The Beauty Below

Wanderlust is the word of the day. A day for exploring the "great, fresh, unblighted, unredeemed, wilderness" (John Muir).  It wasn't a perfect day, overcast skies. But considering the last couple of days we have had a lot of rain, I had to take the window of opportunity to get out. 

One amazing thing about this place is even when the mountain isn't out, there is still a lot to see if you look. Most people always look to the mountain for inspiration. But in fact the small things are just as amazing and beautiful.

If I were more knowledgeable I would tell you the names of these things and what they are. But a rose is still a rose by any other name right?

Moose Creek in background

The tundra floor is covered in all different kinds of moss and lichen. It is beautiful. A lot of colors, sizes, and shapes. Sometimes the moss would be a foot deep! When you step on it, it is so spongy and squishy. It is one of the coolest feelings to just walk out on the stuff. You have bounce and spring in your step!  Feels like you are walking on pillows.

Made it to the top of the ridge! With view of wonder lake and some antlers.

I am restored in beauty. I am restored in beauty. I am restored in beauty. -Navajo Prayer

Flowers in bloom. 

The trail was all sloshy and wet. And I LOVED IT! It was so awesome to step in the gush. You would sink down into it and it would make a funny noise. Nature has a way of bringing you back to the basics of those simple things that make you happy.

"I was up to my knees in the world" -Annie Dillard

Take the time to look at the ground and see what amazing things are happening down there! It's another world to discover!

"The one who meditates on the Divine is like a tree planted by streams of water." -Psalm 1

All the raindrops and dew on the flowers and plants is simply splendid. Makes the plants, flowers, and trees glisten and shine.

"When words become unclear, I shall focus with photography. When images become inadequate I shall be content with silence." -Ansel Adams

Open your eyes to nature. Take a moment to see the beauty in the world, big and small.

"To see a WORLD in a grain of sand, and a HEAVEN in a wild flower." -William Blake

Re-Energize

I finally had some time off to relax and explore. Yesterday I had a day of rejuvenation and relaxation. I slept, watched a movie, and took it easy. Working 10 hour days tend to get you a little tired. But it was fantastic to take my first day to recharge. But like a battery (and bunny) you need to take some time to re-energize your body and spirit! 

My second day off was a different story. Started it out ACTIVE and went for a hike up the ridge. The ridge hike is a local hike right behind camp where you get AWESOME views of the mountains and the area. It is pretty much straight uphill. Definitely a workout. While the mountain wasn't in view today, it was still a beautiful day to be out hiking. Exploring my little corner of Denali :) 

Right Corner is Camp. Left Upper is Wonder Lake.
Denali is hidden behind clouds in upper left. 

The flowers were out in BLOOM! The tundra bed is a full of so much growth and color.

I've taken a liken to the lichen 

Then this ground squirrel came around.

Stuffin his face with flowers :)

Finally the TOP!

The mountain playing peek a boo. 

Overall I had a lovely couple of days off. Ready for the excitement of another work week in Denali....

The Mountain

It's been a busy week of training and exploring but I finally feel adjusted and in the groove. It is a beautiful place here. One phrase you hear a lot is "the mountain is out". Referring to Denali being in view. Practically every time you see the mountain it takes your breath away. It fills up the sky and provides a backdrop like none other. Even without the mountain the landscape is stunning. On rainy days watching the fog and mist drape the mountains and hills nearby. It is SO wide open, yet so cozy. The word PRISTINE wilderness comes to mind here. WILD and untouched.

The other phrase you learn is "the mosquitoes are out". That one is not pleasant. Run, get away! Put on your bug spray.  Living with a bug net over your bed is a different experience. So is having your bathroom be an outhouse. Although this is no regular outhouse. This one comes with a GRAND view!  It's all a part of the glamorous lifestyle. :)

Weather here changes every few minutes.You have to be prepared with layers and gear. One minute it is raining, but wait a few minutes or move a few feet over, and the sun is shining. The one constant is the light. It is ALWAYS light. Go to bed: light. Wake up: light. I haven't seen any darkness yet.  Hopefully when the darkness comes, so will the Aurora Borealis......