Traveling Alone in Safety (Fear and Joy).

Traveling alone in the high country involves carrying a certain amount of fear with you. Fears is what keeps you alert, cautious, and safe.

A close encounter with a bear or a slip and sprained ankle might cause me to restrict myself to day hikes, or worse, to spend my time with rear planted on a couch, confusing TV with reality.

I never want anything to happen that would keep me from doing what I love so much, which is waking on a high plateau overlooking a valley, smelling that fresh mountain air while I watch the sun come up with my two border collies beside me.

Mountain Life teaches you that that fear exists simultaneously with joy. They are both part of a rich life.

There are the thunderous storms, raging wind through the night, when you are so glad for the shelter of your tent and your warm sleeping bag. Then you may wake a few hours later to the pastel blue sky in early dawn, and be there to witness the first light fall upon the yellow hymenoxys, learning towards the sunrise.