June 16, 2011Lakewood, CO
09:01:11, hours MDT
...continued hiker’s journal…

The more I read, listen to and understand the naturalists that have preceded us here in America, the more I want to shit- can this self- centered social environment called the Front Range of Colorado. I want to flee to the wilderness and find remnants still without the motorized machinations of the mortgaged- to- the- hilt crowd.

More than this, I want to hear the evening birdsong without the ever- present din of motorized traffic in the near or far distance. I want to hear and experience again the rustle of the breeze on the grasses and the pitter- pattering (and galloping) of the mammals on the forest floor without uninvited intrusion of some other not- on the same wave length variety [humans] consuming the experience and bagging yet another day away from the job and home address.

Seems to me from this vantage point in the career of being, becoming and evolving in lifestyle and living in general that being prepared to sleep out is the pre- requisite to observing the asana of the world with the lens of acculturation in this society, the consumer society, characterized by self- indulgence and decadence along with over spending on needless devices and sundries, that has a life of its own. Solace and solitude are not silent qualities explained by therapists in offices in the suburbs… it is the birdsong and rustling unfettered by the noisiness and busyness of the device laden Americans in the back- country…. May take a few days of foot travel to reach but there you are… and when you arrive― poof there you are again. The unfettered naturalness to the world of insects and living organisms observed through our senses gives rise to this― don’t you think? The esthetic beauty of land forms and coursing waterways are included along with local climates and weather. How much value is placed on the pit left after the gold mine is played out? Where do the minerals go? Into your pocket? Into whose pocket?

Remember the three days here after the plane attacks in NY? Remember how the skies were quiet- in between the military jets over flying us? I do. I want to again; while health is with me- to rely on wit, vim, vigor and abilities to hear and experience another time- to live outside all over again and regain the inner solace that the forests and canyons have a knack for delivering. The ever- present distraction of the texting- in public enthusiasts; the overfed and frantic inhabitants of this region as well as frenetic paced shopping and buying spree of what they call the good- life is frankly a bore to me.

This book is making an impression and imprint on my being ness―> “The Quiet World: Saving Alaska’s Wilderness Kingdom, 1879-1960,” by Douglas Brinkley. I recommend it either in print version from library or in CD format to listen to. Am becoming aware of the birthplace of American environmental conservatism and the naturalists involved in shaping the intact wild places left us in our military- industrial complex manner of living. The rampant consumerism and marketeering to the well-heeled crowds along with the distractions of bargain- hunting the current gluten- free solution and continued texting- in- public somehow does not add up when measured against the well- written accounts of the preliminary actions by those with intuitive and scientific knowledge of the forests and wild lands that were inhabited for generations before the White race invaded and began is head long systematic destruction in search for gold, oil, fishes and anything else convertible into coinage. Some things are sacred and some places need be left intact without the lobbyists mandating and directing that we continue to reap the riches of the land and leave pillaged eco-systems in return.

I have been many days in places where there is only the loud roar of a swift tributary to the Colorado River; many days where no- one has approached on foot from the opposite direction and observed only the winds at night in the canyons below. I long for the wilderness that the Muries experienced in the Koyukuk river region of Alaska.

The Wiseman, Alaska experience of Bob Marshall among the locals and as well- the more recent explorations and found solitude in the doing and raftings of Katie Lee, how these writings pique my inner yearning to break the shackles of the deadening roar with the incessant callings to buy this or consume that. Oh how I want to renounce the stifling pretentiousness of this gentrified, sanitized and moneyed crowd here in Denver- metro. Surrendering this for the renewal of spirit from the forests?

― Yes.

June 10, 2011, Lakewood, CO
08:28:38, hours MDT
...continued hiker’s journal…

…Give freely of what you found… <-- seems that this is important… When following a political, religious or biased dictum this may mean doing as the directors deem for one to do; or as one’s handlers reckon, believe or suppose you should do to remain in good stead. Correct?

However things spiritual in nature remain unanswered by the commandments above― this being that giving freely of what you found in the practice means precisely, that you, through the practice [work] become verbally forthright and straightforward irregardless of your desired outcome.

The alternative is simplistic in nature… this being that we go on playing around in a dress rehearsal for maturity

“Give freely of what you found, for surely you will meet some of us on the road to happy destiny.”

“Abandon yourself to God as you understand God. Admit your faults to Him and to your fellows. Clear away the wreckage of your past. Give freely of what you find and join us. We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny.
May God bless you and keep you - until then.” Alcoholics Anonymous

http://anonpress.org/bb/Page_164.htm

Reminds us all about those who continue to market/ advertise the gluten- free solution. The hucksters that want us to believe that burning more coal and drilling more oil is a good deal for nature. That buying, buying and buying more gluten- free marketing will somehow free us. Free us from what?

Are we not human animals and nature is a part of us? These peddlers be them as they may― the talking heads of Congress, the media “reporters”, the US Chamber of Commerce, the agribusiness profiteers and the so- called callings for global war on drugs would have us agree with their branding of the truth. How many times are we duped into buying a “lifestyle’’ with ever enormous houses packed one against the other in the environs of the gated communities?; into becoming hoodwinked and swindled into a more ‘luxurious’ automobile or for that matter- on the local playing field, seeing the corporate grocery outlets throwing away the produce in the closed containers behind the store? How many times are we led by the nose ring to believe these are some solutions or THEE solution- to our pain and obesity and not being satisfied with the current dangle of the golden riches? What happened to our inner desire to transcend this artificial sense of how we are all doing here on the planet? Did we forget that sharing the planet does mean we are not in it for the profiteering? ― to exploit because we can and have invented the means to do so? -- To take advantage of the others on the planetary journey with us? To abuse our prowesses and skills exemplified through aircraft carrier bombings and pin- pointing one another through cell- phone technologies? The industrial-military complex has drained out the ocean and expansiveness of our practice, don’t you think?

I’ll leave the important aspects of figuring out the practice to those more qualified, but alas for now I sense some inner chatter amongst you all. Do you believe that Aldo Leopold had it right back when he was coming of age? That the naturalist in him is similar to the spirit in you? I believe so, and as we all mature and become stewards rather than blindly consuming our experiences we shall become more involved. The alternative is to spend more money for diminishing returns. And the trinkets we buy i.e. the toys― autos that have ever more gadgetry inside, those “necessities” like the gigantic houses― do nothing for those that share the planet with us elsewhere than the United States of America.

…Give freely of what you found… <-- seems that this is important…
Your thoughts?

June 4, 2011, Lakewood, CO
12:28:28, hours MST

...continued hiker’s journal…

Well, today was the last day after turning in written notice last month. The director and I had a talk yesterday and I thanked her for giving the opportunity to me to learn about the methadone business. Now, I have added another facet to the credential.

Somehow I find myself wanting to become more thoughtful. Do you believe this possible or am I just blowing hot air?

As well today the air here in Denver metro is loading up with superfines― particulates from the fires burning in the west- namely in AZ and NM. The big red meatball rose about a quarter to six before, and reminded me that this is the signature of wild fire season. Summer is already upon us. The growing season began long ago and remember here at 40° N. latitude the growing season virtually ceases around August 8th―14th.

Pollen is airborne as well. The Pondos are full and letting their grains fly on the wind. Things here are in the good category and I look forward to writing more often now that I have some time.

Thank you for your attention to my writing today.

May 3, 2011 Grand County Library
09:45:14 MDT, Moab, UT
…continued hiker journal…

Spent a full- day driving the western part of Colorado and over into the Dewey Bridge- Colorado River section of Utah. Was exhausted and over- tired. Arrived around 17:30 pulled the camper- chair ’outta’ the car and a book I find enjoyable.


http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11254947 <― [POD-CAST website
click it listen]
May 3, 2011
Jeff Goodell: Big Coal's Dirty Secrets
June 21, 2007
Jeff Goodell's book Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America's Energy Future, now out in paperback, argues that the U.S. is more dependent than ever on coal. Goodell is a contributing editor at Rolling Stone magazine; he's also the author of Our Story: 77 Hours That Tested Our Friendship and Our Faith, based on the account of nine miners trapped underground.

I understand that I was over- tired and after about 15 minutes in the windiness there at the river- put down the book and put up the tent. Two blue pads- one I hiked out on the So. Kaibab trail one February morning from an NPS Clivis Outhouse [some over taxed hiker left it…It is Brand Spanking New and have had it stored until now. I call it “shopping”!] And the other I found on the Kaibab National Forest some summer past; left by some people against a Forest Service Galvanized Steel Garbage can. Now those Forest Service people sure are slick- A steel can for all of our convenience; heavy and capable to weather the snow and cold of winter when not in use. Anyway, both pads with a polyester blanket and a thick wool one- forgot the sheet. Car camping at its best. Heard some geese honking at night and a solitary bird cheeping before dawn this morning.

Made coffee – put away the tent and stuff, jumped into the car and rode a little on down toward Moabalonia. Took some shots of Fischer Tower from Haul Road along the escarpment. Was 37° F. at around 06:00 MDT and by the way― each time I was up relieving my self on the shrubbery there by the River, the lights from Junction to the NE lit the horizon in a subtle but unmistakable glow which as well served to faintly blot out some stars on the horizon. The Big Dipper was nearly over head around 10 or so and as the night became day the stars faded. I love this about the dark night sky- it is something we miss out on, living in a great metropolitan area.
Living in Lakewood has served to disconnect me from the night dark sky. It- the night time glow of the city lights serve to disconnect us all. Those of you which have a naturalist’s bent know exactly what this means to your spirit. Right?

Free camping at its best- Bandit Camping as the Park Service personnel like to call it over at Grand Canyon. Although I filled in the BLM registry- envelop and placed the money inside- no one came by to get it so I saved… hold yon too yer horses now- ok?

Kay…
I drove remember? 1st thing in the morning? And stopped about 20 miles further to cook coffee and take a conditioning walk. This was at the huge “OFFICIAL” BLM camper’s spot complete with Group Camping and the like. I left the car in the no- leaving the car-spot, with hot Cowboy Coffee and powdered cream in the double- bagger inmate cup. Left shortly after 7 and on the walk I prayed I would “meet’ somebody. Well guess WHAT?

I did!
The “OFFICIAL” camp-town host, in other circles he might be referred to as the Condo- Commander of a local Home Owners Association. The Enforcer. Well I met the enforcer, the controller of the camping contingent. He was complete with threats of citations and a BLM uniform with cute little day- glow striped vest like you see the highway flaggers wearing out there. I believed he must hate giving tickets and did not seem too awful friendly. He mentioned I should either pay him the 12 bucks for leaving my car on the coffee- run there for an hour and a half, or pay the citation that “will be mailed to you.” I was his “part” that needed greasing. A lot like the “parts” at my job that come in every day a bit dry and “need the dose”.

I think he was all- trained- up to the Official Dictum and exhibited the finest in black and white thinking. He was directive without becoming too aggressive and actually was an interesting dialogue between us two. He was the 1st person I talked with and the usual pleasantries such as Howdy there or How-Dee or What’s Supp or even Good Morning were done away from his end, from the Get- Go- without a sense of loss and he delved right into the matter at hand. So guess what? I paid for camping THERE even though I parked in the no- parking- IT’S A Group Parking Space- space. Most expensive home-brewed Cowboy- Coffee I ever made! DAMNED delicious I must say!
Now, I’m here. And with face washed in the Library bathroom and Day –ll- jumping off to a very relaxing start I am looking ahead in the day to a nice time.
The J.O.B. -Methadone Drug Clinic-
The clinic has taken its toll on my spiritual being.
Along with the no- dark night sky <― [a mouth- full huh?] of living in close proximity to the 05:30 MDT start there- along with the lo-wage earner mentality and the no- go social life I understand that living this way only closets me further INSIDE my head.
Could be the closed-ness of the Counselors’ animus there along with the “parts’’…the Patients who require the dose of methadone daily. Ever work, managing a case-load of addicts, for whom the notion of cleaning up from the leash of addiction is a nebulous and nefarious concept at its best?
Guess who is done living and working the All- American Job with those in such resistance to the spiritual ness of it all? You guessed it correct pardner―> none other than lil’ ole MOI!

DAY –ll-
This is a good day, beginning it by writing and giving you some anecdotal info. You like the 411, I take it?
I miss most; the creativeness of writing. The job curtails this creativeness and I have found that through- out all my years, I have been at the point of creative thoughts and expression when I write like this. And, as well, walking without Ellie- Mae, keeps my brain from locking into a linear sense of thought habit. I do not have to be concerned with her behavior as you might be accustomed to in a city with traffic and people who may not care for a big- black dog.

Am looking ahead to the afternoon as I hope to be near a place that I can either put up the tent or sleep under the dark night sky sans tent and then walk off a few conditioning miles in the morning and take some images along the way.


Tonight


NWS Grand Junction, CO Point Forecast: 6 Miles S La Sal Jct Arpt UT 38.22°N 109.42°W (Elev. 5710 ft)
Last Update: 10:00 am MDT May 3, 2011Forecast Valid: 12pm MDT May 3, 2011-6pm MDT May 9, 2011




ThisAfternoonMostlySunnyHi 72 °F
TonightMostlyClearLo 40 °F
WednesdaySunnyHi 72 °F
WednesdayNightClearLo 37 °F
ThursdaySunnyHi 77 °F
ThursdayNightMostlyClearLo 42 °F
FridaySunnyHi 81 °F
FridayNightMostlyClearLo 43 °F
SaturdayBreezyHi 82 °F

Tomorrow Night

NWS Grand Junction, CO Point Forecast: 18 Miles SSE Canyonlands Np UT 38.14°N 109.78°W (Elev. 4995 ft)
Last Update: 10:00 am MDT May 3, 2011Forecast Valid: 12pm MDT May 3, 2011-6pm MDT May 9, 2011





ThisAfternoonMostlySunnyHi 74 °F
TonightMostlyClearLo 39 °F
WednesdaySunnyHi 74 °F
WednesdayNightClearLo 37 °F
ThursdaySunnyHi 77 °F
ThursdayNightMostlyClearLo 41 °F
FridaySunnyHi 82 °F
FridayNightMostlyClearLo 44 °F
SaturdayBreezyHi 82 °F

“Craig Childs helps us understand that it is neither the journey nor the destination that is most important but rather what it is you are willing to find. Those most open, like Childs, find their souls.”
Martin Naparsteck, Salt Lake Tribune

Gently I go forth…


Well, that’s all for now my friend.

April 17, 2011, Lakewood, CO
10:45:07, hours MDT
...continued hiker’s journal…

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we only will tune in.

-- George Washington Carver

Hello kids. New news from way over here.

Some things do change and just when things become interesting the Practice becomes the vehicle.
1st) ― the job at the medical clinic has for me- worn out its usefulness. I will be looking for another useful job in the near future. Have I learned any more in this area of counseling expertise?

Yes― the methadone maintenance field is interesting. ORT as it is called. Opiate Replacement Therapy. I was informed last month by both the director and clinical supervisor that they were issued either a Letter of Admonition or Formal Complaint with Stipulations from DORA.

As a result, I’ve dragged my foot until now, in considering a leaving date from this place of employment. I believe the agency will go on and my determination to leave their employ while in good graces is a good move.

2nd) ― the normal hours the clinic is open to the Patients― 05:30 to 2PM- has worn its course upon my metabolism and social life. Getting to bed at 7PM has slowly worked its way into my subconscious. I fully understand how tied I am to this schedule. Do not get me wrong friends, I love getting up at 4 AM and driving through downtown Denver without traffic at 5 AM. The money is survival money- $2500. a month and lack there of a so- called normal life after or before work and this revelation concerning the director who hired me and the supervisor who is guilty as well, has pushed my hand. Combined with this is the fact that I have been approved for the first nine days of May, 2011 for a leave… partially comp time and a week’s vacation. Upon my return I anticipate giving notice.
I’ve been mulling over my association with compromised counselors and having my professional reputation associated with these two, for awhile. I have a really good- in my opinion- working professional relationship with the director and an adequate supervisee relationship with the clinical supervisor and my leaving will not put them in any bind. Both the director and the clinical supervisor are dual- credentialed in the nursing field and CAC lll. I’ve learned some more about this field and believe I have brought a clear dimension of my expertise to this agency. I think they will give a decent reference for me as well.

3rd) - what I am after, is a decent position in the field― with counselors and medical staff that are not soiled. I need/ require upper 40’s in salary compensation to start and responsibilities commensurate to the position. The alternative is to pick another vocation and give it a go; i.e. trail- builder, guide, or masonry work. WAL*MART greeter is out of the question as well as barista-ing [or is that barista- ering?] over at your local Starbucks.

I suppose that what is in store for me is in store for me, however the God’s do smile, albeit with a spiritual bent and tilt. Practicing the practice with people that get- it is hopefully what the next job will present― not unlike a menu. Remember reading the menu is not eating the meal. After a while we all sense the truth, Right? I sensed the truth about my superiors last fall. It took awhile for both to shed light on their violations. Tony Blair has said that loyalty to the truth always brings retribution. I make no bones about wanting to work where I am, however this circumstance along with $16. an hour now makes it an untenable affair- in view of the recent multi- year retirement and my need for dollars.

I find it interesting- the White House Office of Drug Control Policy is currently talking about funding the various aspects of the oxycodone dilemma with the prescribers, the addicted and the substance abusers. Hopefully, my timing will bring me recompense commensurate with my credential and proportionate to my experience in the system.

The bigger news however is large― I am going to walk off some hiker miles in SE Utah during this period partially as a means to reflect and in some measure to think about what the next step will be in the employment arena.

Do you know where Tug Wilson- related to me where he- photographed Druid Arch in the early 50’s? He mentioned to me one spring afternoon sitting with him at his campsite in Canyonlands Park that instead of taking the NPS Elephant Canyon trail all the way to Druid― to back track instead to a draw before this last route and climb this draw and it is there that the longer range shot of Druid is available. I am going to locate his spot and foresee waiting for the light to be just right to shoot it properly.

Additionally, I think likely that a trip to the cow- camp in Chesler Park will be in the works. Regarding another portion of the Needles is Salt Canyon and south to Angel Arch. Have you been to Angel Arch?

One spring-break day around 20 years ago I went with some others to the head of Lavender Canyon and found the way up to the granary there. There were finger prints in the mortar between the stones and some rather small corn cobs and covers for the granaries. At the time it appeared very few others had trespassed that way. In my opinion Angel Arch is on the west side of the headwall separating Lavender from Salt.
It has been many months since I took a week to walk and reflect and ‘remember’ as some
perceptive and wise folks talk about. My inkling is to immerse albeit a short while in the natural world and rejuvenate the spirit inside my body/ mind. Canyonlands has been partially listed as a night- sky program site.

http://www.nps.gov/cany/naturescience/nightskyteam.htm

The parks of southern Utah were some of the first to be visited by the Night Sky Team. While most people realize that fewer stars are visible in a city, few probably realize that even remote parks like Canyonlands face the problem of light pollution. Preliminary data has shed light on many facts. Canyonlands has one of the darkest night skies in this ever-brightening country. However, several sources of light pollution can be detected. Casual observers can see lights of Moab, Blanding and Monticello, and the camera detects other light sources which reach high into the sky, eroding the view of the Milky Way and thousands of stars.


Somehow, being away from the Consumer Society’s ever- brightening skies at night helps the soul, you may agree. The lack of animals in Canyonlands is concerning. Birds, rodents, bats and little else in the normal sense inhabit the place.
However the land forms seem to envelop the reasonableness of our collective experience and tickle the imagination if you will. I do so much long for the naturalist’s life.

So― more regarding this in future writings, my friends.

April 3, 2011, Lakewood, CO

13:53:21, hours MDT

...continued hiker’s journal…

A snowy day here in Lakewood. The warm before the storm was yesterday and the day before. Was mid- 80’s yesterday― decent short and no tee- shirt weather. Could feel the intensity of the sun’s radiation. Was 63° F overnight. Walked Ellie over by Bear Creek this morning― she gets to walk in the field grass there and then swim. So you may say I took her swimming. Speaking on swimming― let’s delve into a conversation about hiking into a place to not swim but SOAK. Picture Phantom Creek next month; you know- the easy part to get to? Take a turn west right through Bright Angel Creek and then 75 yds. or so to the pool and lower waterfall. The small fish there last time I spent any time, were having a time nipping at the skin wherever they could get in a nip. What a wonderful feeling. The best part about soaking there (remember- not swimming) is that the optimal time occurs at around the noon hour on acc’t of the narrow high walled canyon from which this creek pours its water. In May, the water should be tepid, and the daylight temperatures warm.

Phantom Creek, GRCA © mposinoff images May, 2006 Nice Place.

March 20, 2011, Lakewood, CO
13:51:33, hours MDT
...continued hiker’s journal…

The Huffington Post Posted: 03-20-11 01:41 PM … [so this means in essence that at 17:21 local time―> here is the moment we’ve been awaiting.]

Sunday, March 20, 2011 marks the vernal equinox, and what many people in the Northern Hemisphere -- particularly the U.S. -- refer to as the first day of spring.
At 7:21 p.m. EST astronomical spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere as defined by International Astronomical Union, though it will be the beginning of fall for those in the Southern Hemisphere.
An equinox occurs twice a year, in March and September, when the center of the Sun crosses directly over the Earth's equator, as the Earth is tilted neither away nor toward the Sun. Many cultures around the world celebrate the equinoxes as special occasions.
While some herald the vernal equinox as the first day of spring, many around the world consider it to actually be the mid-point of spring. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the first day of climatological spring was on March 1, 2011.

Ahh, so it is, Springtime!

Well long time no hiking. What with living in an apartment in Lakewood and paying rent while I have been working, there is a longing I’ve experienced like many of you. This longing is all about what makes us come alive. Remember the statement―> “…go do what it is, that, makes you come alive… [?]…why... because the world needs more alive people.”

The job I now have? Not making me come alive. The job served the purpose. I recertified and found this job during the same week, last September. I learned about the methadone business. I have put my energies into this whole- heartedly and am ready to make a move.

I pray the job or vocation that occupies time in your life is life- giving and assisting in your awareness and helping mature. I’ve given this a whirl with some folks close to me and have found this to be true- that the culture of this work place is punitive and growing is stunted. The pay? Well, I’ve no illusions regarding financial insecurity. I’ve no financial insecurity and am bringing home every two weeks $810. US. I have had to ask a friend of mine to care after Ellie every day now. I walk her every day and this is becoming burdensome for my friend. The landlord’s manager where I pay rent says NO DOGS period. A mistake and I tried to get out of the lease. He told me that he would sue me for the remainder of the lease. I am willing to be sued now. Ellie- (Kyle’s black lab) needs a place that isn’t tentative.

So where is the hiking in the hiking journal? Ahh- ha...such a poignant question.

I need to do some packing and hiking soon, for sanity’s sake if nothing else. I need like- minded folks closer to me and not a job to be saddled with, not a place where I can not take care of Ellie at night. What makes me come alive is being in the environment not thinking about being in it.
Let me state this again― What makes me come alive is being in the environment not thinking about being in the environment. The naturalists know how true this is. This is true for me as well.

I want to hike in on the “old BA” on NRIM, GRCA. I want to feel the metabolism of my body, the body I’m in right now. I want to feel this metabolism after 36 days of packing and hiking. I know it is just this sort of thing that makes me come alive.

What makes me come alive? Good question. I took this image at the head of this entry last vernal equinox on the tracks leading from G-town to Plume. Taking this image made me come alive and made the day well worth it. It is like a saturation point or threshold when we get to get it and this is the sort of thing that helps me get it. Just when you least expect it― the experience of the witnessing occurs.

Your thoughts?
Again thank you for your encouragement and understanding on the path.