Just as rivers can flow and give their strength, they can remain still in silence and peace. A source of nourishment and contemplation, we are put to ease and rest. From the beauty, balance, and order, we are made whole for a time. Time enough to regain a perfect peace. By providence and Spirit as the winds and waters settle upon us.
Treading among the high places can bring about the presence of beauty and mystery. Even as memorable snapshots to capture what the place would say. Ever watchful, ever-present, the spirit within available to the truth of creation and its existence. To spiritually feed on the place to observe, learn, and testify about the wonder and glory of God.
Looking carefully at the terrain before you, there are sections that provide even relief. Far less dangerous yet farther out and more strenuous to get there. Remote and exposed the farther out you go. Given in return is the time earned with the beauty experienced. More so it is often about what the experiences do from within. Ups and downs, seasons, and valleys of life, to love and love others well.
Miles out into the wilderness I snapped this photo as a reminder of the time immersed in the wilderness. As a sort of visual reminder about the thoughts and experiences at the time to recall what was on the heart and mind. The opportunities to withdraw and explore in this kind of way is infrequent, so it is of utmost importance to capture this personal time as a reference to look back upon.
Fully extended upward over a range of many years. The growth of a stand of Sequoias that together proclaim their being. Their beauty and statue command an observer to take notice in comparison to the rest of tree life in their immediate vicinity. A stand of Sequoias to visit at peace. To contemplate, to read, to photograph, and to pray at a place most welcome.
Low elevation overcast skies at a distance to remind an observer of a different mood. By place and circumstance, there is a separation of daylight and darkened skies. To affect a perception among a population about the quality of the day. At least for a while until the layer burns off. For a period of time while people go about their lives in a thin middle area between the earth’s surface and its cloud cover. A middle layer of providence and calm, or a layer to veil what is just beyond and what is to come.
This photo I took by happenstance in passing while out on a peak ascent in the San Gabriel Mountains. The unique nature of the tree stood out to bring into remembrance the tales of J.R.R. Tolkien.
“The first White Tree of Gondor came from a fruit that Isildur, at great personal risk, managed to steal from Nimloth the Fair, the White Tree of Númenor, before that one was destroyed at Sauron’s insistence. He suffered many wounds at this mission, and he came near death, but when the first leaf opened in the spring, Isildur was healed of his wounds.
This sapling was brought to Middle-earth on Isildur’s ship, and it was eventually planted in Minas Ithil before the house of Isildur. But when Sauron returned to Middle-earth, he launched a sudden attack in S.A. 3429 that captured Minas Ithil, and he burned the White Tree. Isildur escaped taking with him again a sapling.”
Source: White Tree of Gondor
There are times when I come upon a river and layout on its boulders or adjacent granite surfaces to feel its roar move through me. So it is in passing, sometimes you come upon places that pull for a second look. To listen and be receptive to what the place would say. Especially from waters that are rushing, moving, and life-giving in so many ways. It is otherwise such a loss to miss where it is you really belong at the moment.
A common view depending upon the day or season. The contrast and character of upward tree growth. A seemingly infinite range of diameters, shades, and shapes. All unique where the trees are as people by where they stand yet different by what they do.
© 2026 James Austin. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress. Designed by 
