Message from the Mountain

July 2025/ Issue #13

Independence

The smoke stack from the boiler plant stood for a long time, 1928 to be exact. Over the years it weathered lighting, tornadoes, wind, and the onslaught of mother nature. This is the last photograph of the smoke stack, standing on its own. The lighting rods are visible, the greenish copper cable running down the side. The rungs on the smoke stack disappear into infinity, or so it seems. If you look closely, you can see the cracks forming around the rungs. Holding fast, they still worked.

I know this because I had this insane fear of heights. I wanted to see if I could overcome that fear and find some independence. One night, while I was taking my lunch break, I sat outside looking at the smoke stack. I was alone in the evening shift, no one around but the police and some nurses. I downed the sandwich and gulped some water, then headed to the smoke stack. When I arrived, I snapped this photo, as I leaned against the smoke stack.

I had to jump for that first rung, and trust that it would hold my weight. This is where my independence came marching in to remind me about life and things related to that, like...trust. To give myself fully to construction, that took place in 1928, was a scary thought. I climbed and began to understand that with each rung, a bag of guilt, shame, anger, and fear, seem to have fallen off of me. I felt lighter and more inspired to reach the top. After a few breaks to look around and second guess my adventure, I made it to the top. I could swear I felt the stack slowly swaying in the soft summer breeze. Lots of esses, I know.

I wish I could have shared that feeling with the world when I reached the top. I suppose, that is what I am trying to do with Mobility Mountain. We all have our limitations for independence, whether they are self-imposed or we are victims of circumstances out of our control. Either way, independence means different things to everyone. I hope that by Making Nature Accessible, I can help offer the gift of independence to those who seek it. I hope that your Independence Day is liberating.

Happy Independence Day!!

Blessed

By Jeffrey W Pryor

I saw this little fella on a post. The Sun was shining brightly, and it looked like the little fella was enjoying the bath. As I looked closer, it almost looked like the creature was covering its eyes, or maybe its butt. I suppose it depends on how you look at it.

I know nothing about this creature, but I do feel blessed to see it. Nature does that to me. I'm not a power mountain biker, or an avid kayaker, or a super hiker. All of those things sound great, but I wasn't built that way. I don't try to seek out adventure, it just finds me. Even if I am not looking for it, "whammo," there it is. I spent some time in France and walked to Omaha beach, via rue d'Omaha. It was a spectacular hike and the beach was somber and full of tourists.

I followed this small trail into the woods, fully expecting a WWII German pillbox to be there along the way, to take me out. I did find a German Bunker, but no one was in it. Just time and graffiti were all that greeted me. I remember wondering where I would end up as I hiked this trail, hoping that it would lead to someplace safe. As I plundered along, through fields, and woods, I came upon these beautiful gates. Voila, I had popped out at the Normandie American Cemetery. It was a great adventure and I felt blessed to be there. Much as I do, writing this, knowing that all nine of my followers will be enjoying this journey. Thank you for following and reading. Btw, here is that gate.

Normandy American Cemetery