Trail Thoughts
The Oregon Trail, Francis Parkman
“The wilderness holds secrets and challenges, but it also offers freedom and a chance to be reborn.”
“There is a beauty in simplicity and a sense of purpose that comes from living off the land.”
“We are but small specks in the grand tapestry of nature, and yet, our journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity.”
“The trail may be harsh, but it has a way of revealing the strength and resilience within us.”
“In times of uncertainty, it is the bonds between people that provide light in the darkest of nights.”
“We may stumble and fall, but it is in our nature to rise and continue on, for we are pioneers of the untamed lands.”
“The trail is not just a path, it is a metaphor for life – filled with obstacles, but also brimming with opportunities for growth.”
“The beauty of nature is that it does not discriminate – it treats all souls with equal grace and wonder.”
“The hardships we face on the trail pale in comparison to the triumphs of reaching our destination.”
“In the face of adversity, the spirit of the pioneer shines brightest.”
“Nature speaks to us in whispers – if we listen closely, we can hear the wisdom it imparts.”
“There is a magic in the wilderness, where even the smallest encounters can leave an indelible mark on our hearts.”
“The pioneers before us have left footprints in the dust, guiding our way and reminding us of the courage it takes to forge ahead.”
“The trail is not just a physical journey, but a pilgrimage of the soul.”
“Every sunset on the [trail] reminds us that no matter how far we've come, there is always a new horizon to chase.”
“The wild and untamed land . . . is not conquered by man, but rather embraced by those who seek its mysteries.”
“We may leave footprints on the trail, but it is the trail that leaves everlasting imprints on us.”
“It is in the silence of the wilderness that we hear the calling of our truest selves.”
“The trail teaches us to let go of what holds us back and embrace the vast potential of the unknown.”
“There is a poetry in the untamed, a rhythm that beats in tune with our hearts.”
“The [trail] teaches us that the journey is just as important as the destination – for it is in the seeking that we truly find ourselves.”
And finally my favorite:
“To him who has once tasted the reckless independence, the haughty self-reliance, the sense of irresponsible freedom, which the forest life engenders, civilization thenceforth seems flat and stale. Its pleasures are insipid, its pursuits wearisome, its conventionalities, duties, and mutual dependence alike tedious and disgusting. The entrapped wanderer grows fierce and restless, and pants for breathing-room. The wilderness, rough, harsh, and inexorable, has charms more potent in their seductive influence than all the lures of luxury and sloth. And often he on whom it has cast its magic finds no heart to dissolve the spell, and remains a wanderer and an Ishmaelite to the hour of his death.”
– Francis Parkman
Sometimes I wonder if the saddest part of a journey is when you reach the destination.
Such a great F. Parkman quote! As one upon whom wilderness "has cast its magic", here's something from E. Abbey that resonates in me frequently while poking about in wild places--"This is the most beautiful place on earth. There are many such places."