I made it!
All the way to the top, that is.
Who would have imagined?
Mike and I drove to the trail head that day so we could leave when I got tired. And I did get tired–twice. Wouldn’t you if you were hiking up a three mile hill?
But both times I sat for a moment and remembered what the Buddhist monk, Big Baba, had told me about gathering energy from nature. So I did what he suggested, breathing the energy in, and got up feeling perfectly normal and forging ahead.
Forging Ahead!
That’s the best we can hope for in this world, isn’t it? To keep forging ahead, no matter what our burdens, what our joys, what our dreams, and what our fears?
One foot at a time, one day at a time, even one breath at a time if that’s all we have to give.
But give we must, for that is our nature. Human nature. Nature’s nature.
Give ourselves to this world, whatever shape we’re in, whatever path we are walking.
And in so doing, we receive: each other, nature, ourselves.
Who knows, we may even receive that which is more than ourselves, buried within, awaiting self-examination and a polishing cloth!
Then the first step:
Beginning!
The journey:
The Middle!
And the Destination:
The End!
have all served us.
Each one leading us back to the beginning, to that which is fresh, that which is new, that which is our birthright.
Each one leading us back to ourselves.
Of course, it may be helpful to have that bottle of liniment handy. You never know when forging ahead may cause sore muscles!
what a wonderful day to enjoy. Love ya much
Would be fun to do that on Big Fluffy Couch! 🙂
You GO Lady!
It is reported to be a moderate to difficult trail for very experienced outdoors people – and YOU DID IT!
I’m looking up the directions to it and going to do it too!!!
You’ll love it! Especially on a clear day.
Another beautiful message, Gayle, from yet another beautiful vantage point… inside and out! I, too, give great thanks for the wonderful people who have crossed my path, the valuable gifts and insights they’ve shared, and the varied twists and turns and challenges on that path.
With much love and great respect, Joyce
Thanks, Joyce! Twists and turns make the trail more interesting!
You rock lady!!
You, too!
Just Beautiful!! The pictures and the words!!
Thanks, Amy!
Hi Gayle,
What an accomplishment to Kanaka Peak!
Your inspiration is transforming.
Thank you and all my love to you.
Seeing you at GOA last week was so
good.
Thank you and all my love to you,
Pat
Reaching the top surprised–but delighted me! Like life.
Gayle, you are such an inspiration to me. I watch you live
every day to the fullest. you don’t sit back and cry
in your beer, you enjoy the minutes, hours and days
and hopefully years you have left, every dam second
or them! I Love you
Great comment! Besides, crying in my beer would only spoil my beer! Love you too!
Indeed! Wat more could you ask for! How fabulous! Thanks for sharing! Hugs~
Thanks, Kat. Love to you.
What a wonderful gift and inspiration for me to see this and know this and carry all you have said along with these stunning images in my heart today.
Thank you Gayleelee!!!!!
Love you so!
Xxxxxxxxx
Will have to take you up the trail next time you visit. Or, we’ll find a new one. 🙂
Wow! What a trooper you are! I worked in the garden pruning and cleaning up leaves so that they won’t go into the pond for several hours today and I need the liniment myself! A friend gave me a card of encouragement recently with dachshunds going up stairs…(very funny with their short legs)…and a good visual for the concept of taking it one step at a time! Good for you, making “mountains” look like molehills! HUGS!
Short legs while going up stairs sounds like a Blog Post to me! Keep up that gardening–yards don’t get much better than yours. 🙂
I am so happy to have shared that beginning, middle and final destination with you! The pace was great, the day beautiful and the company all of that and more. I love you lots! and that handsome hiking partner you hang out with too! Hugs, Pam
I’m glad you were there, too, and that you waited for me–even when you said the pace was “just right.” That’s what friends do, isn’t it?
I’m sure a great day! I’m thinking Chemise Peak today…when it warms up. Join me?
Have to receive a shot today–otherwise, yes!
Good going Gayle, in fact terrific! Thanks for sharing these beautiful moments and scenery As always, you inspire me.
Thanks, Peggie. Look forward to seeing you on the trail again!
Bravo!
Couldn’t have said it better myself! 🙂
Good for you Gayle! I’ve ridden horses up there for years and hiked it about a year ago. On a clear day you can see so far. It’s wonderful. Nature can give energy, maybe that’s another big reason to hike. I’ll have to get up there again soon. Happy Thanksgiving. There’s a lot to be thankful for. Laurie
Hi Laurie, I only ride horses nowadays that have the nickname, “Soft, fluffy couch!” My friend Charlie has one, and he is Heaven to ride! Now if only she had a horse trailer! Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!
Gayle,
I had heard of your journey up Kanaka but did not see your post. How wonderful. I am hoping to do it, as well…either by myself or with someone that is very patient!! Up hill is quite the battle for me since I don’t need to get my heart rate up….it already is beyond where it should be. You have inspirited me! (yes…inspirit instead of inspire)! Love to you, my friend.
Karen
You’ll love it. The climb is gradual, 1000′ over the course of three miles, so you should do fine. Happy hiking!