Paying Forward and Giving Back

Mountains are like great friends.  They are always there when you need them.  My relationship with nature continues to be a very important part of my life and a very powerful and personal growth experience.

An Alberta, Canada Sunrise.

Within my journey, I have discovered there are many people who work very hard to promote and protect our natural environment.  It is a matter of balance.

Snow Sculptures at Elephant Rocks near Chester Lake in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada

There is a poignant website, anonymously authored by DSD, called Summit Stones and Adventure Musings.  It is possible DSD and I shall meet one day, perhaps wandering on the same trail.  DSD’s roots seem firmly founded with Outward Bound, an organization making positive changes to thousands of lives by challenging the enormity and power of nature.

Lower Falls in Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

On her blog, DSD has developed an extensive list of websites beneath the heading ‘Giving Back and Passing Forward’.  Each of the links in her list is worthy of your time.  Some are well-established organizations like World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) , and World Wildlife Fund – Canada.  Many share experiences which lend credence to the balance required to ensure all interests are serviced for universal, future benefit.  It is a difficult, but essential balance, never perfect and seldom agreed upon. Others like myself, share experiences that may convince someone else to seize the opportunity and discover the benefits of communing with nature.

Yours truly behind Troll Falls in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada

Some sites combine a great passion for the wilderness with initiatives to raise funding for victims of major illness like MS and Cancer.  There are support sites to promote and improve quality of life for seniors.

Reflections on Herbert Lake along the Icefield Parkway in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Each year, DSD sends me a supply of Summit Stones, (artistically painted pebbles), packaged with a small booklet of philosophical observations entitled ‘An Adventure Muse’.  Many of us are messengers.  We wander in the wilderness.  Periodically, we place one of these ‘Summit Stones and Adventure Musings’ packets in a location of great beauty, possibly of historical significance or intrigue, so others following can discover and potentially benefit from the anonymous gift.

Upper Antelope Slot Canyon near Page, Arizona, USA

The initiative is a collective gesture to promote our passion, and to combine effort and initiative with potential benefit to nature and people.

Developing sunset looking south from the Smith-Dorrien Trail in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada.

The past few years have been economically challenging for many fund-raising organizations.  They need our support to continue their valuable contribution.

Reflections along the Bow River beneath Sulphur Mountain on the hike to Sundance Canyon in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

I encourage you to consider and exercise your ability to participate in any way possible.

The final approach to the French Glacier in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada

Over many decades, I have experienced, and learned from, the wilderness.  I have a personal commitment to leave no trace.  I share my experiences to educate and to encourage others to consider giving it a try.  Even though my contribution is humble, it gives me  personal satisfaction to know my years of gaining expertise and knowledge are exercised responsibly and passed on to others.

An algae bloom in peaceful Mount Lorette Ponds, Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada

Check out Kraig Becker’s Commentary on ‘The Adventure Blog’.  Also, Rick McCharles of Best Hike shares his personally imposed responsiblity to spread the message.  Please take a few minutes to discover the efforts being made by individuals and groups to raise awareness and funding which will support valuable contributions to people and the planet.  Perhaps it will change your life for the better too.

I hope you have enjoyed this tiny sample of photographs I have been privileged to capture in my travels.  Photo credits are shared.  The photo of myself behind the ice at Troll Falls was captured by Mélanie and there is the strong possibility the photo of the Bow River beneath Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park is hers as well.  Great memories.  Perhaps, a good life is created by the deliberate accumulation of more good memories than coincidental bad ones.