HIGH PLACES

I don’t know where you start out with a blog like the one I have on my mind today. I think I will shout out some names, and follow the obvious avenue of reproach for those who much take that path. Name Dropping. Why does he even do this. Drop It. But I won’t. Perhaps it is but one of many blogs taking this subject to another level.

Who knows why people climb mountains and do such strange things. Hanging in Dead Space, that is what these high place mean to me. I live at sea level. I stare up at high mountains all around me, okay around me on three sides, a chain of mountains linking all my thoughts to the essence of Being High and High Places. My blog for today. High Places.

Names come to mind. Ed Viesturs. Scott Fischer. Rob Hall. Jim Whittaker. Willi Unseold. Jim Wickwire. Names that relate to being here in my state of mind. Mount Rainier and all that it implies to somebody like me. And how would you know all the stories I conjure up, just because that Mountain, Mount Rainier is out in front of me, inspiring me to places only in the mind, but can be verified if you have heart and stamina and skill. Mountain climbers and adventures. A raw time and place in America and in the world.

 

Now it seems GPS tracks our every step. Knowing who we are and where we are is almost spontaneous with being there. But there was a time, when most of these mountains and men I mention, were remote and isolated and unheard of. But then and then, all things changed. And I am not here to map change. But to drop names. Let me tell you why.

I have a friend and recently she is the latest rising star on The High Ridge of the world that is so much apart of me and my northwest heritage. She went to hear Ed Vesturs, who is now also besides being a top of the line mountain climber, also a motivational speaker. And my friend, represents that also. Motivational. Inspires. Steps up and out in front. Always in the shadow of great accomplishment, from Katmandu and the Hindu Kush, to simple places like Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountain Ranges, and so much more. High Places.

So I am writing this blog and it is brief. I have a special way of saying things, and speaking before I think, and lately I go to FaceBook and leave comments. And for those who know me, my motto is: “Do No Harm.” But then I am reminded by some, “Stoney you talk like you are crazy or high or something. Some things should just not be said.” And this is a novel and new idea to me. I am. A raw and rough kind of man. I stomp on grapes and disturb natures grace. And yet, I do it with caution and pride. Where I live, both in physical space and in the space of my adventurous mind, is no boundary that prevents me from going there. I say it. I do it. I go there.

And if that is the thing that bothers you, just put it in perspective. Mountains and High Places. Sacred Places. We are alive and here. And looking back, so many good men have come and gone, in these mountains, that live to tell and inspire and motivate, the people down below. People like, Ed Viesturs. And so many more, I can’t shout out all these names. But maybe you can. “Yell at Stoney. Shake and Point a Finger. How Dare You? Mr. High Brow.” Get out and enjoy it. This life. In High Places. Step to it. Do it now. Take A Hike. Inspire me, like the mountain do. Mount Rainier. Mount Saint Helens. Mount Adams. Mount Baker. Too many to name, so I say. High Places inspire me, and so do you. My Friend.