“Belief? What do I believe in? I believe in rock, in sun. I believe in the dogma of the rock and the doctrine of the sun. I believe in blood, fire, rivers, women, eagles, streams, drums, flutes, banjos, and Broomtail horses.” – Cactus Ed
It’s been an interesting couple of weeks. I got on some RMNP ice, top-roped some mixed stuff near Hidden Falls, attempted to climb some snice route on the first Flatiron, got sick, got lazy, and now I’m resting at home while I should be out earning turns – (it dumped 30+ inches this past week in the Northern Mountains!)
The First Flatiron (right) and the obvious corner system that occasionally ices up after a good snow.
Oh well, that’s life, and it’s moving along at its usual clip. It turns grey, gets dark and snows. It turns blue, gets warm, and the snow melts in a flash. Jackets to t-shirts in the blink of an eye. At the same time life stands still with the monotony and boredom of routine. To combat the despair of such a synthetic academic existence I meditate often, attempting to shed illusion and to feel present… More often than not though I end up dwelling hopefully on future events that have yet to occur. I plan, I imagine, and I waste my time in the present. I imagine that ocean of colorful rock and that ski across the frozen lake during a blizzard. Like many, I long for an escape back to wilderness. A yurt with a little woodstove, a dog for companionship, a pair of skis for transport, a rifle to hunt with, a stockpile of tequila, limes, coffee, and a shelf full of good books. Simple enough.
Yeah! A few good sticks up thin snice/ice on the first pitch of Silk Road.
When I was a student in the ORL (Outdoor Recreation Leadership) Program at Colorado Mountain College’s Timberline Campus in Leadville (10,200 feet! Definitely the highest college campus in N. America – in more ways than one) the thing I excelled at academically was the “out courses”, which were backpacking trips that focused on the study of group dynamics, leadership, and experiential learning. I partook on several of these trips and they were always amazing experiences. Lately I’ve been thinking back on these trips, recalling lessons learned and realizing that some people, myself included, simply function better in that natural environment. It’s the only time I’m organized, directed, and feel a sense of purpose. It’s really the only time I feel self aware and natural. I’m desperate to build a future where the mountains will be my office, my classroom, and my home. Until then these little backyard alpine missions are keeping me sane and focused.
Bailing after the ice dissapeared.
And no, I didn’t plan on taking this post here, and I don’t know where it’s headed… My buddies who are getting out are reporting stellar skiing, so get after it if you can!
