If you're lucky enough to be in the mountains, you are lucky enough.

When something bad happens, you have three choices: let it define you, let it destroy you, or let it strengthen you.

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Those who wandered are not lost...

Where did I hear it so recently? One of the blogs, one of the emails? It doesn't really matter, and I can't even remember who was the author, nor am I sure I phrased it correctly, but you know what, it was a great timing hearing (reading) it...

Nothing in the world that a good Gorge run with a good friend can't cure. No, I don't claim the problems go away and life becomes easy and beautiful, but for those number of hours it gets pushed aside, and while it is, the wounds in the soul get patched and ready to accept new hits and holes. I love my Gorge outings, I wouldn't be able to live without them, this I can say for sure. Just a day or two before I was looking for a bridge - and now I am stronger and happier and can deal with a weekly dose of stress...at least I hope so:)

We didn't get lost, no, we wandered. We had an original plan, that was twisted on the drive up to the starting point, then it got turned around, and then, both of us known for taking off-trails and routes and admiring the views and a nice chat, we kind of lost track of where we are and how long we are out there. We packed great running on flattish terrain of Wyeth trail with a monster climb later, went for some dip into North Lake, too a bunch of turns that weren't on a radar, made it to Green Point and finished on a long winded nice downhill of Gorton trail. The weather was a bit cloudy and windy at first, and we worried how is the idea we cherished for couple of years of jumping into mountain lake going to stand, but it cleared out and sun came in all glory. Water wasn't all taht cold after all and provided some refreshment. We talked non-stop for the first 4+ hrs, but that Gorton trail...we got quiet, and it was the most wonderful peace on Earth, because it was like each of us owned that trail at the time yet, hearing footsteps of another person, we shared that love and trail with each other. Smooth stride and happy hopping over logs, tears in my eyes, put me unbelievably high, when it hit me: this is harmony for me, only this is serenity, now and here. When I ran in the mountains for hours, got my adrenaline up with pushing the uphills, endorphines with views, feeling sharing with good friend - and then I hit that nice downgrade for miles on end, soft dirt covered with pine needles, in a midst of tall trees with some sun picking out, that floating sensation of completely relaxing and allowing the trail dictate what I do, that total submerging into a soul of a downhill single track in the forest, 3 hrs of sleep, blisters and all - nothing could stop me, that absense of anything mind-numbing in a head...happiness...yep, downhill trail running is better than s*& and I am living there as I AM, not who somebody else wants me to be.

Below is a short picture story. Enjoy the views!











25 comments:

Jamie Anderson said...

Beautiful pictures. Places like that are indeed special.

Backofpack said...

Beautiful Olga, what a great place to run.

wendy said...

What a gorgeous day for a run, and it looks beautiful there! You look very happy and content, thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

A good run, a good friend, a good view. Pretty good medicine for what ails you. The words were beautiful Olga.

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

Nice Cleanse...Glad U enjoyed ur run to tackle the upcoming week!! Great Pics toooo!!

Sarah said...

Your post reads like a beautiful poem! What a great feeling. Wishing for you that the peace carries you through the week. : )

Bruce said...

Great photos, you have some fantastic scenery there and it certainly looks a great place to run.

Thomas said...

Very poetic.

Julie B said...

It is amazing what a nice little run can do for the soul; I'm glad you enjoyed it, Olga!

Wes said...

Now, Olga.. I know why men would be standing up against a tree like that, but a woman? LOL. Nicely done!!

Matt Hart said...

great post.. thanks

meredith said...

beautiful views! Keep Wandering!
meredith

DawnB said...

sounds pretty amazing!!! glad you had such a great time!!! the pictures are wonderful.

Jean said...

Awesome pictures, Olga! And a beautiful post, too. May you always continue to explore and discover. Wandering is a wonderful thing!

Unknown said...

Sounds and looks like a great training run. The trails always seem to lift the spirits. My mind has been filled with them lately as well.

Phil said...

Simply amazing pictures Olga

christine said...

a truly beautiful run and write up olga. you are ever amazing to me. great photos too!

Mark Tanaka (Ultrailnakaman) said...

Wow, Olga, what a great run, poetic narrative, and great set of pictures!

I'm going to have to check out that gorge some day-- where is it exactly (like what would I punch in on Mapquest)?

Journey to a Centum said...

I'm not lost, I'm just trying a different way back to the start. Yeah, that's it.

Anonymous said...

That is some great trail up there. I like that shot of bear lake with defiance behind.

Anonymous said...

Ahh, trails, running, nature, and a beautiful day with friends. It doesn't get any better. See ya soon at CCC.

Ben, aka BadBen said...

Nice shirt, Olga!

Greg Pressler said...

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.

--J.R.R. Tolkien

Thanks for the reminder, Olga!

Greg

Love2Run said...

WOW! What an amazing run and pictures! Simply stunning. It's a wonder you came back instead of staying out there.

Kim said...

Not all who wander are lost I think that is where it came from!! a "Life is good" Tshirt.