Meander. I really like that word. Being a geologist, I first think about river meanders, those squiggly twists and turns of low gradient rivers. But of course I also think about wandering. Typing up my AT journals over the past couple months has really helped me relive the whole thing, and I'm itching to do something big like that again. But, due to "real life", bills and commitments, it will probably be a while before I get to do something like that again. Maybe even a really long time, which I try not to think about... And despite the fact that I missed out on some scholarships by doing the AT right after high school, I'm really glad that I did it when I did. I know it bewildered my folks a bit, but in the long run, I'm sure it was the right thing to do.
I recently read a book called "North to the Night" by Alvah Simon that my dad gave to me. Its basic plot is about a guy who sails to the Arctic to spend the winter icebound in his boat. That sounds pretty bleak, but I can relate to the sort of enlightenment the author experienced during his long period of solitude. I sure can't express it in words as well as he could, but I know just how he feels. Anywho, it's one of the best books I've read in a long time and I highly recommend it. There's much more to it than a guy spending the winter on his boat in the Arctic... It makes me want to spend more time outside in the winter. I do a fair bit of XC skiing and snowshoeing, but I want to try a bit more extended excursions this winter.
Back to meanders, I went on a ride this afternoon that got me thinking about it. I rode a few places I'd never ridden before, and I looked into some new territory at a place I'm very familiar with. I found some neat new places, and it helped me remember that I don't have to go hiking for 4 months straight to have a good time outside and experience something new. Certainly, you see a lot more new territory and learn more about yourself on a trip that long (like how much you're capable of eating), but there's plenty of great stuff close to home. I'm very fortunate to live where I do, and I try to make the most of it.
3 comments:
next up on the reading list. The River Why by James Dean Duncan.
That's also a favorite of my dad's, never read it. Thanks for reminding me.
Will
Enjoyed your writing. We are hunkered down for the 1st storm of the season, so far not too dramatic wind out of the So at about 30kt. Sounds wicked off the coast, USCG has shut down several of the river bars on the coast, Columbia included, something about 24 ft swells. With respect to Alvah Simon and North into the Night. He has also been writing for Cruising World, latest a trip from Japan down the Aleutions. With regard to preceptions, visions while locked into the ice, you should also read Richard Byrds "Alone" about the 1st overwinter in Antarctica. He also experienced the same trains of thought. Very similiar to Alvah Simon's. Basically due to Carbon Monoxide poisioning. Nirvana through CO.
Hope all is well.
The old man
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