Canoeing in a light drizzle across the lake yesterday, a pair of Gavia immer serenaded me. The melancholic warbling call of the common loon is the call of the wilderness. . . . a tranquil respite that was mine to embrace in troubled world. I M Blessed . . . May U B 2
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
I heeded John Muir’s motto today … “The mountains are calling and I must go”… across the lake, Castle Mountain whispered my name.
The trek up took a tad longer than usual. Yes, I’m a year older since my last climb, but I suspect sampling the ripening blueberries along the trail accounted for some extra climb time 😊
Scolding squirrels, chirping birds, a soaring eagle, and a lone moose were my only companions journeying through a wilderness ablaze with fireweed and other wildflower blooms. Distant snow-caps and glistening glaciers beckoned future hikes to conquer… my paradise this side of heaven!
On top, mountain breezes chased clouds across the endless vista as I sat in awe, listening as creation silently spoke “Be still and knowthat I am God” to my soul … an escape from the world’s busyness I wish each of you could enjoy.
Returning home this evening I was greeted by a lovingly prepared, fresh, scrumptious halibut dinner … Life is good and I am blessed beyond measure! … May you be also.
With the summer solstice a month past, the Last Frontier is losing 5 minutes of daylight every 24 hours. The good news, the glow of the aurora borealis will soon become visible in the night sky.
This evening I watched in wonder from our deck as the sun set over the mountains. I M Blessed . . . May U B 2
“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” – Psalm50:1
Early morning rains gave way to 50-60 mph wind gusts as Grant and I hiked up above tree line in Arctic Valley today. Unlike my son, I didn’t have to be concerned about the wind messing up my hair 😊. . . Fun Day!
“The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning to its course.” – Ecclesiastes 1:6
I’ve always found the endless variety of yard art folks display in their yards ‘interesting’. It portrays the milieu of the property owner. Here’s our Alaskan yard art. What does it suggest to you about the culture of the owner? 😊
My friend John and I spent a few days at sea aboard his Bayliner fishing and shrimping in the rain on Prince William Sound. As a young boy, rainy day fishing always was more productive. As an old duffer, it stills proves true . . . you know the fishing is good when you have to harpoon and shoot your catch to haul it on board . . . we’ll be enjoying lotsa’ Omega 3 dining for quite a while I M Blessed . . . May U B 2
Gentle rain wanderings offer ethereal “Be still and know that I am God” soul therapy. Here’s a couple “Just walking in the rain” therapyscenes that soothed my soul today. I M Blessed . . . May U B 2
NASA’s just released James Webb Space Telescope’s spectacular deep space images of our unseen universe imparted an ambivalent consciousness of my own finite, trivial minuteness and God’s infinite, stunning immensity.
Today my 24/7/365 Last Frontier backyard ‘Nature Channel’ displayed terra-firma exhibits of His magnificence, imparting a peaceful assurance . . .
“Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool.” – Isaiah 66:2
An approaching storm enhanced Alaska’s wild and free aura in my wanderings along the Matanuska River this afternoon. My soul is at peace in this vast and rugged corner of creation I’m grateful to call home. I M Blessed . . . May U B 2
“He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.”
1 Chronicles 6:12
Fireweed blooms along the MatanuskaGiant in the Clouds
Traveling skies at 600 mph holds a serene solitude foreign to those traveling highways at 60 mph 40,000 ft. below. Such was mine to embrace returning to the Last Frontier.