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.
This week under my breath I’ve had the passing desire to just say to the Lord that I love Him. Several times throughout these days just a simple “I love you Lord.” Here and there spontaneous utterances from my soul because He is the love that is in me. In all sincerity and with nothing watched in return. Just an overflow from the heart because my heart is full.
You are the same yesterday, today and forever
Just the mention of your name
You are my strength
You are my anchor
You never fail
You are my hope
You are my healer
You will deliver
Emmanuel
You are my King
I am a child of the Most High King
As fire to iron, everything again is changed
You are the same yesterday, today and forever
Seasonal rivers can flow at varying levels of force, pressure, or strength. Depending on where the river runs, it can rage or flow calm and gentle. SO as an example and time spent to see and learn more about the behavior and characteristics of wilderness features. The presence of temperate and life-supporting characteristics more natural yet unique.
There are times when out and about the trail just vanishes. Or at best becomes sketchy. The Windy Cliffs upside the mountain in Kings Canyon is just such a place. The trail comes and goes while cut horizontally along a cliff with a slope greater than the angle of repose. Meaning, enough rock slides happen on their own weight where a trail gets knocked out or covered. And that’s especially disconcerting when a trail is at best 12″ or so wide while making your way along the slope along a cliff. When you pull and hang onto vegetation roots along a path to keep going when you know you shouldn’t.
The Kings River runs along the bottom of Kings Canyon. Much of it alongside a two-lane paved road down to the bottom-most part of the canyon at Cedar Grove. With so many places to find a place to park and explore. Or to just find a road to turn off and set out in a different direction. Even better, on foot with a full heart and camera in hand.
“Another glorious Sierra day in which one seems to be dissolved and absorbed and sent pulsing onward we know not where. Life seems neither long nor short, and we take no more heed to save time or make haste than do the trees and stars. This is true freedom, a good practical sort of immortality.” – My First Summer in the Sierra (1911) chapter 2. John Muir.
Here in this photo, the floor of Kings Canyon is about a mile beyond Cedar Grove. Which is just over 4,600 feet above sea level. With ancient upward vertical cliffs far above the lowest glacier-carved depth. It is said that rivers carve a “V” shaped valley. While glaciers carve a “U” shaped valley. Yet here what is to become a canyon with soaring walls on each side. The depth of Kings Canyon is at about 8,200 feet. One of the deepest canyons in the U.S. Further shaped by plentiful rivers, cascades, and the life they support.
On a Summer afternoon heading down into the canyon, you often come upon fantastic views. The contour of the terrain, the color, and the range of flora comes into full display. The closer to the Fall season you are, the more likely you’re able to a greater variety of color both at a distance and up close.
A grand sentinel that soars above the Kings River in Kings Canyon National Park. The meadows, the river, the forest, and the surrounding upper reaches make for the spiritual value of the wilderness here.
Sweeping below is the ever powerful Kings River. From upon the Zumwalt bridge we are at a pause to feel the spray of the river and to sense its presence before us. The Kings River is a mighty river. It’s a river of life.
A slide show above for our recent time in Kings Canyon. The River Trail for quite some while. Enjoy the photos of route and the area.
From our time on the River Trail in Kings Canyon yesterday, we set out to see what the day would bring. We spent this time together in an effort to learn and explore. A time to develop our relationship together and live within the best of wilderness beauty.
Very few people on the trail beyond about half a mile. The farther we got from the road and suspension bridge the more it cleared out of visitors. Along the trail for but just a couple of miles we were lost to ourselves, inspired and alive together. Hoping to remember these times together we are in full acceptance of one another and deeply moved by what was before us. In all honesty, it is all too much. We are merely drinking the river that gives its life. By its reflection, its spray, and waves crashing onto the shore, we only able to grasp so much of what it is and what it meant. For me a spiritual place, for Ryan an incredibly challenging area of mystery and wonder.
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