…the most distinctive, and perhaps the most impressive, characteristic of American scenery is its wildness.”
Thomas Cole
That’s what Thomas Cole wrote in an essay in 1836. Having spent his youth in England, he had an appreciation for the vast landscapes of the West. What would he say today?
“Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be.”
Groucho Marx
Some days it is difficult to remember that happiness is a choice.
Wishing you and me the ability to remember that.
That and great views.
“Thank goodness for the first snow, it was a reminder–no matter how old you became and how much you’d seen, things could still be new if you were willing to believe they still mattered.”
Candace Bushnell
Beautiful skies are back in all it’s splendor after the second snow this season.
Summit Lake, British Columbia
Sometimes I prefer traveling over arriving. This year’s road trip went from Salt Lake to Alaska. It’s the third time that I made the long trek up north. For the first time in July, which made for amazing weather and beautiful wild flowers along the way.
See for yourself.
May Weather in the Boundaries Range, British Columbia
“As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing.
I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche.
I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens,
and get as near the heart of the world as I can.”
John Muir
Those are the words of a great man.
Looking across the valleys and mountains of the Boundaries Range I imagine this is what John Muir had in mind, when he traveled to Alaska 130 years ago: Snow and ice covered landscapes. Even today, patches of that pristine wilderness still exist. Often times hiding in the clouds.
“The traveler sees what he sees.
The tourist sees what he has come to see.”G.K. Chesterton
The first cruise ship of the season has arrived in town. Spitting out 3000 passengers in search of memories and experiences.
For some travelers these memories consist of merchandise: T-shirts, hats, and diamonds…
Unfortunately the diamond hunters did return empty handed, as none of the 25 diamond stores in a town of 700 souls had opened their seasonal shops. The stores are closing in fall the day the last ship leaves and remain locked for the whole winter. The large window fronts collect dust, hiding the bare interior. In spring a row of nondescript, rusty containers roll into town. Overnight windows are cleaned, shop signs are polished, and display cases are overflowing with expensive jewelry, watches, and art work. Well, I assume the goods are expensive, since no prices are displayed.
This year the first ship beat the diamond stores to the punch. All we had to offer was a beautiful spring day. I wonder how many visitors appreciated the precious beauty of their surroundings and took home those memories free of charge.
Spring time
