… and the rocks and escarpment.
Firstly, let me apologise for my absence from blogdom all week. It’s been one of those introspective weeks where I have been trying to make sense of it all. Much needed and no doubt some of this introspection will find its way here at some point. Raising that Curtain just a little bit higher requires a fair bit of energy and my writing has been impacted. Coupled with that is trying to ascertain where my true blog voice lies. This week has been about searching for answers or at least trying to narrow the breadth of questions.
As a part of that process I went for a trek out bush. Nature has a way of providing cues and motivation and on this occasion it didn’t disappoint. One of my bluggies (blog buddies), dearanonymousfriend, through her comments inspired me to take photos of some of our non-coastal landscapes. I hope you find the results as pleasing as the coastal photos.
The photos are from an area called the Blue Mountains which is famous for its escarpment and a rock formation called the Three Sisters, for obvious reasons. On the day we descended the Giant Stairway through the Three Sisters to the floor of the Jamison Valley below. The Stairway is carved into the cliff face and comprises 911 stairs with a drop of almost 300 metres. The expression “jelly legs” was very much at the fore of our minds. Once at the bottom we walked the Federal Pass along the base of the escarpment, a walk of about 3.1 km. The walk is not unduly difficult but does require a fair degree of fitness and I absolutely recommend it if you are thinking of playing tourist here.
Apart from breathing in the fresh mountain air and scouting photo ops, I was happy to be travelling along a discernible path. One that left no doubts about the direction of travel, one that ended at a meaningful destination, in this case, the Scenic Railway. Whilst there were side paths, they were less developed and the destination a little more uncertain. How many of us are searching for that path to that meaningful destination? I don’t need a path that is necessary well-travelled, I am happy to be a pioneer to an extent. But I am one that needs to understand the destination if only in an oblique sense and to be able to see a few steps in front of me.
One thing the trek taught me is that to be able to discover that next path, I need to be mindful of both the forest and the trees. The bigger picture and each individual element is equally as important and needs to be savoured. It also taught me that symbiosis is often necessary to maximise opportunities.
Symbiosis
Journey
Growth
Destination
Three Sisters
Do you like to pioneer or go down a path more travelled?
Raising the Curtain 
Wonderful photo’s Jude. A thought provoking blog as well. One thing that caught my attention is the uncharted path. Sometimes it is that portal that will give you the greatest lift, balance, and different outlook. If Flinders, Wentworth, and Matthews had not taken the uncharted path they would not have made it through the mountains to find the rich grazing lands of Bathurst and beyond leading to the prosperity of the colony rather than it’s death. Sometimes it takes stepping off that known path to fly.
Fly, Judy.
Thanks Cheryl. I agree that the unknown path can lead to all sort of possibilities, although a bit or direction even if it’s “over there” comes in handy.
There are times when we simply have to disconnect so we can clear the static and make space for what our new directions will be.. what a beautiful place for you to go and find some direction.. really gorgeous.. Just keep you heart & mind open to any and all possibilities!!
Thanks Lynne. I am definitely trying keep both my mind and my heart open. Not always easy when the weight of others’ expectation is on you.
Loud & Clear! First things first…the photos are beyond beautiful, especially the path. I’ve decided that the path I was on, the one that has been traveled so much I don’t even have to open my eyes, really wasn’t making me happy..but it was comfortable. Now that I have allowed myself to venture off into the unknown things are different. I’m still afraid of what lies ahead, but I am enjoying the journey and the breaking down some barriers along the way. I LOVE this post!!!
Thanks Lisa. Your story sounds achingly familiar. I had to overcome some of my fears to be on the path I’m on now but I am much happier as a result. I’m not sure where the final destination is at this point, but am challenged and envigourated by the journey as well. Others around me less so and I am feeling the weight of expectation.
Where ever your path leads, I hope the terrain is not too rocky and that you find that pot of meaningful gold at the end of it.
Sounds like your trek was illuminating, and the pics are lovely. Sometimes I like to pioneer, other times I like the well-traveled path. Depends on the situation I guess, and how important it is to me.
The situation does set the context. I love to explore and if I only had myself to consider, I’d go well of the beaten path every time.
welcome back and the rest seems to have done you good … enjoyed this post
Thanks Jensine. I certainly feel somewhat envigorated :).
🙂
Beautiful post. I love all of the lessons waiting for us in nature if we just take the time to venture out and listen!
Indeed, not just smelling the roses, but also feeling them.
First, thanks for mentioning me. I hit the like button, but wish there was a love button. The photos are incredible. The path with the steps makes me want to look deeper into the picture to see where it is going. The view of the mountains, well, all of them make me want to put on a backpack and live your adventure. Mountains, to me are healing and revealing. I have missed your posts but you came back with an awesome post and encouragement to me to get another post out there. Thanks so much! Love this post, you have blessed me more than you will know. DAF
Oh DAF I also look forward to reading you and you have such an exciting time ahead with the impending arrival! Can’t wait to hear all about it. Mountains are healing, I ‘ll have a few more pics from the same spot next week for you.
Reblogged this on Life With The Top Down.
Thanks for the reblogg! I’m glad it struck a chord :).
Beautiful place and wonderful photographs. What little sanity I might have left can be attributed to my daily cycling/walking interludes in the rainforest.
Your interludes sound wonderful and how lucky you are that you have the rainforest in such easy reach! Nature certainly has a way of seeping into your pores.
Wonderful post as everyone else has said. I too crave the peace of a quiet hike, although I am not so adventurous as you. Enjoy!
Thanks Elyse. There’s nothing like the “silence” of nature is there?
Love the photos, and like others who commented, especially the large image of the path. My wife and I both have often sought out the trails that are less traveled, and remote natural destinations where we have a chance to experience the wonder of splendid isolation. Good luck on your journey.
Thanks Chris. More and more I think I am a journeyman. I’d love to hear more about your adventures down those less travelled trails. How wonderful that you and your wife are kindred spirits in that regard.
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If your last question wasn’t rhetorical, then I like both paths. The first, for adventure and delight in the purity of it, and the second, to see what others have seen or have missed.
Not rhetorical and sounds like a wonderfully balanced approach. I’m always interested to hear how people approach decisions and life in general. So much to learn and so much variation!
Introspection, indeed. I love the path(s) you’ve taken. Each looks inviting and calming but how dow I know? Your photos say it all. A refreshing post.
I’m a sucker for the path less travelled, myself—about 50% of the time. Retirement is a bitch. Not enough time for EVERYthing. Need to catch up on what I’ve been putting off until now.
It’s because you seem to have your retirement table so fully laden, which is a tribute to you… not all retirements are like that.
Great post and amazing pictures. For the firsst time in history we are all searching trying to find out who we are in the true essense of the word and where we are going. If that is not proof enough that we are all connected I dont know what is.
Beautifully done! I especially liked this comment:
“One thing the trek taught me is that to be able to discover that next path, I need to be mindful of both the forest and the trees. The bigger picture and each individual element is equally as important and needs to be savoured. It also taught me that symbiosis is often necessary to maximise opportunities.”
Many thanks!!