The Short Pause

I am camping at Watkins Mill today. This is the first time I have been out on my own since Edison was born. It is only one night, and it still feels challenging to pull away from Edison and Elisa. The truth is we all have to do what we need to fill the tank, even if it is not easy.

When I first got here today, my mind told me the typical story; You have to do this hike by this time, then read and then write a blog—not recharging at all. So, the journey began with my list of things to accomplish with my alone time. It was relaxing, not on the original plan.

I walked from my campsite to the trailhead. Watkins Mill is a great State Park here in Missouri. Usually, pretty chill. It is winter, so it is just me and one other camper. I start making my way. It has been off and on cloudy today, so I had some layers on. Canadian Geese took up almost all of the shorelines. I paused to take some photos and watch them on my spotting scope. Well, that took too much time, so I had to run to make up time. I love running; that is just bad intentions behind it.

The side trails made for some excellent exploration. Still feeling a rush and keeping the hustle on. I arrive on the other side of the lake with a nice open view. I decided to stop giving in to that voice that never gives me much grace. I took my bag off and sat on the bench. A minute goes by, and a reward arrives for my stillness.

The Geese started to make a panicked noise. Something was making them feel in danger. I turned to my right to see what the fuss was about. Gliding along the tree line was an adult Bald Eagle. I have seen more on adventures West than here at home in Missouri. The Eagle sat 20 yards above me and to the right. Looking over the lake and all the Geese nervously swimming away.

I took pictures and viewed the animal through my spotting scope. A wonderful moment. A gift that would not have happened if I gave in to my anxieties.

We can have all the world awareness and still give in to the same behaviors every day. For a moment today, I let go of the fear. I took away silly standards that I create for myself. Ones that often take away from experiencing life. So, thank you to my friend for teaching me a lesson today. Hopefully, it helps you as well.

A Letter to Edison

Bison in Lamar Valley

Edison joined us on June18th at 3:58 PM. It was the most emotional moment of my life. Elisa and I were practically frozen in amazement. I didn’t cry then (I did when we got home and looked at Edison and Elisa). I figure it was a bit of shock. It was nothing I had ever experienced. Maybe it was the purest moment of wonder. 

Before Edison joined us, my perspective on writing was beginning to change. The main questions become, what do I want Edison to learn from Humble Adventures? What do I want to share with him on our first trips to camp and hike? 

I shared in the Ultimate Outdoor Dream a comparison of two men and how they approached being in the wild. One gave in to ego as his guide and the other gratitude. 

Those are really the two ways we operate in nature and on adventures. The ego drives the goal. Get to a certain point on the mountain. Push yourself harder than you have before. Not all necessarily bad choices. But that is really more confidence in your mission. The decisions that have to be avoided are things like risking your life and others. Being so driven to accomplish a feat that you take away the opportunity to experience gratitude. 

The first step we have to take when entering the wilderness is to go anywhere in the first place. Determining the purpose of the action. When I have started with what I want I to do before having a clear purpose why the following traps of ego tend to happen:

• Pursuing a particular spot for the photo. 

• Seeking this trail because of the length and difficulty. 

• Finding this location to feed perception as a hardened adventurer. 

Those are just some examples. They tend to make for a worse time for you and the people you are with. I have gone too hard and upset people trying to have a more grateful experience. I have caused myself physical and mental pain because of storming into situations without preparation. 

This is not the whole story all the time. Let us discuss what makes an experience of gratitude in the wilderness. I will share examples from nature’s heroes and some humble ones from myself.

John Muir is the role model of gratitude in nature. Muir’s ultimate appreciation is always for life and its beauty. The first example I will share is from his essay on Twenty Hill Hollow. It is a mile long hollow with twenty round hills. Muir starts this essay saying most people will not find Twenty Hill Hollow as impressive as Yosemite. In his view, they are each part of the same wilderness story. He goes on to describe the small Twenty Hill Hollow through every season. The little gift of life that most will miss on their way to the “big” thing. A metaphor for all our moments in life. 

Muir clearly has a lack of ego. He can enjoy some hills as much as the mountains. He can look at all things and see them as equal gifts. That is something I have struggled with and am sure others have too. I have felt worse, not being able to conquer the big hike. Luckily, if we can let go of the ego, like Muir, we can appreciate the little things. 

When Edison and I are climbing a mountain and sitting by a fire, both need similar gratitude. Appreciate the excitement as much as the quiet. The first step has to be me living that way. I have to enter the wilderness, welcoming gratitude and not ego, something to attempt for all moments in life.