Message from the Mountain

September 2025/Issue #15

Eye of the Beholder

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'm not sure who "they" are, but I can be sure some things are deeper than we know, and looking at the surface only leads to quick decisions or judgments. Snakes molt and shed their skin periodically, to rid themselves of parasites and athlete's foot. Just kidding about that last part. If snakes had feet, I'd never go outside.

As it is though, a lot of nature molts and sheds its skin, feathers, scales, and whatever else it's carrying...fur. Lots of fur. I believe dogs molt continuously. Let's take this blue jay for instance. It looks like a cross between a tiny vulture and Elton John. Sort of ugly, yet beautiful. Odd to look at, isn't it? The beautiful streaked plumage seems out of place with the creepy blue head. I don't think this would be the high point of their mating season.

I think about how things evolve in nature, always moving forward. Mobility Mountain is moving forward, albeit slowly and cautiously, but forward, nonetheless. We are molting as we move along. I plan, someday soon, that I will share the rare things like this bird, with others. Imagine seeing something like this for the first time in your life. A true memory for sure, one that lingers around for a while.

Lyme disease and Vent Windows

By Jeffrey Pryor

The deer population around these here parts rivals the gnat population. Thankfully, the deer don't aim for your eyes like the gnats do. That would be tough to deal with. The heat has pushed wildlife closer to water sources, as many are experiencing. Sometimes, just sometimes, we are lucky enough to witness the relationship between animals and ourselves. Water is the lifeblood of everything on the planet, and we all need it to survive.

The doe in this picture was just splashing around, taking a sip of water here, a sip there. She seemed to have no concerns about anything. It is these moments that I cherish, those silent films that need no words to convey the message. We can find these special snippets of time, if we stop, look, listen, and wait. Today, we seem to be in such a hurry, in our "streak of lightning cars and fancy clothes," as the late great Johnny Cash spoke about. I see cars all around me with the windows up. People sitting with their heads slumped forward staring at their phones.

I think about how good it feels to drive around with my windows down. I miss vent windows in cars, I may have just dated myself. Finding solace and connection with nature, in some form or another, is absolutely healing and good for the soul. The old cars with vent windows left the occupants with the option of not using the air conditioner, that is, if the old car even came with it. At one time, not every car was a four door or SUV. There were options for buyers. Back to the deer.

This deer reminds me of how much beauty we are surrounded by, when we look for it. Old cars, young deer, beautiful people, weird half-birds, and that ever so gorgeous blue sky above us. If we take the time to look up, we might find something special, even just for a glimpse, a smell, or a sound. That moment in time is yours to keep. Our mission is to facilitate the natural creation of those special moments, and we are committed to Making Nature Accessible.