Mountain musings and a thought for the 4th of July

On the Summit Stones & Adventure Musings blog - which is a great read and should be visited! - DSD wrote a great piece "Another Spirit within the Experience." In it, he relays a great quote by author Pat Ament on the spirit of adventure experiences.

Ament's thoughts and DSD's comments made me think of the upcoming holiday, which many - at least many here in Colorado - will spend in the mountains, enjoying the beauty of the Rockies, escaping the heatwave we've been enduring on the Front Range, and perhaps taking in a little adventure to go with the fireworks.

To that end, I thought I would share with you a passage from Eric Shipton, one of the greatest adventurers of all time in my opinion. This particular passage comes from Shipton's book, Upon That Mountain, and is one which begs us all to discover the passion in our lives, the spirit of adventure that calls us to our own, individual Everests:

He is lucky who, in the full tide of life, has experienced a measure of the active environment that he most desires. In these days of upheaval and violent change, when the basic values of today are the vain and shattered dreams of tomorrow, there is much to be said for a philosophy which aims at living a full life while the opportunity offers. There are few treasures of more lasting worth than the experience of a way of life that in itself is wholly satisfying. Such, after all, are the only possessions of which no fate, no cosmic catastrophe can deprive us; nothing can alter the fact if for one moment in eternity we have really lived.

- Jake Norton is an Everest climber, guide, photographer, writer, and motivational speaker from Colorado.

Comments

[DSD]

Hello again Jake!
Now that is a terrific quote from Shipton...
Thank you very much for your comments too.
The passions and motivations within our adventures are truly a treasure... Are you thinking of a special 'Category'just for motivation...?
I am selective about links upon my blog but would like to add yours if that is ok?
Looking forward to more of your posts!
DSD

[Renee]

Hey, Jake! Happy Fourth!

[Aaron]

Thanks for article Jake. And I love the quote - it gave me goosebumps :)

And, I just put you in the running (climbing- heh)for the Blogger's Choice Awards under the Travel blog category as it looks like you are not on there already. (http://www.bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/21692). There's also a link where you can grab code to place a brag badge on your site.

Thanks again for the article.
aB.

Aaron

[Jake Norton]

Hi Aaron,

Thanks for the listing on Blogger's Choice! I really appreciate it, and glad you enjoyed the blog - and the quote by Shipton...one of my favorites!

Thanks again, and take good care!

-Jake

[Jake Norton]

Hi DSD,

Thanks for your note - I would love to be added to your blog list if you find it appropriate, and would like to do the same for your excellent blog. Let me know if that is OK.

Thanks!
-Jake

[DSD]

Hi Jake,
Just catching up after some climbing.
Your link is up on my blog, and very glad to have it there.
I really enjoy the quotes and your musings here!
DSD

[Jake Norton]

Hi DSD,
Hope your recent climbs and adventures were good, safe, and fun! Added your great site to my blog as well. Keep up the great posts, and thanks!
-Jake