- Expedition: Mar 20-25, 2005
- Daniel
- Madera High School
- Yosemite National Park: Merced Grove
What are your fears and goals for the expedition?
What fears do I have about this trip? That is a personal question. I seem to always be in a state of paranoia. So...I would have to say my venomous fear would be not growing at all from this experience. To not learn anything or grow from this experience is my main fear. I also have a small fear that I am going to become separated from the group and end up lost. Maybe I feel that way because I watch scary movies. Who knows? I can only hope that none of my fears become a reality. What are my goals? I personally want to know myself. I want to find the real me.
How did it feel during the space walk to the cabin?
The walk down from the road was quite an experience. Once we started our solo walk, things became alive. I could hear the wind tickling the trees. The hissing sounds were the trees asking me for their help. Once you get everything else out of your mind, you can actually have a quiet talk and the trees are your audience. You forget about everything else besides you and the WILDERNESS. The sights are gorgeous. You have eye candy when walking down the trails by looking at nature. Items do not have to be materialistic to be awesome. You can focus on a more natural perspective. The giant sequoias are huge; they seem all knowing because they have been around fro a while. I took everything out of my mind when I saw the giant sequoias. I put girls, peer pressure, crushes, and school behind me when I saw them. I should enjoy time here while I have it.
What makes Yosemite sacred/special to you?
The Yosemite Valley to me seems like I can meditate easily by myself; a place where there are no distractions. Since I am a Roman Catholic, I see Yosemite as a place where you can see God in everything. You can converse wit everything and you know that somebody is listening. You feel a deep peace that comes all through my body. I get chills every once in a while because this place is so beautiful. The trees are taking care of me, protecting me, and making sure I'm safe. These trees are here for a reason, to show me the power and gift of life. This is my world without material item. I can just look around and see peace. Even the most violent things can be peace in its rugged form. There is no violence, no danger, no pain when you are here.
