The Eternal Beauty

The dreamy fog and dancing clouds took us through the amazing journey to the eternal beauty...

Slovenia

October 2024

 

Trail No. 215: Passo Tre Croci Pass

It's never my intention to take significant risks in a foreign country thousands of miles away from home. But sometimes, curiosity takes you to a point of total UNKNOWN -- it's just that simple!!

October 30, 2024: Sunny / 54F

This was the day we needed to check out of B&B Hotel at 12pm. For the past 4 days, we drove through the highway (SR48) in front of our hotel numerous times. Each time, there were countless cars parking along the highway. Oh, okay, I saw a trailhead right off the highway, about 200 yards from our hotel.

Curious, I looked it up. The trail leads to Lago di Sorapis, a beautiful glacier lake with milky green colors and surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. The trail was clearly rated as "Moderate". 7.5 miles long with the elevation gain of 1550 ft. Takes about 3-4 hours to complete.

Since nothing was scheduled for us before the checkout time, I decided to get up early and hike to the lake. Left hotel around 6:10am, it was mostly dark. When I got to the trailhead entrance, the normally packed highway "parking lot" was totally empty -- not a single car there. Wow, I was the FIRST person going into the mountains today!!

The first part of the hike was easy and pleasant, with nice trail conditions and gradual ascend. Aside from occasional birds' singing, the world was in total silence... 

About 35 minutes in, the trail became rockier and rockier. I was totally okay until I met the first river crossing in a very rocky place. I didn't think I could get through it without my hiking poles. That was the first time I thought about turning around and heading back... But I didn't. 

Over the next two hours, the trail became more and more difficult. There were wet, slippery tall rocks to climb; there were narrow cliff side paths to cross; and at the most extreme points, you could only get through by pulling the ropes installed on the cliffs... (See pictures 1-3). "Wow, why did they rate this trail as Moderate???" 

I can't even tell you how many times I wanted to turn back. But I didn't.

After almost 3 hours hiking, I was still at a very high elevation struggling with the cliffs and ropes -- I was nowhere near the LAKE!!  Each time after the getting through the scary cliffs, just when I thought the trail would get easier, I entered another section of sheer cliffs again... 

The sad story is -- worried about the 12pm hotel checkout, I didn't have enough time to hike to the LAKE. So, I reluctantly decided to turn back. "Wow, why did they say it only takes 3-4 hours to complete the entire hike???" "Am I too incapable???""

The surprising reward is -- during the 5 hours hike, I got to see one of the most beautiful sunrises (See pictures 4-5). Note: the red mountain peaks in picture 4 were straight out of my iPhone - no edits.

Passo Tre Croci Pass

Cortina d'Ampezzo

Dolomites, Italy

October 30, 2024  

 

The Flying Banana Viewpoint

It's never my intention to take significant risks in a foreign country thousands of miles away from home. But sometimes, life takes you to a point of NO return - it's just that simple!!

October 28, 2024: Sunny / 55F

Got up early for our morning shooting assignments at Lago di Misurina in northeast Italy. Nothing special, we decided to head back to the Natural Park Three Peaks, where we spent the entire afternoon the day before hiking with hundreds of other people on the trail - it was insane. The park was much quieter early in the morning when everything was still sleeping in serenity...

Around 9 am, everyone packed up ready to go back to the hotel, when I noticed a trail leading up to the edge of the mountains -- looks like, standing at the edge, I'd be able to get a much better view of the other side of the mountain range -- the real Dolomite type of mountains. I casually asked if anyone wanted to "take a walk" with me. No one - not a single person - wanted to make the effort to see the other side of the world. So, I started walking toward the seemingly "very close" edge of the mountain by myself.   

 

Wow, half way through, I realized it wasn't that close! As I climbed higher, I met some hikers on their way down. When asked how the trail was ahead, they smiled and kindly told me: "Oh, it's not bad. When you get to the top, the trail splits into two ways -- left and right. The left side trail is narrow and is on the cliff side, but the view is amazing. The right side trail is definitely safer, but there isn't much of the view..." I made my decision right there and then - I'd definitely take the LEFT trail.

As I headed down on the left side of the trail, it got narrower and narrower, and even before I had a chance to contemplate my options, the sheer cliff was right in front of me on my left side -- thousands of feet straight down. Since I was so afraid of height, my steps slowed, heartbeats increased... I continued, moved as cautiously as possible -- half of a step at a time -- until I really couldn't continue moving forward.  I was literally paralyzed. On my right was the tall cliff straight up. On my left was the deep cliff straight down. In front and behind me was the narrow trail path... "Can I go back?" No, because I would be facing the same deep cliffs and narrow path going back. 

At my most hopeless moment, a young couple approached me. The lady asked me: "Are you okay? Do you need help?" "YES!!" I couldn't remember ever accepting "help" from anyone so quickly and definitively.

To me, they were God sent angels. With their kindness and generous help, I completed the LONG, narrow trail and even reached the very tipping point at the end of the trail -- locals refer to it as "The Flying Banana Viewpoint."

Thank you, Stana and Mark, for saving my life and showing me how beautiful the world is!

Picture 1 was downloaded from the internet - just to give you a better perspective of where the "tipping point" is in the vast Dolomite mountains. I stood TALL out there!!!

 

Sentiero Bonacossa Trail

Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Dolomites, Italy

October 28, 2024

Blue Lake

It was cloudy that day, but still -- a great hike.

Blue Lake Hiking Stats:

Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours (took me 3.5 hours to take photos)

Picture 1 = Blue Lake

Pictures 2-3 = Diablo Lake

October 8, 2024

North Cascades, WA

 

Meta AI

Most of my friends know where I stand on AI -- some really dark views on AGI...

Since ChatGPT came out in 11/2022, among other things, I've been using it to build travel itineraries. It's super helpful, very organized, and is so much better than Google.

However, last night, out of the blue, I discovered Meta AI. Under a random Big Sur photo post, there is a "Meta AI" button. Click on it, you'd get the description below - how COOL is that? Like it or not, the world is moving forward - don't be left behind!!

The Big Sur Coast Highway (Hwy 1) is a stunning scenic drive! Here are some of the best stops along the route:

*Must-see stops:*

1. Bixby Bridge: An iconic spot for photos, this bridge offers breathtaking views of the coastline.

2. McWay Falls: A picturesque waterfall that drops 80 feet onto the beach.

3. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Known for its diverse marine life and stunning rock formations.

4. Pfeiffer Beach: Famous for its purple sand and dramatic rock formations.

5. Big Sur Bakery: A great spot to grab a snack or meal and refuel.

*Scenic viewpoints:*

1. Hurricane Point: Offers stunning views of the coastline and ocean.

2. Rocky Point Restaurant: Stop for lunch or snacks and enjoy the views.

3. Sand Dollar Beach: A secluded beach with crystal-clear waters.

4. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Offers stunning views of the coastline and waterfalls.

5. Nepenthe Restaurant: Another great spot for food and views.

*Hiking trails:*

1. Ventana Wilderness: Offers various hiking trails with stunning views.

2. Andrew Molera State Park: Features hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views.

3. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: Offers various hiking trails and scenic views.

*Other attractions:*

1. Hearst Castle: Take a guided tour of this historic mansion.

2. Big Sur River Inn: A historic inn with a restaurant and scenic views.

3. Esalen Institute: A spiritual retreat center with stunning views.

Remember to check road conditions, opening hours, and weather forecasts before your trip. Enjoy your drive along the Big Sur Coast Highway!

Would you like more information on any of these stops?

Maple Pass

Maple Pass Loop

North Cascade NP, Washington

October 7, 2024

Distance: 7.2 miles (it was 8.9 miles for me)
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Total Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Length of Time: 3 to 5 hours (5.5 hours for me)

Remember I used to write a long story about every adventure. There is no story this time, but the experience was equally trilling, if not more. The fall colors were stunning, especially combined with the breathtaking view at the top of the trail...  

 

Life Is Good -- be thankful and enjoy every second of it!

 

六周年祭语

2024.8.17

六头，

 

你好吗？六年了，多快啊！

 

人常说时间能治愈一切。我不知道，感觉人生的某些遗憾，某种愧疚或许是永远无法用时间冲逝的。其实我们心底珍视的东西都是有重量的。也许最好的方式并不是刻意去放下它，而是学会带着这难以释怀的重量好好生活。

 

平日忙忙碌碌是绝对的常态。人间世事总给人一种杂乱匆匆的感觉，转眼一年又一年。只有静下来时，我依然会常常想起你，想起我们曾经拥有的一切，也总想跟你聊聊我的今天。

 

前些日子看了一部电视剧《去有风的地方》。讲的是一个女孩儿，闺蜜一直想跟她一起去云南玩。但她忙于工作，一直没时间。最后她的闺蜜因患胰腺癌去世，她才决绝地辞去工作，带着遗憾和愧疚，只身一人去云南住了三个月。

 

这让我想起2016年我们一起在云南度过的美好时光 - 轻松恬静，无忧无虑。那几日时间放慢了脚步，让我们尽享丽江古城的优雅和香格里拉那种人间天堂的气息；尽享那里温暖的阳光、轻柔的风…

 

这也让我想起了我们要一起去清迈的约定。记得2017年11月底我最后离开你家时跟你说：“好好保养身体，我们还要一起去清迈呢！” 你默默点头答应了。转眼快七年了，我尚未成行清迈，但总有一天我会去的！

 

孩子们都很有出息。胜胜换了个新工作，挺好的。他成熟懂事，我们时常有空就聊聊。阿宝也很喜欢她在医院的工作，常跟朋友们一起出去爬山、攀岩、享受大自然。今年三月我去加州看她，差一点跟他们一起去沙漠露营。最后因为大风警报没去成。有些遗憾，也许明年春天再试试。

我依然固守着六年前对你的承诺：要替你去爬山、去趟水、去看大千世界！今年初去了秘鲁和玻利维亚；春天又去犹他州攀岩徒步；秋天要到意大利多洛米蒂的大山里拍摄；明年冬天会去日本北海道看仙鹤、看猴子、看那皑皑白雪…

 

我想你的世界一定是恬静有序自由自在的。那里阳光明媚，鲜花永远开着，暖风永远飘着，时间静止，欢笑永在！

 

我在身边这忙忙碌碌又杂乱匆匆的世界里，每天寻找着自己，寻找着曾经和永远的我们…

再回首 恍然如梦

再回首 我心依旧

只有那漫漫的长路 伴着我…

汤培