Young musicians in Dangriga Belize
Local boaters who came to check us out during a lunch break.
Young gals who came to check out the Gringos in Simikot, Nepal
Local children enjoy a giant swing during the Diwali festival in Nepal,
John Mattson climbing the Totem Pole in Monument Valley
My wife and I recently met an Argentine psychiatrist on the top of a small mountain in Patagonia, and I couldn’t resist the age-old question, “Why do people climb mountains?”
He told us jokingly that we were both very crazy, and that we should come to his office as soon as possible.
“Because they are there,” or “If you have to ask the question, you won’t understand the answer,” are the most common stock responses I’ve heard, but the true reason is much more difficult to define.
The Rest of the Story: https://danceonedge.com/?page_id=12
The Totem Pole: https://danceonedge.com/?page_id=30
“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the wind longs to play with your hair.” — Kahlil Gibran
Paul Z in action on one of the Sierra classics>
The late Paul Zirkelbach (also known as Pablo) was talking very excitedly on his cell phone as we cruised along Route 50 in the spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. “Lars just told me about a new run that isn’t in any guidebooks yet. It sounds really good, so I think we should do it.”
“How hard is it?” I asked.
“It sounds hard, but he said it was really good,” he replied. “The takeout is the same as Devils Canyon, and that is one of my favorite runs.”
“Sure, sounds good, why not? Let’s see if the rest of the group wants to join us,” I said.
We had been paddling for a couple of weeks in the Sierras and were feeling quite confident.
John paddling “Twisted Sister” on the First Descent of the Mekong in Tibet
But Pete had already made up his mind: The river was too difficult and dangerous for the rafts to continue, which meant the trip was over! I was very disappointed, but I agreed with his decision. There was a chance that the kayakers could go on alone, but we needed to discuss it with the rest of the group.
I walked downstream alone, contemplating my life and this incredible river. Even though I was definitely past my prime, I was feeling pretty good. My neck was still sore from the five-day bus ride, but the pain was fading, and my old spirit was coming back. I also knew that, between the political situation there and my age, if I didn’t make it down the canyon this trip, I would probably never come back.
My thoughts drifted to one of my favorite lyrics by Tom Waits — “Opportunity don’t knock/He has no tongue and she cannot talk” — and I tried to think rationally, while my adrenaline was pushing me to continue.
More photos and details: https://danceonedge.com/?page_id=34
“A successful team beats with one heart.”
— unknown author
“My friend Gary has a permit for the Yampa River, and I’ve heard that it’s really good. Would you like to try a river trip?” I asked my girlfriend Mary.
“That sounds like fun,” she replied. “What will I ride in?”
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