We Remember Moments

"We don't remember days; we remember moments."

Wrapped in the cozy warmth of a down bag, I'm jolted awake from a deep slumber - nature calls. The rustle of my sleeping bag shatters the silence. The sweet aroma of the mountain air fills the senses, and that ever-present biting cool crisp air on your cheeks!

It's day three of my first wilderness-backpacking trip in the High Sierra Mountains (elevation 10,500 feet), 20 miles southwest of Bishop, California, camped at Dingleberry Lake.

The zipper moans as you free yourself, then the struggle to find your wool sweater, pants, and shoes to stumble into the brisk morning air. Another zipper whines as you quietly crawl to escape the protection of your mountain shelter.

Darkness surrounds you. It's early morning, late summer. It's tranquil, except for the soft gurgle of the trout stream that lulled you to sleep last night. Finally - clear weather, the rains have stopped; millions of stars twinkle like tiny sparkling diamonds against a pitch-black sky.

Orion, the hunter, is visible in the eastern sky; careful inspection, you can see the nebula glow.

Will it rain today? We need to break camp. No rush. Time on the mountain passes at a gentle pace. Has it only been three days? The deluge of rain, sleet, and snow on the high peaks is but a memory now. However, this morning, it's cold, crisp, and clear. Ah, a pristine sky, it looks like we can expect another beautiful day in the High Sierra Mountains.

My camping partner emerges from hibernation; his tent covered with a layer of ice, shaking off the cold, he says in a whisper, "Lets' shoot the sunrise on these peaks that surround our campsite."

We make our way to the edge of the lake, set up the tripod and camera, then sit back and experience the “magic of the mountains” as the morning sun caresses the peaks. Softly the blackness fades away, and the very tip of the mountains begin to glow. What a glorious experience!

This morning is the culmination of an adventure that began Friday, September 9, 2011, with an invitation to join Robert and Brendan on a late summer wilderness expedition.

“I know it’s late notice, but we would love to have you go with us on this trip?” Says Robert.

My response was immediate, "Yes, I'm in!" I was ready. Well, I thought so. Just a few months before, I had purchased a backpack with the anticipation of such a trip. As we began to collect our gear for the trip, I proudly pulled my new backpack from the garage; Brendan's response was immediate, "Not with that tiny pack. We need to share food, cooking gear, a tent, and supplies. We'll stop in Bishop; you can rent a pack."

Simultaneous thoughts began to whirl through my mind; anticipation, confusion, apprehension, what will we need to pack, how much will we carry? Three days, will I be able to pack the necessary load and keep up?

With a reassuring pat on the shoulder, Robert says, "No problem, it's easy - you'll see." So, with that assurance, we set off. We packed the truck to the hilt with equipment, food, and supplies for our weekend adventure in the Sierras'.

Yes, this was a glimpse of my first wilderness mountain adventure – upon reflection, I'm filled with inner peace and a feeling of accomplishment—an experience I'll treasure for a lifetime.

My listening friends, the next time you're presented with the opportunity to backpack the Sierra's with seasoned travelers, don't hesitate, say, "Yes, I'm in!" You, too, will be exhilarated by the experience; we remember moments!

"Won't you be my neighbor?" If you enjoy our weekly visits, please share them with a friend.

This is Patrick Ball; thanks so much for listening. I'll see you in the next episode.

Comments

Anonymous said…

unfortunate lake name

May 28, 2021 at 11:04 AM

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