March 23, 1997 (Day 4 – approx. milepoint 33.5 – Rock Spring Top)
Up with a pileated woodpecker. Actually, “up AFTER a pileated woodpecker” would be more accurate.
Two groups of Boy Scouts rolled by as we slowly broke camp. Mr. Mingo and I made it to the summit of Blood Mountain around noon and enjoyed the grand view with an equally grand lunch. Lots of day hikers up there, which usually means we’re close to a road. We eventually made our way down to Neel’s Gap and the Walasi-Yi Center, where a thru-hiker can find anything he needs, some things he didn’t know he needed, and a few things nobody needs but cannot possibly do without.
Very kind folks at the Center. They helped me solve some minor problems I was having with my stove and water filter and made a few wise suggestions about necessary and unnecessary pack items. Consequently, I scoured my pack for excess and mailed home my extra cooking pot, shaving cream and razor, deodorant and some other odds and ends. I’ll try to make a habit of doing this. With a few minor purchases, I replaced about 6 pounds of material weight with only one pound of new stuff: a trail map, a small rib pouch, a pak towel, sock liners, boot sole inserts, and new shoe laces. Made a couple of calls to family and paid a couple of bucks for a shower. A few folks, including Mr. Mingo, decided to stay overnight in the hostel attached to the Walasi-Yi Center. I felt pretty good and wanted to move, so I bid farewell to Mr. Mingo and continued up the trail a bit enjoying another clear night with ample moonlight.
A mile or so up the trail I ran into Roaming Gnome and Ned, both students at a college in Bar Harbor, Maine earning college credits out here. Roaming Gnome pursuing an art degree and Ned a degree in Storytelling. I think I would like that school. They packed ice cream up here from the Center and shared it with me. I shared my one beer.
Two good guys: easy company.
It was getting chilly but I wanted to go a little further, so I traveled another couple of miles before finding this nice little spot off the trail. Still enough moonlight for walking and setting up my tent that I didn’t use my headlamp until just now when I opened my journal. Partial lunar eclipse happening later tonight, which I will miss. Not exactly sure where I am, but that’s okay because I’m a long way from lost.
-Joe
March 23, 2009
More and more, when I refer to the different forms of “weight” I’ve accumulated over the years, I find myself clumping them all into one: Karmic Weight. I’ve never really studied karma, but the theory is meaningful enough.
In Indian religions, Karma presides over the soul. It is the concept of an “action” or “deed” that ignites the cycle of cause and effect. In the western world, it is represented in phrases such as, “you reap what you sow,” “measure for measure,” and “what goes around comes around.” In my experience, the laws of karma govern reality whether we believe in them or not.
I think it is interesting that in the Buddhist view of karma, while good intentions are looked upon favorably, one thing that can trump a good intention is ignorance. I feel that a good portion of my work is around that.
The main purpose of this blog is to face with honesty and humility the causes and effects of my actions, to take responsibility, and to become fully aware.
My goal is what I am worthy and capable of achieving: to return to living every day of my life with joy and gratitude, in vigorous harmony with the laws of karma.
- Contemplating cause and effect in Canyonlands…1997
