Calendar Of Discoveries

Day 79: The last year had its ups and downs, but almost daily, something new and marvelous caught my attention. It is my belief that no single thing is ordinary, however common it may be. There is always something to discover or to learn if you are drawn to look more closely. Consequently, I have not given preference to the outstanding finds of rare species; those have been described in detail elsewhere in my writings. No, here we have a selection of the simple things which give me joy each time I see them: critters, birds, plants and the face of Nature who has me in her keeping. I could wish no finer thing for my friends than a New Year of exploration and observation. May yours be filled with curiosity and wonder!

The Spirit Of Adventure

Day 43: The spirit of adventure courses strongly through my veins, never mind that I don't go as far or fast as I once did. Mountains don't have to be 14,000' tall to have an "other side," and bridges still lead to undiscovered worlds where exploration may bring a "life list" lichen to light. I cannot resist the pull of a trail fading into the distance; I must pursue it until I can go no farther, whether turned back by the lateness of the day or by the counsel of my joints. A stump on the horizon becomes a goal, and once attained, another takes its place in a succession of small victories. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, I go no farther than "halfway," the point of stamina which dictates return indisputably, but I am not content until "halfway" has been reached. It is just that which compels me: the bonus of discovery. When the progress of my travel tells me it's time to go home, I always wonder what I might have found if I'd just taken one more step.