Mountains are technically large geological projections formed by the collision of tectonic plates. Mountains are the result of forces that the human experience cannot begin to comprehend. A force that can turn coal into diamonds, much like a microwave turns kernels into pop corn, except that the force is compressive - not expansive.

Mountains in the span of a generation or more, are static. The structural changes are incremental in geological time only. The visible changes are not the result of the forces of nature, but rather the blight of humankind. The changes are superficial, for mankind cannot hurt the mountain, only scratch the skin. While the bite of blade will open a gash and leave a scar that repulses, the scar itself is not fatal, and over time, the scar may fade. It is in the hidden inaccessible regions of the mountains, where we find the magic.

Newtonian physics tells us that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. That for every force, there is a counterforce. This is wherein the magic lies. For all of the compressive forces on the mountain, there are expansive forces. Forces that can open our hearts and souls to the elements, bare them naked to the world.

Walking in the mountains I tread in the footsteps of my father and grandfathers. Footpaths, that they shared with the Blackfoot, Flathead, and Arapahoe before them. Journeys into the past, and into the future. Walking in the mountains I hear their voices and catch glimpses of them in the shadows of the lodgepole stands. We greet each other as friends long out of sight, and joyfully converse about the past and present.

I respect the gift and the love that they gave to me, and eagerly await to share it with my son, and the generations who will follow him. The mountains offer a quieting force that fades the scars of our daily battles, and allow us to catch our breath and take stock of what is to come. submitted by E. Hough