"I dream of a hard and brutal mysticism in which the naked self merges with the nonhuman world and somehow survives...Paradox and bedrock."-Edward Abbey

10 May 2016

A Return to Serenity

I would say we're balls deep in mud, but the hummingbirds showed up a week ago, and that makes it spring. There are the subtle omens; the grass is becoming green and flowers are sprouting out of the beds. On some of the trees, you can see the hint of leaves and the river is running a little higher as the higher up snowpack begins to melt.

Slowly, we shed the Grey apathy of winter. Sometimes, there has been snow. Sometimes, it has stuck. It can snow up here any time of year. Mountains. Because of the higher angle of the sun, in strange and psychological ways, forty-five degrees with no wind seems so much nicer than a month or two ago. Back in January, forty-five with no wind would constitute a deep winter heatwave.

Perhaps it is the world waking up to its short warmer times, maybe it's been exploring new places, both on foot and otherwise, it could be that discussion we had, upon which we decided on a course of action, but perhaps not yet, but my restlessness has somewhat abated. There is still the urge for adventure, to go!, go!!, go!!!, but I as have a sense of serenity. Mountain zen, perhaps.

Come what may, the mountains have taught me things. An expansion of horizons I could not find in great libraries, cities, fields, or forests. For that I am grateful. There are other adventures and other eventualities, though not yet. Here and now, I take in the here and now. Here and now, I am serene.



5 comments:

  1. Haven't been home in a couple weeks, but read it snowed today and yesterday. I imagine it's typical spring snow, melts quickly in the lowlands but maybe adds to the mountain store for the summer.
    That urge to go, it'll never leave, Robbie. It's an itch that once noticed, goes to your feet and sends them on.
    Oh, the places you'll go, the things you'll see.
    cheers, pal.
    Mike

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanx, Doc;). I'll endeavor to keep up on how it pans out. Maybe one day I'll be able to sincerely add explorer and/or wanderer to my list of personal aspects embraced.

      I've been reading a loverly book taking place in Glacier, called The Wolverine Way detailing the study of said creatures. Well written. Found some grand quotes that could become mantras.

      Delete
  2. I think it's wonderful the wolverine is making a comeback of sorts, all over the western states. California has even documented one there! If they can make it in the Sierra's they can live anywhere.
    I'm still in Seattle, arguing with former colleagues, heading back to Montana this coming week. I can't believe I spent 20 years here.
    Take care, Robbie.
    Mike

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is apocrypha that there's been at least one sited here, but DOW won't cop to. Futile as it is, I scan the ridge lines when trekking the alpine.

      You take care too. Look forward to hearing from you again...

      Delete
  3. Haven't been home in a couple weeks, but read it snowed today and yesterday.

    เย็ดสาว

    ReplyDelete