March 5

March 5 

Nothing in nature stays the same; transitions are constant.  Seasons change, mountains move, rivers run, and deserts bloom. There have been many adventures on our journey that have expanded our view of the environment and opened our minds to see and interpret large, small and negative spaces as one might observe a landscape painting. Natural environments mirror the human spirit.  However it is that we see ourselves, the silhouetted shapes  of mountains, rivers, deserts, and trees give meaning to the view. To be a silent observer of nature allows one to assign a meaning as one might interpret a Rorsharch image.  Mountains are tall and rugged seemingly unmovable but one jolt of a tectonic plate and everything changes.  Rivers provide nourishment for surrounding life forms, yet if man builds a dam, life is altered.  Desert areas where life struggles to exist, bloom and celebrate with exotic colorful flowers with one rainstorm.  Trees give life to the environment, tall, stately and expiring oxygen into the air, but if forests are denuded  wildlife struggles to exist. Animals that live in the wilderness are a source of beauty and balance to the environment but when their habitats are minimized the lives of the wolves, bears, cougars, bobcats and others have moved closer to extinction.  Sacred landscapes provide historical, religious and spiritual places, but once these places are no longer respected the bridge that connects the human spirit to its natural environment is lost.  

The human race is dependent upon its relationship with the natural environment and knowing our intimate connection to it gives us a reason to protect it.  

How will we as a nation preserve and respect our environment and sacred landscapes for future generations? 

What is the balance between preservation and economic development?  

Our journey across America started with a simple idea, to visit as many National Parks and Monuments as possible in six months. Living in a 22 foot RV was a chance to see this country in slow motion, to “be” somewhere while actively engaging in the landscapes. Subtle observations along the way have expanded my view of the environment, native people, immigrants, and locals who live in small American towns.  To have experienced the beauty, the quiet mysteries, the great spaces, dramatic colors, historical importance, and the majestic architecture of America’s natural wonders is to say we have shaken a tree branch only to have held one fallen leaf. Each transition of this journey has filled our lives with new adventures, opened our minds to new ideas, and moved our hearts to a greater love.  

We will be leaving Lake Chelan this weekend to start the journey home.  There will be more to see and do but with new eyes.