"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.

"Finis......."

On the last page of this little 'Adventure Muse' is one of my very favorite quotes by Viktor Frankl . He said "The Latin word for 'finis' has two meanings: the end or finish, and a goal to reach...".
Every time I, or a Friend places one of these small touchstone gifts, I think about why I've included it. It was put just there, in the last bit, for many reasons. Then it just might spark some musings about its endless meanings...
As adventurers, I think we all sense, then feel, and finally know, the truth of these words the further and longer we wander out among the wild places.
We may come to the end of a climb but really are only just beginning we eventually see...
The trail may seem to be completed, yet our path is only truly getting going...
That ridge route appears finite, but the vista's and perceptions opening up are clearly not...
A longed for adventure experience may be in its last stages, but the callings we then continue to hear are even more pronounced now...
Our efforts out there are over and done, yet the echoes of what these mean are simply getting started...
We attain a point on the map, accomplish an elusive objective, then we go on to discover still other sources, even further energies, and destinations yet to be revealed...
Such passages may feel occasionally like they are in their last phases, but now we realize too they are reflections of endless possibilities ...
We bring together the days end by eventually closing our eyes out in a tent or under the stars . Then we dream about new beginnings and the meanings for why we do what we do when out adventuring among the wild places.
What appeared final, we now know to be primal. What seemed last, we sense now to be first. What looked as closure, we discover to hold amazing potential.
Then Frankl's quote echoes out yet again and promises us all so very many further wonders and farther adventures..... DSD
A distinct dedication this day to all of those who are Adventuring For Another Reason this season.

"Echoes Once More....."

 



There it surely is once again,

Something far away quietly calling to us all.

On ancient mountain winds journeying through the trees,

Subtly shifting valleys of both pines and leaves,

Moving our deepest perspectives too it always seems...

There they are again we now hear,

Telling tales of effort, endurance, and so much else.

Saying all of what we each need to know,

Blending with emotions we all hope to feel.

As we listen even more closely now,

For our own echoes out there yet once more..... DSD

A dedication this day paying our respects to those wonderful Adventurers of Ascent For Alzheimers who are underway!

 

 

"A Map Forgotten, Yet Found..."

"We organize information on maps in order to see our knowledge in a new way. As a result, maps suggest explanations; and while explanations reassure us, they also inspire us to ask more questions, consider other possibilities." P. Turchi
This was a very long trail; a trail winding far through distant valleys, then even further over a number of mountain passes. It would eventually loop through those mountain ranges, back once more upon itself, as it meandered around those many mountain peaks. It was my trail to wander for those late season adventure days, as I wanted to simply solo hike, ponder, and wonder. No other objectives in mind other than those of motion and musing...
From my long gray haired experiences, I know that there is something always waiting out there for me. Something beyond my expectations, usually way above my initial perceptions. Something wonderfully surprising, essentially elusive, always inviting...
After those long hours, when finally meeting that junction, where one trail branched to become three, I paused and breathed the crisp mountain air in as I am sure most of do at that point. I simply sat, munched some gorp, and eyed my water intake, as my mind cleared a bit more, getting the dust from back here out of its corners. Then snoozing for a few moments, and awakening as one who has sleep problems does after a short time, but usually more refreshed - I looked across and noticed it resting under some branches against a tree...
A map forgotten it was...
A map of this area of course, yet quite worn from folding, handling, with much character evident from long use.
Now came the questions about who had left it there, how long had it rested here, should I simply leave it in case they return, or carry it further to the next campsite. But on which trail would that be I wondered. Lot's of options; many plus's and minus's to each.
I decided to bring it home, my intention to later take it back.
Now as I write these words out here, I carry this little worn map on my return. Another later season journey. Maybe on this trek I may meet its rightful owner, and we can then tell one another stories of the journeys this map has been on, and also of its wonderful company too. For as we know my Dear Friends, maps always become close companions.....  DSD 
My appreciation my Friends for your engaging images above.

"Moments Of Shared Emotion..."

David, at the friendly Adayak Blog recently posted a great Video that very much resonated with me and many of you as well. David described this video as an account of "The true emotions of a hiker as he takes his last steps towards Katahdin on the Appalachian Trail. 2000+ miles comes to a close...".
I wanted to pass this wonderful imagery forward even further, as we all have shared in such moments of emotion out there haven't we my Friends.
Remember, that so elusive mountain, the extremely challenging climbing, that route that never seemed to end, over rock that almost didn't reveal its secrets - remember those powerful feelings present as you finally stepped up upon that summit...
Remember, those so distant coastal islands, the wind and waves that never seemed to cease, the endless hours of necessary persistent paddling, where it seemed you had actually become part of your kayak - remember the joy, even relief, and simultaneous smiles and tears upon reaching that hidden cove...
Remember, that deepest darkest canyon you lowered yourself into, where one long rappell after another was needed, that very real anxiousness, those doubts all mixed in with the excitement - remember the amazement and the grins as you realized you have now embraced both your uncertainties and the adventurous unknowns all at once...
Remember, all our journeys upon the PCT, the AT, the WCT, and other timeless trails, with every sunrise and sunset, each storm that called so loudly, and the gentle rainbows that always settled in the quiet moments after - remember how every step still seems to echo in our minds even now...
There are countless such examples, so many stories of our shared adventures, where those amazing feelings & sensations of the moment, then become the enduring emotions of forever memories.
Thanks to David for his post and these wonderful reminders for all of us..... DSD 
By the way my Friends, have you looked closely at the symbolism on the clothing that David has on his site... Gaze for a moment into these, to see other special things about ourselves out in the wild places... Then Adayak gives back a portion of every purchase to preservation charities.

"Such Amazing Hidden Beauty..."

It is an experience of such amazing beauty, even though much may not be clearly seen at first. It is an experience of wonder too, because of all of its inherent mystery.
To be out paddling upon those waters, so slowly, so quietly, calmly drifting along, long pondering only the elements...
The sounds are gently muted by the fog and mist way out here. The character of the ocean is hidden somewhat too. These distant coastal islands are elusive enough, yet when the mist and fog settle in for hours, even days at a time - there is such a contemplative ephemeral slowly revealing beauty to it all...
There are the unseen yet vocal waves rhythmically breaking upon shy rocks. The shifting of great beds of kelp. Sands and shells upon secluded beaches tucked away who have the consistent caress of the tides eternally upon them. The waters are always flowing, the currents are always changing, the gliding of a kayak always blending, among the mist that is forever gently moving. There are the sounds too of certain wild ones, the sea beings, and the winged ones, who let us know occasionally of their special presence as well. When the winds eventually become more felt, the fog and mist so slowly begins to journey on. Then the ancient trees on these islands glisten and now wave us happily forward. My most favorite sound through such fog though, is the gentle crackle of a small fire, first only sensed, then barely heard, finally glimpsed, through the mist just before we return and land again at our little island camp.
Listen with your eyes closed for a moment my Friends, so we can share in the hidden beauty and wonder of it all..... DSD 
My sincere appreciation for your mystical images my Friends.

"Cherished Reflections..."

"Why is it that memories of campfires are so long-lasting...".  D. Brower
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled...".  Plutarch
We all have such cherished reflections from campfires don't we my friends. You remember those beautiful flickering flames, while relaxing much later in the day, after attaining your sought after elusive summit.
We recall the engaging conversations, and also those quiet personal musings, while contemplating the depths within those lingering inspiring fires.
I remember those coastal islands, those very long days and forever moments, while slowly kayaking from one island to the next, and then onward.
You surely feel the warmth of both memories, and those glowing coals too, which are still emanating from your last time out around them.
We remember the darkest winter nights, beside a frozen northern lake, with the crisp air and the distinct crackling of that welcoming fire.
Then also in the deep desert, with the stars far above, and the shadows dancing closely, from our small but embracing campfire.
Warmth and wonderment, flames and friendships, coals and connections, reflections and memories... All such very cherished gifts.
A few of our shared memories, sources of energy and inspiration as well, reflecting yet once more as I now set out seeking such warm moments..... DSD 
My appreciation to Barbara for the top image above from her West Coast Trail journey, and to Drew for the second image from one of his challenging climbs, and the inspiring reflections they share with us.

"Three Epiphanies..."

This early morning, amidst the preparations for my next adventure out upon those coastal waters, I find myself reflecting upon epiphanies. Those experienced this last mountain season and those I hope to embrace soon...
Out among the summits that day, I was reminded how adventuring is not just about the endless vistas, nor only about the brilliant sunrises and sunbeams we see out there for example, as wonderfully amazing that they always seem to be. So many times we also sense certain kinds of beginnings, those previously unknown ways and means for seeing, in developing formative perceptions about all of what we experience in so many new ways as well...
This is what was unfolding that hiking day out with close friends, to the headwaters of a great river, near an ancient glacier, and right by the immense waterfall that shares in the stories within all that mountain history. What eventually manifests on such adventures we can never really predict. One of the many reasons we go, as I'm sure we all sense, is the seeking of such inspiration out there - the hope for discovery of new things, different ways to see, and for even more meaningful ways to be.
This is reflects the phenomenon of the epiphany...
That nexus of awareness and effort, energy and adversity, attitude and perspective, connection and projection, all within our past, present, and future. This all allows the elements to blend, and then unfold, in so many kinds of amazing revelations.
Three such epiphanies were gifted to me that hiking day...
First was an energetic youth, whom we saw moving along the trail up ahead. His gait was uneven, almost as if he was unsure. But that was not the case at all, for he was hiking with a prosthetic leg, yet more surely than many we have met out there. His pace, his intention, that smile, and determination, all shared so much about discovery.
Then later, was an elder. A woman out with her family, who surprised us when we were to catch up. Her energy was endless, her enthusiasm contagious. I asked as politely as I could of her son how old she was. "Seventy eight", he said so proudly, "and she's not slowing down at all". There again was that wonderful appearance, of both perception and inspiration, hiking out ahead of us, so gracefully amidst that later time of life and yet in this wild place too...
Finally, most profoundly, at the far portion of our hike, near the base of that very high waterfall, was another of that adventure days epiphanies hiking slowly towards us. I had been gathering up old rocks that would surely later have a bit of paint splashed upon them. Through the mist surrounding me, I looked up to see one of my friends talking with a couple. The gentleman looked about my age, but it was his face that caught my eye. He looked tired in a different way, yet a smile and happy gestures were there as well. When approaching them, as I needed to place the stones I had gathered up in my pack over by my friend, I was then able to listen in a bit to the conversation. "What a wonderful waterfall", they were saying, and "a gorgeous trail we've hiked over", they were sharing about too. I don't know how the topic then came up, but as we do chat about so much with others out on the trail, then this person shared about what this day out there meant to him. His cancer had recently returned. There would be no treatments this time around, he said, while decisions now needed to be made, and hiking this whole trail this day was one of these...
The mist on my face hid the tears in my eyes as I listened quietly to the rest of his story. Then later with a wave and a smile, they carried on and I waved back, then watched them hike on further...
I am sure you all share in the same revelations that came to mind right then my friends...
Three epiphanies appeared, and were gifted us that long adventure day, and we will not ever forget them..... DSD 
My appreciation for sharing your eye opening images with us here my Friends.

"Launchings....."

"A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are for...". John Shedd
The first time this was said on Outward Bound, it struck a few as funny because while this old quote reflected on ships and the ocean, we were deep within the mountains. Yet metaphors and Outward Bound blend together like summits and the sky, so the next few times we heard this we listened with different ears...
Now, looking far back to those origins and beginnings, many of us can see as well how Outward Bound had firstly sent us forth - launched our very selves and lives upon so many amazing undertakings. We have since propelled ourselves towards mountain summits, then launched further when rappelling on our return. We've initiated treks so far, taken first steps out in wild places previously only envisioned, gone forth on the open ocean and among canyons so much farther and deeper than ever expected.
Such launchings...
So many wonderful journeys, all from those first fledgling beginnings. We adventurers are born for this kind of experience. It is elemental, primal, an inherent part of us and what we do when we wander the wild places.
Soon, I am about to 'commence once more', for long days and as many nights, starting on a course that has taken years for it to come into being. I will launch with my sea kayak out towards my farthest, most elusive coastal island yet, with new expansive intentions, towards those dreams only known upon a map until those moments. My goal is the creation of memories, that would not have been a possibility, without being sent off in those truly encouraging ways, so long ago on Outward Bound..... DSD 
My appreciation to Jeff  for his comments that inspired these memories and this musing.

"A Mile Or So, A Thousand Times..."

When solo coastal sea kayaking, we find ourselves very aware of maritime distances, especially when out among endless wind and waves. We seek seclusion where the tides and timings of the season generously gift this to us. This chosen water route I have paddled many times, over longer years and seasons. My intention soon is to seek solitude and these elusive islands provide so many opportunities and possibilities for just that...
I've read my charts very closely, always looking for new paths and inlets, and forever finding variations, even after many familiar wanderings out there. One wild place in particular is what I fondly refer to as my 'there and back' beach. A mile or so, maybe a kilometer and a half, of countless cobblestones, broken and whole shells, so soft sands, and shifting driftwood too. Sometimes it becomes more revealing with the ever changing tides, while other quiet moments shyly still keeping its secrets...
On this 'there and back' beach I have wandered across, then returned over long moments, musing while strolling and gazing, and often gathering up little selected touchstones. Just walking, maybe hiking, always pondering, only a short distance, maybe a mile or so, yet a thousand times or more...
A 'there and back' wild place this is, so known yet never twice the same, always something to be discovered, among the ever changing sands and ways of seeing too...
Time to soon wander there once again.....  DSD 

"Limitless Horizons..."

"No sea paddler worth his salt can have failed to be inspired by the sense of physical space and limitless horizons when paddling out of sight of land...". B. Taylor
Limitless opportunities, endless possibilities, all awaiting for you out there Dear Friends... DSD 

"Night Quiet....."

In that special quiescent time, between those so beautiful sunsets and then the slow sunrise, are moments we embrace within the gentle quiet of the night...
While much of our adventure activity takes place during the daylight hours, it can be the tranquility within darkness that seems to balance this all out.
We rest in an alpine hut, listening to the breathing around us, beginning to feel warm again in the quietude after completing our latest challenging climb...
On a distant secluded island, under the cover of darkness and a night filled sky of stars, we discover the magic of a reposeful solitude, as those long lingering hours unfold...
Up on the shoreline of a far northern lake, when the winds calm and those waters settle into their elusive undisturbed times, we listen as a loon calls, while the night blankets everything with a so soothing peacefulness...
First unfolds the calming disposition of a greying day, then the gentle falling of the veil of darkening night, where sound and motion settles, and those tranquil secrets now reveal themselves. What a so special process and time is the embrace of the night quiet within our adventures. Special because upon night falling, we may move from musing to an even deeper contemplation, from the full days of anticipation, then to the nights sense of completion. Therein these silent meditative moments, we will likely listen more closely for what else out there is calling to us, and then also to more clearly hear our own deepest longings as well. All within our adventurous night quiet..... DSD 
My gratitude Dear Friends for your unique quiet of the night images.

"Something In Us..."

"So if you cannot understand that there is something in us which responds to the challenge of this mountain and goes out to meet it, that the struggle is the struggle of life itself upward and forever upward, then you won't see why we go...". G. Mallory
Dedicated this adventure season to all our Friends who understand this 'something within us', and who are Adventuring For Another Reason ..... DSD 

Singing Softly....."

I'm not sure when I noticed, but on that solo scramble, at some point amidst this long climb, I found myself softly singing...
There didn't seem to be a lot of words to this tune, only a bit of melody there as well. But isn't it amazing my Friends, when we discover ourselves doing this kind of thing out within the trials of our adventures. We are surely happy within our efforts...
It was indeed a different mountain scramble, with challenging route finding and exposure, and a much longer day than I had expected. Yet the harder it got, the more rhythm I seemed to find within me - just singing & humming softly in those special ways we all know and share in from out there.
I believe this was likely more about contentment and spirit, than any attempt at distraction from the efforts. Although that in itself can be a useful technique for keeping going.
I think it was later on the summit, when I began to realize what those sounds, this elusive music and words meant.
I was just so happy to be there, just so appreciative that I still can adventure so after these long years and with those health challenges. Then I started that even more daunting descent, simply, quietly, singing softly to myself..... DSD 
Thank you for your images my Friends.

"Our Tian....."

The cairns and registers we find upon mountain summits tell so many stories...
What we often discover there can be fun, historical, enlightening, and at times a real mystery of words and meaning up above those thousands of feet and more. I so enjoy pondering who wrote these things and what experiences may have prompted such  musings. At times they have sent me off on other journeys too of looking to find the meanings of these notations. Here is what I've found out about two words written large, upon a single page, within the register of a favorite summit climbed again this past season.
They simply said: "Our Tian".....
Now the oldest 'Tian' literature I discovered were references to certain kinds of 'Elders'. There was also a very interesting 'Treasure of Tian', which was said to be mysteriously hidden, yet somehow still available for us all.
In my search for its possible earliest meanings I found that Tian seemed firstly to represent a 'summit' or 'mountaintop', but also interestingly refers to the top of our head and that which emanates from there.
Depending upon which tome you muse over, Tian further reflects meanings of the weather & climate, sunrise & sunset, all of nature and the elements within, and what seems to be called the 'seven seasons'. Most intriguing for me are the Tians as stories of mystery, of the heavens and sky's, of that which is beyond human will, and of the celestial energy and spirit worlds both out there and within. These two words writ large were beginning to really engage my attention...
Tian is written about to also be an elemental but indescribable thing, the natural character of a being, something that reflects instinct too. It looks to originally be a Taoist or Confucianist reference. It is one of the oldest Chinese symbols that represents the cosmos, the heavens above us, and those hidden within us.
What a most interesting ancient phrase. What an intriguing high place to have found it...
I have returned again to that same silent summit, and hopefully now too, I have come back with more of an understanding of what our fellow climber may have meant by writing "Our Tian". Now as I write this and gaze out across a sea of summits, valleys and rivers, up to a shimmering sky of blue, while feeling the winds ebb and flow at this height - I begin to sense what our shared Tian may be about in this wonderful, peaceful wild place..... DSD 
Thank you Friends for sharing your Tian images here.

"A Look, A Smile, A Sigh..."

A look of possibility, that maybe we could,
A smile about decisions, and a commitment to go,
A sigh reflecting dreams, from our shared vision too...

A look when beginning planning, with anticipation and ideas,
A smile during our preparations, initial motion and direction,
A sigh over these beginnings, and the momentum we felt...

A look at the trailhead, once finally upon the ground,
A smile during first light, enlightening so much more,
A sigh amidst our efforts, and the inevitable testing of endurance...

A look upwards across steep slopes, with an awareness too of timings,
A smile when gaining altitude, and that building of our shared confidence,
A sigh while gazing back, knowing how far it has been...

A look as challenges become apparent, the need to focus now so clear,
A smile after figuring this out, navigating on such a very long route,
A sigh once past the crux, the puzzle solved yet again...

A look towards each other, another amazing shared adventure,
A smile upon this elusive summit, our dream now become real,
A sigh quietly once again, while slowly descending amidst such beauty and wonders...
DSD 

Dedicated this adventure day to those out there sharing in  The Smiles  of this little endeavour.

"Returning It Home..."

It was one of my most difficult solo climbs. The kind of experience out upon a mountain where we remember every detail, pretty much all the moments of our whole high place adventure. This stone has rested here at home for so long now, from that summit to our den, then in that old leather box with so many others. Years of seasons have passed along the way. So many times I have held it in my hand to recall again the challenges endured on that climb. I chose this cherished stone from that summit for a variety of reasons. It was first gathered up because I recognized it as very, very old rock. It was uniquely carved by the elements into a mountain shape of its own, there are also cracks, striations, and whorls upon it that reflect those of the ancient Scholars Rocks . It has now become a perfect medium as well to splash a bit of paint upon it, and to Mix In many special elements with that paint as well.
It seems only fitting now to return this wild touchstone back to its own summit home, as I have long intended to climb there once more...
Back then I had built up a small cairn as there was none there at the time so long ago, and I am hoping to see it too once again. Other than bits of new color on one side, this stone appears the same in most ways after so long, even though I have certainly weathered much more. So while these old legs can still make it up there, it is time to go back.
Like old good close friends, who have shared many long trails and unfolding climbs, and now have to part ways, I will miss this little stone, but it is time to now return it back home..... DSD 
My appreciation for your own images of your returning experiences my Friends.

"The Hidden Strengths Of Adventure Stoicism..."

To stand on that real storm in such a way, beneath the relentless rain, among those persistent winds, yet still very much with a hint of an ever present smile on his face... That moment, that look, of our Outward Bound Instructor so long ago, was my first sense of the hidden strengths of adventure stoicism...
It was not any kind or resignation we saw, never was there even a sense of giving up, but something especially powerfully else...
The wild places and the elements out there blend in beautiful, amazingly, wonderful ways - but clearly many times not the way we want them to be though, nor the way we may have expected things to turn out, and often many degrees off what we wished they were.
We plan & prepare, practice skills, and hone our minds too, yet we cannot ultimately predict nor control the final outcomes on our wild place journeys. So a different kind of enduring philosophy is needed at times, other levels of fortitude, temperance, patience, and subtle indifference can be useful learned skills too.
There are real strengths in developing a kind of adventurous stoicism like that Outward Bound Leader had. For in learning about acceptance of the way things are, in going anyway regardless of those inevitable twists and turns, by continuing on and embracing the surprises, the unexpected, and in reframing it so, we surely further our love for the mystery and the unknowns of it all even more.
All such adventure challenges and our forthcoming efforts then brings out something else latent from deep within us, and asks each of us to become something more. To go beyond the person we started the trail or climb as, and to become the adventurer we each know we can be out in the wild places. For being an adventure stoic at times, is yet another subtly potent way of doing just that..... DSD 

"Shadows Upon A Mountain..."

So many wonderous shadows, even more subtle stories,
Tales of bold adventures, such efforts, and dreams...
Shadows of long journeys, high upon bare rock faces,
Dark images of knife ridges, exposed cliffs and high clouds,
Then there are those other shadows, of the whole mountain itself...
Now comes a simple calm slowing, therein an even quieter recognition,
Of the questing shadows of us wanderers, now a part of such elusive mountains...
So many wonderous shadows, now even more shared stories,
Such tales of bold memories, from our efforts, and dreams..... DSD 
Dedicated as we head out this morning to the long shadows reflecting your efforts and commitments my Friends...