The best silence opens up clues to deeper mysteries, and the world gets ever more wonderful as we go. David Rothenberg in Bug Music Christmas has passed, and during this quiet week between that holiday and New Years’ Day, I often ponder the magic. We are reminded of it by the “right jolly old elf” whoContinue reading “Pondering the Magic”
Tag Archives: Aging Hikers
In Praise of Slow Hiking
I have never been a fast hiker, even without a heavy pack. I have never seen any reason to aim for speed on the trail. I am on the trail because I want to be in that beautiful place on that beautiful day, and I want to take my time to savor the experience, breathing deeply ofContinue reading “In Praise of Slow Hiking”
Still on the Trail
O sleep, O gentle sleep, Nature’s soft nurse, how have I frightened thee, That thou no more will weigh my eyelids down, And steep my senses in forgetfulness? William Shakespeare in Henry III Over the past couple of years that I have been writing this weekly blog, I have learned that the posts I shareContinue reading “Still on the Trail”
Things that Go Pop in the Night
It seems that the more I distinguish my true needs from my wants, it is a shock to realize how little is enough. Kathleen Norris When I first became a serious backpacker in my late teens there were no sleeping pads available that were light enough to be carried on the trail. On car campingContinue reading “Things that Go Pop in the Night”
Found
Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves. Henry David Thoreau Last week I posted about getting lost in the Pasayten Wilderness after forgetting my map on a day hike. That experience changed me in ways I did not fully understand until many years later. The fear that nearly overwhelmed me thatContinue reading “Found”
My Mountain Home
Readers of these posts will have figured out by now that I am not a big fan of crowding on our nation’s scenic trails. The title, The Solitude Trail, is a dead giveaway. I was dismayed then to drive across the North Cascades Highway a couple of weeks ago, which I wrote about in lastContinue reading “My Mountain Home”
Why Is It Beautiful?
What does it mean, say the words, that the earth is so beautiful? And what shall I do about it? What is the gift that I should bring to the world? What is the life that I should live? Mary Oliver On a recent trip to western Washington to visit friends and family, I tookContinue reading “Why Is It Beautiful?”
Cozy in Camp
When pleasure can be found, it is fit to catch it. Samuel Johnson When i first started backpacking alone in my early twenties, for the occasions when I would need extra warmth, I carried a pair of long johns, wool pants in a bright red plaid, and a Cowichan sweater my parents had found buriedContinue reading “Cozy in Camp”
Riding on a Snail for 55 Years
Age is simply the number of years the world has been enjoying you. Unknown What a nice surprise it was this week to receive this card in the mail with the illustration you see above. It was a thank you card from Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI) congratulating me for being a member for fifty-five years.Continue reading “Riding on a Snail for 55 Years”
Summer in My Soul
The trick comes in planning next summer’s vacation while knowing that next summer is not promised to anyone. Sallie Tisdale With fall now officially begun it seems a little odd to be writing about the season that has just passed, but it was an especially good one for me, and that seems worthy of celebration.Continue reading “Summer in My Soul”
The Solitude Trail 