Soma

Tools of the Path => The Journey, the Adventure [Public] => Topic started by: Taimi on December 17, 2006, 07:53:49 PM

Title: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on December 17, 2006, 07:53:49 PM
This oncoming summer i'm planning to conquer a mountain. It will be Elbrus in Caucasus mountains, 18,510ft/5,642m.

I need all kinds of stuff for this, some hiking equipment, warm clothes. Things are looking fine, just had a little wage rise and they promise more in spring. So i should be able to purchase most of the needed things.

What is the intention for going there? Don't really know, it just happened that i'm going. I don't have any idea what it will be like. But after the journey i will know if i'm further interested of mountaineering and higher mountains.

(http://www.atlcom.nl/Kaukasus/Afbeeldingen/kabardino-elbrus.jpg)
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Michael on December 17, 2006, 08:41:05 PM
bloody ripper taimi!

once you set such an intention, you can get help from the other side - it is a well known fact that helpers on the other side cannot help when we don't know what we want. Once we decide, and put forth the initial energy and set our intent, then they are delighted, and can assist in so many ways. And you can ask for their assistance - these spirit workers - with any obstacle.
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on December 18, 2006, 01:13:03 AM
I think i have some time to think about the intent. Right now it would be just to get there, i'll have to see if i can figure out another intent for being there.
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: niamhspark on December 18, 2006, 03:17:10 AM
That mountain is calling you, lady! That's a pretty awesome intent :)
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on December 18, 2006, 07:19:58 AM
yes, can't wait :)

but first i'll have to survive my job, it's killing me... but isn't that what we are after... spring will be hell
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Gunslinger on January 31, 2007, 02:42:39 AM
This oncoming summer i'm planning to conquer a mountain. It will be Elbrus in Caucasus mountains, 18,510ft/5,642m.

I need all kinds of stuff for this, some hiking equipment, warm clothes. Things are looking fine, just had a little wage rise and they promise more in spring. So i should be able to purchase most of the needed things.

What is the intention for going there? Don't really know, it just happened that i'm going. I don't have any idea what it will be like. But after the journey i will know if i'm further interested of mountaineering and higher mountains.

(http://www.atlcom.nl/Kaukasus/Afbeeldingen/kabardino-elbrus.jpg)


Mountains are climbed because they are there.    *smiles*
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on January 31, 2007, 03:00:22 AM
I am very much interested of the effect of hight and thin air on me. and all the accompaning sensations.
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Jennifer- on January 31, 2007, 03:01:49 AM
"This centre of heaven, This core of earth, This heart of the world. Fenced round with snow. The headland of all rivers, Where the mountains are high and The land is pure." -- Tibetan poem, 8-9th century
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Jennifer- on January 31, 2007, 03:04:18 AM
He who first met the Highland's swelling blue,
  Will love each peak that shows a kindred hue:
    Hail in each crag a friend's familiar face,
      And clasp the mountain in his mind's embrace.
      - Lord Byron (George Gordon Noel Byron)
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on January 31, 2007, 03:16:02 AM
Physical law holds together our physical body. Gravity pulls us against the earth. When there's no body, intent holds together the awareness. I think in high mountains the power of physic laws declines a bit, like closer to the cosmos - bodyless existence. I can't quite express what i'm trying to say but i believe it should be an interesting experience.
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Jennifer- on January 31, 2007, 03:26:04 AM
 ;)
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Gunslinger on January 31, 2007, 03:27:49 AM
There's a beautiful book entitled, "Into Thin Air", written by Jon Krakauer. It details the author's expedition up Mount Everest on May 10, 1996.

Maybe you should read that one when you get back.  *smiles*
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on January 31, 2007, 03:44:29 AM
I've heard about that one, they say it's very good but i haven't felt the urge to read it yet.

Instead i found a book called 'The Snow Leopard' by Peter Matthiesen. There is a title called Snow Leopard which is assgined to climbers who manage to ascend 4 peaks over 7000m. So i was just surfing around looking for snow leopard pics when i found this book. It's a bit more about spirit thought i haven't read much yet. (It's not about ascending peaks over 7000m, but finding snow leopards :))
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Michael on January 31, 2007, 03:52:44 AM
its quite a famous book, and not bad at that

The Snow Leopard, i mean
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: daphne on January 31, 2007, 05:24:45 AM
Physical law holds together our physical body. Gravity pulls us against the earth. When there's no body, intent holds together the awareness. I think in high mountains the power of physic laws declines a bit, like closer to the cosmos - bodyless existence. I can't quite express what i'm trying to say but i believe it should be an interesting experience.

Awesome Taimi! Can hardly wait for the photos!
I have wanted to go sky diving.. rather scared though! That kind of would feel 'bodiless' to me!  (especially if I closed my eyes)  :)
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Jennifer- on January 31, 2007, 07:21:09 AM
Quote
(especially if I closed my eyes) 


Ha! Id probably have to remind myself to open mine..  :P
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: daphne on January 31, 2007, 08:17:39 AM


Ha! Id probably have to remind myself to open mine..  :P

 :D
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on January 31, 2007, 10:22:11 AM
Awesome Taimi! Can hardly wait for the photos!
I have wanted to go sky diving.. rather scared though! That kind of would feel 'bodiless' to me!  (especially if I closed my eyes)  :)

I was about to do that few months ago but the weather went bad and now i'll have to wait for the spring.
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: daphne on January 31, 2007, 02:54:01 PM
I was about to do that few months ago but the weather went bad and now i'll have to wait for the spring.

Wonderful!! Hope to hear all about it when you do!     :)
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on February 19, 2007, 07:24:58 PM
I've started to have dreams about climbing mountains. With the effects of thin air  :D

Right now i'm like a squirrel running in a wheel with my job and everything else. This really sucks, i don't like to think that much all the time. But i have a theory - if i continue like this for some period of time and then suddenly i don't have to do anything, then it has this effect... like when i do something all the time, i use energy, but if i suddenly don't do anything, the unused energy has to find some other output. So this journey will be like a gap in the normal functioning which could have some intresting influence. I'm thinking how could i use this in a best possible way.
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Jennifer- on February 19, 2007, 11:55:43 PM
Good dream work Rubina!

I like your thinking on this.. *smiles* or your longing for not thinking.

I seek balance in all things in my life, the one thing that seems to really poke at me quickly if its not met is my silence and solitude.  Im careful to not let myself get too crazy with the longing though, because life itself seems to fullfill this balance if its not pushed.

Remember to breathe, ha! deep right from your toes when things start feeling a bit grrrrrrr.


Much Love, Jennifer

Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on February 20, 2007, 12:22:17 AM
I sometimes think it would be nice to be alone somewhere in the nature, like you. Away from the complexness of the society. But then again, i know i'm in the right place for now.

I'm starting to develop  some automatism in doing stuff. Like things kind of flow through me. That's good, though i can't explain why..

Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: tommy2 on February 20, 2007, 04:44:35 AM
Jenn, the quiet is not with me nownear my home, as it was in the forestland there.  But I find a new solace within the sounds of this small town.  The lake is so near that I can hear the boats in summertime from my bonsai tables.  I don't even fish anymore, just sit there and become the lights reflecting off the still waters of this small resort in my life.  My roots still the sounds.  You know what I mean?  I can individuate the different outside sounds here because there is no hubub of a city.  The multitude of livestock trucks go into the processing plants here constantly and full ones leave for the markets and dinner tables of our country.  A giant circle of existence as I watch it and also participate in it. 

No, it's not your forest but my memories of there are just brain cells away, my Dear.  I will return there soon, maybe to even visit you in your sanctuary of flora and fauna.  Springtime will be near soon, so I will get out my seed packets for another flower bed adventure coming.

t
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on February 20, 2007, 08:48:33 PM
Right now i'm like a squirrel running in a wheel with my job and everything else.

Actually i'm not sure how long i can carry on like this. today especially my brain refuses from working.
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Gunslinger on February 20, 2007, 11:35:35 PM
You can do it, Rubina.  One step at a time!!   ;D
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Jennifer- on February 20, 2007, 11:53:19 PM
Jenn, the quiet is not with me nownear my home, as it was in the forestland there.  But I find a new solace within the sounds of this small town.  The lake is so near that I can hear the boats in summertime from my bonsai tables.  I don't even fish anymore, just sit there and become the lights reflecting off the still waters of this small resort in my life.  My roots still the sounds.  You know what I mean?  I can individuate the different outside sounds here because there is no hubub of a city.  The multitude of livestock trucks go into the processing plants here constantly and full ones leave for the markets and dinner tables of our country.  A giant circle of existence as I watch it and also participate in it. 

No, it's not your forest but my memories of there are just brain cells away, my Dear.  I will return there soon, maybe to even visit you in your sanctuary of flora and fauna.  Springtime will be near soon, so I will get out my seed packets for another flower bed adventure coming.

t

Dearest Tommy, It sounds like you have a lovely place to snuggle into life and still tap into the silence, even if its a slice away from what your heart longs for in sanctuary.

Peace within, Spirit everywhere..

My woodland is open to visitors.. *smiles*

Much Love, Jennifer
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on February 21, 2007, 12:21:19 AM
You can do it, Rubina.  One step at a time!!   ;D

we'll see :)
today in the morning i took an hour and went out for a walk, it didn't help. then at the lunch time i went home and went to sleep, slept for an hour and then back to work. it's a bit better now.
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Gunslinger on February 21, 2007, 12:25:50 AM
It would be a bit lengthy to explain, so I won't.  But, I know what that feels like.  *smiles*
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on February 23, 2007, 07:24:45 PM
The thing is that i'm not really tired or running out of time with my tasks. There's just hundreds of minitasks and sometimes i get kind of lost in the middle of all this. Then just my brain is not able to receive anything and i just stare in the air thinking i should be doing something but i can't remember what it was  ;D
But in general i think it's a good practice.
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: tommy2 on February 24, 2007, 12:42:14 AM
I used to, at one time in the past, keep a bunch of irons in the fire.  It seemed the important thing to do, you know?  I called it this and that, from enthusiastic to energetic to even industrious.  But time took its toll and I arrived at a point where I had to change, even the little things.  I was stressing over trying not to be stressed. 

I did a little middle-age reassessment and some day you may get to this juncture, I dunno.  I had to cull on a very serious level, Dear, and hopefully you may, too, one day. 

At fifty I took a less-stressful job, moved to a lower-maintenance homestyle, changed my eating/sleeping/exercise habits and "turned off the noise".

Maybe you and others here are not at this point because you all feel you still can "control it all", tough it out or whatever self-hypnotic trance you choose.

Being older than sixty is surely not an accomplish, by NO means, but it holds lessons learnt only through experience.  My Intent to lighten my load drove me to a personal task of Power.  The load I lifted from self was replaced with another that was not so industrious because of physical dictates and the emotional need to give myself back the time I deserved to cultivate a new form.

Take one moment at a time, still, but remember to remember that self is not that bad a thing if tended to properly and Intentful.  Take care of yourself first and your doings and not-doings become stronger, more relaxed.

tommy2
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Gunslinger on February 25, 2007, 02:21:02 AM
At 45, I'm already doing this.  It's a really great idea, Tommy.
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on February 25, 2007, 04:46:48 AM
I'm only planning to do this job until it fulfills it's purpose. I'm not a careerist. I have more spiritual interests in the play here.

First - being forced into thinking that much kind of expands my attention span.

Second - there is much communication with people, i haven't been very fond of that. So the goal is to get over that reluctance. At least as much as it is possible.

Though of course money is also important, I'm going to need it for the mountaineering trips  :P
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on March 02, 2007, 07:04:01 PM
Preparations for the trip are going smoothly, now we are practicing iceclimbing. There's a cliff that is covered with ice this time of the year. We are climbing with crampons and pick hammers. This is easier than climbing the stone wall. On stone wall you have to hold with your fingers, look for the available places to hold on to or where to put your legs. But crampons and pick hammers you can just hit inside the ice and it's more firm like this.

After a few times of testing i have noticed that my sleepingbag is a bit cold though at the shop they said it's just fine for -15 C (5 F) but i get a bit cold even if there is just -5 C (23 F). But that doesn't worry me much, I'm planning to sew an extra layer of fleece or something that i can put inside if necessary.

I found a shop where they sell jackets and other clothes real cheap. So i was able to purchase a waterproof, windproof and breathable jacket, microfleece and a windstopping jacket and also a hat with a price which is half of the price i thought i would have to spend only on the jacket. They sell warehouse residuals, so these are completely new and from decent companies.

Things are looking good.

Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: daphne on March 04, 2007, 04:27:18 AM

Things are looking good.


 :)
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on May 02, 2007, 04:13:00 PM
Due to these recent events here in Estoned there is a possibility that Russia wants to cut relations with us. So i don't know how it goes, are we able to get visas and so on. This means maybe we are not able to go at all  :-\
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on May 20, 2007, 06:45:57 PM
Probably the trip still will take place.

All this climbing can also be useful for the wallet. I was invited to wash windows of a glass building. See picture  :P

I wonder in the light of all these articles and talking about the collapse of civilization and all that, if all this kowledge that i'm aquiring about ropes and knots and rope systems and hiking and so on, could be very useful some day.
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: erik on May 20, 2007, 06:50:50 PM
:)
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Michael on May 20, 2007, 08:58:48 PM
Probably the trip still will take place.

All this climbing can also be useful for the wallet. I was invited to wash windows of a glass building. See picture  :P

I wonder in the light of all these articles and talking about the collapse of civilization and all that, if all this kowledge that i'm aquiring about ropes and knots and rope systems and hiking and so on, could be very useful some day.

let me tell you something t,
if you allow anything personal to get in the way of your going on this trip, I will be very disappointed!
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Jennifer- on May 23, 2007, 08:57:44 PM
Probably the trip still will take place.

All this climbing can also be useful for the wallet. I was invited to wash windows of a glass building. See picture  :P

I wonder in the light of all these articles and talking about the collapse of civilization and all that, if all this kowledge that i'm aquiring about ropes and knots and rope systems and hiking and so on, could be very useful some day.


Look at you climbing a building!  :-* Your beautiful smile says it all  ;)

I hope things are still working out toward your mountain adventure, very useful indeed.

Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on June 15, 2007, 10:28:51 PM
Three more weeks before i go. Can't wait to be able to take a brake from work and get away. I hope this will be really refreshing and inspiring journey. Right now i'm even too tired to be excited.
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Michael on June 17, 2007, 11:53:13 PM
make sure you tell us before you leave taimi
have you got a good camera to take?
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on June 18, 2007, 03:44:57 AM
have you got a good camera to take?

I don't know how good it is. Mostly it serves me well but i would like some more quality when taking landscape pictures. It seems to me that the landscape pictures are not as sharp as i would want them to be.  But this current one will have to do, i'm not planning to buy a new one right now. Though i have thought about that very much too.
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on June 27, 2007, 05:41:30 PM
I'll be leaving on 07.07.07 :)
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Jahn on June 27, 2007, 08:44:00 PM


At 7 am or what  ;D  :D
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on June 27, 2007, 09:01:26 PM
We though about that too, but that would be too early. But surely i will be enjoying my morning coffee around 7.07 am  ;D
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: nichi on June 28, 2007, 07:41:27 AM
I'll be leaving on 07.07.07 :)

Oh! 5!
7 +7 + (2007=9) = 23 = 5

The Number 5 (http://www.numberquest.com/knowledge_number_meaning_5.php?PHPSESSID=6a16e5b6c0793544e7c499a59655b093)
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on June 28, 2007, 04:01:57 PM
:)

Also the sum of my birth date is 5
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: erik on July 02, 2007, 04:36:33 PM
Go for it!  :)
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Michael on July 04, 2007, 12:56:40 PM
I'll be leaving on 07.07.07 :)

How is it going taimi? fit?
you getting nervous?
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on July 04, 2007, 04:24:38 PM
Fit? If you mean physically then i don't know, i haven't had the chance to exercise much lately. I'm not concerned about that, i don't have expectations to necessarily reach the top. I just want to enjoy the trip and get some insights about my path or life and how i should continue. I don't know why, but i'm not very satisfied with my life right now. Most of the time i'm restless and don't feel good about life. Or mostly about my work. It kind of feels like a dead end or something. Or maybe it's just about the attitude, i don't know. Other things are quite in ordnung. I want this trip to be somekind of a interim phase to something new and different.

Few weeks ago i took part from an orienteering competition here where people run, bicycle, and ride a canoe. There are four phases of this. The last one was second and the longest. It took place at night and all together it took us (team of 3 chicks) 11 hours. It was like a little test, my legs were quite through at the end but generally i think i did well. In the mountains, when there is the day for reaching the top, we go at night, about twelve o'clock. It's because it takes so much time to get up and we have to get back before dark. We start at 4200 m, it should be about 12 hours walk to the top (5642 m) and back. I'm not sure when exactly the final ascent will take place, it should be around 16 or 17 July. Depends on the weather too. Of course, conditions there are very different, no running, little air, hight and so on.

I'm not nervous yet, though this week there has been some excitement already. I haven't had the time to get nervous or excited because of work. Too much things to do and problems to solve. Also i think i'm not able to think too far ahead :)
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on July 04, 2007, 05:18:15 PM
I've been lucky to have such good relations with the experienced people, who have been there many times. I don't have to worry much about the food and tents and many other things :) Also i haven't had to pay too much attention on getting all the needed aquipment because i'm going to borrow many things. And there are many things that are needed for the group and they have all the needed stuff. If i was in a team with one of the beginners like meself, then there would be much more thinking and trouble.




Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Jahn on July 05, 2007, 06:53:49 PM

What an excellent opportunity that is in front for youTaimi. I hope you enjoy the coming efforts and rewardings.
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on July 06, 2007, 08:39:52 PM
I feel so normal. Even packing took me just about an hour  ::)

Probably i won't be spending much time in the internet tonight or tomorrow morning so see you all somewhere in the end of July. Unless something unexpected happens.

 ;D
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Michael on July 06, 2007, 10:56:12 PM
good luck taimi!
don't do anything that isn't dangerous.

our love goes with you.

m
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: nichi on July 07, 2007, 06:52:16 AM
(((((((((((((((T!)))))))))))))))))

I might be too late, but have a wonderful time!

Love,
V
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Jahn on July 07, 2007, 07:54:58 PM

Hugs Taimi
((((((t)))))
Have a nice expedition!
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on July 27, 2007, 05:45:55 AM
Ahhh... sleeping in bed tonight  ;)
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Jennifer- on July 27, 2007, 07:26:18 AM
Hugs!! Welcome Home!

Greatly looking forward to hearing of your adventure.

Enjoy that bed, its good to have you back  :-*
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: nichi on July 27, 2007, 08:17:34 AM
Hooray!  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: daphne on July 27, 2007, 02:58:52 PM
Ahhh... sleeping in bed tonight  ;)

Welcome back!   :)
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on July 27, 2007, 09:59:58 PM
Hi everyone. Nice to be back... in some sense. In some other sense not so nice. I enjoyed very much these weeks where i didn't have to think on anything else than the current moment, when to eat, when to get to sleep, when will the endless ascent will end and when will the endless descent will end and so on  ;D. The phone was switched off most of the time, so i didn't have to communicate with any other people. Though the group was quite big, about ninety people. Next time i'll take a trip where there are less people. Any of them didn't disturb me in any way, but still i got the feeling like there was still too much of the ordinary around.

They write in today's newspaper that 62 Estonian mountain climbers reached the western top of Elbrus at 5642 m above sea level. Two of them also conquered the eastern top at 5621 m. Altogether 72 climbers began to climb from the last camp of whom 62 actually made it.

Will see how Taimi did!

Most of these people were in the mountains for the first time. Or at least trying to reach  the top of such a high mountain for the first time. The weather on the ascent day was totally perfect. Some more experienced people said that this kind of weather is very unusual. This study trip has taken place at least about ten years and this year it was the highest amount of people that reached the top. Also they said it was a strong group.

But lets not jump too far ahead. I think i should start from the beginning, otherwise it all gets a bit incoherent :P

Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Jahn on July 28, 2007, 12:01:29 AM

I am happy  :)  that you could enjoy such an adventure without that much problem, injuries, fatigue etc.
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on July 28, 2007, 12:24:54 AM
My biggest injury is a totally big bruise on my but, i slipped on the rocks and fell on the but.
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: tommy2 on July 28, 2007, 03:06:46 AM
Can't wait to hear much more about your climb.  I did some years ago.  It was my first fear-facing experience since the current war zone back then.  Fear is a subject I don't think has been directly approached here.  I might start a thread on it soon.  Share away, please, Rubina.  t
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on July 29, 2007, 07:01:19 PM
There was not much fear connected to this journey. Most of the time i felt very normal about everything. I would have prefered more excitemant and danger. Even though poeple die on Elbrus too, even while we were there, we heard about a few who had fallen in a dangerous place and one even died. If i remember correctly, during this season there had been 18 death already on Elbrus. Even this couldn't change this feeling of safeness and normalness i had. And from the beginning everything was just perfect, the weather, the police, i had no injuries and helthproblems, everything was perfect :-\ Well, next time i'll choose something more hazardous  :P

Can't wait to hear much more about your climb.  I did some years ago.  It was my first fear-facing experience since the current war zone back then.  Fear is a subject I don't think has been directly approached here.  I might start a thread on it soon.  Share away, please, Rubina.  t
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: tommy2 on July 30, 2007, 03:10:33 AM
Guess you just had your angels with you!  :)
Title: Re: Journey into thin air
Post by: Taimi on July 30, 2007, 03:51:19 AM
I suppose so  :)

Guess you just had your angels with you!  :)