[pct-l] Re: Trails

["Determined Hiker" <determinedhiker@hotmail.com>]

Hi Helen -

Thanks for the suggestions.  My Dad died 2/3/9 after a bout with cancer.  
I haven't felt like writing or haven't had anything to say, but I have 
to tell you, reading this hiking list has been a real comfort to me.  
Funny huh?  People who are technically (?) strangers?  But of course one 
of the things we all have in common is love of wilderness, and for me 
and I think you, a love of the Sierras.  More of an obsession in my 
case.  Their very existence (the Sierras) strengthens, defines, 
illustrates what life is supposed to be about and the manner in which we 
are supposed to live.  When I get to the Sierras on the weekend, they 
stay with me all week while I am working and interacting with my family 
and others.  Their image reminds me of what is important and beautiful 
in life, keeps my priorities straighter.  When I am in the Sierras, the 
other part of the world, daily life, on one hand, seems trivial, but yet 
on the other, not trivial, but rather as simple as it is meant to be.  
How can you have a picture of Silver Lake or Margaret, and a beautiful 
peak, held in your mind and at the same time, live in a way that is not 
beautiful?  The image of the Sierras overwhelms pettiness in my life and 
reminds me to just very simply, be kind, be charitable, keep trying to 
do the right thing.  The image reminds me of the years and years of 
patience that effect change and make wilderness what it is, and yes, 
even the occasional drastic earthquake and flood and avalanche that 
occurs, that ends up creating more beauty in relationships and in 
government and the world in general, if followed or birthed in positive 
intentions and honesty (ok - sometimes even if just simply happening 
without us even knowing what was going on!).

So anyway - as I was saying! - coming home and reading this list has 
been a wonderful distraction for me in my grief, and a reminder that 
life is beautiful.  I appreciate everyone's posts and time and thanks 
for the info.

Mary



Helen wrote:

>Mary I haven't noticed any recent posts by you.  Maybe you have been 
out of
>town.
>One of your posts mentioned that you really enjoyed the area around 
Carson
>Pass.  


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