The Rawness of Nature
The text photos are beginning to flood in...
What you see blanketing the ground is a layer of snow.
We scattered my son Michael's ashes in the serene surroundings of the Trinity Alps. It holds profound significance for us, symbolizing our connection to him. The beauty and tranquility of the area make it a truly special place.
Soaring at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet or higher, the landscape unfolds in a breathtaking panorama, where the air becomes crisp and invigorating.
These photos of the backpacking adventure were exclusively tackled by the younger members of the group, including my sons. My husband recognized his limitations and chose to sit this one out, along with Eric, who has an artificial leg. It’s a bittersweet feeling, reminiscing about those days when he could conquer any trail. I'm glad he had some company.
It certainly appears to be quite chilly to me -crisp air and some snow glistening on the ground.
Gazing towards the west, the majestic mountains stand guard over the horizon. Beyond their rugged peaks lies the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. However, the journey to reach the coast requires traversing several more formidable mountain ranges, each offering its own challenges and breathtaking vistas along the way, which would take days. This is rugged country.
Here's my old man, standing in front of his sleeping sack. He said at night he felt the hammock swinging in the wind.
A couple of weathered tents - Each tent tells a story, whispering secrets of past journeys under starlit skies.
Our Pastor lay upon the cold ground - He's young and an outdoorsman - he can handle it.
This isn’t just “camping” — this is true roughing it, where the comforts of home are replaced by the rawness of nature.
I did some roughing it camping a few times when I was young over 50 years ago Lovely peaceful area
ReplyDeleteThe last roughing it camp trip I took was Oct 2015 after my sister passed. We just took the dog, packed a few things and left for Yosemite. I enjoy spontaneity and detest planning vacations so it was fun for me.
DeleteMy first husband died sort of unexpectedly 4 1/2 years ago, so I have some understanding of your feelings as you dealt with your son's ashes. I am so sorry for your loss. It looks like you are doing a healthy job of dealing with all the [everything] that comes with grief.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I live in Florida now (and have for the past 8 years, my "home" is Colorado, so your photos certainly brought back my memories of the Rockies. Beautiful.
May you continue to find strength, comfort, and peace in the Lord. This experience you have had/are having changes a person forever. With the Lord's grace, those changes are all good. Painful at times, but still good.
Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks Barbara for the kind words. The Lord is my strength and yes, grief has a way of changing a person.
DeleteThe Rockies are beautiful and my sister lived just outside Denver but I never had the opportunity to visit the Rockies.
Love all the photos and there really is still a lot of snow. Hope your husband has faired well in his hammock. I'm pretty sure the temps drop pretty low at night. Hope they are enjoying all of nature and having a great time. thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteIn our higher elevations like Shasta and Lassen, snow sticks around year round.In August, Lassen still has frozen lakes. It’s where we go, to beat the valley heat.
DeleteThat kind of wilderness trip leaves a mark, doesn’t it? I can almost feel the cold air and hear the wind through the tents. It’s tough, but there’s something real and grounding about being out there, especially with family, sharing those raw moments together.
ReplyDeleteIt sure does and is why everyone at least once in their young life should attempt it.
DeleteRoughing it for sure. The pics are just gorgeous! I have never did a trip like this. I would if I was younger. Janice
ReplyDeleteThose days are over for me.
DeleteThe photos are awesome. What great memories they made.
ReplyDeleteYes, good memories! Thanks
DeleteI've never slept in a hammock, but would love to try it sometime.
ReplyDeleteHe said he was able to feel the chilling cold on his back. He was stiff when he woke up.
DeleteThe pictures are so beautiful, but they really were roughing it. I'm so glad he was able to go, but also smart enough to know when he should sit something out. What an amazing trip!
ReplyDeleteThat’s how they like it. I couldn’t do that at my age.
DeleteI love seeing these photos! I can imagine how beautiful it must be in person. How wonderful for your menfolk to be taking this journey together. I probably wouldn't have lasted the first few hours in that rugged terrain, but I sure would have enjoyed the views. What an amazing experience for these guys!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could do it. Climbing over big rocks doesn’t turn me on.
DeleteYour sons got some fantastic photos of their adventure in the Trinity mountains. And I know it hit home for you as this area holds a special place in your heart. I especially liked the picture of the tents with all that beautiful nature in the distance. It's nice your husband had a companion to sit with while the others tackled the backpacking journey. I love the pictures of the snow on the mountains. We do have some wonderful scenery, don't we?
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Yes, Sheri we do have beautiful scenery here. I love it as I know you do too!
DeleteWhat wonderful photos. The closest I have ever come to wilderness camping was as a Girl Guide leader, and it was not that kind of wilderness.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I bet that was fun though.
DeleteI could never, would never be able to do this. But I have to say I admire people who do.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are indeed in God's country.
It is nice here.
Delete(I'm back in blogland after a break to care for my hospitalized hubby)
ReplyDeleteI love camping. While we no longer do it, we loved backpacking. And once backpacked in the Marble Mountains. When I volunteered with Pioneer Club Girls, I led the backpacking trips at camp.
The Trinity Mountains are beautiful!
I’ve not hiked the Marble mountains but my sons have.
DeleteMy husband, Danny, has expressed his wishes to have his ashes scattered in one of the rivers or streams of the Great Smoky Mountains where he had such marvelous hiking experiences. I will do my best to honor his intent if I'm the one left behind when God takes him home. May you always know God's peace, Debby.
ReplyDeleteThanks Martha.
DeleteI love getting to see your husband. And am really glad that he knows his limitations. Beautiful wild nature.
ReplyDeleteYes it is
DeleteMy day has not been the best, but you cheered me up immensely. Thinking I had four living rooms gave me such a good laugh! And it does read that way!
ReplyDelete😆. Glad it made you laugh! Hopefully a better day today.
DeleteI have never spent the night outdoors, and never will. but when I see photos like this I wish I could or would... the photos are fantastic, and the swinging bed seems like it would be the most comfy. love that smiling hubby of yours. Bob wants his ashes scattered in the Gulf, he loves fishing like yours love hiking. We had his sons ashes scattered in the Gulf. the hike looks like everyone had a great time...
ReplyDeleteMy ashes will be buried at the veterans cemetery with my husband.
DeleteThose pictures are beautiful and you have such an amazing way of writing. My family and I love hiking but I'm not adventurous enough for something like this, although I'm sure it is breathtaking to see those views in person. My son totally would love it though.
ReplyDeleteI’ve always been adventurous but not so much lately. Or at least they don’t look like the used to. I’m now cautiously adventurous!
Delete"Rawness" .... that's a perfect word! If only these images could be put to music ... a hymn perhaps, but the notes escape me. I hope Heaven looks a lot like this. Please, thank those whose eyes witnessed the beauty and shared.
ReplyDeleteYears ago my son put together a video of a hiking trip he out to music. It was beautiful
DeleteI loved this post Debby. I am a mother to boys... so this just speaks to me. My boys are best of friends and do many adventures together.
ReplyDeleteLove, Carla
All three of my boys were best friends and since Michael passed the other two know how truly special that brotherly bond is. Last year, they had a riff that upset me but they worked it out. It was a first.
DeleteLove seeing your "old man" in his happy place.
ReplyDeleteLooks a bit brisk but oh so lovely. It truly is God's Country.
We spread my Mom's ashes overlooking Lake Tahoe. It was Mom and Dad's favorite place and gave them many happy hours.
Sue
It's a beautiful area, I can understand why it's so special to you☺♥
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing photos, that is a beautiful spot
ReplyDeleteI do miss camping but the kind we used to do is more "civilized" tent in a State Park that has bathrooms and running water. Dave and I went on only 1 back pack trip way back in the 70's. We were co chaperones with some other adults for some teens from church and very inexperienced. We were at Kennedy Meadows in the Yosemite area.
ReplyDeleteI haven't a clue where we actually were. Dave and I about froze to death and were pretty miserable. Kids loved it but that was it for us.
Sue