Tote-n-Float Pacific Northwest Adventures

"Imagination is more important than knowledge." (Albert Einstein)

"Many years pass before volcanoes produce parks," said Jefferson. "Beauty like this does not happen overnight." (A Trail Called Time, 925; 2009)

"Not every bridge is beautifully designed," said Hank. "Truth is, the most important passage is across an old fallen tree." (Bridge to Peace, 923; 2009)

"Watch your step," warned Mazama-man. "The ground under your feet is moving!" (Legacy of a Volcano; Vol 3; Stability - An Illusion, 908; 2009)

"Great memories are like magnets," said the Sisters. "That's why you've returned." (Memoirs, 905; 2009)

"I am never discouraged," said the man on the Bench. "I've discovered that mountain-tops flow into the valleys." (Connecting the Dots, 903; 2009)

"My mind keeps returning to visions of summer, I can still feel the trail under my feet." (Memories, 800; 2008)

"Sunshine, blue skies and cold mountain lakes: sometimes everything comes together just right, like today." (Pools in Stone, By Bobby "G," 87; 2008)

"To learn the important lessons," said Nannie, "you've got to get really quiet." (Watering Holes, 913; 2009)

"Sometimes you just can't get your clothes off fast enough!" (Swimming the Alpine, 912; 2009)

"To know the Water's true worth," explained Nannie, "you must throw yourself in." (Immersion, 806; 2009)

"Topaz is a common gemstone used for centuries in jewelry. Its golden brown to yellow color is classic, although radiation will turn the stone blue, ranging from a light pure color to very dark almost electric blue." (Transformation, V, 89; 1971)

"This place was designed for you," said the gentle voice, "its beauty is no accident. All that you see is intended to help you hear." At my side two lovely Camp Robbers suddenly flew silently into the forest. (Presence, I, 78; unpublished memoirs;1678)

"Be kind to strangers, as they may know something you don't." (Map & Compass, Vol 10, 78; 1971)

"Reflections are vividly clear when the waters are at complete rest," explained the Sage, as he gazed intently at the countenance of my own face. (Discovering Truth, 76, 2008)

"This narrow, winding trail is not heavily used, but it leads to the most wonderful place imaginable." (Destiny, Vol 10, 78; 1971)

"A lot can happen in two weeks." (The Wisdom of Zig Zag, IX, 253)

"Meditation is more like surrender than a mental process." (The Art of Listening, 78; 1936)

"Ours are the first footprints to visit this snow," I said, much surprised. "Not really," replied Karis, as she pointed to the evidence of bounding rabbits, prowling bob-cats, alert large black tail deer and at least one curious yearling. (Snow Trails, 89; 1996)

"Hard, difficult winters produce glorious alpine lakes," Sir Edmundo, son of Wade, explained. "One requires the other."  (Fly Fishing the Timberline, 87; 2006)

"I've discovered that some of my memories are sublime." (Shorelines of the Soul, Vol 6, 354; 1933)

"Some places are so rarely visited that trails never form, but this does not mean others have not been this way." (Never Alone, III, 54; 1405)

"Gnarled pines opened before a vast snow field unspoiled by climbers tracks, and a thread of silver tumbled over the ridge above me. I knew the treasure was mine." (Annals of a Mountain Goat, 89; 2004)

"Look closely," said the Teacher, "use the eyes of your heart." (Epiphanies: A Study in the Sudden Realization of the Larger Essence or Meaning of Things," Vol 10, 98; 1971)

"I am drawn to the water by strong desire, for I long -- somehow -- to be like this pool." (No Hidden Stones, "Journal of Reflections," Vol 1, 84; 1971)

"I came here in search of Tranquility," explained Bow Hunter. "Found it, too." (The True Catch, 39; 2009)

"How one lives seems wonderfully important today, for Wisdom embraced me on the lake."  (Yoda, Context, 385; 1956)

"We are on the edge of Winter, and the signs are unmistakable. Summer's color lingers, while meadows freeze under our boots. Everything is preparing for what is about to come." (Prophecy, II, 5:934; 8th BCE)

"Life is full of opportunities," I said. "We'd better act on this one before the sun goes down." (How to Enjoy Life, 78; 2008)

"It's really amazing where you can go with just a pair of legs." (Pathways, II, 87; 1978)

"Green Lake is a lot like your soul," Faythe said, complimenting her sister. "Transparent and full of reflections." (Worthy Objectives, 64; 2000)

"Dreams do come true!" (Madeline, Daughter of the Wade, X, 42, 2007)

"You'd better bring an extra set of eyeballs on this hike. There's so much beauty here you will wear out your first pair before noon." (NWHiker, "All For the Love of Hiking," by Dennis Stilwell, taken from the "Trail Lore" series)

"'Time.' What is it, but momentary interruption in eternity. And me? I am but a tick of the clock." (Bearings, anonymous, ii; 1644)

"Of course, the water itself is not actually blue," explained Mazama-Man, gazing upward. "The beauty of the tarn is its reflection." (Transforming Lights, 68; 1644)

"One foot in eternity, one foot in time... rather surreal, if you ask me. Seems like I'm part of both somehow." (Ripples in Air, Vol 3, overleaf)

"Seasonal change! It's time to rethink what I need in this backpack." (Necessary Adjustments, xi; 2004)

"It's a lot easier if you just jump in all at once!" (Make Up Your Mind!, Vol 6, 28; 2003)

"Sunrise over Tahoe. Getting up early to watch and feel a "class G star" fill the land with light and warmth is worth it - at least it's worth it at Tahoe. Slight breeze, tropically-blue water, fresh coffee, good conversations... and the wonderful smell of a Ponderosa and Sugar Pine forest." (Visitors Log, 2008)

"There are swimming pools, and then there are swimming pools! I love being free of the world's dirt." (Ex-Dirt Bag, 89; 2009)

"Do not hurry along this trail. Stop for awhile, remove your boots, listen and be healed." (Segues, Chapter 4, "Listening to Granite," 1922)

"Take some more tea," the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly. "I've had nothing yet," Alice replied in an offended tone, "so I can't take more." "You mean you can't take less," said the Hatter: "It's very easy to take more than nothing." (Alice In Wonderland, Dodgson)

"Beauty is often the result of being crushed." (Gardens In Rock: Ice Age, II, 87; 2003)

"Go ahead, use you imagination and join us by the shore of Middle Velma Lake. We are standing on a small peninsula made of granite, and those islets were formed by massive glaciers during the ice age. OK, this is a nice spot to break for lunch, and there is plenty of time to soak your feet before we head out." (Directions, 88, 2007)

"This did not happen by chance," said Wade. (Pollywags, 78; 2006)

"All trees eventually fall," I pondered. "I better make the most of my time." (Forests, 88; 1999)

"Something good happens to me out here," replied Trekker. I knew he was right. Behind a rather rough exterior, Trekker possessed a singular sagacity, a spaciousness of mind quite beyond the range of the ordinary... What he said was very simple, but to the point and full of sense." (Where Fountains Form, 98; 1633)

"Wow! I really blew my top... no hiding that!" decried Broken Top, "But look at me now... quiet, peaceful, at rest." (Healed Land - Healed Heart, XIV, 57; 1075)

"The Autumn wind continued all night, producing an unexpectedly gentle sway to my hammock. 'I will follow this Breeze when I awake.'" (The Wonder of Wandering, Journal: Blue Lake; October 23, 2004)

"Ah-hhhhh, a drink of solitude... sitting in the embrace of quiet..." (Cisterns, by Abee, XII, 34; 2008)

"Sunlight and calm waters, much there is," said Yoda. "Hmmm," I replied, "I wonder what my reflection looks like!" (Reality, 45; 1948)

"Watch your step, because you wouldn't want to fall into this water! If you look closely, you will find snow on the far side of the lake. Go ahead, stop for a while, close your eyes and breathe deep, let the sun spill over your face and listen to the sierra sing her song. This is what we did."  (Wind Songs, 75; 2007)

"Terry, how about stopping for lunch," said Bobby G, "we might even want to eat some food!" (Excuses, Vol. 50, 983; 2008)

"Wildflowers, like people, only bloom when conditions are just right." (Guardians of the Heart, II, 324; 2006)

"Beauty was made for moments like this." (Captured, 342; 2008)

"The lessons here are written in living things," came the voice of the Teacher. "We use no books, for books are but stepping stones to snow-lined tarns."  (Sanctuary, X, 67; 94 A.D.)

"Look where I went today!" (Get Out of the City! 85; 2009)

"Lakes are destinations," explained Gillette. "Watch as the sun sets and you'll see what I mean." (Gatherings, 88; 2009)

"Alright, Valium or a tumbling creek. Which do you prefer?" asked Gillette. (Healthy Living, 88; 2009)

"The forest sleeps," whispered the Wind. "Walk gently and do not yell." (Winter Visitors Policy, Mt Hood National Forest, USFS 089.445)

"Every season has a beauty of its own," explained the Hare. "Without Winter there would be no Spring." (The Wonders of Winter, 87; 2009)

"Things are not always what they appear," said Catherine. "It is very easy to get things wrong." (Epistemology, Vol 3, 768; circa 60 A.C.E.)

"This must be Indian Heaven," pondered Melting-Snow, and within minutes a naked Cherokee was seen swimming beneath the waters. (Immersion, 54; 2008)