41.14 Idaho: Norton Lakes and Peak, a hike into the unknown, a tough treat.

In one of our truly brilliant moves, we left the crampons in the car. Brilliant, indeed!

Trapped in a bowl.




A spectacular hike and position.





A person has to ask the question even though he or she may not wish to know the answer or worse, find the thought disheartening or even depressing. Obviously, these situations arise constantly throughout life as they should. Many of them important, while others are frivolous or just passing humor. Our question appears to be on the humorous side until one considers it seriously. For, should it be important, involving core aspects of one's life, then surely it's vital.

As we write this, another thought flashes across the mind. So now there are two of them—as if one was not enough of an issue. The latter thought is the old adage: 'What is the meaning of life?' Who has not asked the question? More importantly, who knows the answer and above that, does anyone live according to such understanding. The first question, which prompted these few paragraphs, now becomes a little more focused. We'll first provide the answer and then most readers will know what the question is and who answered it.

"Because they are there." (continues at end...)


The tough hike and conditions were worth it if just for this view.




Reflection allows for the display of the ridge.




Another favorite as we view the distant peaks from ours.




Winter conditions in the summer season.




Twin lakes.




"Can we stop here for brunch?"




An 'upside-down world' may be an appropriate caption.




Alpine Lake at 9,000 feet, one summer's day.




That's it for Norton Peak, Idaho.




With that, we log-off.




Mr. Mallory answered the question asked of why he climbed mountains. It seems there are no rational answers although we do have an argument which appears, at first glance, more thorough than his. We realize we struggle up mountains fairly often, most times reach the summit, turn around and find our way back to the trailhead at which juncture we feel a sense of accomplishment. What is the accomplishment? What is the personal contribution to oneself and further, the benefit to the world? If one cannot answer the questions, provide a meaningful reply, is one wasting a life? When trying to relate to the myriad activities of millions of people, without being defensive, it's a fair question to pose: Do most of us make a contribution that enhances or builds ourselves? Is performing a function, often dreary and repetitive, something worthy of considering meaningful and adding something to the world? Obviously, there are many people who do make a difference to the planet but they are few, relatively speaking. There are not an awful number of Albert Einstein's, Alexander Bell and Fleming's or dedicated teachers relative to a population of 7 billion and counting.


What's the point? Surely, the challenge is to make our sojourn on earth as productive, meaningful, enjoyable and fruitful as possible. Well then, climbing up-and-down mountains frequently, does not seem to cut it. It's not an answer but in a soon to be published novel, "Vengeance is Mine ... and mine, too", we raise a point within the book that does not answer the issue but makes one ponder. In principle, going up mountains and hopefully, returning: Is that any different from playing sport, particularly at a professional level, seem intelligent or necessary. Have you ever thought about a basketball player and team members bouncing a ball on a court and then have the opponents do the same thing the other way. The example applies to soccer, football, golf, tennis and every other sport. What gives? How different is the mountain climbing business? How different is any part of life? And if vocation, work, or a job is meaningful and our primary function—were we put on earth to attach wheels to cars, cut the grass, fill in documents, build roads and bridges, play act? You get the point. Who is to say what function is more meaningful than another? Surely life is not about a job even if one fulfills the function of a calling, although in those instances, there is a strong case for making a forceful argument. (As an aside, while we have tremendous admiration for caregivers and other dedicated medical people, we are not that naïve to wonder how many of those professionals would perform such functions if unaccompanied by large remuneration packages?) For the rest, can we honestly say the level of income is not a determinant of what we do? Just thinking aloud. And if one's life is primarily about one's job, then what is life in retirement—post career. We get back to the point of life. Maybe, Mallory's answer was more intelligent than it seems. Perhaps he was saying that he did it, climbed mountains, because the challenge presented itself daily and he enjoyed the opportunity of proving himself each day. Alternatively, each day is a fresh beginning as if commencing a new life.

In the end, perhaps he was stating that he does whatever is within the bounds of acceptable morality, that does no harm and causes him to live each and every day in a manner that pleases just one person, the only person that he can and should influence to derive satisfaction from life, himself. We all have the obligation, need and desire to fulfill a role that satisfies our time on earth, no matter what it is, within the parameters mentioned earlier. We all have a mountain to climb daily.


Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey



Talking of slopes and on scree and this is before we approach a similar part ahead but covered in snow.




Trying to get closer to 'you-know-who' but it may be easier to reach a peak with closed-eyes.