Bob,
I had many thoughts come to mind that I wanted to share with you as I read your article. But most of what I would say has been covered by those who have responded before me. Like Sarah, I think you have a gift for writing. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us!
I live in the shadows of 11,000+ peaks. It takes me less than 20 minutes to drive to a multitude of trailheads that lead to some of the most beautiful places on this earth. Yellowstone is about a 5.5 hour drive from here. I feel very fortunate to have such opportunities so easily accessible. Thank you for reminding me how fortunate I am.
I hope things work out so you can get closer to where "home" is for you.
Wade, thank you very much for your comments. I have been to Salt Lake a number of times and think it is a great location-- good people, big and modern enough but not a pit like some of the big cities here in the East, very clean for a city of any size, awesome surroundings. You truly are fortunate to be there, and Salt Lake is actually an area that has been a consideration for us. I would be very happy to live where you do and just might end up doing so.
You most certainly are not the only one that feels that way, and you wrote about it so well. I feel like that everyday and it gets harder everytime I leave the places that feel like home to come back to Looserville, or Louseyville, KY (depending on what mood I'm in). But I'm working my way towards home-let's just say it keeps one going.
A change is the right choice, keep moving forward with it. I was just in Bishop, and looking at "The Range of Light" with it's snow dusted peaks. I'm sure you'll find the Wild in the Sierras and other ranges close to Vegas!
Bishop's a great little town, isn't it? I've more than once thought I'd like to live there, but I don't know how we'd support three kids there. Vegas has a ton of great stuff close by, and even more great stuff, including the Sierra, less than a day's drive away. And I can reach Yellowstone in two!
... until I dropped out of school at Auburn in the third quarter of my junior year to spend a summer in Yellowstone. That summer lasted 6 years. Now I live in Bozeman and it still feels like I'm on the secure side of that quote above since I have this job, and a house and responsibility. But I do take full advantage of the place. As for the cold, just tell her that I cut my grass this weekend, it's warm and sunshiny up here!
Oh, I will tell her. When I realized for certain last summer what I had known deeper down for quite a few years, it was Bozeman that I thought would be the best for us of all the Yellowstone-area communities.
We'll probably end up in the Southwest, likely the Vegas area, which is pretty nice away from the Strip and has a ton of things to do. And at least then I'll be much closer to Greater Yellowstone!
Thanks! (Will get to you soon on that question about Pilot Peak)
montanachris - Nov 17, 2008 8:37 pm - Hasn't voted
I'm with you...
Very well written Bob. I do 'feel your pain.' The specifics may be different, but I long for the vast, wild country of, especially, the northern Rockies. I grew up in Minnesota, moved to Georgia for a couple years after high school and wound up moving to Missoula for college. Talk about finding my place on this Earth. I felt more at home in the 4 years I spent there than I did for the 20 I spent in MN despite the fact that I have more family, friends and heritage there than anywhere else. There was something about western Montana; its sense of eternity, timelessness, unscathed creation, perhaps. Whatever it was I felt special just for being able to say I was a Montanan (which I still claim to be despite having moved to Asheville, NC two years ago) Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with my new home and it's wonderful to be close to my wife's family in Atlanta. I believe we are in a better place for our family (I'm married with 3 great young children) Still, I feel a void that I think only Montana can fill. I find a token of solace in the good fortune that I ever had such a place to once call home and the lessons I learned from my adventures in the wilderness. Anyways, I empathize with you and hope that, at least, you will be able to move closer to such a special part of our planet.
Wow-- that is really well said and nails a lot of my own thoughts. Thank you for writing that. Yes, there is something about Montana and Wyoming that I just haven't found elsewhere, although I've found incredible beauty and inspiration all over this wonderful country.
The next time I head down Asheville way, I'll try to remember to send a message first. From your post, I'm guessing we enjoy many of the same things about the mountains, and it might be nice to get together, if possible, for even a short outing.
montanachris - Nov 19, 2008 6:38 am - Hasn't voted
Re: I'm with you...
There are indeed special places all over this wonderful country! I find it fascinating how profound of an effect a 'place' can have on us. There are some beautiful places here in the southern Appalachians as well. Asheville being one of the few I consider among the built environment. In any case, please do contact me the next time you're down this way. Always could use another adventure seeker with whom to hit the trails. Cheers
I'll join your chorus of admirers ... well done !!!
Your lament to wild places puts me in mind of the mountaineer's prayer ... Please secure me from security now and forever ... amen.
Peace, Jim
Thank you, Jim. I like the prayer, and what I take from it is that although security must be a concern now that I have young children, I do not have to limit myself to the security of just one place. It is not without nervousness that I contemplate a major change in location and perhaps lifestyle, but I also look forward to the prospect of being closer to what inspires me so. With hard work, good planning, and some good luck, I believe I can find the right balance.
Beautifully written! You have done a wonderful job of putting in print what many of us feel but cannot express. My family is near Chicago and I'm in a dorm on the coast of Maine, but my thoughts are never far from the mountains. That is where I am free from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and able to simplify my priorities. I can let go of the matters that are so urgent and pressing while at school and just exist in the present.
Thanks for articulating this so well. I hope to read more.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. I see from your pictures that you are no stranger to high and wild places (and I, too, went up Katahdin in the rain, though I took the Abol route, which was super-slick). I know college is busy and has its many distractions, but my advice to you is to take advantage of those nice New England mountains whenever you can; I only wish I had spent more of my time in college exploring the mountains instead of exploring drunken debauchery (though I must admit I had a good deal of fun doing so).
I'm glad you liked the article and would like to read more. I don't know when my next inspiration will seize me, but please feel free when you have nothing better to do to read some of the other articles I have posted here (just scroll down my profile page to "My Articles"); there are a few others that dwell on solitude, wilderness, and wildlife that you might like.
Thanks again. By the way, you're a good writer, and I hope you'll share some more with us, too.
Bob, I'm right there with you and though everyone tries to point me toward the security side of things I'm trying to thread the needle and get both the security and the adventure.
I really think it's funny when you talk about looking back at old maps and guidebooks that you've looked at a dozen times before. I do that everytime I set foot in a Borders or Barnes and Noble, except with me it's the Tetons.
I've heard a lot recently from family, professors at Purdue, and friends that where you live isn't important; that it's what you make of where you're at. I think it's a crock of shit. I have close friends in Indiana and love my family dearly, but the three summers I've spent in Grand Teton NP were the best times of my life thus far. It seems that surroundings are important in life and often it's the people that accompany great places like Yellowstone that's better than anything.
Thank you for your great article. It's great to see someone open up and ponder about something I'm sure many others on SP think about on a regular basis.
Remember Bob, it is all just geography. Your yearnings to be out in the wild places will hit just as hard if you are teaching in a class room in Bozeman looking out the window at the Bridger Range, or in Virginia, or Vegas. It is the window that changes.
Life still presses, constrains, and demands, no matter where you land.
I guess this is just to say you will probably get out into nature as much as you do now even if you move to Vegas or SLC. But I have seen your pictures, and read of the rocks and routes near your house, and they look really cool! You seem to manage to make the most of your opportunities. I admire you for that ability.
I certainly do not want to rain on the dream but rather to temper it, and I sincerely hope that life takes you to a place that has warm winters for your wife, and vast wilderness for your soul.
My Best Regards;
Tim
wmeier - Nov 16, 2008 1:47 pm - Voted 10/10
Wonderful article!Bob,
I had many thoughts come to mind that I wanted to share with you as I read your article. But most of what I would say has been covered by those who have responded before me. Like Sarah, I think you have a gift for writing. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us!
I live in the shadows of 11,000+ peaks. It takes me less than 20 minutes to drive to a multitude of trailheads that lead to some of the most beautiful places on this earth. Yellowstone is about a 5.5 hour drive from here. I feel very fortunate to have such opportunities so easily accessible. Thank you for reminding me how fortunate I am.
I hope things work out so you can get closer to where "home" is for you.
Wade
Bob Sihler - Nov 16, 2008 5:32 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Wonderful article!Wade, thank you very much for your comments. I have been to Salt Lake a number of times and think it is a great location-- good people, big and modern enough but not a pit like some of the big cities here in the East, very clean for a city of any size, awesome surroundings. You truly are fortunate to be there, and Salt Lake is actually an area that has been a consideration for us. I would be very happy to live where you do and just might end up doing so.
Snowpuppy - Nov 16, 2008 2:10 pm - Hasn't voted
Beautiful!!!You most certainly are not the only one that feels that way, and you wrote about it so well. I feel like that everyday and it gets harder everytime I leave the places that feel like home to come back to Looserville, or Louseyville, KY (depending on what mood I'm in). But I'm working my way towards home-let's just say it keeps one going.
Bob Sihler - Nov 16, 2008 5:36 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Beautiful!!!Good luck to you in your own quest, then. I know what you mean about how it keeps you going. Thank you for commenting.
mvs - Nov 17, 2008 9:27 am - Voted 10/10
Best of luck!A change is the right choice, keep moving forward with it. I was just in Bishop, and looking at "The Range of Light" with it's snow dusted peaks. I'm sure you'll find the Wild in the Sierras and other ranges close to Vegas!
Bob Sihler - Nov 17, 2008 5:52 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Best of luck!Bishop's a great little town, isn't it? I've more than once thought I'd like to live there, but I don't know how we'd support three kids there. Vegas has a ton of great stuff close by, and even more great stuff, including the Sierra, less than a day's drive away. And I can reach Yellowstone in two!
Thanks for commenting!
b. - Nov 17, 2008 5:20 pm - Hasn't voted
I had it. . .... until I dropped out of school at Auburn in the third quarter of my junior year to spend a summer in Yellowstone. That summer lasted 6 years. Now I live in Bozeman and it still feels like I'm on the secure side of that quote above since I have this job, and a house and responsibility. But I do take full advantage of the place. As for the cold, just tell her that I cut my grass this weekend, it's warm and sunshiny up here!
Bob Sihler - Nov 17, 2008 5:49 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: I had it. . .Oh, I will tell her. When I realized for certain last summer what I had known deeper down for quite a few years, it was Bozeman that I thought would be the best for us of all the Yellowstone-area communities.
We'll probably end up in the Southwest, likely the Vegas area, which is pretty nice away from the Strip and has a ton of things to do. And at least then I'll be much closer to Greater Yellowstone!
b. - Nov 17, 2008 6:19 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: I had it. . .We just got Frontier and Allegiant air into Bzn this year, so Vegas is even closer now. Good luck!
BobSmith - Nov 17, 2008 6:05 pm - Voted 10/10
Nice!You need to accumulate enough wealth so that you can retire to that area young enough to enjoy it to full capacity.
Bob Sihler - Nov 18, 2008 7:14 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Nice!I'd better quit teaching, then!
Thanks! (Will get to you soon on that question about Pilot Peak)
montanachris - Nov 17, 2008 8:37 pm - Hasn't voted
I'm with you...Very well written Bob. I do 'feel your pain.' The specifics may be different, but I long for the vast, wild country of, especially, the northern Rockies. I grew up in Minnesota, moved to Georgia for a couple years after high school and wound up moving to Missoula for college. Talk about finding my place on this Earth. I felt more at home in the 4 years I spent there than I did for the 20 I spent in MN despite the fact that I have more family, friends and heritage there than anywhere else. There was something about western Montana; its sense of eternity, timelessness, unscathed creation, perhaps. Whatever it was I felt special just for being able to say I was a Montanan (which I still claim to be despite having moved to Asheville, NC two years ago) Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with my new home and it's wonderful to be close to my wife's family in Atlanta. I believe we are in a better place for our family (I'm married with 3 great young children) Still, I feel a void that I think only Montana can fill. I find a token of solace in the good fortune that I ever had such a place to once call home and the lessons I learned from my adventures in the wilderness. Anyways, I empathize with you and hope that, at least, you will be able to move closer to such a special part of our planet.
Bob Sihler - Nov 18, 2008 7:22 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: I'm with you...Wow-- that is really well said and nails a lot of my own thoughts. Thank you for writing that. Yes, there is something about Montana and Wyoming that I just haven't found elsewhere, although I've found incredible beauty and inspiration all over this wonderful country.
The next time I head down Asheville way, I'll try to remember to send a message first. From your post, I'm guessing we enjoy many of the same things about the mountains, and it might be nice to get together, if possible, for even a short outing.
montanachris - Nov 19, 2008 6:38 am - Hasn't voted
Re: I'm with you...There are indeed special places all over this wonderful country! I find it fascinating how profound of an effect a 'place' can have on us. There are some beautiful places here in the southern Appalachians as well. Asheville being one of the few I consider among the built environment. In any case, please do contact me the next time you're down this way. Always could use another adventure seeker with whom to hit the trails. Cheers
Mountain Jim - Nov 17, 2008 9:38 pm - Voted 10/10
SecurityI'll join your chorus of admirers ... well done !!!
Your lament to wild places puts me in mind of the mountaineer's prayer ... Please secure me from security now and forever ... amen.
Peace, Jim
Bob Sihler - Nov 18, 2008 8:03 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: SecurityThank you, Jim. I like the prayer, and what I take from it is that although security must be a concern now that I have young children, I do not have to limit myself to the security of just one place. It is not without nervousness that I contemplate a major change in location and perhaps lifestyle, but I also look forward to the prospect of being closer to what inspires me so. With hard work, good planning, and some good luck, I believe I can find the right balance.
woodsxc - Nov 18, 2008 11:51 am - Voted 10/10
Great EssayBeautifully written! You have done a wonderful job of putting in print what many of us feel but cannot express. My family is near Chicago and I'm in a dorm on the coast of Maine, but my thoughts are never far from the mountains. That is where I am free from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and able to simplify my priorities. I can let go of the matters that are so urgent and pressing while at school and just exist in the present.
Thanks for articulating this so well. I hope to read more.
Bob Sihler - Nov 18, 2008 8:14 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Great EssayThank you for your thoughtful comments. I see from your pictures that you are no stranger to high and wild places (and I, too, went up Katahdin in the rain, though I took the Abol route, which was super-slick). I know college is busy and has its many distractions, but my advice to you is to take advantage of those nice New England mountains whenever you can; I only wish I had spent more of my time in college exploring the mountains instead of exploring drunken debauchery (though I must admit I had a good deal of fun doing so).
I'm glad you liked the article and would like to read more. I don't know when my next inspiration will seize me, but please feel free when you have nothing better to do to read some of the other articles I have posted here (just scroll down my profile page to "My Articles"); there are a few others that dwell on solitude, wilderness, and wildlife that you might like.
Thanks again. By the way, you're a good writer, and I hope you'll share some more with us, too.
Indiana Mad-Man - Nov 18, 2008 10:21 pm - Hasn't voted
"I have it bad" tooBob, I'm right there with you and though everyone tries to point me toward the security side of things I'm trying to thread the needle and get both the security and the adventure.
I really think it's funny when you talk about looking back at old maps and guidebooks that you've looked at a dozen times before. I do that everytime I set foot in a Borders or Barnes and Noble, except with me it's the Tetons.
I've heard a lot recently from family, professors at Purdue, and friends that where you live isn't important; that it's what you make of where you're at. I think it's a crock of shit. I have close friends in Indiana and love my family dearly, but the three summers I've spent in Grand Teton NP were the best times of my life thus far. It seems that surroundings are important in life and often it's the people that accompany great places like Yellowstone that's better than anything.
Thank you for your great article. It's great to see someone open up and ponder about something I'm sure many others on SP think about on a regular basis.
Brian
T Sharp - Nov 19, 2008 12:32 am - Voted 10/10
Tugging at the Ties that BindRemember Bob, it is all just geography. Your yearnings to be out in the wild places will hit just as hard if you are teaching in a class room in Bozeman looking out the window at the Bridger Range, or in Virginia, or Vegas. It is the window that changes.
Life still presses, constrains, and demands, no matter where you land.
I guess this is just to say you will probably get out into nature as much as you do now even if you move to Vegas or SLC. But I have seen your pictures, and read of the rocks and routes near your house, and they look really cool! You seem to manage to make the most of your opportunities. I admire you for that ability.
I certainly do not want to rain on the dream but rather to temper it, and I sincerely hope that life takes you to a place that has warm winters for your wife, and vast wilderness for your soul.
My Best Regards;
Tim