Being open to gifts from the universe

Someday is today is just part of my new philosophy on life.  Another aspect is being open to offerings from the universe.  When something interesting and maybe challenging, that in the past I would be scared to do, or rationalize away is presented to me, I now will look at it and be open to trying it.

Take for instance yesterday, out of the blue, this hike was mentioned to me, for the 2nd time in a month, Chemin de St-Jacques.  Coincidence?  The universe wanting to offer me a gift and an adventure?  This hike is in France and the mileage I hear most is 500 miles.  Seems impossible.  How can I do that?  That is pretty far away and in a place I don't know, can't speak the language, etc.

The first step is believing that I can do it.

The second is to gather more information about the trek.  Is it even in terrain that I would want to walk?  So here are some steps for me to take.

believe I can do it.  - I do

Talk to others that have done it.  I will start that process next Friday when the volunteer works again.  I will ask her to contact her friend to see if she would share information about the trip and her adventures.

Learn basic French.

Believe that the time and money will be available.  That means a four to five week time period.  I need to give up the idea that I need at least 1 weeks vacation in the bank and be willing to spend it.

There are four major routes for this trek, so I will need to research them to see which one I want to take.

I will need to take some long hikes over the next 10 or 11 months in order to be in shape.

Lots to do before then.  Lots of little somedays will be accomplished in this enterprise.

A partial list of "Someday I'm gonna ..."

Here is a partial list of "Someday I'm gonna ..."
... Run a 10K - Completed 10K dirty Dash 7/9/2011
... Run a street 5K
... Run a Street 10K
... Run a 1/2 marthon - scheduled 12/04/2011
... Learn to play guitar

... visit Yosemite in the Spring for wild flower season

... visit Yosemite in the Fall for fall colors

... hike the Wonderland Trail around Mt Rainier (Possibly in 2012)

... visit Glacier National Park

... visit Scotland

... visit New Zealand

... have my house warming party - Completed in 2010

... know when a woman is flirting with me before I walk away from her.

... find my life partner

... learn to ball room dance - includes Salsa

...  have another art show and sell my photographs

... tour New England in the Fall

... have my face cleaned. COMPLETED

Life changing experiences

Referring back to my first post on this blog, I pondered if dreams were the catalyst for life changing events, or if life changing events were the catalyst for dreams. I have been pondering that idea for the last few weeks to better understand the process; wondering what comes first the dream or the life changing event, and have decided it doesn't matter because it can happen in either order. I also realize that life changing events do not have to be big life productions.


Life changing events can occur simply by making a decision to do something; or a chance encounter and discussion with someone. It can be the decision to pursue a dream or desire, or the event can be thrust upon you from outside people, events, encounters. We have the opportunity to experience many of these events if we are open to what is occurring around us. Unfortunately, I, like many people, have been closed minded and comfortable in my safe little cocoon - dreaming of more adventure in my life; closed to opportunities that have presented themselves to me across the years; afraid to step outside my predictable world that I am trying to control, and accept the adventure the universe is offering to me.

So a short outline of a life changing event:

1. 2009 - Week long volunteer vacation with WTA

2. Conversation around a campfire

3. Settig the date to hike the Checkout

4. Being willing to hike it by myself

5. Experiencing the Chilkoott - 2010

6. Meeting and talking with Arabelle

So who is Arabelle, she is a beautiful young French woman with an adventurous heart and spirit, open to new experiences. Willing to accept the adventure and friendship the universe has to offer. Happy, positive and trusting that things will work out for her in her travels. She is constantly learning about life and open to new ways of thinking and in search of herself and a better internal life. What I know of her story is an inspiration to me to start pursuing and accepting the adventures the universe is offering me. After all, life is for living.

Another of the hikers on the trail is another Frenchman that is in Canada on a work VISA and took the time to experience the Checkout.

The couple from North Wales, who visited and then ended up living in Australia for two years, and took the time on their way back to Wales to experience the Checkout, and then will probably return to Australia after their visit home.

These four people have been catalyst of change in me and they don't know it... now to honor that gift, from them, is up to me.

Wednesday September 1, 2010 Dewey Lakes

The day stats parlty cloudy, a good day for a hike. I take a picture out my window.

My pack is light today, only about 20-25 pounds. the pack, rain gear, food, and camera gear. I need to walk down towards the harbor to reach the trailhead. I start up the trail and after a short while, I think to myself, "What in the world does Elizabeth mean when she says the trail gets steep AFTER the lower lake?"

I arrive at the lower lake and am pleased, I do not spend much time there and I push on towards Upper Dewey Lake. I walk through verdant landscape, trees and bushes, berries and ferns, moss and mushrooms. the trail at this point is basically a dry (relatively speaking) stream bed filled with rocks, boulders, tree roots and slippery mud. It parallels a rushing creek with lots of small tumbling water falls and a few choice areas where I can rest and sit, gazing at the rushing water. I see flecks of gold in the sand and wonder, how can you tell if this is true gold or fools gold? I reflect on the Chilkoot and my experiences and I am very happy.

Up, Up and up I climb, I hope that Upper Dewey is worth the climb. Up, up and up I continue to climb, understanding now, what Elizabeth meant when she said the trail to the upper lake got steep. The trail is now wet and starting to get slippery. I take out my GPS to check the elevation and notice I still have 1500 feet to climb. Did I bite off more than I can chose, I realize that if I was carrying the same load as I did on the Chilkoot, I probably wouldn't complete this hike.

On and on I go, having to make a conscious effort to look around at the beauty around me. Soon, I only have 1,000' than 500' and then I top a rise and I see a meadow off to my left and in the distance I see a cabin. It is a rental that looks out over upper Dewey lake.

I take a path to the right that crosses a small foot bridge and come across another older cabin that is available to anyone - first come first served and is maintained by a local volunteer organization. Looking inside, I decide that it is used by local people as a party place. I would be hard pressed before I slept in that place.

I walk to the lake and it is very scenic even under the gray overcast sky. I bet it would be beautiful with the sun shining and the surrounding mountain peaks reflecting in a mirror like blue lake. I look at my hike information and The Devils Punch Bowl is only another .8 miles further, but also an additional two hours of hiking and I decide for my own safety, it is time to turn around and head back to Skagway for the day. The trip down is treacherous, the trail is slippery and I slip and fall three times on wet roots that are laying in the trail. The views are terrific.

When I finally get back to town, I reward myself with a double tall, peppermint, breve`, no foam latte` $6.40 please. I walk back to the B&B and check my iPod touch for e-mail and there is a mail from Alaska Airlines about my Thursday afternoon flight and I gasp out loud. I thought I was staying until Friday! My ferry ticket was purchased for Friday, my brother planned on picking me up from Sea-Tac on Friday evening and I had a private tour of Skagway scheduled for Thursday. I was enjoying Alaska and was not ready to return home.

I made the arrangements I needed to make to keep from missing my flight and arrived back in Seattle around 6:30 Thursday evening and finally got home around midnight that night.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 Skagway

Today is sort of a day of rest. I visit the trail office and give a report of my hike as they had asked. I purchased a map of the trail as a keepsake and they also gave me a bear bell... both are things I should have had when I started the trip, but if I had the bell, I may not have seen the second pair of bear.

I also head back to the National Park building and watch another video on the gold rush. I then visit the gift shop and purchase my Klondike pin and some books for gifts. I did most of my souvenir shopping there because the store supports the park. Something I do whenever I visit a NP or Forest Service location.

I also purchase another $6.00 tall Starbuck's latte` from one of the local jewelry stores, sounds like the appropriate place to get one, considering the price. :-)

Laundry is next. On the trail, I put my used clothing into plastic bags to keep my pack neat, when I open the bags, I realize why se sere segregated at the Bennett restaurant and on the train.

Back to B&B for a nap. I finally connect with Elizabeth, my friends friend that lives in Skagway and we agree to meet for pizza that evening. Good pizza and good conversation and she suggests giving me a tour of Skagway on Thursday, from a locals point of view. I think that is a smashing good idea.

I tell Elizabeth that I am thinking of hiking the Dewey Lakes trail on Wednesday.  I had heard good things about the beauty of the lakes, especially the upper lake.  She told me the hike to the lower lake was pretty easy, but that it got pretty steep on the trail to the upper lake.  I might want to reconsider that idea, every year Search and Rescue had to go extract people that got lost, hurt or just couldn't finish the trip back down.  I told her that I would go if it wasn't pouring rain, and if I went, I would be going to the the upper lake.

Monday, August 30, 2010 Bare Loon Lake to Bennett to Skagway by train

Photos are being converted for upload and will be added.

Monday morning, the last day on trail. Bennett is 4 miles from the lake. The morning is crisp and bright, the sun is shining and as I cook breakfast in the eating gazebo, I look out at the crystal blue lake I have mixed emotion about finishing the trek. Happy that I will soon complete it, but sad that I will be returning to civilization. I am also returning to town a day early and have no idea if there will be room at the inn; but I have faith that there will be.

I boil my water to fix my dehydrated scrambled eggs and ham and then boil more water for Starbucks instant coffee. It is pleasurable eating breakfast looking out at this beautiful lake. As I eat, others start showing up to cook their breakfast and light conversation ensues. After I finish eating, I walk back to my sleeping platform and take my tent down and pack my back pack.

I hoist my pack on my shoulder and hope there is water available to replenish my supply as I don't trust the lake water and I only have 1/2 a liter left in the Camel Pak. I start down the trail enjoying the sun and coolness of the air and start the incessant up and down of the trail. I pass the couple from North Wales, they are taking pictures and I wish that I had more space on my cards and juice in my batteries so I can take pictures with abandon. I am carrying the batteries in my pocket, hoping my body heat will help restore some juice.

Walking down the trail watching the trail directly in front of me, I suddenly look up and gaze at the beauty that surrounds me and I think "When you go through life with your nose to the grindstone, focused only on the path to the goal, if you don't stop and rest; take the time to see where you are, how can you appreciate where you were, where you are now and where you are going? And what you now have."

This thought is not just for the trail but for life, I find a place to sit and enjoy where I am. I start down the trail and am reminded, when I here water rushing through the trees, that I still need water. When I see the river, I discover that it is in a gorge and not accessible, s I walk further thinking maybe there is a place where the trail goes down closer to the river, when I turn a corner and the trail is going uphill. O.K. I can ration my water, it is early in the day, cool and I only have about three miles to go.

I come across a bridge and pause on the bridge to watch the water and remember that I have a rope in my pack and I can tie my jet-boil to the rope and drop it into the water and pull it up and fill my water bottle. I do that and as I finish, the couple from North Wales pass me and head up the trail.

There are many trees now, all small, but it is nice to be in the tree line. I trudge on, enjoying the view and finally come to a large boulder on the side of the trail and I look down at the rushing river, there are a few leaves turning color and I try my camera and take a couple pictures. It is at this point, where much to my dismay, I leave a personal relic on the trail for future archeologist to find - my sun glasses fell over the edge of the trail and I cannot retrieve them.

Since yesterday, I have had a craving for a greens salad and it is a very strong craving.

As I continue walking, I think back on this trip and how I was excited to come, even by myself, in order to follow a dream. I had faith that the weather would be good and that I would be safe. I think about how I had doubts of finishing the Golden Stairs and the fear of the embarrassment I would have if I gave up. I think about the feelings I have developed for my unofficial trail mates. I think about the training I did before coming to Alaska, and the 30 - 50 miles a week I had walked, not only on the ferry, but on the trails around Port Gamble - the only thing I wish I had done different is to walk the stairs at work on a regular basis.

The trail has been difficult, but not over whelming - I got through it. Then, much to my surprise, I enter a stretch of sand and then I had to walk up hill in the sand - this was not my favorite section. I wondered how many people take their shoes and socks off and walk barefoot in the sand. Suddenly...

ST. Andrews

The landmark that indicates the trek is over Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church, the only gold rush building still standing in Bennett. I stop and change shirts, putting on the clean shirt I had saved for this occasion. I take a few pictures and discover, even though I can take pictures, the batteries are so low, they will not focus the lens.

Jim, Steven, Annabelle and I start the last 100 yards to the Bennett train Station and restaurant. We stop and take pictures at the Bennett trailhead sign and then proceed to the train station. For some reason, they will not let hikers into the main dining room and we need to go around the building to a special hikers dining room. There $20.00 each buys us Beef Stew, homemade bread, coleslaw and apple pie and our choice of beverage. A virtual feast - hot and cooked by someone else.

We have about 2 1/2 hours to wait for the train to take us back to Skagway, so we eat and sit around and talk. the train loads up about a half hour before it leaves, and once again the hikers are segregated - heck I can't smell us, I wonder what their problem is. I do have to admit, that there is an enhanced feeling of camaraderie in this car that is not in the others. I looked into the car behind us and then walked through our car, at the front of the train and I look at the people. "It is official" I said and my companions asked, "What is" I looked at the people in the car behind us, and I walked through this car looking at everyone, and we are definitely happier than they are." This announcement was met with smiles and agreement.

The train is old, and there are open platforms between the cars and I decide to ride the platform back to Skagway, to smell the fresh air tinged with diesel and feel the wind in my face and blowing through my hair. Wonderful. As we rode through the country side looking at the scenery, I also smelled the trees, grasses and flowers, knowing I would miss that smell soon. I was scanning the hills and ridges looking for bear and other wildlife, and when I saw my fourth bear, I pounded on the window to the railcar and pointed it out to others. One of the women came out and said she was going to stay next to me, "Because you are bear lucky."

There was only oneunpleasant thing on this trip and it was the border agent that boarded the train to check passports and documentation. I have never been embarrassed and ashamed to be an American until I watched him go about his job in such a rude and insulting manner to the foreigners on our car. There were people on the car that had dealt with him in the past and said that he is always like that. It is a shame that this guy may be the first introduction to America and Americans that a visitor to our country may have and it could set the tone for how they feel about America and Americans in general.

When we arrived in Skagway, I made my way to my Bed and Breakfast where I had rooms reserved for the next night, to see if they could take me early Luckily they were able to. I took a shower and put on clean clothes and then hobbled to the brewery across the street and ordered a Cobb salad, onion rings and a bear. $26.00

Back to The Skagway Inn and in bed by 7:00. It took a long time to get to sleep.

Sunday August 29 Happy Camp to Bare Loon lake

Sunday Morning and it is a clear day. The weather has been wonderful. Although we have had overcast mornings and early afternoons, we have not had any rain. There were a couple times when we were misted on for a few minutes, or when we were in the clouds climbing the staircase when it was very damp – THERE HAS BEEN NO RAIN. The weather forecasts I viewed on line indicated at least showers everyday if not outright rain. Friends assured me that this was the rainy season in Alaska so I could expect to get rain. I stated that I expected good weather and “You Gotta Have Faith!” Having faith has worked so far.

The days hike started down hill and across a flat about a quarter mile, and then it started up hill – steep climbs and then a bit of flat and then up again and then flat. And then down and back up again. The path followed along a lake and then turned to go up and around a hill only to come back along the lake or another lake. This pattern repeated itself throughout the morning. The sun is out and reflections of the hills in lake after lake. The scenery is beautiful and inviting, but you can tell the land is inhospitable. There is no way to scratch out a living from the thin rocky soil. It appears good for one thing, and that is to look at and enjoy.

As I trudge through this day, I think about the gnarled scrub pines I am passing. Old and twisted, thin yet alive in this harsh environment. I compare them to the minors that had to hike this 33 mile stretch of treacherous ground for up to 40 or more round trips – during the winter months with temperatures falling to 30 and 60 below zero. How did they do it? How did they keep their dream of gold and riches alive through this hell on earth?

I look at the beauty of the wild flowers and notice their frailty, their slight hold in the earth, yet they thrive for a few months unless a hiker or animal brushes against them and tears lose their tenuous hold in the thin top soil of this harsh plain.

I watch the melted snow water tumble down the hillsides as it it released from glaciers and I use it to nourish me and quench my thirst, yet if I were to fall into the lake, I would have a high chance of dying from the shock of the cold or hypothermia if I could not get warm again.

I take the time to sit on the side of the trail and take in the beauty and to listen to the quiet. I realize that in the last 4 days I have not heard many sounds of civilization. I think I heard three planes in the last four days and no other mechanical sound. I have not used the MP3 player that I bought in case I wanted to hear music, because the sounds that nature played for me, were enough to salve my soul.

I understand that thinking positively can bring the things I want to my life; like believing, without a doubt that I would experience the perfect weather for the trip.

And on this day, I made a decision that I meant to make on this trip. I have applied for a manager position in the IT department, not sure if I wanted it, because I love my job and I like my life stress free. What has happened on this trip has introduced me to a number of people that love to travel and the time, will and money, to other countries for an adventure. I have discovered a part of me that is starting to develop, a need for adventure, a desire to have time and money to travel, and a realization that I am not afraid to travel to other locations and countries. So I will do my best in the interview I will have when I return to work and if the job of manager is offered to me, I will accept it if I can negotiate some safety net for a year or two. This will not only pay me more so I can afford to travel, but will give me four weeks of vacation so I will have the time to travel.

This section of the trail is hard for me, and I consider it the hardest part of the trail. It is not steep like the staircase, but it is up and down. There are a lot of little stones I need to avoid which require shorter steps or the twisting of a foot to plant it firmly so I can take another step. Another thing is it is hotter and at times the trail seems to disappear – the cairns, which used to be frequent, are sometimes missing or knocked over. Luckily there are some beautiful places to get off the side of the trail and watch nature. I do this every time I find that I am “doing” the trail rather than experiencing it, which is easy to do when the moving gets boring.

I was planing on spending five nights on trail, but have been thinking about doing it in four. I am running low on space for pictures and my camera batteries are failing fast. I was going to spend tonight at Lindeman City but everyone else is going on to Bare Loon lake where I was going to spend tomorrow night. I am unfamiliar with the bonding I have been doing on this trip, a bonding of shared experience and hardship and accomplishment. It happened so fast, I started feeling it on the second day. Now that the trip is on the close side of completion, I realize that I will miss these people if I don't finish the trip with them. I will go to Lindeman City and check in with the ranger to wee if it is ok to continue on to Bare Loon and to take the train back a day early. It is assumed that since it is so late in the season, that there will be no problem doing so. I trudge on. I make it to Lindeman City and find that the ranger has gone to the warming center station on the pass and will not be back that day, I visit the interpretive center for the history information and to get my certificate of completion. And then I continue on to Bare Loon lake.

Bare Loon lake is by far the prettiest spot on the trip. The cooking shelter is actually a gazebo type structure open all around. Water is from the lake and the scariest proposition for drinking water on the whole trip as people have swam and washed in the water and it is not moving very swiftly.  The haunting sound of the loons cry and the Loney laugh they make echo across the water.  Haunting and comforting.

Tonight is the best chance of seeing the aurora borealis – clear skies. I am tired and go to bed as the sun is setting with promises from others that they will wake me if they see the lights, and I am expected to let them know if I wake in the night and see the lights. I wake a few hours later and it is cold. I finally crawl out of my sleeping bag to go to the out house. It is crystal clear and I see stars, but there is a lot of light pollution from the ¾ moon and I am sure this would hinder any chance of seeing the northern lights and I head back to bed.

I find that I am happy that I came on this trip. I was the only one not concerned with me doing the hike alone – I knew there would be other hikers on the trail, but I didn't expect to hook up with this crowd. A blessing. I have challenged myself and overcome some fears and have enriched myself. Somehow, these changes in me make the cost of fulfilling this dream,worthwhile.