June 17, 2012

My First Summer in the Sierras


June 17 – EWR --> SFO
           Sleeping off a most appropriate NYC despedida full of good music, good dance, good friends... I awake crossing the Great Plains, viewing these tiny little square plots below. My first thought of this grand Summer voyage: I can't help but wonder how it is that they have tried to make their world and this good Earth so square when in fact it is one enormous circle. 
            Over the blessed Rocky Mountains, my breath quickens and a “wow” escapes my lips as I stare out the plane window. Snow topped peaks and lush green valleys – home to my first backcountry hiking trip some twenty years earlier. Some very good memories are kept down there.
            Then Utah and her perfect red rock palaces glowing in the sun below. Glorious Utah. Home to many more defining memories and experiences within this slow, deliberate re-connection journey that I am on. I will see you again soon.
            Another short nap and, suddenly, my first view of the Sierra Nevadas is no less than the crown jewel of John Muir's "Range of Light" – Yosemite Valley seen from 30,000 feet above. Of course. Half Dome is clearly visible, yet looks like a small stone. I take a deep breath. The endless mountains slowly stretch into the clouds on the southern horizon… that’s where I’m headed. 

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