Looking back to look ahead

Mt Shuksan from Huntoon Point, 2011

This lovely picture stuck out of my collection as I went rummaging around in my files for some inspiration as to what to write about. As I examined some of the brilliant memories that I have gathered during my years hiking in the Pacific Northwest wilderness, this one was taken on a snowshoe trip with some other Tsraillazers, probably on a Thursday, up to Huntoon Point, where we often went when looking for some adventure, but not too much.

I can still remember the feeling of being out there in the snow and sunshine, and seeing the bird overhead that kept eyeing us. It would get quite close, but would fly away if I moved too auickly toward it. On another outing, I had seen one of these camp robbers snatch a sandwich right out of the hand of someone sitting down to lunch, and I knew it wa s looking to see if I was going to be a source of food. I took some trail mix into the palm of my hand and made eye contact with the bird. It didn't take long before it was eating right out of my hand, I still remember the sharp talons of his (her?) claws and tried to keep from reacting, knowing that the moment would be over if I didn't stay calm.

We never saw much wildlife at altitude up there, but then again, there isn't much to eat during the winter. We saw deer occasionally, mostly in the distance, and in thr summer we were sometimes treated to seeing bighorn sheep nearby. But mostly it was just a few humans enjoying the wilderness experience by ourselves. Birds are another story, however. The jays and larger birds, like ravens, are ubiquitous in the winter months, however. 

There are moments when I really miss being up there and enjoying the beauty surrounding us, but it's harder these days to make myself push the limits of my ability. That's probably because I am getting older by the day. Little incremental changes are now more noticeable as I spend less time exercising. I am happy for all the many years I spent outdoors and exploring the High Country. Now I am content to keep my excursions short and sweet. 

It's Super Bowl Sunday, the 60th time they will play the top two teams against each other. I well remember when Daddy would watch the game and how much he loved football. I was not exactly indifferent, but I didn't really care who won or lost, or even paid much attention to it. I do remember realizing, when I lived in Colorado, that on a beautiful winter's day, I might be one of the very few people outdoors, while hordes of people gathered around indoors to watch, eat the requisite food like barbequed chicken wings, pizza, and (of couse) beer. Not much has changed in half a century, when it comes to the Super Bowl menu, I guess.

I went looking for a Super Bowl quotation from the BrainyQuote website and, as usual, I spent an hour thinking and perusing them. But somehow this one from Rabindranath Tagore caught me:

I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy. --Rabindranath Tagore

I figure that quote sums up my current moment. I am writing this post out of service, not because I particularly want to, and here is a perfect ending for an eclectic post. I still need to get up and prepare for the Sunday breakfast I'll share with John, and I need to be ready for the rain as well.

How about you? What will you do with this one perfect day in your life? I always love to hear from my readers as to how you're doing and what's happening in your life today. Until we meet again next week, dear friends, I wish you all good things. Be well.