Spring Cloud Wave Over Mount Sentinel - Missoula, Montana

"And so there we all were on a little wave of time lifting up to eternity, and none of us ever in time would know what to make of it. How could we? It is a mystery, for we are eternal beings living in time."  -Wendell Berry, from Jayber Crow, p. 205

Seasons, Cycles - Missoula, Montana

"In actuality, life is full of cycles, and cycles are not always unhealthy. In our walks, we will have cycles. I think my biggest barrier is my own reaction to what is at times completely normal behaviour for anybody. 

If I could just begin to incorporate more of the principles of God's love and His forgiveness as it relates to my own inability to be perfect, then I think my commitment would be a lot more solid and a lot easier to uphold."

-Margaret Becker, in 1990 interview with Jerry Wilson for Cross Rhythms

Mount Sentinel Backside, Missoula, Montana

I hear tell there’s a steeper trail that can take you to and from the “M” on this side of Mount Sentinel - just in case the main trail didn't get you huffing and puffing enough.

Branching Out to the Missoula “M” Hike, Missoula, Montana

The “M” on Mount Sentinel is a good spring hiking trail because there are no overhanging trees wherein ticks can hide to launch their attack on unsuspecting victims. Well, that, and the great exercise, and the spectacular views. (Not that I have a tick phobia or any such.)

Looking South from the "M", Missoula, Montana

If you ever get to Missoula, be sure to pack a water bottle & hike up to the “M” above the University of Montana. The continually changing views are worth any anguishing reminder that you used to be more in shape.
On the early fall day pictured above, forest fires still hazed the mountain ranges all the way down the Bitterroot Valley. Which brings me to another thing for which to be thankful during the winter: we’re not breathing smoke from local forest fires.