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.
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.
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.
“The true ownership of the wilderness belongs in the highest degree to those who love it most.” – John Muir
Still waters in Yosemite. On a clear and beautiful day. Even after you have visited so many times, there are always fresh new places to learn more about. The farther and wider spread you go, the deeper the wilderness captivates the heart.
Even under grey skies, the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River gives a most beautiful view of the natural order. After decay, forceful winds, raging storms, and harsh exposure, every element comes to settle in a most restful way. Where there are peace and perfect solitude, or where there are uncertainty and restoration. Where the heart grows full by closely listening to what such a place would say.
The clear and pure Merced river of Yosemite rises and flows beneath the commanding presence of granite domes and rock faces. In Winter or any season, the stillness of the river is elusive and yet while flowing strong, unmistakable.
There’s something soothing and refreshing about being alongside a fast-moving stream. The sound of the water that cascades before you make a perfect place for contemplation and wonder. The formative nature of water carves its beautiful expression of matter between states.
On the banks of the Merced River in Yosemite, my children are at play and they learn and experience what it is to hike into a place for such a reward. There’s something about being at the base of a river or immersed in the movement of it that renews you and washes you for a new beginning.
What once was by how something appears before you is a reminder of time passing by. Conditions change and there are ebb and flow. Calm water that was once rushing and churning is only to settle again into what it has carved out for itself. The space it leaves behind makes an impression. An impression that lasts for a short while or for thousands of years.
With new pages added to this site, I’m more able to post images and messages while out and about. When I post to Instagram and Facebook, they will now appear here as well as a running collection over time. Over time, this content will post less frequently to social sites, but here instead. The farther I go and the more I learn gets added, the more relevant and timely content gets produced for this site.
Were it not for the river in the wilderness, the wild places we visit just would not have any meaning or life. Rivers give life and they carve vast mountains and rock over a long range of time. The cascades, falls, streams, creeks, lakes, rivers or tributaries have all their own character and beauty. They give their host energy and renewal. They inspire and speak of a force unstoppable. They move swiftly and steadily at times. Highly perilous and terrifying while unmatched in beauty and attraction.
Unmoved and calm, the river still washes, cleanses, and reminds anyone of its haunting presence.
Quite some while ago, I remember being impressed by a woman who boarded a shuttle I was on to Tuolumne. She was ratted out from being in the wilderness for too long. Her gear and condition showed it. She was small but had to be in her 60’s or so. She was on the shuttle getting from point a to point b and it was entirely pleasing to be in such great company.
It appeared that she was getting the best of her time to live in a way to make up for what was lost. She seemed at peace, she was talkative and she made an impression. I didn’t get her name and I regret that.
Today my family and I trekked the 5-mile Tenaya Canyon loop in Yosemite. We are still in Yosemite and we will be here for a few days. Good time to be out and about among the rushing waters, the lakes, and birds of the air.
© 2024 James Austin. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress. Designed by 
