Costa Mesa, Ca.
October 4, 2016
Dear Family & Friends:
The High Sierra is one of my favorite mountain ranges. It is surpassed in power, fame and grandeur by the High Himalaya. But, it is unsurpassed in diversity and sheer, stunning beauty.
As reported in a previous post, in August I completed a 7-day, 54-mile backpack in the High Sierra. I documented this venture into God’s Little Corner of Paradise in a 33-minute film, which can be viewed here. (watch in full screen mode) To whet your appetite, I have included a few of my favorite photos. You might be amused by a short segment highlighting my culinary skills on the trail.
If this trip inspires even one person to throw off the bowlines and sail away from safe harbor, the adventure will have had deep purpose and meaning.
Bill Burke
“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, and catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, dream, discover.” Mark Twain
“A walk in the woods is the surest path to pure communion with the Lord.” Bill’s Aphorisms
Hey Bill,
Twain’s words are inspirational and you are certainly an excellent example of one who has heeded them. Beautiful pix!
k;-)
Some familiar Sierra places there. Thanks for the pix. Good luck next season on B-K. It’s all about the snow.
John
Hi Bill,
just got home from a week goofing off in the June Lake Loop.
Every time a drive through Lone Pine and look up at Mt Whitney I can’t help wondering if you’re up there summiting again.
Hope you get to the summit of B-K
Most of all be careful.
Jim
Bill,
It was a blessing to trek with Bill and Mark for 2 days on the High Sierra trip–until my knees “imploded” under the strain of a 38 lb. backpack (just 5 months after a 2nd knee replacement). Yes, the High Sierras are magical and the North Lake–South Lake Loop (out of Bishop) would be fabulous to complete in a 9-day hike and take time to enjoy places like Evolution Lake and Basin. “To visit a place is minor; to change within in greater.” (Tai Chi Mantra) A visit to the High Sierras does change a person!
Rockman
Just watched your High Sierra movie. Thank you for bringing such beauty
to us “couch potatoes.” I really enjoyed it.
Always inspiring!
These pictures, your words, and that wonderful Mark Twain quote made me carve out a week and plan a hiking trip in the Eastern Sierras from my home in the Bay area.
I’ll hike out from Twin Lakes campground to Barney Lake and beyond….gorgeous mountains, lakes, fall foliage, and fresh air.
oooohhhhhhh…..aaaaaahhhhh……..and I say to myself, what a wonderful world……and more oooooohhhhh…..aaaahhhhh.
Thank you, Bill…for taking me along. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Good evening Bill,
I watched your short film last night and it gladdened my heart.
When the toils of the day have taken their toll, such a beautifully made piece of film in such an incredible place makes you realise it really is a wonderful world.
It was SO good to see you again on film, never met you, probably never will, but it was like bumping into an old friend.
For that, I thank you.
With my best regards.
Tim K. UK.
So beautiful! You are blessed to be able to see these mountains up close. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Bill and fellow followers. Mark Twain concluded “Huckleberry Finn” with a nod to “the territory ahead”.
Although I too have never met Bill Burke, I have seen that his life has always been about the territory ahead.
Godspeed on Burke-Khang.
P.