Mountain Meditation

I reach the base of the mountain. I look up and whisper, “I am here, show me the way.” I’ve hiked these trails a hundred times, sometimes with no destination in mind. Today I go where the mountain leads me. I climb, settling into a rhythm. With each step my worries lessen and my tensions release. I am in the moment. I notice nature’s gifts all around me. A snake’s intricate tracks wind and turn across the trail. A bird flies overhead, the breed unrecognizable and undeniably magnificent. The tall, dry blades of grass crackle as the wind sweeps through them, causing me to pause as I take in nature’s sweet music.

I merge onto a familiar unmarked trail. I feel like I’m floating as the fresh air consumes me. I climb to a rock, its surface is rough and jagged except where I choose to rest.  Perched on the ledge, the hills above and below, I watch the fog mystically fade away. I close my eyes and hear birds calling out and bugs buzzing by. The sun comforts me, the breeze awakens me. I am still, if only for a moment. I am still.

Written 9/26/2012 while hiking Mt. Burdell

MT. ROSE

Climbed 9/9/2012, Lake Tahoe, Elevation 10,776

Rose - such a delicate word. She smells sweet and poses in feminine hues such as pink and lavender. She wears bold red and has a hearty stalk with prickly thorns and her roots are grounded deep into the earth.

Mt. Rose appears to be sweet and draws you in deeper with her friendly forest, fragrant meadow and tantalizing waterfall.

As you skirt the meadows edge you’ll savor her flourishing wildflowers. The sun rises and casts a fiery glow upon the rocks and trees, radiating warmth and energy which fuels your body to climb higher. The sun shines upon Rose and she appears to come alive in the early dawn.

You approach a steep climb and work your way through unknown territory surrounded by a dwarf forest. I felt alone on this unfamiliar trail but I never felt lonely, because on this day, I was meant to be alone. Rose was calling and I couldn’t wait to see what was around the next turn or what was over the next crest.

 

The terrain began to change from Sierra heaven, to a volcanic hell then back to heaven again.  How can a Rose so delicate and so visually serene be so complex? She is nature and nature is alive and has a force greater than what we sometimes expect to meet.

We are tested by nature, we are challenged, sometimes we are chosen. Not everyone will meet Rose. Some will pause, some will halt, many will abort with no regret and with complete satisfaction.

Rose only knows those who greet her at her peak.

Written 9/15/2012