Janet (Smudge) writes,
Still Walking….
For the past 5+ months I have been walking between Mexico and Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail in an effort to fulfill a personal, lifelong dream, and to raise money for the Siskiyou Land Trust Endowment Fund. Since April, I have covered just about 2,600 miles with only a few more to go to complete the 2,650 mile journey. Several days ago I got an e-mail from a board member of the Siskiyou Land Trust asking me if I might have some words of wisdom to share with the Land Trust Membership from the trail. When I started my journey, I did so with a hope and perhaps an expectation that somehow taking a six month walk would have a profound effect on me and I would return and share my insights with those who would listen. Perhaps I would become enlightened, or maybe as I walked in silence I would have found answers to life’s elusive questions. I am still walking, and the perfect and most profound thought still eludes me.
What I do know is that I have been able to experience this incredible journey because, like the special places conserved by the Siskiyou Land Trust, the Pacific Crest Trail exists because someone, somewhere had a vision that they put into action. And, like each acre of land that we save, the Trail didn’t just happen but was many years in the making. Somewhere a thought generated a vision, then it generated a conversation, then it became a plan. Others got excited and were enrolled in the process; some started gathering resources, others picked up a shovel. During the process, breakdowns occurred and the process started over again. But the vision was held and now we share a national treasure that will be handed down from generation to generation.
The work of those involved in the Siskiyou Land Trust is every bit as important as the work of those involved to create and preserve the Pacific Crest Trail. We too are preserving “treasures” to be enjoyed for future generations. Each acre saved is hard work and takes incredible resources. As more people become enrolled in the vision, the work becomes easier and another acre is saved.
So I continue to walk and am close to the end. The words of wisdom still elude me, but for now I know that with the continuing support from those who care about our world and our future generation’s right to experience it to the fullest, each step helps bring the vision closer to reality and another acre will be saved.
Live your Dream,
Smudge (aka Janet Zalewski)
Beautifully stated.
By: David Collier on October 8, 2010
at 8:01 am
Janet, your words of enlightenment will find you when you are no longer hiking on the trail. It will come to you when you hear the cars honking, people yelling, or just reading the newspaper. You’ll remember the peace and quiet you had while gazing at the mountains (because you have eyes that see), listening to the music of the forest (because you have ears that can hear), or just walking (because you have legs that walk). But most of all, you will have the knowledge of knowing that you fullfilled a lifelong dream that many cannot do. Congratulations. I’m thrilled you have/will accomplish this bucket list item. I, too, will get there someday. Again, congratulations!
By: Ileen on October 8, 2010
at 8:07 am
Whoops! As I was saying, both meditative and invigorating. Glad you’ve made it as far as you have. You’re inspiring me to make a big trip like that too. And nice work for the Siskiyou Land Trust. Looking forward to hearing more about your work with them.
Cheers as you finish your grand journey!
By: Robyn Perry on October 8, 2010
at 1:19 pm
Well said, Janet
Hope to see you soon!
By: Dr. Dave on October 11, 2010
at 5:13 pm