View allAll Photos Tagged CONFIDENT
Trust is a confident reliance on that which is perceived to be firm, safe, and secure. Self-reliance, trusting in one’s own abilities and assets, is seen by many men as a mark of masculinity, but for a follower of Christ, trusting God first and foremost is the priority.
1. Trust in self alone, or in others, can be unreliable. Ultimate trust must center on God.
Psalm 118:8–9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. (NASB)
Jeremiah 17:5, 7 Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD.… Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.” (NKJV)
Psalm 20:7
2. God is worthy of our trust. His presence in our lives is guaranteed.
Psalm 9:10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. (ESV)
Joshua 1:7–9; Deuteronomy 31:8; Hebrews 13:5
3. Faith brings certainty and reality to that which is otherwise unknown, and faith is necessary to please God.
Hebrews 11:1, 6 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.… And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV)
Philippians 1:6
4. Trusting God for the unknown is a characteristic of faith.
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. (NIV)
Matthew 17:20 “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” (NLT)
2 Corinthians 5:7
5. Trust in God must be constant, unwavering. This faith gets us through tough times.
Psalm 26:1 Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. (ESV)
Habakkuk 3:17–18 Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. (NASB)
Job 23:8–10; Psalm 33:4–5; 119:41–42; Isaiah 26:4
6. Trusting God expresses confidence that his timing is perfect.
Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay. (NASB)
Psalm 31:15; 130:5–6
7. Results of a life of trust:
SHELTER
Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You. (NASB)
Psalm 91:1–2
GUIDANCE
Psalm 143:8 Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in You; teach me the way in which I should walk; for to You I lift up my soul. (NASB)
STABILITY
Psalm 125:1–2 Those who trust in the LORD are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever. (NASB)
OVERCOMING FEAR
Psalm 56:2–4 My foes have trampled upon me all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me. When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? (NASB)
GLADNESS
Psalm 64:10 The righteous man will be glad in the LORD and will take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart will glory. (NASB)
PEACE
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. (NKJV)
BLESSING
Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. (NKJV)
Psalm 84:12
CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE
Psalm 112:7 He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. (NKJV)
CONFIDENCE IN PRAYER
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (NKJV)
OVERCOMING PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
Hebrews 11:11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. (NKJV)
Biblical Narratives
• Abraham trusted God’s promises, Genesis 17:15–19; Romans 4:3
• David, Psalm 18
• Three young men, Daniel 3:13–18
• Centurion trusted Christ to heal, Matthew 8:5–10
• Peter walked on water, Matthew 14:24–32
Practical Steps
• Study the names of God in the Old Testament, reflecting on his trustworthiness.
• Study trust in the Psalms using a concordance. List and categorize the verses that relate to your crisis situation.
• Meet with believing men who have similar work responsibilities as you. Pray and share with them.
• Paraphrase Psalm 145 as it relates to your trust issue. Select key verses to memorize. Keep them close at hand to remind you of God’s faithfulness.
Keith R. Miller, Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling Men (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2014), 314–317.
Feel pretty confident that this is now the purpose for the space.
Ithaca, NY. August 2021.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like to use THIS picture in any sort of media elsewhere (such as newspaper or article), please send me a Flickrmail or send me an email at natehenderson6@gmail.com
What reads at first glance as a confident piece of late postmodern commercial architecture is, on closer inspection, a collision of registers that Santa Monica's 4th Street corridor does better than almost anywhere. The building's dominant gesture — a cylindrical masonry tower clad in coursed ashlar, pierced by stacked vertical slot windows — functions as a kind of urban hinge between the curved, balconied residential volumes cascading behind it and the lower retail plinth that anchors the street edge. Those arched sweeps visible in the upper left aren't ornamental: they're structural transfer elements accommodating the mixed-use program shift from commercial ground floor to residential above. The stone cladding reads as travertine or a buff limestone analog, warm enough to humanize a massing that would otherwise tip into corporate plaza-scale coldness. Shot at night, the image collapses the building's color palette to a study in light pressure: the slot windows glow from within like lantern voids, the ashlar courses catch oblique wash from street fixtures, and the upper rooftop terrace — just visible right — punches starbursts against flat black sky. Burke Williams has occupied the retail base for decades, its spa program perfectly suited to a building whose interior volume is considerably more generous than the façade suggests. The black-and-white rendering heightens the sculptural relief of the stonework and makes the curved balcony geometry read with unusual clarity.
Una chiacchierata.
E farti vedere che poi certe emozioni sono così nascoste..che chiamiamo amore quello che è invece sollievo e dolore quello che ci può guarire.
Ti voglio bene, tanto.
everyone else was shy, but she wasnt.....this was shot at the school at Margasne Fata on the trek to Rajgad.
Bhupya thanks for the camera :)
The plan was relatively simple. My dad and I would travel south of Norwegian Memorial to Starbuck Mine with a goal of locating a shortcut route directly into Starbuck Mine along Washington's rugged northern coast. Prior we had explored a short distance into the forest near the mine location and felt confident we could pick up the path if it existed.
We would access Norwegian Memorial via a different, well-established shortcut route that we've traveled numerous times in past years. Upon arrival to the trailhead of the shortcut route we discovered over a dozen vehicles. Norwegian Memorial proper was sure to be packed – all the more reason to travel further south to quieter camping possibilities.
The hike out to Norwegian was without event, minus meeting with about half a dozen men from one of the big groups. They were headed out for a resupply. We asked if they were “the pirates” – a group that frequents this section of coast - and although they surely were, they seemed a little reluctant to identify themselves as such.
Once at the beach, we assessed the tide in relation to the first headland south of Norwegian Memorial. Not as formidable as others headlands in the area, it still required a tide of 5.5 or lower to safely pass. With waves already crashing on the headland rocks we knew we would have to travel the overland trail to hike further south.
We had traveled this particular overland trail once prior. Not out of necessity, rather just to explore the route. Similar to other coastal overland trails, it is steep, muddy and requires use of ropes and ladders. With a full backpack, these overland routes can be a bit of a challenge. Prior to the start of the overland trail we met with two men who were departing from Cedar Creek. They relayed there was no one else in the area. It appeared we would have several miles of coast all to ourselves.
The overland route begins with a steep climb. Shortly beyond I discovered a fallen tree on the trail. The tree was located at a somewhat precipitous location. On one side a steep embankment on the other a drop off to the beach far below. With no way to squeeze underneath the tree we had to go over. We ended up taking off our backpacks and one-by-one shuttling ourselves and packs across. I wondered how in the world I would tackle that obstacle had I of been by myself.
Beyond the crest of the overland trail, the trail drops – quite steeply in places. The steep incline and attempt to not slip quickly fatigued my legs. By the time I reached the ropes and ladder my thighs already felt shaky. I got a slow start. Clinging to the rope I wasn't sure how to begin. Facing out to the sea, I felt certain I was going to slip on the unstable earth. Ultimately, I turned around and faced the hillside to inch my way down to the rope towards the ladder.
The ladder gave challenge. But step by step I made the descent towards the sand below. The final step was broken, making for an awkward and large drop into the sand.
Cedar Creek proved little obstacle to cross. The sandy beach near Cedar Creek gives way to steep, rocky banks on the approach to Starbuck Mine, about a quarter mile south. With the tide on its way in, we wasted little time and proceeded south. We located the site of the old Ranger Station platform south of Cedar and considered camping there as the tide was already pushing us into the driftwood. But Starbuck was only a short distance further so we continued on.
Arriving at Starbuck my initial concern was water. The nearby creek did not appear to be flowing very well, but a bit of bushwhacking to creek’s edge further inland gave access to swift flowing, nearly clear water. We decided to set up camp at Starbuck Mine, hoping such would allow us more time to locate and travel the possible shortcut trail into camp.
After camp was setup we took to the beach. With the tide high and headlands on either side of us our ability to wander was limited. Nevertheless, we traveled south beachcombing amid the driftwood piles that abutted the steep banks overhead.
Returning to camp we snacked on food and rested. I wandered up into the woods and fairly easily picked out a ribbon-marked route heading inland. An hour or two later we decided to follow the path. Per maps, we believed the route would be about a mile long. We knew the general direction we needed to travel if we were to meet up with the desired old logging road(s). Though I would not call the path a “trail” it was obvious that someone had spent time marking and maintaining the route.
Travel wasn't difficult but route finding slowed our pace. With our eye on the clock, we set a 4PM turnaround time. About 400 feet from the end of the road, 4PM was approaching fast. So close, but converging pathways led us astray and it took us a few passes to find the correct route. Once the road was found, we way-pointed on our GPS and began the walk back. In the dense coastal forest, it became somewhat of a race against the sunset. We should have come better prepared. I had toilet paper, but faced with “only a one mile walk” we had neglected to bring water or headlamps.
Fortunately, we made it back to camp without event. The early evening was spent making dinner, purifying water and hanging out in camp. Around 6:30 or 7PM we heard loud explosions to the north. We figured it was the pirates. The camp at Starbuck Mine lies a distance into the forest. We innocently decided to head out closer to the beach.
A short distance from camp, the path in the woods descends a series of steep stairs. I navigated these without issue, and then, to my horror, turned to see my dad slip and fall down the same set of stairs. His first words came fast and calm, “I just broke my leg.”
I helped him to an upright position, checked his leg for obvious signs of break. I asked him if he was able to move his leg and foot. He was. Was his ankle just sprained? I tried to help him stand, but it became clear, very quickly, he could not put any weight on his right foot.
The situation felt dire and as that began to set in, I helped him crawl back to his tent. Crawling with him, I tried to stay positive. Very positive. Everything will be okay. We’ll get you warm. We’ll assess the situation. I’ll go get help. Everything will be okay.
Back in his tent, he said he was okay. My mind was running, full of the various scenarios that might present themselves.
I knew that there was no one in direct proximity to lend assistance. I knew that I alone would have to figure this out. I would not be able to carry my dad out. The tide was currently low. Low enough I could travel, in the dark, around the headland. To the pirates. Would the pirates lend assistance? Would they be sober or coherent enough to do so? What about my dad’s current situation? He was in pain. But it did not appear overwhelmingly so. Nor did he appear to be in shock. He was slightly cold, but getting warmer. Would it be okay to wait until daybreak to proceed?
I asked him to be honest with me. Did I need to go get help now? The window was narrow, but now would be the time. High tides would dictate otherwise come morning. He said he would be okay. That I should get some sleep.
I went about picking up camp, my mind still aflutter. I retired to my tent. I journaled for a little while, trying to make sense of the situation. Disbelief flooded through me. I couldn't believe this was really happening. Instead of getting upset I attempted to keep a level-head. I studied tide charts in relation to the headland just north. I noted our location coordinates. I again went over all the different scenarios trying to better prepare myself for the choices I would be making in the coming hours and day.
About an hour later I went to check on my dad. He was still awake and told me he was cold. I filled a Nalgene bottle with boiling water and gave to him in hopes of warding off the chills. I again asked him if I should go get help. He again said no and encouraged me to get some sleep.
I managed to sleep but awoke at 2:30AM. I exited my tent and wandered over to my dad’s tent. I discovered he was still awake. He told me he had not slept and his ankle still hurt. I told him I would leave early morning to go for help. I would set my alarm. I would set it early to allow enough time for us both to break camp. I would help him pack up his gear. Then, closer to low tide I would help him out towards the beach after which I would leave to get help.
Sunrise was at 8AM. Lot tide was about 15 minutes later. It would be a 2.9 foot tide. A 5.5 foot was recommended to round the headland. This did not give me much comfort. The window felt very narrow.
I set my alarm for 5AM. Then 4:30AM. But as I lay awake in my tent, I again reset to 4AM worrying we may need more time to prepare than I had originally thought. Ultimately, unable to sleep I got up well before 4AM. My dad had started packing up items within his tent. I brought him his backpack to better assist and went about packing up my own gear.
Gear packed. Time to reassess situation. I tried to see if I could help my dad walk. No. He couldn't put any weight on his foot. What if he had crutches? In the dark of predawn, I climbed up the hillside into the forest searching for branches that could fashion as possible crutches. I found two candidates and returned to my dad. The verdict? No. He wouldn't be able to walk in any way.
Confirmation of this knocked out a few of the scenarios I had considered. If he had been able to walk, we could have attempted exit via the Norwegian shortcut or the newly found Starbuck Mine route. Either way I would need to shuttle backpacks. Either way would prove long and tiresome. But it would have been doable.
Now, other scenarios floated to the surface. The type of scenarios I've read other hikers facing. The type of scenarios that I, a hiker, have naturally thought about from time to time, but have never had reason to plan out or truly prepare for. I didn't really know the proper way to get emergency help while in the wilderness. Had a ranger been nearby, I would have traveled to their location. Had a group of fellow and able hikers been nearby I would have traveled to them to ask for assistance – or simply advice. A little bit of advice would have given great encouragement.
Instead, it was just my dad and I. I was thankful he was in good spirits, coherent, and able to discuss the situation with me.
I had thought that cell phones were able to make emergency calls anywhere. I quickly discovered that is not the case. Neither my dad’s (Verizon) or my cell phone (AT&T) was able to place an emergency call from Starbuck Mine.
We did know that my dad’s cell phone had reception at the trailhead. The trailhead would be my goal, unless service was acquired sooner. Regardless of where service was acquired I would need to leave to call for emergency help.
In the dark, my dad crawled out to a high perch above the beach. I brought him his gear. I brought my own gear out. I sat down. We waited. The hour approached 6AM. It would not take me long to reach the headland. Maybe twenty or thirty minutes. I didn't need to leave until 7:30AM, but with my own anxiety building I ended up departing around 6:45AM.
With my full pack on, my feet sank into the steep, rocky banks of the shore. To my left waves crashed. In the dark my headlight shone light on what appeared to be an all-too-close wall of white waves incoming. I felt unsettled. I felt scared. Many questions ran though my head.
Would I be able to get around the headland, or would the tide be too high? If I had to go over the overland, would my still-fatigued thighs give out on the rope ladder? How in the world was I going to get myself – and backpack – over that damned downed tree? Once I was near Norwegian, would I get cell phone reception? Or would I have to travel all the way back to the truck? Would the pirates be up? Would they be able to help?
The crossing of Cedar Creek did not prove an issue, and was certainly the least of my concerns. As suspected, I reached the headland in about twenty minutes. The moonlight aided my headlamp, but it wasn't enough for me to make a decision as to whether I could get around the headland. I would need to wait for daybreak around 8AM. I knew this was the best decision. Even if I could not make it around the headland, daylight would be beneficial on the overland trail. I backtracked to a pile of driftwood and sat down. I grew cold and began pacing. Back and forth, back and forth. Waiting for daylight, I created a series of mini-goals in the hopes that reaching them would keep me calm and level-headed.
I also spent a great deal of time saying, out loud, “You’ll figure it out. Everything will be okay.”
My self-pep talks continued as dawn approached. I stood near the rocky headland and reasoned that it certainly looked doable. I watched a series of waves. I inspected how high they were getting. I countered my fears of waves washing me out to sea with knowledge that the tide was, in-fact, still technically going out. I set out on the rocks. My self-pep talks grew louder and more confident. There was no room for fear. I needed to stay safe and get by this headland.
And, I did. Once on the sandy shores, adrenaline rushing through me, I retrieved my dad’s cell phone and attempted to place an emergency call to 911. The call appeared to be going through, but then dropped. I moved around on the beach and tried again. Success. The operator answered and inquired the location of my emergency.
I answered on the Washington Coast. But this was not enough detail and I knew if I named "Norwegian Memorial" or "Starbuck Mine" this would only further confuse the situation. Instead, I simply said, “Olympic National Park” which resulted in being transferred to ONP’s emergency dispatch. A gentleman answered and inquired about my emergency. I remained calm and relayed basic information before giving specifics such as the coordinates where my dad was located, his age and what gear he had with him. He asked me to stay on the line as he contacted an ONP ranger. I waited for a few minutes and then realized my call had, once again, dropped.
I called back. Was transferred back to ONP emergency dispatch and subsequently cut off. I called back again. The 911 dispatcher apologized and connected me to ONP dispatch. The dispatcher asked if I received message from the ranger. No, I had not. He relayed that procedure dictated that a ranger travel to the site to assess the patient. The ranger would be on-site in two hours. I asked if I should return to my dad and wait, expressing need for quick decision with the now incoming tide. The dispatcher encouraged me to return and keep my dad warm until the ranger arrived. I thanked him and wasted no time getting back around the headland.
Breathless, I arrived back to my dad and relayed the news. A ranger should be on site around 10AM. 10AM came and went. The fog grew thicker and the tide rose higher. I made my way back and forth to the beach, keeping an eye out for the ranger. Around 10:30AM I spotted a figure emerging from the fog. Once closer, I approached. It was the ranger, Tim Saskowsky. Stationed at Mora, I realized a short time later that I had been in touch with him prior regarding a pesticides canister found near Cedar Creek.
Tim was very kind and immediately I felt better knowing I was no longer in the situation alone. Nevertheless, he made it clear from the beginning this would not be a quick process. Apparently emergency rescues are rarely fast. In fact, it could take days before my dad was rescued.
He made the initial assessment of my dad, noting swelling of the ankle and possible presence of mild shock. He suggested that we move my dad back into the trees and get him into his sleeping bag to keep him warm. He also suggested we sent up his tent. My dad was initially reluctant about this idea – likely because it foretold that rescue would not be immediate. Ultimately we did set up his tent. Once in there and on his sleeping pad he quickly fell asleep, which was likely best. Much patience and waiting would be required for the next several hours.
Due to location, a carry out rescue was not the best – or perhaps even a possible – option. Instead, Tim requested helicopter evacuation via the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard may, or may not, choose to take the mission. They use these rescue missions as training. Conditions were somewhat poor at the time the call went in. Low visibility due to increasing fog and the incoming tide was fast decreasing the amount of space available for a rescue swimmer to safely touchdown.
The initial request was denied. A second briefing would be held two hours later at 3PM. If conditions improved, it was possible they would perform evacuation that day. If not, it was likely we would be spending another night at the coast. Tim was not prepared to stay the night, so he would need to leave.
We spent time collecting fire wood with the mindset: better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Throughout I tried to keep a level head by asking questions an observing Tim’s communications with dispatch and the Coast Guard. When the Coast Guard asked for my dad’s full name, it was taken as a good sign. At least they were considering the mission.
We were thankful to see conditions improving by the time 3PM rolled around. But without confirmation from the Coast Guard, Tim cautioned we should not jump the gun or prepare for evacuation just yet.
With additional communications, Tim felt encouraged rescue would take place. I woke my dad and we helped him get back out to the bluff above the beach. I quickly broke down his tent and repacked his backpack. There was good chance the Coast Guard would be able to transport his gear with him – which would be of great help as I could not hike out with two backpacks once my dad was rescued (the Coast Guard only transports injured persons, hence Tim and I having to hike back out on our own).
Tim received confirmation that the Coast Guard was en-route. This was really going to happen. We helped my dad scoot further down on the beach. We stood waiting, eyes peeled on the headland.
And then, all of a sudden, above the headland to the north a helicopter appeared.
In that moment everything became very real for me. I think up until this point I had been operating on emergency instinct. Instinct devoid of much personal emotion as I knew getting upset or giving in to fear was going to do little to help the situation. I very much felt a sense of needing to "show up" and "be present."
Seeing the helicopter however, choked me up. It felt surreal – as though I was witnessing a scene from a movie playing out in my real life. The helicopter circled wide a couple of times. Tim said it is easier for the pilot to circle, rather than keep the helicopter stationary, as the rescue swimmer prepares.
The helicopter approached. The prop wash was strong. The noise was engulfing. I decided, in further effort to remain calm, I’d document the rescue with photos and videos. The salt spray was of concern for my camera but I figured, if need be, I’d buy a new camera.
Once the rescue swimmer was ready, the helicopter got into position. The prop wash grew fiercer and Tim motioned me back up to the bluff. I obliged, saying goodbye to my dad along the way.
Atop the bluff I watched the scene unfold. The rescue swimmer was lowered onto the beach. He unhooked himself and made his way over to Tim, and then to my dad. They helped him down onto the beach, into position for rescue. The ranger retrieved my dad's backpack. The basket was lowered. They helped my dad into the basket. The rescue swimmer gave command to lift. Up went my dad to the outside of the helicopter and then inside. Once in, a line was lowered. The rescue swimmer strapped on my dad’s backpack, hooked up his harness and away he and the helicopter went. Soon the tremendous noise of the helicopter was gone. All that was left was the sound of the sea.
Tim returned, pumped up with adrenaline. It was his first time placing anyone in a Coast Guard basket. I thanked him profusely for all of his assistance. There was little time waste. With darkness fast approaching, if he and I were to hike out that day we needed to get going. I asked him what route he wished to take. His answer was, "The quickest one." While my fears and gut wished for me to take the lesser-traveled, though perhaps safer, Starbuck Mine shortcut I knew that the quickest route would be back via the Norwegian shortcut. This would entail skirting by the headland and tide for the third time that day - or navigating the overland trail route.
We hiked fast. Approaching the headland I noted the tide was certainly higher than when I had passed by in the morning. But the rocks were exposed. Neither of us really wanted to use the overland. I pushed my fears aside and we headed for the headland.
Atop a rock, a wave approached fast. I quickly had soaking wet feet and an even faster racing heart. I apologized to Tim admitting this was, “a little out of my comfort zone.” Now with water in my boots, I no longer worried about getting wet and made slightly faster progress – my main focus on ensuring safe footing.
Finally, reaching the sand, I breathed a sigh of relief knowing I had hiked the Norwegian shortcut in the dark before and felt comfortable with the remaining route to the trailhead. Tim radioed to ONP dispatch and received word that my dad was not being taken to Neah Bay as originally planned, rather the Coast Guard was transporting him back to Port Angeles. I would be able to pick him up at the hospital in Port Angeles.
Once at Norwegian, Tim made a quick stop to talk with the pirates who were quite the lively bunch gathered around a campfire listening to the Seattle Seahawks game on a radio. Tim admitted he didn't have time to really address the situation. There were obvious violations – such as improperly stored food and general lack of leave-no-trace practices in camp. He said he would return the following day.
I loaned Tim my dad’s headlamp and we began the one mile hike back out through the mud and muck. We made quick time and were back to the trailhead around 6:30PM. After some minor paperwork, we began driving – me to Port Angeles and Tim back to La Push.
I arrived at the hospital around 9PM. My dad was in good spirits, despite knowledge that his ankle was broken in three places. We made a quick stop at McDonalds to get some food. I realized I had hardly eaten all day – nor had my dad. The remainder of the ride home was without event, which was entirely welcome after all that had just transpired.
. . .
One year later. My dad's injury and subsequent recovery kept him from the trail for the majority of the year in 2014. For the first time ever I wasn't able to plan and share wilderness adventures with my my dad. The absence of my dad's company on the trail only further highlighted the fact that he is my primary hiking partner.
But, I couldn't not hike. Hiking is what I do. It is what makes me happy. So the year unfolded in different and new directions. I applied for a permit to the Enchantments and the Wonderland Trial. I was unsuccessful at obtaining either. Back to the drawing board. Dayhikes here and there. My first solo overnighter - to the ocean during a big storm. I enjoyed the company of friends and family on the trail (thank you all). I volunteered, a lot (Washington Trails Association work parties, Washington CoastSaver cleanups, Olympic National Park's Marmot Monitoring Program and Mount Rainier's MeadoWatch). Yet, no "big" trip presented itself on the horizon. At least not one of the hiking variety. Instead, an opportunity to visit the Island of Hawaii in late fall. It would require a substantial amount of vacation and likely would keep me from a longer, multi-day trip on the trail. Ultimately 17-days of sunshine was too good to pass up and I put my trip-planning energies into researching and getting to know the Big Island.
The Big Island was special. Large in size and vast in beauty, it was an ideal place to play "explorer" for an extended period of time and I felt very much "in my element" as I adventured about the island.
My deepest connections to the island came not when I was driving here or there to behold breathtaking vistas and visit magnificent beaches, but rather when I simply put my feet to the earth and started walking. I had the pleasure of making a few hikes while on the island.
Hiking out to Lake Waiau and summiting Mauna Kea was certainly a highlight of the trip for me. The challenge of hiking at such high elevations (just under 14,000-feet) was demanding and intense - but so very exhilarating. I felt a great sense of happiness being at Mauna Kea. A few days later I hiked the Kilauea Iki Trail in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I felt overjoyed hearing the sounds of my footsteps upon the new-to-me landscape. I breathed deeply and took in the sights, sounds and smells. Later in the trip, I made the short - but steep - descent to Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument via a well-traveled footpath on lava rock. After several hours of snorkeling the hike back up the path during the heat of the day was a bit tedious. Despite sweat and lack of breath, all I could think was how wonderful it is to challenge our bodies - and in the process - have opportunity to make memories and connections with different places.
I hike because I am happy doing so. But, it's more than that. It is, perhaps, the best way I know how to care for myself. Each time I hike, each time I hear the song of my footsteps on the trail - I am, in essence, telling myself, "You are worth it." Worth what? Worth taking care of. Worth creating a practice that has proven, time and time again, to aid in betterment of my mind, body and spirit.
I certainly feel thankful to my dad for teaching and encouraging me to hike. The practice has led to life lessons, amazing adventures and discovery of self. This past weekend Lance and I had the pleasure of sharing 10 miles of trail with my dad. Though his recovery continues, I'm happy to have his company return and look forward to seeing where our footsteps take us this year.
We have just finished our state election in Queensland so I think I can be reflective of the next big political test Wednesday, Aussie time in the USA.
A month or more back we visited the Bribie Island Butterfly House north of Brisbane where they have an amazing array of different butterflies and a great education program and natural environment as well for their lifecycle to be carried out in peace and harmony. They also have some lovely artworks and even these little wisdom filled signs as seen in my shot.
I was surprised to discover this very appropriate sign, with its Male Varied Eggfly Butterfly more or less sitting in front of what strangely appears to be part of the flag of the United States of America floating in the background.
We wish the people of the USA well. I have three cousins who live there and well, let's just say they have very strong views about the appropriate outcome. As has occurred in Queensland, let us hope that the will of the people is clear and that whatever the outcome, it is not accompanied by the violent unrest some seem to be predicting.
Oops, forgot to put this into public when I uploaded it!!!
A delicate yet confident look, where soft pink meets elegant grey and the eyes become the true star of the styling. ✨
💗 Samiya Set by AMIAS combines a feminine dress with a cozy sweater, perfect for creating chic and versatile outfits. The fatpack includes a HUD with 22 colors for both the dress and sweater, and it is available for LaraX, LaraX Petite, Legacy, Legacy Perky, Reborn, and Reborn Waifu.
📍 ANTHEM Event
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Anthem/126/127/1107
📍 AMIAS Store
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cartier/81/98/2501
️ Making the gaze even more captivating is Sophisticated Eyeshadow by CAZIMI: stunning 2K eyeshadows in 12 colors and 3 different intensities, plus an eyeliner available in 3 intensities.
Coming soon to this year’s Spoonful of Sugar, opening September 12th at 9 AM SLT. Even more special, 100% of the proceeds from this item will be donated to Doctors Without Borders. ❤️
📍Spoonful of Sugar maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Onyxfordshire/215/101/23
📍Cazimi inworld mainstore maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/CAZIMI/129/213/23
Other outfit details on my BLOG: www.suggestions-by-tilly-opaline.com/blog/3356679_softly-...
Femmina di martin pescatore (Alcedo atthis) che, con sorpresa, sostava ripetutamente nelle nostre vicinanze per tuffarsi a pescare avannotti. Un incontro decisamente bello!
More available here: www.mage.space/u/PapiAlpha
Mage AI (Stable Diffusion Render) - Post work done with Photoshop and Gigapixel AI.
Image Copyright © Λlpha Λrt 2024 All Rights Reserved
Hi everyone, hope you are all well! I am back and I am going to try and keep up with my Flickr account so expect to see lots more pictures from me!
Follow me on Facebook for more: www.facebook.com/LadyToriPhotography
Chimp Trekking and habituation, Kibale, Uganda, June 2019
Olympus EM-1ii, Leica 50-200mm @ 200mm, F4.0, 1/50, ISO 6400
Recent shoot with model whose regular work was carpentry, we mixed it up by adding a modeling touch here and there.
Two months old
It’s been such a pleasure to watch Valerio as he’s developed! At two months old, he was a blue eyed baby, and already had a confident swagger. At nine months, he’s grown as big as his mom, looking masculine and muscular; a self-assured and eternally happy jaguar, with a big, bright personality!
Many years ago I was a shy closet girl who only dressed at home with the curtains closed. Not anymore though: over the years my looks improved and my confidence grew and nowadays I enjoy going outside too. I love showing my photos here on Flickr, just for myself but also to inspire and encourage others to feel free and be who they want to be. Be brave girls and go out; you'll love it!
Just a woman I saw on the light rail platform across from me. I thought she was attractive and had an independent and confident air about her.