"No Guts...Know Glory..."

"A path... to the innermost part of his being..." D. Ming-Dao

Please read the title above these images slowly again, in case you went over it too quickly, as it is not just a play on words, but a significant metaphor of meaning & magic, of inspiration & spirit...

In his early twenties, Rob Hill himself (pictured above) was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and underwent serious surgery. He also unfortunately discovered the stigma that often accompanies this disease. His not-for-profit program IDEAS, (International Disease Education & Awareness Society) sponsors children with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) so that they are then able to attend summer camps where they learn, grow, all while sharing and enjoying experiences with other children living with IBD. IDEAS also raises funds for research.

The IBD site says that: "Some of you may be wondering why the name (No Guts Know Glory) also puts a focus on 'know' or knowledge. When Rob was sick, like many people who are deeply affected by inflammatory bowel disease, he came to realize that knowledge of himself was his key to a complete recovery. One of the most attractive things about spending time in the mountains is the self reflection these experiences often create - being high up tends to give you a completely different perspective on your life, your world and the things that are important to you."

They write further: "If you ask a marathon runner or an Ironman triathlete why they do what they do, push their bodies the way they do, many will tell you it's because taking on these kinds of physical challenges creates the conditions necessary to truly understand themselves. There are few lonelier times than when you are deep inside yourself searching for that something to get you through a significant challenge. That something is knowledge. It's the knowledge that you have it in you, a strength, a faith, a desire, a will, to drive forward, to reach high, to aim your sights on a new goal, a new vision or sometimes even just survival in the face of a potentially life-threatening illness like Crohn's disease."

For Rob, his adventure message is all about that having IBD or an ostomy, as he does, shouldn't stop you from leading a full life... What he believes resonates close to our own adventurous hearts when he says inspirationally,"While reaching the top of each mountain is a great accomplishment, with respect... removing the social stigma associated with these diseases and having an ostomy is a far more daunting task". He quotes a young person too whom he has met and inspired recently who said, "This isn't really about climbing mountains, it's about moving them".

Powerful words, potent concepts...

So how has Rob put his ideas into motion, how has he used his life experiences to inspire... In an amazing way that almost all adventurers, likely every climber, and certainly the rest of us ordinary wanderers can look up to: Rob is climbing the highest mountain on each continent...

There are not many who have done this; only a few hundred, and only fifteen Canadians - who have taken their dreams and dedication to the highest points on these areas of our continental earth.

Rob though, is the only person living with Crohn's disease and an ostomy to do this...

He has climbed six up till now, raises funds for IDEAS on the way, and provides many with inspiration as he ascends each one. He started with Mt. Elbrus, Russia in 2002; Kilimanjaro, Tanzania in 2003; Aconcagua, Chile in 2004; Denali, Alaska in 2005; Mt. Vinson Massif, Antarctica in 2006; the Carstenz Pyramid, Indonesia in 2007... Now this spring, here in 2010, Rob is looking towards the last of his Seven Summits - Mt. Everest...

Rob won't be alone on this purposeful vision quest, as other adventurers like Paul Head - their 'Super Baje', and Clinton Shard - their youngest member, and Phil Wu & Bob Peterson will also be along on the Everest Trek portion of this wonderful adventure.

Rob, IBD Adventures, and his support team are inviting any of us to delve into our own adventurous dreams, create our own personal motivation, and go along with them. You can inquire about this on their site linked below, where donations are also accepted.

From my own perspective, everything I have done in my adventure wandering, and every moment I continue to have out in the wilds, has grown from the spark of such inspiration as that which Rob gifts to us. I experienced this first within Outward Bound, later with Mountain Guides, Elders, and the many challenged yet so hardy adventurers who have journeyed with us out there. For many years our inspiration has been not only about elusive adventure objectives, but in moving towards the horizon with those in mind who climb mountains every day of their lives, as I have written about in the link below of "There Is A Place We Go In The Mountains"...

Rob & IBD Adventures are a wonderful example of 'intestinal fortitude', if you will, of courage in the midst of pain & adversity, where we discover certain kinds of hidden strengths which as adventurers we all admire and aspire to.

So let's be sure to follow along with Rob and IBD's "No Guts Know Glory" endeavor - a metaphor of meaning & magic, a journey of spirit & commitment...

DSD

"Know Guts Know Glory" - http://nogutsknowglory.com/

"Changing Attitudes With Altitude" - http://summitstonesadventuremusings.blogspot.com/2009/09/changing-attitudes-with-altitude-ibd.html

"A Place We Go In The Mountains" - http://summitstonesadventuremusings.blogspot.com/2008/01/there-is-place-we-go-in-mountains.html

"Mixing In....."

It is not a well known practice within the ages old lore of painting, yet it is though an especially endearing and timeless tradition among some artists. One that I have learned over time to so appreciate. There is such a process of trial and error to it. It begins with the selection of just the right paints, and is then blended only with certain other elements... But though the results may not be apparent, the hidden meanings of these mediums feel so very profound...

This is the practice, the painters slow artistry and discipline of 'mixing in'... Where select very small amounts of silt or earth, tiny particles of desert or coastal sand, maybe bits of crumbled leaves, possibly ash or charcoal from old campfires, even pure rain or ocean waters, or the strands of some wild ones' fur - among other unique elements, are gathered from chosen wild places, and other power places... Then they are very carefully mixed in with these paints. This technique makes the paint come alive; with a brush that takes to this blending, and is then applied so slowly in swirls and layers and coatings...

Within my own naive renditions of mountain ranges, forests, waters, sky's, and fires are often found such mixings. They then become an elemental part of these Summit Stones that I am sure the Finders can sense when they are held closely.....

DSD

"No Stone Unturned..."

"To find what you seek in the road of life, the best proverb of all is that which says: 'Leave no stone unturned'...". E.Lytton

We turn over so many cobblestones on our journey...
Under some we find what hides in the dark, damp places, and that which maybe should be left alone.
Under most others though, we discover treasure we learn to embrace and define within our adventure ways.
Yet all likely need to be turned, experienced, pondered, and mused about...
Where will your next stone be found Dear Finders...
DSD

"Visiting The Dogs....."

I was up still watching the small fire stove glow and pulse with warmth in the old canvas tent...

The others had long gone to sleep while I remained up to listen to the night sounds and the occasional crackle of burning wood. It had been a challenging distance covered that day, up along a frozen river valley by dog team, through snow drifts so deep. Each two of us had our own team to run and it took a lot of continuous but fun attention to do so. I was remembering our first time out years before, when initially learning to bond and work with sled dogs. Such a unique, lively adventure experience. We were very aware of the style of approach these Guides used in training the dogs, as some tend to be unnecessarily quite harsh. That was not ok with us at all. With this trainer were learned only about bonding as best you can when working alongside them, while still clearly acting as the leader of your small energetic pack. Only when you are moving do you turn over some of the leader role to your first front dog, and even then they still need to respond quickly to your voice.

Our lead dog was a female whose one ear always was turned at such a cute angle. Her strength and enthusiasm were amazing as was the position she has earned on her team. Since I was not sleeping anyway it seemed like a good idea to go out for a moment to visit and check upon all the dogs. As I crunched through the snow I could see most were tucked down deeply into the drifts. All were tethered to the base of their own tree in snow beds their thick fur would make so comfortable. Some had actually chewed upon the small trees around them until fed their rich mixed diet.

I slowly moved among them so as not to give any impression we may be readying to go. They sense your intentions and mood so well, but this was a time for calm and rest, not preparation nor travel. I'm not sure how long I sat quietly with our lead dog, sharing our warmth and the comfort of a few treats. The northern lights were dancing some and the winters cold made few sounds at that hour. While pondering the next day of snowshoeing from camp to a hidden area of this valley, I glanced beside me to see if another treat may of been in order. There she was... gazing up at the northern lights, just as I had been... Maybe our lead dog and I shared as much wonder in that moment too of the wild place we camped at, and over what adventures were yet to come...

I know my excitement and appreciation mirrored theirs for all of what was being gifted to us...

It was a quiet yet very memorable visit we had, our lead dog, all the others and I, within those tall trees in a deep wintered valley... among snow capped mountains, and below the spirits dancing in the the sky...

DSD

My thanks to K.Thompson for the top image above and to G.Wiltsie for the lower image.

"Distant Winter Wanderings..."

Amidst winters deep embrace upon the wilds...

Endless mist and mystery among the valleys,

A windy breath so very cold,

Sun too though upon frozen waters,

With crystal jewels all a shining,

Clear sky reflections, endless blue mountains,

Crisp sounds to ponder,

Now time to wander.....

DSD

My thanks to D. Cayless for the above top image and to G. Dixon for the lower image.

"In The Dawning Of A New Day..."

In the dawning of a new day, within the dawnings of this new year, we may find so many promises...

A promise of assurances that we will be just fine, just like what our climbing partner offers as they hold out a rope for us.

A promise of possibilities yet to be discovered as when we first launch out from the shoreline.

A promise to enlighten us with being able to see with new eyes, as we always feel when gazing out from that finally attained elusive summit.

A promise that we will indeed find our way because the compass will always point north.

In the dawning of a new day are promises reflecting hope, that which affirms the future, and holds out the potential for as many things as impossible to count as the pebbles on an endless beach.

In the first moments of dawn all things may come to be...

During that first light within a new days beginning, wonderment is always present.

We are promised too that the such dawnings will forever be there for us, full of prospects, new horizons, and gifts of refreshed perspectives and renewed energies.

These are the profoundly simple promises we may discover within the dawning of this new day among the dawnings of this new year...

DSD

"Be Well......."

A simple saying discovered while distant wandering resonates nicely for this time of year...

'Be well my friends, be well...'

In this time of celebrations, connections, and fun,

During a season that may, like adventures, both invite us and also challenge us,

In the midst of our shared holiday spirits,

Be well...

As we remember to focus on what is truly important,

Even as so much grasps for our attention,

If the pace gets more than a bit hectic, as when that storm rolled in off of the ocean, or those winds whipped up across that lake,

Pause for your moments, like you did on that elusive summit,

And be well...

Recall your amazing adventure experiences these last twelve months,

Draw upon those many wonderful wild place moments these past four seasons,

Breath them all in again as you share laughter and love with family, friends, and fellows,

And be well my friends, be well Dear Finders,

Be well.....

DSD

My gratitude to H.Garber for the above beautiful images.

"Whispered Somethings..."

Whispered somethings are always mixed into the gentle sounds of small streams deep within canyon walls... They become part of the music of rain too, both as it falls and then when it strikes about us... Whispered somethings can be sensed just beyond the mists and fog of settled clouds on our solo summit days... They are heard as well when the winds move through old growth trees among the giant coastal forests...

These voices speak so quietly within the waves that caress countless small stones laying patiently upon an open ocean beach... Whispered somethings will always be found among the breezes that pass over shimmering midsummer heat as it moves across ageless desert rock...

We intuitively know they are there... We feel how they call for our return...

We have all heard them... All sensed these so special whispered somethings...

Sounds so soft, voices so quiet, they speak to our very being, say things to each of us in our own unique adventure ways...

They always say just what we need to hear, using a language for our own inner ear.

They help us understand what it means to balanced in mind, body, and spirit while wandering.

There are so many special wild places where they patiently linger, these ancient somethings, that we quietly listen for out there...

DSD

My thanks to McCormack for the top image above and to Herwig for the lower image.

"Seeking......."

"If we are seekers, then we shall find." Deng Ming-Dao

Adventuring, wandering, seekings...
Setting out towards serendipity.
Looking out there among our most inner terrain.
In the act, within the efforts, are the answers.
Seeking...
The wonderful, the personal, the natural, the subtle, the surreal, the elemental.
The spirit of seeking is the key to what is being sought...
Seekers, seer's, sorcerers, searchers...
What we pursue, we become.
We seek ourselves, yet find so much more...
DSD

My appreciation to K. Wardius for the lower image and J. Burchan for the top image above.

"Dragons Breath....."

"Eastward the dawn rose, ridge behind ridge into the morning, and vanished out of eyesight... it was no more than a glimmer blending with the hem of the sky, but it spoke to them, out of memory, and old tales, of the high and distant mountains." J. Tolkien

Legends and even older stories tell of the magic of the Dragons Breath... That indirect kind of light, not quite sunrise nor sunset, that reflects back off the mountains from water and ice and other less known particles that drift through the air. Dragons Breath has been said to be the very essence of our own fires too, those from within, that rise from deep in the belly, that we draw upon as we make our wild passions become realities, as we walk with our adventure enthusiasms, as we dream our desires out there... I write this today as I gaze across during this very early hour at a most beautiful mountain embraced by the Breath of a Dragon...
DSD

Thank you to G.McCormack for the top image and T.Kennedy for the lower image.

"Greater Than......."

"Why do we believe we are greater than...

Greater than the Bear whose strength is unmatched, the Wolf who understands more than we know. Greater than the Eagle which views all from above, the Rabbit that quietly watches us pass by. Why do we believe we are greater than, when we more truly are of the same family...

They are our Brothers, our Sisters, our Elders...". GrandFather, Mountain Elder

My thanks to J. Sartore for the upper image, and J&J Dutcher for the lower image.

"Ever More Magic......."

"Magic, as I am using the term, is a sudden opening of the mind to that wonder of experience. It is a sense that there is much more to life than we usually recognize; that we do not have to be confined by the limited views that our family, our society, or our own habitual thoughts impose upon us; that life contains many dimensions, depths, textures, and meanings far beyond our familiar beliefs and concepts." J. Welwood

From within my musings around the flickering campfires out there this last while, to the ponderings by the ancient hearthstones back here, thoughts begin to take shape about how we all sense the wondering importance of the magic of our wanderings...
As in the quotes from these last posts, we read and write such words quietly as we know of the elusiveness of alchemy... We each speak softly of these elements as we have experienced their ephemeral spells... Adventurers seek out our magics among the mountains and valleys, rivers and lakes, coastlines and canyons... We quest through these journeys to embrace the conjuring mysteries and the sorcery within these wild place moments...
Why...
Because we know as we sit by the warm hearthstones; we know these whisperings about such beautiful, natural magic...
Are all true.....
DSD

My sincere appreciation to G. Wiltsie for the above images.

"Becoming Magic..."

"Magic becomes a kind of habit after we do the difficult, the near impossible, over and over and over again; a habit that operates down in those oldest and deepest levels of the brain and the mind. Where pain and fear can be alchemized into blissful, sublime confidence, and stumblebums wake up to find themselves dancing on the business end of pins." R. Schultheis

Magic... Another of the more elusive elements...

DSD

Appreciation to G. Wiltsie for the above images.

"Today... This Is My Mountain..."

'Today'... I said to myself, 'Today, this is my mountain...' It likely was too in the physical sense as I was scrambling solo, with a very early start, in weather many would not venture out in, upon a very elusive Northern Rockies peak. Yet, I sensed what we all do at times too, within that quiet confidence we all experience, that indeed I felt something beyond the physical in that this day, this mountain was mine...

Not 'mine' in that loud kind of hubris, nor 'mine' as if I could ever own that particular element, but mine in a softer, more surely confident way. If I had an air about me of such positive belief, of such focused energy, in a manner of being so assured - it was only a byproduct like that which we all feel after really thorough preparation, very intense training, repeated reviews of maps & photos, and other details upon details. This was a quiet confidence too as this was a solo day out. None would know I was there, no one would ever see what transpired, no others there to prove something to about this summit. Only those who knew of these plans for safety were aware of these intentions. Such a quiet solo asks for confidence on another level; much as I was taught years ago through Outward Bound experiences. I believe to, that the wild place spirits allow us to embrace the adventure experience more closely at times, if we come to this journey with a certain sense of self blended with a real respect for them...

So, today this was to be my mountain, as I had already decided that notwithstanding all of the preparation, regardless of the end result, of any 'outcome', it was a day to be enjoyed, to have fun, to smile with the wind, to feel strong, to just do my best... Then with these perspectives, I set out surely and confidently, as indeed in those special moments, that day, it was my mountain...

DSD

My appreciation to MickRange at Flickr for his images of such mountain days included above:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mickrange/

"Memories....."

"I love this lake, basin of heavenly tears, tilted from lunar pull, jostling its shore... I love these mountains, stark rock outcroppings, sculpted by the oceans, lifted at some unknown time, isolated in a field of vetch, cleaved by silver falls. A sentinel owl regards me unblinkingly, and beyond alpine forests form a cadence, to a distant moon..." Deng Ming-Dao

Memories of recent adventures... DSD

Appreciation to K.Lehmann for the lower image, and S. Kazlowski for the upper image.

"Mountains Never Likely To Climb..."

I recently rediscovered an old passage that told the story of an Elder who planted countless trees during her life. In later years she was still doing so even though most of these trees, she would never see mature, nor would likely ever sit under and enjoy their shade after such efforts...

I was reminded of an adventure experience of our own from ages ago that happened during those impressionable, open eyed, early years we all pass through and often try and hang on to. We met an Elder, back then, who was labouring upon a newer trail bearing towards a valley and mountain range seldom seen. Clearly, the trail would be needed as the possibilities therein for hiking, scrambling, and climbing were many and so intriguing. Ours was likely one of the earliest groups to wander in that remote area, and we were all surprised by our encounter with this trail steward. His age seemed very advanced to ones so young as us, and I smile today when I think I am likely older now than he was back then - but his efforts and strength were drawn from a unique passion, a sense of dedication, a powerful commitment, and were not diminished by any typical chronological measure. Still, that Old Man of the Mountains was working that day upon the beginnings of a potentially very long trail, one that he may never have seen completed, might never have really trekked upon himself, towards a mountain range he would never likely climb among...

I have pondered in that timeless way we all do, over those moments we shared with him during our break that day. Our focus was on the distance, our efforts were to get further out there, and we were not wondering much about what we were standing upon then nor who we were sharing the ground with... Yet I carried that image of him with me throughout our adventures out there the following weeks. There was just something about him... There was a substance to what he was achieving that I had not touched yet, a reflection of commitments and adventures of another kind...

He is surely hiking other paths and climbing higher places of spirit now... That trail he was creating back then is used today by many each season, as they journey towards mountains he never likely climbed... I wonder if they can feel his presence out there as they pass over the ground he prepared and passed forward to us. I sincerely hope so...

DSD

"The Higher And Farther We Go..."

For many who wander endlessly...

The higher and farther we go, the more connection, quiet, and solitude we seek.

We don't wonder why...

We simply are grateful for, and accept, and enjoy.

The higher and farther we go...

DSD

With appreciation to H. Garber for the above images.

"Touching Something Beautiful..."

"No climber, active or inactive, young or old, can help but look back to one of their earlier climbs with a sense that they had touched something beautiful and elusive, and found movement upon rock and ice as creation... In these remembrances most climbers find necessary definition for the rest of their lives." J. Waterman

One of my most favorite quotes... DSD

With gratitude to Gerry Kollmuss for the above beautiful images:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59373321@N00/

"Stewart Green - Our Kindred Spirit..."

One of the great things about wandering the wild places, and then sharing our musings about these priceless journeys, is the opportunity to develop kindred spirits - to enjoy the many friendships we have been given from our adventures... Stewart Green is a fellow adventurer, climber, and philosopher; one who connects with us not while only out climbing but through his writing and photography as well. His many musings and images about the wonders of the high places inspire us while also focusing upon the priorities of safety and fun. Being a Guide and a guide book Author seems to be a wonderfully important part of his life and is something that comes through in all of his efforts. We have shared many comments on each of our sites and I so enjoy his series at About.com - Climbing posts.

Stewart's bio notes that he is a native Coloradoan who is lucky enough to live at the foot of Pikes Peak. He is an accomplished Freelance photographer and writer who searches the world for memorable experiences and images to ponder and write about.

Stewart says with enthusiasm that "climbing and a love of high places and the wild places are my passions", and encourages us to join him. He also challenges us to discover the magic out there and to "make your life a grand adventure". I also appreciate his many efforts in giving back to fellow climbers who need a belay in their lives.

Isn't that all we can hope for in a kindred spirit and a fellow adventurer... So let's do our best, my friends, to accept his invitation...

DSD

Visit Stewart at: http://climbing.about.com/b/

http://www.stewartgreen.com/

"What May Really Haunt Us..."

It is not what some may first think about that which haunts lots of us during the long, sometimes too quiet hours... For many adventurers it is not the darkness and depth of the night that makes us shiver; nor the risks inherent within all adventures which catches our breath at times. Not even the moments of trial and anxieties, and those real tests to one's determination and endurance that shake us on occasion. Fears about the unknown aren't foreboding to such explorers as we. Worries of keeping up or about competition simply are not there anymore for us elders either. The wild places are too welcoming for such wraiths to severely bother those who wander endlessly out there.

What really haunts many of us in those exposed contemplative moments; what truly may keep us up at night sometimes, are not so much these ghostly worries, but more so those ponderings and wonderings of what could have been...

We all have them. Those wishes for what might have been, for what we did not do... Maybe sadness or deep disappointment for dreams not put in motion; and even at times possibly for the loss of the desire to go...

What may in reality haunt many adventurers in those long, quite hours are more the shades of lost moments, unused opportunities, when we may have been distracted by something other than what could have been truly meaningful moments out among the wild places. These are the spirits that may really haunt us if we do not exercise them.....

DSD