The Right Step

A monthly newsletter from the Lambda Hiking Club for and about its members and the environment.

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 7. NOVEMBER 2000

PLANNED ACTIVITIES:

Saturday, November 4

Breakfast (optional) followed by Indoor Rock Climbing at Rockreation. Cost: $30

Saturday, November 18

North American Museum of Ancient Life. This museum, located at Thanksgiving Point, has an IMAX theater and exhibits. Cost: $10

 In December…

Activities will include ice skating at the Gallivan Plaza and the annual Christmas Party!

For all outdoor winter activities please bring the essentials: warm clothing and footwear, water, sack lunch, hat, sunscreen, and hiking boots.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEB SITE!

Our web site contains hike information, our mission statement, code of conduct, a list of club leaders, great photos, and much more! Give it a look at www.gayhike.org.

FREE-WILL OFFERINGS REQUESTED

Up until now, club expenses, which include the newsletter, the web site, ads in the Pillar, fliers, and Pride Day entrance fees, have been covered by a few people. As we grow, we are now asking that all those who are willing and able give the club a free-will offering of $10/year. Our treasurer, Sye Felt, will accept your offerings. Also, for a limited time, we can offer members a free e-mail account at gayhike.org for their offering.

UINTAH MOUNTAIN MEDITATION

By Randy Burks

There is a form of microscopic fungus so small that it can grow in the tiniest fissures of the granite schist and aging dolomite in the Uintah Mountains. This type of plant can grow in the harshest of cold and endure the heat of the sun. It decomposes the rock gradually, following the particular patterns of the sediments laid down millions of years ago.

For even this place used to be part of a great inland ocean long ago. The mountains have a rounded summit that lends the poetic name of Mount Baldy to its contours. Almost all of the mountains have this aspect about them. The hardest of rocks is being broken down by one of the smallest of plants.

Brown and black bears used to be the great masters of this realm, but now the elk and the mule deer have usurped their throne.

At the entrance to the Highline Trailhead, next to Hayden Peak is a formation that is nothing more than a large chair carved by the rain and weather. At sunset it is bathed in orange and crimson glory, as if some giant had vacated his seat for a moment – soon to return.

I’m sure that such mountain spirits exist but their faces are elusive and green; hard to see unless one sits very quiet for a long time in one spot. Even then you might not see that deity’s face, but instead a messenger is sent in the form of a dragonfly or squirrel. The water of the singing stream feeds a blue lake skirted by a green meadow. I look in the reflection of a pool and see that grand sire’s face; or did I? What was that?

The approaching clouds swirl around – tendrilling from summit to peak, and I know that the rain will come. Those drops may shatter that reflection, but that face seems more familiar somehow and I don’t mind the storm anymore. Those clouds merely fill the flask for that giant to drink from.

How fortunate I feel. I’m lucky enough to be invited to the party. I am but a passing guest, but I will have my satisfaction here at his table, and leave content and grateful for the chance to dine in this paradise once again.

For more information about the Lambda Hiking Club or any of its activities or to submit articles/suggestions:

Call - (801) 532-8447

E-mail - [email protected]

Visit – www.gayhike.org

Or write to: Randy Burks 627 E 100 S #D SLC UT 84102

LOOK! One of our supporters has a new site: