles, what we see in each other's eyes during our adventures, and especially within trials of efforts and endurance. There seems to be much to sense and learn about one another in these ways, while we wander long and far out there...
There is just something so memorable, even moreso worth pondering, in what is seen in those kinds of looks we all share in...
There is still even more to be discovered within such adventure experiences, when we surprise ourselves so, by what we now see revealed in our very own expressions , which we never had known was there before. We find much more within than we ever first realized, and it is in those very distinct looks we see, and deeply feel, all of the meanings for what is displayed.
We all know those looks don't we my Friends...
That real anticipation before we reach a trailhead after endless preparations and long travels just to get there.
The distinct excitement of the first launch of our raft or sea kayak upon unknown waters.
Those prior anxieties and doubts, now overcome , through our own sustained efforts and endurance.
The concentration, focus, intensity, and intention that adversity within our adventures often loudly asks for us to develop.
Then, finally, eventually, just as surely out there as well - then there are those looks reflecting real contentment , pure happiness and joy , overwhelming fulfillment, and truly memorable smiles. Now those expressions we all know so very well too, don't we, and such looks will never, ever , be forgotten..... DSD

"A Thanksgiving Homage Within Our Shared Moments..."

Let's all take a few moments, to simply reflect upon our appreciations, and the gratitude we each have, for having one another in our lives...
A thanksgiving homage for all of you my Friends...

"Deeper Within Our Moments..."

Back in those initial moments,
During all of that intensive preparation.
We each dreamed of eventually being on our way,
Towards a longed for journey of adventure - and then we began...
Up there in those unfolding moments,
Upon that long winding ridgeline,
Over rock we were not sure of,
We felt there would be so much energy and excitement - and there clearly was...
Amidst those very challenging moments,
Throughout the route, and then the crux of this chosen mountain.
We thought there would be those engaging sensations of such focus and concentration - and there certainly were...
Then deep within those forever moments,
Finally upon our so elusive summit.
Within that calmness of winds, clouds, and perceptions,
We hoped for those gentle emotions of contentment and connection - and now there always will be..... DSD 
Dedicated this quiet thanksgiving, as we reflect upon that which we appreciate , that which we are grateful for, and as we muse over the many meanings of our wonderful journeys. 
For the WWF , WSPA , IFAW , and Vital Ground .
For the Ascent For Alzheimer's Team .
For Mike & Chantal , Kevin , Rob , and Alan .
For all of you too who are still underway 'Adventuring For Another Reason'.
It is a privilege to share in your journeys .
It is an honour to know you all my Friends.......

"Memories Of Pitons..."

I so enjoyed a recent Article by Stewart Green on About.Climing about pitons, especially the very old ones. At times out there, usually up quite high, often in precarious places, we glance over and discover an old piton simply waiting there...
They always seem to have a story to tell - about their past, their placement, who has gone before us, and how they have become part of an adventurous climbing experience...
My own favourite one was found way up on Pinnacle Mountain in Banff, during a challenging ascent, over rock I was not feeling sure on. A storm was not far off in the distance, and later when we heard that rumbling, we knew it was time for a speedy descent and a series of focused rappels. For whatever reason, and even though we didn't use it, that old piton gifted me with a sense of sureness...
Stewart's musings about the history of pitons is a very enjoyable article as well. He also describes the types of pitons and their unique uses. What seemingly at first appears to be a simple piece of metal, has contributed so much to the development of climbing, and even moreso to the fulfillment of so many of our adventure dreams out among the high places.
Great articles and thanks for inspiring the memories Stewart..... DSD 
My gratitude for your sharing these images my Friends.