Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Ps. 51:10-12
Tag Archives | mountains
Heaven Sent
Singular Meaning
Another long walk back. From a high desert summit plateau just West of the Mojave. Places like this help me with perspective about individual significance and value. It’s sort of like looking up at the stars in wonder. As if our comparative individual size and stature have full bearing on our relevance or rarity. Other than size, what “weight” or significance does a person have among far-off places like this? Since we are self-aware sentient beings with the enormous significance of a different type. Are we not valuable and meaningful in the grand scheme of things?
A ‘sub-atomic’ speck in the universe from one perspective and individual singularities from another.
Dana Meadows
Dana Meadows in full view from the Gaylor Lakes Trail. Yosemite high country about a mile above Tioga Pass. With mild overcast weather yet without any wind, but a pleasant view in the distance.
Castle Rock
Castle Rock stands in prominence across from Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park. High above the Kaweah River, it is a visual formation that stands out and comes into view for miles. Aesthetically, it presents a character and vertical profile that attracts climbers and explorers from all walks of life.
Sight & Sense
Here is a section of the cross country route up to Ontario Peak. With a number of observations to read what the mountain says. It speaks to you if you listen. If you observe with humility. This gentle ridge to the summit gives a way to read the force of wind from West to East. Look at the shape of the branches on the worn trees. One side of the ridge was consumed by fire, the other side was defended or survived. Strong winds contribute to the erosion and shape of the Western slope. There isn’t much undergrowth at this elevation at about 8,700 feet. Arid exposure damage on one side with a lower thermal gradient on the other. What the wilderness says is what it is willing to speak to anyone who would listen. Visual observation and by what you feel, hear, smell, and touch. The more you abide in its presence, the more it changes you.
Great Western Divide
Where the wind blows through you and not just above you or around you. At elevation where the spirit of the Sierra has its best meaning. Where it’s not just about the place, but about being. Here is Hamilton Pass along the Great Western Divide. I’ve been over this pass twice surrounded by Mt Stewart, Black and Red Kaweah, Eagle Scout Peak, and Angels Wings.
“The blessings of one mountain day, whatever his fate, long life, short life, stormy or calm, he is rich forever.” – John Muir
Practical Immortality
“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.
Burning Bush
Remember when such a bush spoke to us. Directly and indirectly. It’s the message (Gen 3:2-3) that was explicit and implicit by what it said and did. Ablaze metaphorically or otherwise to symbolize an intensity and state entirely dangerous and in demand of our attention. A command of authority by its beauty and behavior.
New Canvas
This is a photo I took of Castle Rock with the midday sun bearing upon it. After taking some more advanced lessons in Photoshop, I learned how to paint with light. That is what it took to say something visually more than what the harsh light washed out. Not completely satisfied with the results, but it is a learning experience nonetheless. I am getting better at handling my images with light and color composition.
In Between
Clouds below are a great way to remind you how far up in distance you’ve traveled. It is especially pleasing when seeing this while up on a trail somewhere in the wilderness. While remaining above the clouds, it’s the better place to be for visibility and to remain dry and warm. Even better, it’s the in-between that makes for more emotion and wonder.
