Following up on prior late season Tuckerman Ravine trip reports Tuckerman Ravine: Because It’s There and Tuckerman Ravine: Because It’s Still There, I originally planned to name this post Tuckerman Ravine: Just Because. Because It’s There and Because It’s Still There are worthy reasons, whereas Just Because was not sufficient. Instead, I went in pursuit of realizing dreams.
After nearly ten years of longing for a pair of quality sea kayaks, we recently realized that dream with a pair of Eddyline Fathoms. The investment was substantial but the timing was finally right. People wonder why I have never skied out west despite being a die hard skier. Being a die hard skier does not necessarily mean being one dimensional. There is more to life.
So instead of sliding down snow, I found myself gliding across water. We found ourselves at Dog Cove on Squam Lake. We put in for a relaxing paddle amongst the mountains of the Squam and Ossipee mountain ranges. Long have I seen Squam Lake from the other perspective–it was wonderful to finally see the mountains from the lake instead of the other way around.
Later that day, the dreams continued to be realized when I found myself at the Comcast Center to hear Soundgarden. Half a life time ago, I missed seeing one of my favorite bands due to a hard life lesson in obligation and commitment. After years of being tied down to organizations and people, I left everything behind to pursue shameless self satisfaction and the following of dreams. I am still unsure if the costs were not too great…
Whether it takes a season, ten years, or half a lifetime, dreams must be brought to fruition. I hesitate to even use the word dream because it presupposes lack of intention and direction. It suggests wistfulness instead of willfulness. It cheapens the experience of pursuit and culmination.
If not for dreams, if not for pursuing the unknown and novel experiences, I wonder where this existence would have gone. I shudder to think of it–yet I know that road is no less meaningful. If not more so. But my disposition dictates otherwise, for better… or more likely, for worse.
5 thoughts on “Realizing Dreams & Catching Dragonflies”
Rock On!!!
I couldn’t have posted something better myself (except I don’t kayak). No many concerts hitting the B.C. Interior.
One of these days, I’ll get a totally different aspect of my Mad World open to the public, however there is still much work to be done and need to focus.
I neglected to spell out the significance of having an initial disappointment of missing out on something but then later getting another (unexpected) crack at it later. Maybe not worse, just different.
I am looking forward to your having Ski Mad World up to date so you can broaden focus. For me, it seems more natural all the time. Due to Live Journal fading away, I have many thoughts without outlet. Sometimes, blogs really should be all about the trip report, the beta, and the stoke. But they are often best when the human element is added.
Harvey Road has actually become more focused with time. In the beginning, I just posted whatever I wanted. Images with no text. Amazement at the Tour de France. And of course way too much Gore. I actually like the discipline, although I have to admit no one but me really seems to understand how my concept of what fits and what doesn’t.
One thing I just can’t fathom – some people stay focused, but have separate blogs for every interest they have. I can’t imagine keeping more than one blog alive. Lucky for me I have a one track mind.
The kayaks look fantastic. Can’t wait to see more pictures of summer adventure, River.
Riv: Nice to see you bump a “Dream” up to a “Goal” and made it happen. Paddling is a great sport/pastime and you’re in a great place to enjoy it. Maybe once I know I can sit for that long a period of time, I’ll throw my cheap plastic boat on the roof and come up and visit. I might have trouble keeping up, but I need the exercise. Good to see you have something to do the other three months of the year.
Sled: It would be great to have you up for a paddle once you’re healed up. Don’t worry about speed, we are pretty mellow. S keeps me from going too fast as it is. 🙂 Road biking and hiking also keep me out of trouble during the off season.