Daily Journal

Monday, January 15, 2007

Wilderness is not a place,
But a pattern of soul,
Where every tree, bird and beast,
Is a soul maker.
   -Mvuu Wilderness Camp

We have been immersed in wilderness today - glorious landscapes, peaceful silence and majestic animals and their signs. And, of course, our senses were sharpened by the excellent cold: –23°F to start!

The highlight today was snowshoeing through deep, untouched snow while surrounded by magnificent snow-cloaked mountains. Outrageous full-body contact took place with the natural world as we took time to frolic and roll in the snow.

Our day was sprinkled again with a number of coyote sightings. During a talk given by coyote researchers, a pair of coyotes yipped and howled (to us?) from across the valley. On our return to Mammoth, we paused to watch coyotes feast on a bison carcass.

The day came full circle as we watched the sun set from the same high vantage point from which we had watched it rise.

Q & A for January 15