Monday, May 26, 2008

Birds, Birds, Everywhere!


This Spring I’ve noticed birds everywhere! Many have zoomed in front of me during trail runs and while out on climbs. One recent night I dreamt that I was flying. In the morning when I walked out the front door there were 12 feathers on the ground.

Some of the birds I’ve seen are: speedy Robins, sassy Blue Jays, lazy Magpies, riveting Ravens, stately Ospreys, solitary Sandhill Cranes, communities of Ducks, swooping Coopers’ Hawks, soaring Bald Eagles, stationary Redtail Hawks, preying Peregrine Falcons, wading Great Blue Herons and today scores of swooping Swallows.

While we were adventuring this afternoon, the sky grew dark and unleashed a deluge of large raindrops. The thunder vibrated in our chests, as we cruised around our favorite lake.

Gobs of Swallows zigzagged through trees, floating across the water. Dancing as they dove, gently grazing the water’s surface, they then quickly flew up, around, and through each other rhythmically creating an undulating three-dimensional pattern.

What were these birds doing? Whatever was going on, it sure looked fun! We laughed and smiled at their antics. Once home we read about the type of medicine the Swallow brings. Its keynote is “Protection and Warmth for the Home and Proper Perspective.” Pg 194 Animal Speak by Ted Andrews

Have a good week all and may your dreams take flight!

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Fairy Magic


Springs upon us
Movement galore
Changes of scene, now to before
One tickle, two trickle
In breathe, down

Birdie winged-flight
Away the ground

Opposing rhythms
Circular rime
Ancient mariner
Ahead for time

Landing ready
New World now
Fairies’ surprise
Is the Tao

© 2008 by Jilly Salva. All rights reserved.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Eldorado’s Deserted Boulders

Eldorado Canyon State Park is home to hundreds of roped climbing routes. For those who enjoy a vertical challenge, there’s also abundant bouldering to be had.

Saturday, some friends introduced me to the Boulders below Rincon. These stone sentries proved exciting and intimidating. I’ve come to the “art of bouldering” recently. For me, it requires a unique mindset, one very different from roped climbing. The consequences of falling and landing “wrong” are real and in your face. Amazingly, we had our pick of the lot, as no other people were up in this area, all day.

Checkout the Musical Boulder, the Sound Wave Traverse and more on the Front Range Bouldering web site. Get out there and pull down hard!