Half Dome Photo with Quote – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 218

Robert M. Pirsig quote about what each brings to the hiking experience

“The only Zen you can find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there..” – Robert M. Pirsig

Photographof Half Dome from Setinel Dome
Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross, ALL Rights Reserved ©

The reason this quote resonates with me is that when I speak of hiking, especially if it involves going uphill on a mountain, some of my friends look at me as though I have three eyes. They can’t seem to grasp why I would want to work that hard to get to the mountain top. Of course this is their prerogative. They don’t have to appreciate how I feel when I get to the top of the peak and look out over a vast panorama that strikes like a bolt of awe straight into my being.

It isn’t just the hike to the top that motivates me. It is the miracles one can find along the way! If you don’t like the outdoors and nature and you don’t have a calm, awe inspired attitude when walking in the woods, or watching birds or other experiences nature offers, then climbing a mountain may not provide the same astonishment and wonder it brings to others.

You have to bring that sense of adventure, wonder and deep appreciation with you as you climb and that is what helps to keep your feet moving as you hike.

 
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.

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Meta Data – Day 218 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0353.NEF
Capture time: 11:53:33 AM
Capture date: June 9, 2016
Exposure: 1/60 sec @ f/18
Focal Length: 48mm
ISO 110
Nikon D3300

 

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