The Mountains Are Calling . . .
“John Muir also known as “John of the Mountains” and “Father of the National Parks”, was an influential Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, glaciologist, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States of America.” (Thank you, Wikipedia.)
His many famous quotations have spoken to me over the years but one of my favorites is this: “The mountains are calling and I must go.” For over twenty-five years I have heard this call in my own life. I backpacked, mule-packed, hiked and walked and traversed rivers and streams and hills and valleys with a great group of other women who, like me, heard the call.
Now most of us are old women. Tent camping is hard on our bones these days so some have taken refuge in an RV. We no longer do mule-packing and our yearly hikes are shorter and at lower elevations. I’ve missed some of the annual treks in the past few years due to schedule conflicts, the death of my husband, inability to handle some of the elevation changes now that I have high blood pressure.
But still the mountains call and so I walk around my neighborhood and focus on the green hills of Mt. Madonna behind our development and talk to them as I put one foot in front of the other. The beauty, serenity, peace, and stability of these creations satisfy my soul and remind me to be grateful for all the years I was able to hike in the Sierra, taking on its challenges and resting in its welcoming arms.
I’m sooooo glad I took advantage of those opportunities when I was young and strong and able. Now they are treasured memories instead of regrets for not having gone. I went when I could and so glad I did.
How about you? Are you doing what you long to do while you’re able?
“Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy” (Psalm 98:8)
Oh! Karen, A flood of wonderful memories are overtaking me as I too remember well those glorious days, nights, weeks up high and out there and many of them with you dear friend. We have been most fortunate to have been and seen and savoured all that we did in those glorious mountains.
Don and I just spent a few days in Yosemite valley last week and walked and walked the valley enjoying the trees, wild flowers in places, wild animals at times, the lush moss all over rocks and trees from recent rains, marvelous fresh and envigorating fresh air, the waterfalls and rock faces …. sunshine and even a delightful dusting of fresh snow all over on our last morning. There were very few visitors in the valley which added to the charm and wild feeling of being there. This off season is the best time to enjoy the valley. Of course the high country roads were all closed for the winter due to snow and ice, but soon that will change, and folk will flock up and across on that incredible 120 road from one side to the other and too feel The Spirit Of Yosemite like dear John Muir all those years ago and us only a few years ago!
Perhaps we can go yet another time to that high country together!
Much Love always ❤️🙏🏻☘️🤗❤️
Thank you, Kathleen. I’m about to weep for the joy and the memory of it all. Yes, let’s make it a time or two more even if we decide to stay overnight in a motel! 🙂
Karen, I am so glad you have shared this with us. I had no idea you have been such a mountain climber! I have been to many places out west enjoying the mountains but never climbed one! My first experience in being in the mountains was in 1945 when I was a youth delegate from the Paducah district to a Southeastern Youth conference at Lake Junaluska, N.C. A beautiful place and it was wonderful. I loved the mountains but I admit I am now spoiled to the “flatlands of Florida” and love it! May you be able to keep on walking and hiking for many years to come. love to you. Margaret
Thanks for sharing your mountaineering experience, Margaret. It’s such fun to hear about your many adventures in days gone by. I’m happy you are now content on the flatlands of Florida.
I’ve been thinking about your National Park adventure. In May I’m going to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and maybe Mammoth Cave National Park!
Barb. this is great to hear. I haven’t been to either so I look forward to hearing your reaction to both. Have a wonderful time and please share some photos when you return.
Thanks for your encouragement, Karen. 49 years ago my minister husband and I answered a “call of the wild” by accepting an assignment in a remote Southeast Alaska fishing village called Pelican. Though we stayed in Alaska only 10 years before moving on to other ministry opportunities, Alaska never left us. Twelve years ago we returned to Pelican as I researched a book written about our experiences there. We have been going back every summer since, ministering and organizing much-needed repairs at the church and in the community. Now retired and in our 70s, we plan to continue these much-anticipated trips as long as God grants us health and strength. Last year we also sold our home and car to allow us more freedom to accept other ministry opportunities. This preceded an invitation to a short term ministry assignment in Heidelberg, , Germany that morphed into a total of seven months.
Judi, what an inspiring personal story. Thank you for sharing the details with us. May the Lord continue to keep you healthy and strong as you share Him with others.