Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Wild Virginia Hike
On Sunday August 4th I led a group of folks up White Oak Canyon to Cedar Run Trail and the wonderful swimming hole and water slide there. What a glorious day! I do some volunteer hikes for The Shenandoah National Park Trust; this hike was both the Trust and Wild Virginia working together. It was an "awareness of wilderness areas" hike. It was a perfect day for a hike- 70 degrees in the mountains and the water temperature was a refreshing 58 degrees!
Monday, August 5, 2013
My American Dream
I wrote this poem a few days ago. I don't often write poetry, and am a bit wont to share it. I don't have an understanding of rhythm and meter; just sometimes a thought is deep inside me, and this is the way comes out. I feel like the Universe, along with many friends, family members, and people I keep meeting on my walk are encouraging me to keep on keeping on, living the life I live. It suits me. It embraces me. It rebels against the norms of society, but it somehow works for me, and supports me in this crazy world of ours.
Living in the moment is my American dream,
Living in the moment is my American dream,
Not planning for the future,
Not working on a scheme.
Today I will go hiking, can't sit in an office all day.
I'll take in the vistas and sunshine,
and hug a few trees on my way.
Perhaps I'll go for a bike ride, exercise my body and mind,
Forgo the norms of society,
Forget the routine nine to five.
What of money you may ask, what of bills to pay?
Yes, I have a few of those,
These facts I too must face.
This'a job, That'a job I pick up here and there.
As long as I live simply,
I can live without a care.
I drive an old 4Runner; the adventures I find are free.
I sleep in a tent on vacation,
Where many new friends I do meet.
This simple life beats it all, less stress and discontent,
Much more of the good stuff,
Like time to dance with friends.
Give it up, let it go, embrace and honor yourself.
Live the life of your dreams,
Enjoy your free spirited wealth
That's the key to happiness, living one day at a time,
Live it to its fullest,
The peace will free your mind.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Live Your Life
I read this on someone else's blog today:
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." ~ Steve Jobs
It seems to be my theme these days. I get comments from friends and acquaintances all the time encouraging me to keep living the way that I do. Many tell me that they live vicariously through me by reading my blog or listening to me tell a story, or that they admire my sense of adventure, or my courage. It's a little bewildering because it just feels "normal" to me. This is my life. Some have said: "It's truly amazing Melanie, most of us could not live with such uncertainty." Well, actually, sometimes I can't either, and I drive myself crazy trying to figure out what's next. Or where the next paycheck will come from. Or, the big one right now.... where will I live come November when my condo sitting gig is up? Of course there are those as well that worry about my well being. Some like to kindly remind me that I am not getting any younger? Really? I feel young! 50 years young!! When I listen to them I worry too. I feel like I'm just not fitting into this world, or perhaps just this society. But then I'll hear from someone else saying: " Keep the faith that you're doing the right thing." Or this from a friend after I got paid to lead a group on a hike: "Hope you had a wonderful time today getting paid to do what you love best. And it makes me happy to know that for now, since you are housesitting, you are free to work a little less and spend the bulk of your time living your life to the fullest. You do it well."
I wish I had the words of a poem I heard someone recite/ rap last Friday night at The Bridge in Belmont. If I come across it I will post it later. It seemed to have been written just for me. But, it was written for all of us! Life is too short to work all the time, or more importantly, to work at a job that you dislike, that brings you down. Oh, there has to be a balance of work and play for sure, with perhaps a little more leaning to the play side ; ) It's worked for me for seven years now; The Universe supports me in all that I do. I always manage to land on my feet, to keep my head above water, and to support myself through this wonderful life.
Just rambling for today...
Here are a couple more favorite quotes:
"Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love, it will not lead you astray." ~ Rumi
"Let go of who everyone thinks you should be in order to be who you are. Honor yourself, be true to your spirit." ~ I can't find who said that, it may have just been something I wrote in my journal after someone reminded me of the fact that I'm not getting any younger!
Happy Day~ OX
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." ~ Steve Jobs
It seems to be my theme these days. I get comments from friends and acquaintances all the time encouraging me to keep living the way that I do. Many tell me that they live vicariously through me by reading my blog or listening to me tell a story, or that they admire my sense of adventure, or my courage. It's a little bewildering because it just feels "normal" to me. This is my life. Some have said: "It's truly amazing Melanie, most of us could not live with such uncertainty." Well, actually, sometimes I can't either, and I drive myself crazy trying to figure out what's next. Or where the next paycheck will come from. Or, the big one right now.... where will I live come November when my condo sitting gig is up? Of course there are those as well that worry about my well being. Some like to kindly remind me that I am not getting any younger? Really? I feel young! 50 years young!! When I listen to them I worry too. I feel like I'm just not fitting into this world, or perhaps just this society. But then I'll hear from someone else saying: " Keep the faith that you're doing the right thing." Or this from a friend after I got paid to lead a group on a hike: "Hope you had a wonderful time today getting paid to do what you love best. And it makes me happy to know that for now, since you are housesitting, you are free to work a little less and spend the bulk of your time living your life to the fullest. You do it well."
I wish I had the words of a poem I heard someone recite/ rap last Friday night at The Bridge in Belmont. If I come across it I will post it later. It seemed to have been written just for me. But, it was written for all of us! Life is too short to work all the time, or more importantly, to work at a job that you dislike, that brings you down. Oh, there has to be a balance of work and play for sure, with perhaps a little more leaning to the play side ; ) It's worked for me for seven years now; The Universe supports me in all that I do. I always manage to land on my feet, to keep my head above water, and to support myself through this wonderful life.
Just rambling for today...
Here are a couple more favorite quotes:
"Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love, it will not lead you astray." ~ Rumi
"Let go of who everyone thinks you should be in order to be who you are. Honor yourself, be true to your spirit." ~ I can't find who said that, it may have just been something I wrote in my journal after someone reminded me of the fact that I'm not getting any younger!
Happy Day~ OX
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Greetings Friends~
I have been doing some volunteer work for the Shenandoah National Park Trust, and they asked me to organized this year's "Shenandoah Scramble." The Shenandoah Scramble is a fund raiser for the trust.
You can check out more about The Trust here: http://www.snptrust.org/
For the Scramble there are six hikes to choose from of varying lengths. I will be leading the longest hike of eight miles. I am also going to put together a team for this hike. So, I am asking any of you blog readers out there if you'd like to join me on September 22nd for a fun hike in Shenandoah National Park? If you aren't interested in joining me on this hike or one of the other hikes that day, please consider sponsoring me!
You can find out more information about The Shenandoah Scramble here:
http://shenscramble.snptrust.org/
I think it's pretty self explanatory if you just keep clicking through.
Happy Hiking~ Thanks For Your Support!
I have been doing some volunteer work for the Shenandoah National Park Trust, and they asked me to organized this year's "Shenandoah Scramble." The Shenandoah Scramble is a fund raiser for the trust.
You can check out more about The Trust here: http://www.snptrust.org/
For the Scramble there are six hikes to choose from of varying lengths. I will be leading the longest hike of eight miles. I am also going to put together a team for this hike. So, I am asking any of you blog readers out there if you'd like to join me on September 22nd for a fun hike in Shenandoah National Park? If you aren't interested in joining me on this hike or one of the other hikes that day, please consider sponsoring me!
You can find out more information about The Shenandoah Scramble here:
http://shenscramble.snptrust.org/
I think it's pretty self explanatory if you just keep clicking through.
Happy Hiking~ Thanks For Your Support!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Not All Happy Stories
Wow, I haven't posted since last November! I've been home, leading a very normal life. Well, normal for me anyway. I have been doing a good bit of hiking, but haven't felt that I've had any hikes interesting enough to post about. I must say, every hike is a special experience, and I'm thankful that my work situation and lifestyle allow me plenty of time for getting to the mountains.
I shared this story with a friend last night and he thought it was worth sharing. It's something that upset me greatly and made me very sad....
Last Tuesday I drove to Saint Mary's to go for a short hike and a dip in the river. The Saint Mary's River runs through the Saint Mary's Wilderness and has several really nice swimming holes. It's a fairly short hike, I think it's maybe two miles to the falls where most folks swim. The hike is fun and refreshing too because the trail boarders the whole way and criss crosses the river many times. It's definitely not a time for hiking boots. Water shoes, Tevas, or an old pair of sneakers is best; no doubt, you will get your feet wet!
I made my way up the river and passed a small group of young people returning to the parking area. There was no one at the falls when I arrived. I crossed the river here and continued on to my personal favorite spot. Yay, I had the spot to myself! I quickly jumped into the water. And, I quickly jumped out again! Mountain water is always cold, it doesn't matter how hot the day is, and it's hard to stay in and swim around. I wanted to though, so I jumped in again. And, I quickly jumped out again! Oh, it is so refreshing, and I love how the cold water makes my skin tingle. I also love the peace that comes from just lying beside, and listening to the river roll by. I ate my lunch and laid out under the clouds. No sunshine on Tuesday, so the clouds had to do. It was still a beautiful and warm day. After my time of meditation I put my pack on and headed back down the trail.
At the falls there were two young men climbing high above and jumping in. Fun to watch others do it, but I'm not that brave! Just arriving at the falls was a mom and her 10 (or so) year old son. I watched them all enjoying the pool for a few minutes then wandered on my way. I passed many people heading up the river as I was heading down. Saint Mary's is quite a popular place, even on a Tuesday afternoon.
This is the sad part:
At one of the river crossings I stepped up on the far bank and there was a dead black snake in the middle of the trail. Turned belly up and covered with flies, I could see the rock that was used to kill it. I could see the spot in the trail where the rock had been pulled up and where it was tossed onto the other side. This sight broke my heart. I cried right there. And then I just felt so angry.
When I got back to my 4Runner I found a paper grocery bag and tore it open and with a black sharpie I penned this note which I left on a big rock at the trail head, held in place with small rocks on top so it wouldn't blow away.....
NOTICE!
To the Cruel and Ruthless Idiot that killed the snake on the trail today~
Why? Why would you kill that beautiful and innocent creature? Don't you know that this is a protected wilderness area? She had much more right to be here than you do. She lived here, this was her home. You were intruding in her space. She would never have harmed you. She wasn't even a poisonous snake. Not that that should matter either because even a rattlesnake won't hurt you. They rattle to say; "You are in my territory and I don't want you here. I am afraid of you, please go away." And, they too have every right to be there in the mountains, in the wilderness. If you have an unnatural fear of snakes then get psychological help! The wilderness is not for everyone. It is a special place, and a privilege for us to partake of. It is obvious the wilderness is not for you. Please go away, and don't come back. You are not welcome here.
I signed it: hikermel .... then,
P.S. Please take this note with you. It is for you, and I don't want to leave litter here either.
The culprit was still on the river and will definitely have seen the note. I only hope it made an impact.
mel~
I shared this story with a friend last night and he thought it was worth sharing. It's something that upset me greatly and made me very sad....
Last Tuesday I drove to Saint Mary's to go for a short hike and a dip in the river. The Saint Mary's River runs through the Saint Mary's Wilderness and has several really nice swimming holes. It's a fairly short hike, I think it's maybe two miles to the falls where most folks swim. The hike is fun and refreshing too because the trail boarders the whole way and criss crosses the river many times. It's definitely not a time for hiking boots. Water shoes, Tevas, or an old pair of sneakers is best; no doubt, you will get your feet wet!
I made my way up the river and passed a small group of young people returning to the parking area. There was no one at the falls when I arrived. I crossed the river here and continued on to my personal favorite spot. Yay, I had the spot to myself! I quickly jumped into the water. And, I quickly jumped out again! Mountain water is always cold, it doesn't matter how hot the day is, and it's hard to stay in and swim around. I wanted to though, so I jumped in again. And, I quickly jumped out again! Oh, it is so refreshing, and I love how the cold water makes my skin tingle. I also love the peace that comes from just lying beside, and listening to the river roll by. I ate my lunch and laid out under the clouds. No sunshine on Tuesday, so the clouds had to do. It was still a beautiful and warm day. After my time of meditation I put my pack on and headed back down the trail.
At the falls there were two young men climbing high above and jumping in. Fun to watch others do it, but I'm not that brave! Just arriving at the falls was a mom and her 10 (or so) year old son. I watched them all enjoying the pool for a few minutes then wandered on my way. I passed many people heading up the river as I was heading down. Saint Mary's is quite a popular place, even on a Tuesday afternoon.
This is the sad part:
At one of the river crossings I stepped up on the far bank and there was a dead black snake in the middle of the trail. Turned belly up and covered with flies, I could see the rock that was used to kill it. I could see the spot in the trail where the rock had been pulled up and where it was tossed onto the other side. This sight broke my heart. I cried right there. And then I just felt so angry.
When I got back to my 4Runner I found a paper grocery bag and tore it open and with a black sharpie I penned this note which I left on a big rock at the trail head, held in place with small rocks on top so it wouldn't blow away.....
NOTICE!
To the Cruel and Ruthless Idiot that killed the snake on the trail today~
Why? Why would you kill that beautiful and innocent creature? Don't you know that this is a protected wilderness area? She had much more right to be here than you do. She lived here, this was her home. You were intruding in her space. She would never have harmed you. She wasn't even a poisonous snake. Not that that should matter either because even a rattlesnake won't hurt you. They rattle to say; "You are in my territory and I don't want you here. I am afraid of you, please go away." And, they too have every right to be there in the mountains, in the wilderness. If you have an unnatural fear of snakes then get psychological help! The wilderness is not for everyone. It is a special place, and a privilege for us to partake of. It is obvious the wilderness is not for you. Please go away, and don't come back. You are not welcome here.
I signed it: hikermel .... then,
P.S. Please take this note with you. It is for you, and I don't want to leave litter here either.
The culprit was still on the river and will definitely have seen the note. I only hope it made an impact.
mel~
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