I had an epiphany today! A real life "Mountain Top" experience!

This is a picture of one of my oldest embedded memories. The view from the back window of my father's 1960 (Surf Green) Chevy Impala! 

I remember thinking, "Whoa! That is high! Some day I'm going to climb that!" 

I am convinced that this embedded view was a main reason why I chose to live in Clarksville. I didn't realize it of course until well into my first year of occupancy.

Just the other day on the way home I said to myself: "Yes, some day I will park in that lot and switchback up there." 

The reality is I have climbed many peaks, many of which are far higher and much steeper. 

BUT! None were more satisfying than today's hike. Because this is Wolf Hill! The location of the "Keleher Preserve!" 

When I realized from the initial view through the trees that I was peering at this intersection from the top of the hill I went "Berserk!" 

I started jumping up and down and laughing! Alan Casline thought I was nuts at first! (Of course he already knew or at least suspected this...) ;)

You can see him up the trail here in this picture.

This is looking back at Copland Hill in the distace near the foggy horizon with the Birkshires (Massachusetts) in the far distance.

I have accomplished one of my boyhood dreams and hadn't realized it until I had done it! 

Isn't this so like everything in life? There is JOY everywhere! Some days you simply have to look up!

~

Mark W. Ó Brien

19/July/14