Bonds

We started this journey in response to the early passing of my mother. The goal was to take her with us as we journeyed to the White Mountains 48 highest peaks, and on our final summit we would spread her ashes. I always thought that this would be a symbol of understanding, a way to accept the ill-timed circumstances and let go. However, as we sat atop our 48th mountain I realized then that throughout this passage I found that the destination was not meant for a good-bye, for during our travels I had already found my acceptance. This final summit was meant to reconnect with memories and feelings I was not yet ready to handle; it was meant for an embrace. As I spread some of her ashes in a small split on the rock where we sat, and tossed the rest to a strong east wind I expected tears to come next, but instead a smile. 

The photos are of our final hike and our night spent in the mountains (click on photo to enlarge).

The morning's light and river's rapids were a perfect blend creating a sense of needed peacefulness. This is exactly how we like to start a long hike off.

After hiking a little over 7 miles we finally caught a quick view of the first out of our three summits we would be reaching that July 4. This is of Bondcliff and the other two mountains that are not in sight are Mt. Bond and West Bond.

The distance only made for more excitement!

However, as soon as we hit our first summit Cullen instantly found his way to the edge and took in what he worked so hard for. One of the reasons I left the Bonds for our last hike was due to the truest forms of beauty the views offer.

By the time we hiked the ridge to Mt. Bond, our second summit, Cullen was in need of a little break. This was my outlook as I sat and ate a PB&J and apple for lunch. Not once did he take hide that smile, which only made my view more impressive.

As we sat on the top of our 48th and final peak I began to feel a sense of hesitation more than excitement. A tornado of emotions began to take hold. However, before all could get too deep Cullen found a perfect way to clear things up.

BondCliff, our first summit of the day, is in the background. 

Cullen resting under the exact rock where my mother's ashes were spread. This is the closest I will get to having a picture of him with my mother. There is much joy for me to be able to have captured this moment!

We spent the night at Guyot Campground, which is just about half mile from the the summits we stood on earlier in the day. Cullen quickly took a look around, made some friends, and found his way into bed.

This was the view from our platform that evening. Not a bad sight to see before falling asleep. 

That next morning we woke early to watch the sun rise from Mt. Bond. This was the first view my eyes got to see from the comfort of my sleeping-bag.

As we made our way through the mornings shadow we found our place at Mt. Bond once more to watch the sunrise together. There is no better moment we have shared then sitting side by side watching the sky turn to fire and lighting up the valleys of mountains that conquer these lands.

We conquered what we worked so hard for. We hiked together over 48 challenging peaks, hiked together through some terrible weather, and hiked together through some very hard times. However, the important part is that we always hiked together. The end of this journey is only the beginning to so much more. We embarked on this voyage, as you are aware, for more personal illumination and self accomplishment, and although we have navigated our way up all 48 of these peaks I believe we have now just found our bearings. Our next journey will not be as convenient and will be for a cause much greater than my own. Keep trailing us to discover what is to come! 

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A Day In The Life Of a Hiking Dog

 During every hike we embark on together there is a moment of enlightenment for me. There are so many great lessons we can learn from our dogs if only we make the effort to open our eyes and see. This day provided me with a greater understanding of what I have already come to know. This being, our lives are not meant to be lived in a cloud. We are meant to explore and wander with the light of happiness and friendship shining vividly. Never hesitate to find your way out of that grey, and into that shine. 

(click on photos to enlarge)

On every hike Cullen has such a need to lead, and I am more than accepting towards his eagerness. This gives me the ability to keep a close eye on him. 

However, there are several times during our trips where he will voyage off out of my sight, but as soon I a turn the corner he is always sitting looking down towards me waiting patiently. It is such a gift to have a hiking partner whose abilities are much greater, but has the patience to sit and wait. 

Strike a pose!.The mountain you see here is Mt. Lincoln. One of the three peaks we reached that day. I love it when the expression on his face says it all! 

As we continued our trek through the Pemigewasset Wilderness we reached a pair of old forgotten hiking boots. The pair of boots have become nothing more than mold and rotten grass, which must have given off an unpleasant scent because Cull wanted nothing to do with them. 

The last half a mile or so until Mt. Lafayette's summit is well above treeline, and as we decided to take a break we also decided to take a quick photo. The building you see below us is Greenleaf Hut. The smell of the food being cooked was almost unbearable to take. Dogs are not allowed in the huts, so we had to just pass by. However, not before Cullen tried his best to find his way in, but the lady at the front wasn't having any of it :)

On almost every summit Cullen finds his way to a spot where he likes to take a moment to rest and gaze. As I was unloading my gear I saw him looking out over the Franconia Ridge. It was almost as if he was assessing the journey ahead. Sizing up the hike over to Mt. Lincoln; the peak you see in the distance.

The view we had during our lunch break was worth a million words. Although, Cullen didn't seem to enjoy it as much as I did. We sat together for a short moment and then he was off in search of new friends and their food! 

Cullen once again takes the lead as we began to make our way to Mt. Lincoln, across one of the most spectacular ridges the country offers. 

The views were priceless in every direction. Especially when Cullen looks as adorable as this! 

And although most of the time he has the lead, there are moments where a particular scent, view, or object will detract him from the quest ahead, and there is some catching up to do. 

There is a feeling of great joy when you realize we were made for these mountains as they were made for us.  The man who took this picture claimed to be not as brave as Cull. Stating to us there was no way he was stepping out onto this cliff.

The view now from Mt. Lincoln to Lafayette. The summit we just hiked from.

As we reached the summit air craft flew right over our heads. The only way I got Cullen to see it was to ask him if he saw the bird, for he knows what the word "bird" means and has no clue what a plane is.

"To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring - it was PEACE." --Milan Kundera

A little detour we took was to a place called Shining Rock. I didn't have a tough time figuring out why. 

As we descended a trail called Falling Waters, we passed by several glistening waterfalls and swimming holes. We found a spot right in front of a waterfall where we decided to take a quick nap. Nothing beats these kinds of moments.

Even at the end of an all day hike Cullen still leads the way, and still takes a moment to appreciate the beauty all forests have to offer. Throughout my days spent with him there have been many valuable lessons I've come to understand. 

Just before departing for home I always make sure he is all buckled up and safe for the drive ahead. Also, I provide enough blankets to rest comfortably. He loves sleeping with a piece of my clothing so there is always a sweater of mine for him to rest upon.

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Under Our Feet and Over Our Heads

Somewhat recently I had a conversation with a woman who seemed almost eager to find her way to heaven. She shared with me her thoughts about this world, and most of them lacked enthusiasm and appreciation for all the wonders this world has to present. It was as if she was finding her way through this world blind folded; her enlightenment caught in the shadow of despair. It seemed as though she believed heaven to be her safe haven from all that is wrong with the planet. It is not that I completely disagree with her, but you should understand I see the flip-side of the coin, and the opposing side has much more to offer.

The suns generous warmth and the trees cooling breeze made for a perfect contrast as we spent our day hiking Mt. Isolation.  Almost all the way up the mountain we were consumed by such beauty. The forest had almost a mythical feel to it, as if we were walking right through a fairytale. There were points where the overgrown greens displayed the step stone walking path perfectly, and with the help of the sunshine it gave parts of the trail an illuminating glow.

We spent a little amount of time relaxing by the shimmering rivers, well I relaxed and Cull Dog investigated all that he wanted. I find such enjoyment in misplacing my train of thought riverside and focusing on nothing more than the crashing rapids and Cullen’s inquisitiveness. However, our duration of time spent there wasn't much; after all we were there with direct intent.

As time continued so didn't our pursuit for the summit. After just a few hours we had made our way almost 7.5 miles to the pinnacle of Mt. Isolation. Even though Isolation is one of the shortest peaks it did not disappoint. The mountain offered panoramic views that would stop you dead in your tracks. As soon as Cull Dog found his way to the top he was off in search of anything and everything. Once again swept away by the powers of curiosity. However, as soon as I found the place I wanted to settle down to write and gaze Cull found his spot by my side.  

      

I found myself thinking much of this particular conversation I had with this woman. I know there are some serious issues this world is facing and has yet to face, but to fall victim to these pessimistic characteristics is to lose sight of what can change a beaten down life into a prosperous one; true happiness. As we sat together a top of Mt. Isolation I found a state of perfect equanimity staring upon the shadows from the cotton soft clouds gliding along the mountain’s side. I then realized what true happiness was. It’s not the moments where you feel the need to state how amazing the circumstances are, but when you know there is no point to saying such words; for sitting in the silence screams a million. Even now as I sit on a rocky ledge with Cullen at my feet I know moments like this are when we have shared some of our happiest times, and mostly all have been in accepting silence.

With the help of Cullen I now believe that there is too much beauty in this life to rush our way to anywhere else. Take in each moment and appreciate it for what it is; a great gift. Focus on now because that is all that matters, and have the strength and awareness to see all the magnificence surrounding you. Lose yourself in life’s great adventure and find your way to a fulfilling end.

Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.
-Thoreau          

A Life Worth Living

When Cullen came to us he was nothing more than 4lbs of bones and fur, not that he wasn’t cared for, but being the runt of the litter didn’t give him the chance to thrive at his start. For that reason alone I never envisioned him being capable of hiking all 48 4,000ft. mountains in NH. However, we currently only have two hikes left until Cullen is officially the smallest dog ever to have accomplished such an overwhelming task, and we’ll get nominated into the elite AMC 4,000 footer club.

There was a point in my time when I lost the true meaning of this life. Not that I was depressed, my support system was top notch, but I was eager. I knew that there was more to life than the average day-to-day lifestyle most of us fall into; waking up, working, dinner, and bedtime. As I continued to spend more time with Cullen he and I would go for hikes that led me to unspeakable beauty, excitement, and enchantment. As we both continued to grow I realized our hikes turned into journeys, I was starting to live a life I was content with.

I was no longer bound to a schedule that choked my happiness, and I was breathing deeper than I ever had. The mountain air filled my core with purity and gratification. After Cullen and I had hiked our first 4,000 footer, which at the time was truly challenging, we were hooked. So, Saturday January 7, 2012 we took on the challenge to stand atop all 48, and as of Thursday May 30, 2013 we have stood on the summit of all but four of them, leaving us with two hikes to go. The experiences we have shared in those mountains are beyond the words I could write, and no right adjective, sentence, blog, or book will ever be able to justify or grasp what we have been through together. All I can do is write down the truth and hope that gives enough insight on how special our time spent together is.

We are all capable of overcoming such empowering and testing challenges. We all have the control to make whatever change we want, and make whatever dreams reality. What’s required is the courage to accept the change that comes along with the journey. I know now that I am much changed from the person I was before these mountain tops. I am able and comfortable to live my life the way I want to remember, and not be blindsided by society’s distractions.

This would not have been possible without the courageousness of a particular Min Pin. His love for the outdoors has led me to peace and understanding. We are all meant to live a life of adventure and exploration, just having the bravery to reach out and grab this thrill is the hard part, due to the stagnant lifestyle so many have come accustomed to living.

We will soon be finishing with the 48; this is something that has been weighing heavy on my mind. What is next for us? I only hope that we are able to embark on another journey together, where I am able to grow and learn from the time spent with Cullen. To trail him as we travel through another challenge many would think too great for him.

There is much more to this life than just living. We are not doing ourselves and this world any good unless we find a friend of great value and make memories that brighten the darkest of days. Trust in friendship and be certain that the bond made will withstand even the harshest of hits. Go live the life you dream of with the ones that mean the most, for that is a life well lived…

A life worth remembering.                

Happy Trails

Our hike up Mt. Carrigain was much more fulfilling and beautiful compared to much of the others. Not only because of the crisp gushing rivers, the panoramic views from the fire tower, or Washington’s regal snow capped summit. With our trek up this peak we had a guest who means more to me than any of these mountains; Cullen’s mom (my fiancée) accompanied us up this impressive mount. What I saw during this hike was a little dog bringing happiness, inspiration, and fun to others. Cullen has a way of leading me to moments that last a lifetime, and to the people that help make these memories worthwhile.

As we strived for the summit, we came upon the ridge just before the final climb to the very ice-coated peak. This is where we met two amazing souls, Ellen and Sharon. Although we met several people during our time on the Signal Ridge Trail, these two women gave off such admirable energy. They were more than impressed with Cullen’s hiking achievements; however, I was more impressed with hearing what they had to say. I loved hearing about their senior dogs, Ellen’s Spaniel and Sharon’s toy poodle, and how they only wished they could experience the mountains with their best friends. These two ladies were more than a pleasure to meet, and it would be great to cross paths with them again.

   

Sarah hardly graces us with her presence on our mountain adventures, but today was different. Today I saw willingness in her that I hadn’t yet seen. Lately, she has be taken back, as I have, with the support and following of Cullen’s Travels, so I believe she wanted to experience the intense friendship that is shared on our hikes, while at the same time bask in the peace and isolation the summit air offers. Sitting atop Mt. Carrigain the view was more precious and gratifying than it has ever been. Seeing her smile at the pinnacle eliminated the priceless beauty these views already had to offer. I experienced a feeling I hadn’t yet shared with her. A feeling indescribable in words, but I felt as though everything else in that moment of time no longer mattered; time was non-existent. All that counted was the insurmountable love I have for her and Cullen, and that is something neither time nor distraction will ever take away.

Throughout our hike, every time we would exchange the lead with fellow hikers, I witnessed such joy in their faces at the site of Cullen. Almost everyone would put their hiking goals on pause, and aim their attention at a small reddish tan Min Pin. A sight most of them admitted they wouldn’t expect to see, but a sight that is worth the witnessing. Cullen will soon be the smallest dog to ever accomplish hiking these 48 peaks, and this is something all fellow hikers admire.

There is no doubt in my mind the pleasures I have on these adventures would never have been if not for Cull dog. Meeting Ellen and Sharon and hearing all about the great things they had to share would have been a conversation never had, seeing Sarah conquer one of the largest and more challenging summits NH has to offer would have been a journey not yet taken, and seeing the happiness of our fellow hikers as they stopped to meet Cullen would be absent, and they would just pass us by as they did the few before. Cullen is a dog that has brought more to life than just the expected. He has guided me to the unanticipated pleasures the world has tucked away; unmasking my blinded eyes so that I can observe the truest kind of happiness. This is something I will always be grateful for. Cullen’s presence on these hikes will forever make for happy trails.

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail"
-Emerson  

Back To A Balance

I’ve never really believed in superstitions. I always trusted in the free will of this world where we are all living a life unplanned, and never truly believed in the “Everything happens for a reason” statement. However, Cullen has started to open my eyes to a much larger aspect of this life I have yet to understand.

Lately life has been pushing and pulling me in several different directions, and the stress of it all was beginning to take a toll on my mental and physical well being. The attempted hike up Isolation Friday was meant to provide me with the open space and seclusion needed to bring things back to a balance, but unfortunately the dangerously snowy and unrelenting trail forced us to turn back just shy of the summit. As we woke today the inspiration to hike was dwindling, and I almost decided to take the day to sit around the house and relax; what a horrible idea that would have been! Thanks to Cullen’s enthusiasm and eagerness to hike I packed up and we made our way to Mt. Zealand.

The hike up was nothing less than perfect. As we ascended Zealand Trail, which was mostly a smooth gravel path until we reached Zealand Falls, we met several different dogs and their humans. Cullen even seemed to befriend a beautiful English Chocolate Lab named Grizzly Bear (he wasn’t as tough as his name sounded). As we continued to make our way, Grizzly Bear decided to depart from his pack of people and hike with us. Cull dog and Grizzly took turns chasing each other down the trail, but Cullen always stopped just before the point where he couldn’t see or hear me. This is when he would end the chase and bolt back as if to tell me that even though he made a new friend I was still his number one.

time spent with our new friend lasted what seemed like only moments. He shortly decided to turn back and continue with his crew. As Cull dog and I continued we quickly reached Zealand Falls and the hut. The waterfalls we absolutely purifying, and as we sat there for a short break I felt some of my tension wash away with the crashing of the river’s torrents. There is so much to be said for resting your mind and body amongst gushing water, iridescent sunshine, whispering winds, and the love of a best friend.

The rest of the hike up the mountain wouldn't be as smooth. As we trekked along a steady rocky incline through a dark forest full of white birch trees mixing perfectly with conifers, giving way to a primeval look and feel, Cullen stayed in the lead motivating me each and every time he gave a look back to check in. “I’m coming big dog” I would say and he would be off, trotting down trail and navigating his way from rock to rock until it was time to check in again.

We reached the Zeacliff outlook in fair time. These views are what made the hike up Zealand worth it, taking in the fact the actual summit is completely surrounded by trees with absolutely no views. The views here provide an indescribable observation over the Pemigewasset Wilderness. The focal point of this vista was without a doubt Mt. Carrigan. Its rounded dome-like summit towers over the rest in the range, and captures your attention with its undemanding magnificence.

As we sat looking out at the diluted colors of greens, reds, and browns and feeling the calm winds brush by  I realized a theme I hadn't yet come to see, mostly due to my ignorance and lack of effort. There was no mistake in that Cullen came into my life just months before the passing of my mother, there was no mistake I pursued the happiness the forest brought him, and there was no mistake he ensured we made our way to the mountains that day. Cullen has been there each and every time I needed, not sympathy or understanding, but companionship, seclusion, and exploration. He has protected me through such dark and fragile times. Always putting himself in the way of my off-putting moments and leading me back to myself. When all is said and done I trust that he was meant to be my friend, planned by something beyond my intellectual capacity. This 16lb Min Pin was meant to be my protector, and I will continue to trail him from path to path because I know he will continue to lead me back to a sense of balance; back to the person I was meant to be.

As I mentioned earlier, life has been steering me in all kinds of directions, and life has a tendency to push and pull now and then, however when that time comes I only wish you all have a friend as committed as I do to lead you onward. 

Mother's Day. Everyday

Mother’s Day is a day to recognize the true beauty our mom’s present and appreciate all that they are. There is no doubt there are many characteristics our mothers have we do not agree with, however seeing past these traits and loving them immensely is what truly matters.

Mother’s Days is not about saying “thanks and I love you” because the look in your eyes and touch of your affection will describe your care for her more clearly, it’s not about buying them a gift because your time and understanding is priceless, and it’s not about taking them out because just having you and seeing your happiness fulfills their souls beyond our comprehension. Take the day to recognize your mother for all that she is.

Therefore, tomorrow we will be hiking to the top of Zealand Mountain to feel the presence of Bonnie J. Witham. A mother lost too soon. This Mother’s Day we will recognize her for the strength, perseverance, patience, discipline, and most importantly her unconditional love.

May you all have the chance to hold tight the ones who gave you this life, who showed you the true meaning of love, and who deserves to be told how special they are everyday of the year; not just one!