a rare find

[chelidon]

The backpacking trip was wonderful, and...quite an adventure. They don't call Mt Washington home of the worst weather in America for nothing. Up on the summit, we found ourselves in 30-45 mph winds with gusts up to 60+, 1/4 inch of new snow, then freezing rain, hail and an ice storm, visibility about from my face to my outstretched hand, sheets of ice pellets coming at us at 40mph, temps hovering around 31-32 with wind chill about 14 degrees...on July 1! Thankfully, the weather got better as we descended, and Forest was a total trooper and enjoyed the heck out of the trip, first-day's weather notwithstanding. He's quite a kid. The scenery was incredible, and the experience...totally unforgettable.

I'll get all the pictures and a full description up sometime soon, but in the meantime, a few quick samples:

a lull in the ice storm
the mountain (next day, better weather)
cliff climbing
three hikers
waterfall view
light and shadow

But in the meantime, on a totally separate note (kind of), but still involving rare experiences and dramatic extremes, I just found out that my Lovely Housemate Paul has an original copy of Andrew Chumbley's rare QUTUB, his poetry and magickal writings on the Opposer Formula and in part and particular, Melek Ta'us. Very much yum. It's hard to believe I've just not discovered/remembered that this book was in the house all along, but well, there's always a reason things turn up when they do.

He who is illuminated with the Brightest Light will cast the Darkest Shadow / He who is illuminated with the Darkest Shadow will shine with the Brightest Light

Comments

[alobar.livejournal.com]

If my parents had ever taken me on a trip like that, I would have chained myself to the TV set and refused to leave the house on future trips.

[ravenedgewalker.livejournal.com]

I'm glad a good time was had by all! more pics :)


"Paul has an original copy of Andrew Chumbley's rare QUTUB," cool and wow, and definately a cause for excitment (and jealousy....)

[berk1973.livejournal.com]

Your pictures look wonderful and I can imagine you all had a great time. The landscape makes me long for being out in nature!

And then you have this beautiful rare poetry! Gosh, you really now how to make people turn slightly green!

[mglamb.livejournal.com]

Nice pics! Where was the waterfall - Crawford Notch? Did you ride the Cog up?

[chelidon.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'll get more up soon -- it's hard to take a bad picture up there, y'know?

We did ride the cog up, and I've got some pics there, too. The second half of the trip was in near-zero visibility because of the storm, but it was still lots of fun.

The falls in the pic is the bottom of Arethusa Falls (http://www.northeastwaterfalls.com/waterfall.php?num=34&p=0), which we did as a day hike the morning of the 4th on our way back home...

[chelidon.livejournal.com]

*lol* Well, figuring that we live out in the woods, he's been out and about since a very young age, and as much as he enjoys TV and computer games (but gets 1 hour/day of each, max), he likes outdoor activities just as much.

For me, I figure there's some good solid benefit in learning very deeply and viscerally that the world really does not operate at the flip of a switch (probably even less so in coming years), and in encountering and having to come to grips with a world much bigger than oneself that just doesn't much care what you want, or wish. Then you must find a way to accomodate to and deal with it yourself, without whining, giving up or useless angst. Sometimes you're going to be cold, wet, and uncomfortable, and there's no point bitching about it -- you just put your head down and move on anyway. That's something I know thee and me understand, but not so many kids, and a dwindling number of adults, it seems.

All of that said, the main purpose of the trip was fun, and in truth, we all had a hell of a lot of it, and even the weather wasn't a bother for most of the time we were out. That first day was pretty hairy in parts, though.

[chelidon.livejournal.com]

:) It was really, really good. And I am so proud of my boy. And looking forward to many more outdoor adventures!

Hey, I got your care package, thank you!!! You do know what I like... ;> Are there any series that we have where you don't have the whole thing yet? Or anything else I can send along? I figure you could probably use a little care yourself, right about now.

[chelidon.livejournal.com]

;> Well, I sure hope you can come and visit at some point and I can show you a little of this neck of the woods! WCC, perhaps? Or 2008 Feri Camp?

[nemo-49.livejournal.com]

Lovely. Just lovely. Your pictures make me want to leave Flroida once and for all : )

By the way, I have returned to LJ, LOL!