“It’s not just a question of conquering a summit previously unknown, but of tracing, step by step, a new pathway to it.” – Gustav Mahler
“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” – John Muir
Thigh-high
I was thigh-high in
Brambles
Claude, monsieur Aristead et moi
Climbing mount Saint Pierre
The sun beat down on us
Le ciel jamais plus bleu
Thorns scratched at me
Tearing my shirt
And flesh
Till blood trickled
Down my arms
Warm, sticky – yet
Feeling no pain
Still higher we climbed
Un trône de pierre
We have reached its
Crown – our reward
Villeseque et Durban
Tranquility beneath our feet
Intoxicated – together we
Revel in the sunshine
Reluctantly – mais ensemble
We begin our descent
*
Bisous,
Léa
poetry, photos and musings oh my! 
This is just beautiful Lea, even more so on a second reading. You need have no doubts about this one at all!
And the view from the summit is wonderful!
The quotes must have a mention too! Love them both equally 😊 xxx
Ah, Christine, you never cease to amaze and inspire me. The view from the summit was breath taking! I did change a bit from your first reading… 🙂 xxx
Ah I see what’s changed, just read the original again. I didnt notice though so that must show you how good it is! 😊 xxx
Kudos! As I age I become more and more drawn to humanity…. But my heart was ever in the wilderness and I miss it more every year. My this be the latest and never last assent for you. See attached from 2011 High Arctic exploratory cruse. Also see brief article… hope you enjoy. Best Always, Mad Jack
John (Jack) McClintock jmcclim699@aol.com
Simply beautiful, just like you Lea~
What a wondrous way in which to be intoxicated 🙂
How can all that beauty shared with a friend or two not be intoxicating? It works for me! 🙂
There is nothing more rewarding than reaching the top and looking out. I have not been to this place but the feeling of joy radiates from your words Lea.
Thank you Kath! What’s a few scratches and a torn shirt when you have such a view?
oh i love hiking – and hiking up a mountain is even more rewarding cause all struggle is forgotten when the top is reached… and cool on doing the hike with good friends – i think it brings them even closer…
Both the poem and photos are incredible, it felt like I was there with you Lea. . . what an amazing feeling it must have been to look at what you had just achieved, fantastic! Mesmerizing 😀 xx
It was a wonderful experience Becka and cemented a friendship as well! You can’t ask for more than that. 🙂