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12/03/2007: "No More Getting High"
Its always fun to think up a title for these posts… Today I am coming to the realization that one of my favorite past times is no longer viable. I am talking about altitude. Whether I am skiing, backpacking or just spending time in the mountains, lack of oxygen has become a problem for me.
If you have never been in the mountains above 10,000 feet, you should find a way to get there. It is surreal. Like walking on another planet. You are above tree line and granite slabs stretch out in front of you like stepping stones for the giant redwoods. The air, though thin, is sweet and clear. When you come across a small, lost alpine lake, it is sapphire blue and bone chilling cold. And at night, there is a peacefulness like no other. As you get a chance to stair at more stars than you have ever seen before, you end up realizing the insignificance of your problems. The quietness serves to amplify the thoughts in your head. And in the end, you come “back down to earth” refreshed and rejuvenated.
Snow skiing has much the same effect on me. I always thought of a visit to the slopes as a chance to recharge my batteries. It was common for me to ski off into the woods and stop to admire the beauty of the place. Skiing also holds a special place in my heart because that is one of the few things that my son Nick and I did exclusively together. He doesn’t have any friends that ski and I only know a few. Since he was 5 we have been heading to the slopes to spend a day sliding down the hills – just the two of us. We would always stop at one of the lodges around noon to treat ourselves to a big lunch and sit out on the sun deck. The drive up and back, the chairlift rides and those lunches, provided time for some of our best talks.
Even at around 4,000 feet I have seen tears brought to the eye at the smell of the pines. Altitude touches our emotions. Our most beautiful scenery is in the mountains. Up where we can escape the trappings and pollution of the city. If for no other reason, I hope my lungs heal so that I can get high again.