Wilderness Adventures

I don't know how most folks feel but, in today's fast paced world of techno gadgets, the gravitational pull of the wilderness grows ever stronger.  Technology tends to make us lose sight of the feeble footprint all of us will leave upon this earth's surface once we're gone.  Don't get me wrong, I too am enamored with the power of technology.  My personal library exists within the confines of my Barnes & Noble Nookbook. Even worse, I take this virtual book with me when I head into the bush.  My workdays also seem to revolve around the message traffic on my iphone.  However, sometimes all of us need to escape.

If you want to feel truly "small" head into the backcountry.  The wilderness has a way of making all of us face our mortality.  I'm lucky enough to call Central Oregon home and the Three Sisters Wilderness Area is a mere 35 miles from my driveway.  A day's hike along the glaciated ridgelines of the South Sister will sooth the soul.  You'll quickly realize just how much you miss in the fast paced urban world down below.  Little things become very important.  Take the boisterous chipmunk for example.  Sharing your lunch with an inquisitive chipmunk can be an interesting affair.  I'm not sure if a chipmunk knows that it can walk for I've never seen one attempt it.  The name of the game for them is, run.  Of second importance is, defend your turf.  I also believe that all chipmunks have the "beggar" gene.  I've yet to find one who didn't feel that what I considered to be mine was in reality their property.

If you get the chance, find a secluded spot along the ridgeline and get out of the wind.  Pull out your e-reader and attempt to read.  If your experience mirrors mine, you'll quickly lose interest in whatever you are reading. More than likely, your eyes will lock onto the invisible thermal laden path of the hawk soaring far above your perch.  Where did he come from?  What has he seen?  Where is he going?  Is he lonely?  What does it feel like to soar?  Now, all you need to do is lay flat on your back, close your eyes, and deeply inhale.  Try to identify the smell of pine and spruce.  Listen to the subtle fluctuations in the tonality of the breeze. Concentrate on the hawk.  If you try hard enough, you can become the hawk.  Do this and you'll rejuvenate your soul.  Of course, it is also prudent to be ready for that pugnacious chipmunk telling you to get the heck off his log.

Head into the wilderness and find yourself.  You'll be glad you did.